Low-Power, Software Defined Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver

Recent improvements in Software Defined Radio technology have resulted in miniaturized, low cost radios for communication applications. Under previous efforts, NAVSYS has shown the capability to also use these SDRs for GPS navigation. We propose to leverage our previous experience with software GPS receivers to develop under this contract a miniaturized, low-power GNSS SDR that has the flexibility to support current and future GNSS signals and also provide advanced multipath mitigation and anti-jam protection. Under the Phase I effort we shall develop a top level design for the GNSSƒÝSDR components suitable for building an SDR capable of tracking multiple satellite signals, including at least six satellites with P(Y) and C/A code operation, and requiring less than 2 watts of power. Using our existing GPS-Lite product we shall benchmark the expected software and firmware performance on the selected SDR components to assess the expected power consumption of our design. The Phase I report will describe the GNSSƒÝSDR design and the plan for implementation and testing of the GNSSƒÝSDR prototype under the Phase II effort. BENEFIT: The NAVSYS GNSSìSDR will enable the military to issue more units (due to the decreased cost) to provide greatly improved accuracy that will shorten battles and save lives. The civilian public protectors will be able to execute their tasks more efficiently. The public protectors will be able to prove that arrested intruders were really within US jurisdiction to support the legal system in court.