BOC PRN Signal Tracking Using Center Peak Correlation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tracking methods for BOC PRN signals in satellite navigation face accuracy limitations due to multiple correlation peaks and additive noise, leading to ambiguity and tracking errors.

Innovation Solution

Extract the center peak from the BOC PRN correlation and generate a center peak local replica signal to form a refined correlation, eliminating ambiguity and improving tracking accuracy by using steady tracking criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional correlation tracking is used for BOC PRN signals, then the tracking process can be implemented, but multiple correlation peaks cause ambiguity and reduce measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidsignal ambiguity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the center peak from the multi-peak correlation function by applying a windowing function that isolates the central region. This extraction eliminates the ambiguity caused by side peaks while retaining the accurate tracking information contained in the center peak, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and signal ambiguity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the correlation function into distinct regions using a windowing approach, separating the center peak from side peaks. By focusing only on the segmented center region and discarding other regions, the method eliminates interference from multiple peaks while maintaining tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional correlation tracking is used for BOC PRN signals, then the tracking process can be implemented, but additive noise increases device complexity and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking stabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the center peak using a simple windowing function that multiplies the correlation output by a predefined weight function. This extraction method effectively isolates the useful signal from additive noise without requiring complex filtering or processing algorithms, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simple device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If conventional correlation tracking is used for BOC PRN signals, then the tracking process can be implemented, but multiple correlation peaks lead to tracking errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidtracking errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of multiple correlation peaks into a benefit by using the known structure of BOC signals. The windowing function is designed to exploit the fact that the center peak contains the accurate tracking information, while side peaks contain ambiguous or erroneous information. By selectively emphasizing the center region, the method transforms the multi-peak problem into a useful single-peak tracking solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20250377465A1Binary offset carrier pseudo random noise signal tracking

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method for tracking a binary offset carrier (BOC) pseudo random noise (PRN) signal is disclosed. A BOC PRN signal is received from a satellite. A BOC PRN correlation between the BOC PRN signal and a local replica of the BOC PRN signal is formed. A center peak is extracted from the BOC PRN correlation. A center peak local replica signal is generated based on the center peak extracted from the BOC PRN correlation. A center peak correlation between the BOC PRN signal and the center peak local replica signal is formed. Navigation data for the satellite is retrieved from the BOC PRN signal based at least on the center peak correlation meeting steady tracking criteria.