Optimal Diversity Reception for Ship Relative Global Positioning System (SRGPS)

"A key requirement for an operational SRGPS system is to assure the continuous transmission of shipside carrier-phase and pseudo-range measurements to the approaching aircraft. The continuity and quality of these measurements are critical. Of particularconcern are: (a) the robustness to signal blockages from the ship's superstructure; (b) the ability to operate in the presence of multipath and maintain the carrier-phase and pseudo-range integrity; and (c) the ability to continue operation in the presenceof RF interference and jammers in a tactical environment.Previous research has investigated the use of multiple reference antennas and diversity processing for improving the signal-in-space accuracy and integrity. Under this SBIR effort, we propose to develop a SRGPS reference station capability that includesthe use of multiple controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPAs) to allow both spatial and post-correlator diversity (SPCD) processing to be performed to enhance the continuity and integrity of the SRGPS carrier-phase and pseudo-range corrections.Under the Phase I effort, the NAVSYS SPCD algorithms will be further developed. Using simulated and real-world data, the algorithms will be tested to show their performance. Under the Phase II effort we propose to deliver a prototype P(Y) SRGPS referencestation including the SPCD capability for field testing. Applications exist for leveraging the improved measurement accuracy, interf