Digital Signal Processors in GPS Receivers

Unlike the conventional hardware approaches to GPS base band signal processing, a software GPS receiver is extremely flexible as it comes with all the associated advantages of a software solution. With a software solution, the improvements of silicon technology can be easily translated into better performance at smaller form factors and lower power consumption, without a redesign and/or change to the ASIC. A general purpose Digital Signal Processor (DSP) can be used effectively for GPS signal processing. The memory and speed resources available determine the algorithms and applications that can be effectively implemented in the receiver. The performance of software GPS receivers will soon be difficult to be surpassed by the hardware counterparts, as high-performance processors become available at low cost. ? 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

GPS软件接收机跟踪通道信号统计分析

传统的基于硬件的接收机由于芯片的封装性很难用来进行通道信号的分析研究,而基于软件无线电技术的软件接收机则很容易做到。软件接收机的跟踪通道信号统计分析可用于接收机算法的测试与比对以及卫星信号性能的分析与评估。这里搭建了GPS软件接收机L1中频数字信号处理平台,对跟踪通道输出的I、Q支路信号进行了均值、标准方差以及均方根(RMS)统计。分析了各统计值与通道对应卫星的高度角、信号强度以及噪声之间的关系。基于统计结果提出了一种估计信道信噪比的方法。最后比较了不同信号采样频率对相关三角形和导航定位解算精度的影响。     

基于RINEX格式的GPS联合作业数据统一处理

RINEX格式是GPS数据一种常用的标准数据格式,通用性强,利于多种型号的接收机联合作业,绝大多数商用软件都能处理。本文从生产实践出发,详细介绍了RINEX格式数据信息及常用的几种GPS接收机数据传输与转换方式,以及解算过程中出错数据元的检查和修正,对指导生产实践有一定的借鉴意义。     

Time Transfer for TAI Using a Geodetic Receiver: An Example with the Ashtech ZXII-T

The International Atomic Time scale (TAI) is computed by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) from a set of atomic clocks distributed in about 40 time laboratories around the world. The time transfer between these remote clocks is mostly performed by the so-called GPS common view method: The clocks are connected to a GPS time receiver whose internal software computes the offsets between the remote clocks and GPS time. These data are collected in a standard formal called CCTF. In the present study we develop both the procedure and the software tool that allows us to generate the CCTF files needed for time transfer to TAI, using RINEX files produced by geodetic receivers driven by an external frequency. The CCTF files are then generated from the RINEX observation files. The software is freely available at ftp://omaftp.oma.be/dist/astro/time/RINEX_CCTF. Applied to IGS (International GPS Service) receivers, this procedure will provide a direct link between TAI and the IGS clock combination. We demonstrate here the procedure using the RINEX files from the Ashtech Metronome (ZXII-T) GPS receiver, to which we apply the conventional analysis to compute the CCTF data. We compared these results with the CCTF files produced by a time receiver R100-30T from 3S-Navigation. We also used this comparison with the results of a calibrated time receiver to determine the hardware delay of the geodetic receiver. ? 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A new plotting program for Windows-based TEQC users

In a 1999 issue of GPS Solutions (Vol. 3, No. 1) Estey and Meertens describe a multi-purpose software toolkit for GPS and GLONASS data called TEQC (pronounced "tek"). The program's name reflects its three main functions: translating, editing, and quality checking. TEQC can be used on many different computer platforms, including Windows-based personal computers. This amazingly capable program can be used for converting native binary files from a wide variety of GPS receivers into the standard Receiver Independent Exchange Format (RINEX). It can also be used for editing and quality-controlling existing RINEX files. And it can be used for generating plot files of several different quantities normally associated with satellite observations. This article describes a new C/C++ program which gives Windows-based TEQC users increased flexibility for viewing and printing TEQC plot files. The user can now specify a start and stop time for each plot, a subset of satellites to be plotted, labels for the x- and y-axes, and a title to appear at the top of each plot. The new software converts the original "Compact Format" plot files output by TEQC into PostScript files, which can then be viewed or printed. An additional benefit of PostScript files is that they can be used to provide high-quality, high-resolution graphics for document publishing. Electronic Publication     

Web-based resources on software GPS receivers

This column provides the Web-based GPS resources and their technical background information. Its purpose is to inform the reader about the data, software, electronic documents that are available online. This column is coordinated by Dr. Jinling Wang, The University of New South Wales, Sydney. Comments and suggestions are appreciated (jinling.wang@unsw.edu.au). In this issue’s column, Mr. Ravindra Babu introduces the online resources on software GPS receivers.     

