Accession Number:

ADD014848

Title:

Method of Steering the Gain of a Multiple Antenna Global Positioning System Receiver.

Descriptive Note:

Patent Application, Filed 16 Nov 90,

Corporate Author:

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Evans, Alan G.
• Hermann, Bruce R.

Report Date:

1990-11-16

Pagination or Media Count:

12.0

Abstract:

A method for steering the gain of a multiple antenna Global Positioning System GPS receiver toward a plurality of GPS satellites simultaneously is provided. The GPS signals of a known wavelength are processed digitally for a particular instant in time. A range difference or propagation delay between each antenna for GPS signals received from each satellite is first resolved. The range difference consists of a fractional wavelength difference and an integer wavelength difference. The fractional wavelength difference is determined by each antennas tracking loop. The integer wavelength difference is based upon the known wavelength and separation between each antennas with respect to each satellite position. The range difference is then used to digitally delay the GPS signals at each antenna with respect to a reference antenna. The signal at the reference antenna is then summed with the digitally delayed signals to generate a composite antenna gain. The method searches for the correct number of integers wavelengths to maximize the composite gain. The range differences are also used to determine the attitude of the array.

Descriptors:

• ANTENNAS
• ARRAYS
• ATTITUDE(INCLINATION)
• DELAY
• FREQUENCY
• GAIN
• LOOPS
• NUMBERS
• POSITION(LOCATION)
• PROPAGATION
• SATELLITE ATTITUDE
• STEERING
• TRACKING

Subject Categories:

• Navigation and Guidance
• Radiofrequency Wave Propagation

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE