Self-correlation enhancements and implementations are described. In particular, certain examples demonstrate the analytical tools to reduce the computational burden of generating a self-correlation function within an implantable medical device. Peak selector and tracking analysis are also included as secondary elements for identifying and generating confidence in rate estimates based on the self-correlation function. The approach may enable an alternative calculation of cardiac rate in an implantable medical device as a stand-alone rate detector or as a double-check of other rate calculations.