Combining Remotely Located GPS Antennas

The goal of this SBIR is to overcome the challenges of combining remotely located FRPA elements by developing an automated capability that will allow arbitrary networks of FRPA elements to be combined into a larger adaptive array that provides the same basic functionality as a CRPA array. Under the Phase 1 effort, we will develop and field a GPS sparse-array beamsteering capability that is compatible with the types of sparse FRPA arrays likely to exist on candidate platforms. We will implement and test an array calibration procedure that will provide the precise location of each of the sparse array components and calibrate any cable or RF component group delays. This is needed to implement beamsteering. The performance of a candidate sparse array will be demonstrated integrated with our existing digital beam-steering GPS receiver, the High-gain Advanced GPS Receiver (HAGR). We will also develop a design for a more robust beamsteering capability that uses integrated MEMS IMU technology to address unique array geometry problems likely to be encountered on non-rigid, such as aircraft or large structures. A roadmap will be developed for a sparse array digital beam-forming receiver that will be integrated and tested on a platform of interest to the government customer under the Phase II effort.