On-Orbit Reprogrammable Digital Waveform Generator for GPS

ABSTRACT: Continuing technological advances in GPS capabilities offer potential for improvement in performance, with continual improvements in satellite network performance and resilience; however, current GPS satellites do not support on-orbit update of waveform generation techniques. What is needed is a much more flexible waveform generation capability, one that can support on-orbit upgrades, operating reliably in the demanding 20,000km Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) environment, all with reduced size, weight, power, and cost. Trident Systems proposes the development of an On-orbit Reprogrammable Digital Waveform Generator (ORDWG) based on our extensive programmable FPGA-based RF/DSP radar system heritage that will meet the challenging reprogrammable space payload and environmental requirements as needed by the Air Force. Our approach utilizes our proven RAPTOR Virtex-5-FPGA-based wideband digital RF transceiver, currently being transitioned to a Virtex-5QV space-qualified unit under NASA funding. Our strong space environment design experience enables an ORDWG design that will support a broad range of GPS and PNT missions, and have extensibility to other modes and digital RF applications. To comprehensively address all details of GPS signal generation, Trident is partnering with NAVSYS Corporation, a recognized innovator in PNT/GPS technologies, including software-defined GPS implementations and advanced navigation & timing techniques. BENEFIT: The successful development of this On-orbit Reprogrammable Digital Waveform Generator provides the Government with a highly capable, flexible component for increasing the resilience and performance of the GPS network, and enables future upgrades to waveform techniques on-orbit, enhancing capabilities in rapid response to changing tactical conditions.