GPS／GLONASS组合定位中模糊度的处理

在对GPS／GLONASS组合定位的周跳探测和修复方法进行深入研究的基础上，论述了适合于两种数据联合解算的GPS／GLONASS模糊度迭代处理方法及相应的基于FARA方法的整周模糊度固定方法。在现有BERNESE Ver4.0GSP数据处理软件的基础上，增加及改进了其中的若干模块，从而研制出组合定位系统高精度数据处理软件，并进行了试验计算。结果表明，所开发的组合定位系统数据处理软件内、外符合精度均达到mm级，证明了这种高精度相对定位理论、方法、软件的正确性和可行性。     

SIMD correlator library for GNSS software receivers

Software receivers have had a discernable impact on the GNSS research community. Often such receivers are implemented in a compiled programming language, such as C or C++. A software receiver must emulate the digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms executed on dedicated hardware in a traditional receiver. The DSP algorithms, most notably correlation, have a high computational cost; this burden precludes many software receivers from running in real time. However, the computational cost can be lessened by utilizing single instruction multiple data (SIMD) operations found on modern ×86 processors. The following demonstrates how C/C++ compatible code can be written to directly utilize the SIMD instructions. First, an analysis is carried out to demonstrate why real time operation is not possible when using traditional C/C++ code is carried out. Secondly a tutorial outlines how to write and insert ×86 assembly, with SIMD operations, into C/C++ code. Performance gains achieved via SIMD operations are then demonstrated, and pseudo code outlines how SIMD operations can be employed to perform correlation. Finally, a C/C++ compatible SIMD enabled arithmetic library is added to the GPS Toolbox for use in software receivers.     

Heading and Pitch Determination Using GPS/GLONASS

This article describes a single difference approach to estimate heading and pitch with a twin global positoning system (GPS)/GLONASS (GG) receiver system. Augmentation of GPS with GLONASS is not straightforward, however, because the latter system employs the frequency division multiple access technique to distinguish the signals form different satellites, rather than the code division multiple access technique used by GPS. The fact that each GLONASS signal has its own slightly different frequency makes the double difference (DD) of carrier phase observables no longer possible without modification. To get around this problem, the use of the between-receiver single difference (SD) of the carrier phase observables is proposed. In this case, however, receiver clock and other errors do not cancel out. The possibility of using a common external oscillator for the two receivers is explored. Remaining time and other biases are estimated using a low-pass averaging filter. The single difference integer ambiguities can then be resolved and the heading and pitch can be determined with a relatively good level of accuracy. Static and kinematic tests conducted with a pair of GPS/GLONASS receivers are used to validate the approach. Under reduced visibility, the combined GPS/GLONASS approach is shown to yield superior availability. ? 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Single-Epoch Ambiguity Resolution for Real-Time GPS Attitude Determination with the Aid of One-Dimensional Optical Fiber Gyro

High-accuracy real-time GPS-based attitude determination requires that integer ambiguities be resolved very quickly so that the attitude angles can be output with minimum delay. This article describes an attitude determination algorithm that can resolve integer ambiguities instantaneously, relative to one antenna of a multi-antenna array configuration. The carrier phase and pseudorange observations are used with fixed baseline length constraints and fiberoptic gyro data. Real-time stochastic model improvement using empirical elevation-dependent standard deviation function and an estimated scale factor are a feature of this algorithm. Integer ambiguity search using the LAMBDA method, sophisticated validation criteria, and an adaptive procedure has also been implemented within the software. An experiment was carried out using four Leica dual-frequency GPS receivers (but only the L1 carrier phase and pseudorange data were used) and a low-cost fiberoptic on a car. The results indicate that integer ambiguities can be resolved on a single-epoch basis with a 98.9% success rate. ? 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Åland GPS levelling campaign in 1987

In October 1987 a four day satellite GPS campaign was performed over the Åland archipelago to test the possibility of connecting the Swedish and Finnish national height systems. This paper summarizes the gained experiences using 5 WM 101 GPS receivers and the PoPS software.The computing results for the connection between the two height systems are considerably dependent on the choice of geoidal undulation model and systematic error parameter model. Using the NKG Scandinavian geoid 1989, which is probably the most accurate geoid available for the region, and a bias and tilt parameter model the difference between the Swedish RH70 system and the Finnish N60 system is estimated to 11.4 ± 4.0 cm. An independent check is provided by two connecting border bench marks in northern Scandinavia yielding the difference 19.2 ± 4.2 cm. In view of that merely single frequency GPS receivers were used together with the PoPS software, we consider this result most satisfactory.     

