Fast Acquisition of GPS Signals Using Time Synchronization (FAST) of Cooperative Networked Radio Nodes

ABSTRACT: In this topic, the U.S. Air Force seeks to develop methods for time synchronization among radio nodes in a wireless network such that the time search space in the GPS acquisition can be divided among the nodes to cooperatively achieve fast acquisition with the goal of Time-To-First Fix (TTFF) of less than one minute. The related objective is to enable fast direct P(Y) code acquisition using cooperative networked radio nodes while saving battery life of the handheld radios equipped with military GPS receiver. Mayflower proposes an innovative system concept termed FAST that allows for precise time synchronization of the nodes in a collaborative network of wireless nodes. Mayflower proposes to demonstrate the FAST system concept and the fast acquisition of P(Y) code signal using Mayflower NavAssure SAASM receiver as the prototype platform in the Phase II program. The technology developed in this SBIR program will be applicable to MGUE receiver as well. The primary application of this technology is for a dismounted and disadvantaged Soldier/Marine. The fast signal acquisition technology developed will apply for P(Y) code receiver as well as Military GPS User Equipment (MGUE). BENEFIT: The capability of network time synchronization is important in a variety of civilian and commercial applications such as timestamp in distributed sensor networks for data fusion for threat detection or environmental sensing, fault diagnosis and prevention in distributed database, and scheduled actuation of events in distributed systems.