Flexible Software GPS System for Test and Measurement Applications

This proposal describes a plan to develop a novel software-based GPS receiver, which could be tailored for various navigation, guidance, and control application in space and ground systems. It is specifically designed to meet the requirements for TSPI. The proposed GPS receiver will utilize block processing using FFT-based correlation and digital beamforming for spatial processing of incoming signals. It can be configured for various other architectures such as Ultratight Coupling of GPS/INS, L2/L5, M-code reception, and so on. This will insure more robust performance under high dynamics and jamming conditions. The software-based GPS receiver will allow innovative uses of GPS systems; it will allow numerous adaptation to be performed including the use of new frequencies and codes, and it will also allow quick adaptation for specialized niche applications. CRS has developed a novel software-based receiver development platform, which allows simulation of a variety of architectures, configurations, and situations, and when the simulation is complete, the simulated system can be implemented using FPGA's (pre-processors) as a real-time prototype. We propose to use this development system for the design and development of novel architectures using alternate approaches to GPS receiver design. Several hardware elements associated with Test and Measurement Systems for advanced Navigation will also be developed. Development of a continuous high-speed data recorder for high-fidelity recording of navigational signals will be performed. During Phase I we investigate issues associated with such systems, perform initial design, demonstrate the feasibility, and finally plan for the complete development to be undertaken during Phase II.