Improvement in PWV estimation from GPS due to the absolute calibration of antenna phase center variations

Climatology of column-integrated atmospheric water vapor over Spain has been carried out by means of three techniques: soundings, sun photometers and GPS receivers. Comparing data from stations equipped with more than one of these instruments, we found that a large discontinuity occurred on November 6, 2006, in the differences between the data series from GPS receivers and those from the other two techniques. Prior to that date, the GPS data indicate a wet bias of 2–3 mm for all stations when compared with sounding or photometer data, whereas after that date this bias practically reduces to zero. The root mean square error also decreases about half of its value. On November 6, 2006, the International GNSS Service adopted an absolute calibration model for the antennas of the GPS satellites and receivers instead of the relative one. This change is expected to be an improvement, increasing the accuracy of station position determination and consequently benefiting post-processing products such as zenith total delay from which the atmospheric water vapor content is calculated.     

GPS接收机工作原理及发展现状

根据GPS接收机的工作原理,分为连续接收机、序贯接收机和多元接收机。讨论了接收机的应用分类,分别为高精度测量型接收机,导航接收机及授时型接收机。根据GPS卫星信号的情况,介绍了GPS接收机的性能指标。根据GNSS的发展现状和卫星信号的实施论述了新一代多模双频接收机指标,根据测试结果证明：这种接收机将是未来GPS接收机的发展方向。     

An enhanced bit-wise parallel algorithm for real-time GPS software receiver

Software-based global positioning system (GPS) receivers perform all the baseband signal processing and the high level functions on a general purpose processor. The heavy computational loads of the signal correlation in baseband processing make it difficult for software receivers to operate in real time. In order to improve the real-time performance, an enhanced bit-wise parallel algorithm has been developed in this study. The enhanced algorithm has been implemented and tested in a 12 channels real-time GPS software receiver. The system consists of a radio frequency front end, a data acquisition board and software that runs on a laptop with a Pentium-M 1.5 GHz processor running the Window^® XP operating system. The data acquisition board packs the 2-bit intermediate frequency samples with a 2-bit in/8-bit out shift register and transfers the packed samples to laptop through a USB port. The software running on the laptop performs all the baseband and navigation processing in real time. The test results show that the enhanced algorithm significantly improves the real-time performance of the software receiver by reducing the computational operations for signal correlation by 50% compared with the existing bit-wise parallel algorithm. Furthermore, the enhanced algorithm also reduces the amount of required memory for storing data for signal correlation.     

Effects of ionospheric disturbances on GPS observation in low latitude area

In this paper, ionospheric disturbance data from a local GPS network in Hong Kong (low latitude region) are studied in the solar maximum period (2001–2003). The spatial and temporal distributions of the disturbances in Hong Kong are investigated. It is found that strong ionospheric disturbances occur frequently during the solar maximum period, particularly around March and September, and concentrate at the region around geographic latitude 22°N (geomagnetic latitude 12°N). The effects of the disturbances on GPS geodetic receivers, such as loss of lock and measurement noise level, are also analyzed for the 3-year period. It shows that the measurement noise level and the number of losses of lock in GPS data increase dramatically during ionospheric disturbance periods. The behaviors of different types of GPS receivers during the disturbances are also compared.     

面向高精度地面沉降监测的GPS技术探讨

分析了地面沉降监测的精度需求,提出了在GPS观测中应用高性能软硬件条件,同时延长观测时间的技术方案,以苏锡常地区为例,实现了GPS技术在地面沉降监测工程中的毫米级应用。     

GPS码跟踪环自适应多径消除算法

根据多径信号的产生机理,在对GPS接收机中的码跟踪环多径信号模型研究的基础上,提出了采用自适应滤波的来消除GPS多径效应的算法。自适应滤波的方法不需要估计模型的系统参数,而直接通过自适应滤波将多径信号滤除。在有噪声的情况下,自适应滤波的RLS算法是最小二乘意义下的最优估计,仿真的结果表明采用自适应滤波算法可以快速的消除多径的影响,修正鉴相函数的过零点偏差,提高码跟踪环的跟踪精度。由于自适应滤波算法是递推算法,易于软、硬件实现。     

