Measurements to Determine Potential Interference to GPS Receivers from Ultrawideband Transmission Systems

J. Randy Hoffman; Michael G. Cotton; Robert J. Achatz; Richard N. Statz; Roger A. Dalke

Abstract: This report describes laboratory measurements of Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver vulnerability to ultrawideband (UWB) interference. The laboratory measurements were performed by inserting increased levels of UWB interference until an operating GPS receiver lost lock. At each interference level leading up to loss of lock, reacquisition time, fundamental GPS measurements (e.g., pseudorange and carrier phase), status flags (e.g., potential cycle slips), and position data were sampled. A variety of UWB signals were tested, including aggregates of as many as six UWB sources. Two GPS receivers with different receiver architectures were tested.

Keywords: global positioning system (GPS); noise; Ultrawideband (UWB); Impulse Radio; interference measurement; radio frequency interference (RFI); amplitude probability distribution

(TR-01-384-1.pdf)

(TR-01-384-2.pdf)

(Errata NTIA TR 01-384.pdf)

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

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