Spectrum Sensing and Sharing by Cognitive Radios in Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Systems

Echo Ridge proposes to prototype and demonstrate an architecture and key algorithms to support spectrum sharing for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) that focuses on spectrally congested and high likelihood operational scenarios. Four key results are proposed to be delivered: 1) end-to-end Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiTL) lab demonstration of all segments of the solution in Air Force-relevant operating scenarios, 2) field test verification of critical technologies including space and aerial transmission and ground reception, 3) prototype hardware devices (User Equipment (UE) and PNT broadcast beacons), and 4) supporting preliminary designs and performance analyses for all major functions in the end-to-end system. The architecture embodies the new functionality/necessary improvements to the User Segment (timing extraction/navigation filter design and achievable PNT performance from processing PNT waveforms, spectrum sensing design and achievable performance for SDR-based spectrum analysis, packaging and integration with Military GPS UE (MGUE), tactical data link to/from Control Segment use and performance), the Control Segment (spectrum sensing data acquisition, storage and management, resource optimization algorithm design and performance, aiding data design and dissemination, waveform generation, tactical data link to the Broadcast Segment use and performance), and the PNT Broadcast Segment (platform design and co-use, available SDR resource applicability, achievable PNT as a function