Accession Number:

ADA446837

Title:

Evaluating the Correlation Characteristics of Arbitrary AM and FM Radio Signals for the Purpose of Navigation

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

Personal Author(s):

• Kim, Bryan S.

Report Date:

2006-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

104.0

Abstract:

The Global Positioning System GPS provides position estimates on the Earth at anytime, anywhere and in any weather. However, to provide robust positioning, GPS requires an unobstructed path to satellite signals. As such, GPS performance generally degrades or becomes non-existent in environments such as large urban areas. This research investigates and analyzes the correlation characteristics of arbitrary AM and FM radio signals for the purpose of navigation. Simulations are conducted with different combinations of correlation methods fixed or varying, modulation types AM or FM, and signal types song or voice. Out of the eight different variations considered, only two provided promising results for the purpose of navigation. Both the FM voice and FM song signals exhibit distinct autocorrelation peaks i.e., 5.0 dB peak-to-sidelobe ratios using the fixed reference correlation method. However, results for both FM signal types revealed limited potential for navigation when using the varying reference correlation method. All the AM signals considered yielded relatively limited potential for navigation using either correlation method.

Descriptors:

• *NAVIGATION
• *CORRELATION TECHNIQUES
• *RADIO SIGNALS
• POSITION(LOCATION)
• WEATHER
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)
• FREQUENCY MODULATION
• PATHS
• VOICE COMMUNICATIONS
• URBAN AREAS
• ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
• RADIO EQUIPMENT
• GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
• AUTOCORRELATION
• THESES
• ESTIMATES
• CORRELATION

Subject Categories:

• Radio Communications

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE