Wideband GPS Digital Payload Architecture

PreTalen’s SBIR phase II effort includes development, lab test, and field test of a small form fit transmitter system that simultaneously generates multiple user-defined SW-controlled navigation signals and other signals across the 1 to 2 GHz RF band. This system, named DIGITALS, is composed completely of commercially available and reasonably-priced components through to antenna input and is supported by a software architecture tool named DIALS whose SW code will be directly leveraged for both the firmware and control functions during Phase II. The uniqueness of DIGITALS is our use of DDS, minimal SW control parameters through the installation of signal characteristics on the FPGA’s PCB memory, and recent advancements in DAC speeds and high bandwidth integrations with FPGAs. A DDS GPS transmitter payload architecture would advance the status quo state of GNSS signal generation that uses an array of relatively narrowband transmitters to broadcast GPS signals from SVs or Pseudolites (PLs). The advantages of an employed DIGITALS are frequency agility, power control, and other agile applications for both space and terrestrial deployed navigation constellations. Our proposed development and test program is uniquely constructed to be completely performed in only 21 months.