Multi Channel Radio Frequency Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (RFASIC) for Handheld GPS Receiver Anti Jam Enhancement

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a vital element in numerous military and commercial applications.  It is required that GPS receivers operate efficiently in hostile jamming environments and in the presence of interference caused by multipath. A critical need is the development of a RF Front End ASIC which will enable incorporation of advanced anti-jam techniques such as STAP into handheld GPS receivers.  Basic design goals for the RF Front End ASIC are the capability to receive the GPS modernization signals in the L1 and L2 frequency bands, provide multi channel down conversion of the L-band signals to an intermediate frequency (IF) suitable for sampling and digitizing, and provide for the analog-to-digital conversion of the IF signal for subsequent anti-jam processing. RBS Technologies proposes to develop an RF Front End ASIC with the required performance to support anti-jam signal processing and maintain compatibility with handheld GPS size and power constraints.  A sub-micron CMOS prototype for the RF Front End ASIC will be fabricated and tested as part of the Phase II effort. BENEFIT: Successful design and demonstration of a low power RF Front End ASIC for handheld receivers will be a catalyst for a broad range of future research and development activities.  The application focus of this research effort is handheld GPS receivers, but successful demonstration of a low power implementation of RF Front End ASIC together with the complementary AJ ASIC will create a demand for design and development for other applications such as avionics and space.