Pseudo-Satellite Applications in Deformation Monitoring

In this article, three general classes of potential pseudolite applications for deformation monitoring are described. The first is GPS augmentation with pseudolite(s), which is suitable for circumstances such as urban canyons, or for monitoring in valleys and deep open-cut mines. The second is indoor applications of pseudolite deformation monitoring systems. Pseudolite arrays can, in principle, completely replace the GPS satellite constellation. This could extend the “satellite-based” deformation monitoring applications into tunnels or underground, where GPS satellite signals cannot be tracked. The last case is an inverted pseudolite-based deformation monitoring system, where a “constellation” of GPS receivers with precisely known “orbits” track a mobile pseudolite. The system consists of an array of GPS receivers, the base reference pseudolite, the mobile pseudolite, and a central processing system. However, in the case of such pseudolite-only or hybrid pseudolite-GPS deformation monitoring systems, some additional issues need to be addressed. These include multipath, atmospheric delay effects, and pseudolite location-dependent biases. To address deformation monitoring applications, some practical procedures to mitigate or eliminate their influence are suggested. Some experiments were carried out using NovAtel GPS receivers and IntegriNautics IN200CXL pseudolite instruments. The experimental results indicate that the accuracy of the height component can indeed be significantly improved – the RMS of the vertical component has been reduced by a factor of 4, to the same level as the horizontal components. Their performance will be demonstrated through case study example. ? 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Comparison of baseline results for the TI-4100 and Trimble 4000SDT geodetic GPS receivers

Summary Many GPS networks which were initially surveyed with Texas Instruments TI-4100 receivers have now been resurveyed with mixtures of TI-4100 and Trimble 4000 receivers or exclusively with Trimble receivers. In order to make confident tectonic interpretation of displacements observed between such surveys, it is necessary to understand any biases which may be introduced by using different receiver types or by mixing receivers within a network. Therefore, one of the primary objectives of the Ecuador 1990 GPS campaign (February 1990) was to provide a direct long baseline comparison between the TI-4100 and Trimble 4000SDT GPS receivers. p ]During this campaign, TI and Trimble receivers were co-located at each end of a 1323 kilometer baseline (Jerusalen to Baltra). Solutions for this baseline show no variation with receiver type. Zero-length baseline solutions showed no evidence for any intrinsic bias caused by mixing the two receiver types. Short baseline solutions indicate a bias of -34±10 mm in the baseline vertical component; the sign of the bias indicates that either the assumed phase center location for the TI is too low or the assumed location for the Trimble is too high. The bias is explainable if the phase centers of the Trimble SDT and SST antennas are similarly located. p ]Solutions for baselines measured with codeless receivers (such as the Trimble) should be as precise as those for baselines measured with P-code receivers (such as the TI) as long as it is possible to resolve ambiguities. Resolution of the widelane ambiguity is the limiting factor in ambiguity resolution with any codeless receiver, and in the February 1990 campaigns it was not successful fore baselines longer than 100 km. Without explicit modeling of the ionospheric effect on the widelane, ambiguity resolution with codeless receivers will not be successful for baselines longer than about 100 km, depending on the local ionospheric conditions.     

Precision, Cross Correlation, and Time Correlation of GPS Phase and Code Observations

In high-precision Global Positioning System (GPS) relative positioning applications, the stochastic properties of the GPS observables play a crucial role. The misspecification of the a priori covariance matrix can lead ton non-optimal results and false decisions. In this article, the noise characteristics of seven commonly used GPS receivers are examined. The main areas of our study are the precision of the observations, the time correlation of the observations, and the correlation between the different observation types. In order to examine these characteristics, an experiment was carried out, which will be briefly discussed. As results, the autocorrelation functions, standard deviation, and correlation numbers will be given for the undifferenced observations of the seven receivers. The standard deviation of the phase observation is usually at the submillimeter level, and that of the code observations is some centimeters to decimeters. It will be also shown that none of the receivers are free from correlation between observation types and time correlation, especially the code observations, which suffer from time correlation. The results presented can help to refine stochastic models currently in use. ? 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.