Quantitative assessments leveraging effects based analysis for degraded PNT

ABSTRACT: Echo Ridge and George Mason University propose to mature, enhance and further demonstrate the PNT equipment hardware in the loop (HiTL) test asset successfully prototyped in Phase I. The risk reduction prototyping accomplished in Phase I illustrated how efficient and automatic testing of the effects of degraded position, navigation and timing (PNT) on host systems can be done in the context of the DYnamic Spectrum Environment emulator (DYSE) technology. The Phase II design and development activities will result in a deliverable prototype system capable of demonstrating functionality, value, mitigated development risk and compatibility with a wide variety of existing and anticipated augmentation methods. It will be at a maturity level and documented such that third parties can operate it in a wide variety of testing scenarios. A key innovation in the proposed research will continue to be the application of an adaptive, automated test scheduler based on stochastic multi-dimensional optimal search algorithms to efficiently produce valid test results. In Phase II, we will couple the adaptive test scheduler with a rule-based expert system to capture subject matter expert (SME) testing methodology to promote rapid search through the universe of test cases. We will also incorporate a data base into the design to organize and capture set up, run time and post processed information. The test asset functionality will automatically collect data; emulate GNSS; emulate secondary PNT such as IMUs, other RF sources and assistance data such as D-GPS; emulate interference signals; emulate RF paths between GNSS/interference and PNT systems including complex urban multipath profiles; emulate PNT system host platform effects including motion; and emulate antenna patterns. The test asset will continue to leverage technology developed through Air Force and Army Phase I and II SBIR funding for DYSE. DYSE emulates RF environments by converting RF to/from digital samples, and synthesizing RF sources and environmental effects in the digital domain. BENEFIT: The direct benefit from this project will be the availability of an effective test fixture that provides an improved understanding of how augmented PNT systems operate in different environmental conditions. Such a capability has applicability to a multitude of government and commercial markets including defense, homeland security, in-vehicle navigation and personal navigation. Indirect benefits come from improved RF system testing functionality which will serve the greater wireless industry. Wireless systems, for both the DoD and commercial market places, have increased functionality, applicability, capability, complexity and adaptability. Mobile ad-hoc networks with MIMO antenna technology and cognitive radio networks, capable of carrying voice and data through packet services, are a good example of the trends. There is an established and growing need to comprehensively test and evaluate the performance of these new devices and systems prior to general availability and approval for service use. Traditional test methods are increasingly stressed by the proliferation and diversity of the devices and systems, and the diverse and complex operating environments. This project provides an improved testing environment for more realistic and reliable testing.