Compact Adaptive Multi-Antenna Navigation Receiver

The fundamental concept of a robust and compact GNSS-receiver and the first development steps and simulation results are presented. The receiver comprises a miniaturized antenna array with a novel decoupling and matching network to excite the eigenmodes of the array. In contrast to conventional multi-antenna solutions, these eigenmode patterns are used for digital beamforming and steering. Several array-processing algorithms to determine the directions-of-arrival of navigation signals, interferers and multipath (DOA/DOI) as well as mitigation procedures have been investigated and evaluated regarding their applicability on eigenmode patterns. They also have been modified if necessary. For fast signal processing new concepts for hardware implementation have been developed. First results of the beamforming software and hardware performance are presented.The structural basis of the compact GNSS-receiver is a miniaturized antenna element designed for operation in the E1 band. Suitable front ends, fabricated in 0.18-mu m CMOS technology, further support the compactness of the receiver. Design and construction of antenna and front end are discussed in detail.Finally, to test and demonstrate the precision of navigation and the receiver robustness against interference in a disturbed environment, a suitable demonstrator will be built of which the fundamental concept is presented.