Integrated Communications Module for Global Positioning System (GPS) Simulations

This Air Force Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) topic is designed toproduce an Integrated Communications Module (ICM) through which current andfuture upgrades to communications systems that may affect GPS signals and receiversmay be effectively simulated. It is important that the effects be quantifiedbecause interference with the GPS signals will cause degradation in platformpositioning and time synchronization. For targeting and precision guided munitions,it is important to maintain the fidelity of the GPS signals so that the bestconfidence in the targeting solutions can be obtained. The same comment is truefor GPS supplemental systems (e.g. JPALS and LAAS) whose signals supplement GPSand are used for air traffic control and precision landing guidance.In the battlefield, reliance on communications networks, like Link-16, iscritical to maintaining up-to-date information, relative navigation and timesynchronization. Thus, any changes to Link-16 or the addition of othercommunication systems may potentially cause degradation to GPS.Using Avtec's proven ASSET methodology, a feasibility study will be performedto determine the requirements for building an ICM. A hardware and softwarearchitecture will be proposed and an interface control document (ICD) generated.The ultimate objective of this study is to provide the Air Force engineers with ahardware-in-the-loop tool for evaluating the effects of new and existing radiofrequency signals on the GPS receivers and expand the capabilities of existingsimulators. Tests and analyses can be performed in a timelymanner, in a variety of venues, and with a variety of simulators and hardware.This tool can be expanded and used in the commercial aerospace industry to testthe effects of changes in the RF spectrum on their GPS systems.Commercial airliners already use GPS extensively and this use willinclude GPS supplementary systems like LAAS and WAAS.Thus, the major benefit of this study will be the development of atool for both military and commercial aerospace applications that is reliable,flexible, reconfigureable, upgradable and capable of testingGPS receivers, simulators and related systems in a variety of test settings.