Flexible Real Time GPS System

This proposal describes a plan to develop a novel software-based GPS receiver, which would provide high-accuracy and flexible operation using C/A, P and M codes. The receiver will have improved performance in terms of acquisition, tracking and navigation. (It will have improved dynamic performance and anti-jam capabilities). The block processing architecture will enable improved dynamic performance, anti-jam capability, faster acquisition, less susceptibility to multi-path and robust performance. It will have novel navigational filters enabling improved A/J and robustness, easy transition to GPS/INS integration and RTK type processing. The receiver will be able to utilize all of the C/A, P and M-code as well as any one or two of such codes. 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. The software-based, flexible GPS receiver will allow innovative uses of GPS systems; it will allow numerous adaptations to be performed including the use of new frequencies and codes, and it will also allow quick adaptation for specialized niche applications. During Phase I, we have developed and demonstrated the use of block processing for C/A, P and M code signals. The advantages of block processing over conventional time domain processing has been demonstrated. Feasibility of implementation of block processing using COTS technologies has been established. The Phase II efforts will provide a prototype receiver operating in real time and under realistic scenarios. The real time operation of the receiver will be demonstrated and its performance evaluated during Phase II. Test and Validation plans as will as plans for transitioning to production are provided.