Dual GNSS Receiver Navigation with RF Nulling Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
GNSS interference, such as jamming and spoofing, can render Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment inoperable, leading to unreliable navigation and increased risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple antennas and RF nulling circuits that combine signals from different antennas to produce phase-shifted signals, which are then used to calculate virtual antenna positions, allowing the navigation system to function accurately even in the presence of GNSS interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single GNSS receiver is used for navigation, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but it becomes inoperable when GNSS interference (jamming or spoofing) is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single GNSS reception function into multiple independent GNSS receivers (first GNSS receiver and second GNSS receiver), each processing signals from different antennas. This segmentation allows the system to continue navigation operations even if one receiver is affected by interference, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
RF nulling circuits are introduced as intermediary components between the antennas and GNSS receivers. These circuits actively detect and nullify interfering signals (jamming or spoofing) before they reach the receivers, serving as a protective mediator that enhances navigation reliability without requiring complete system redundancy
2Reliability
If multiple antennas and RF nulling circuits are deployed to mitigate GNSS interference, then navigation reliability improves, but the device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple antennas, RF nulling circuits, and multiple GNSS receivers into an integrated navigation system with a unified control unit. This merging approach allows the components to work协同ly, where the RF nulling circuits serve both antennas, and the multiple receivers share processing resources, thereby improving reliability while controlling overall system complexity through consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on interference detection. When interference is detected, the RF nulling circuits adjust their nulling depths and frequencies, and the system can switch between different receiver configurations or antenna combinations, allowing adaptive maintenance of navigation reliability without permanently increasing complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables continuous and accurate GNSS navigation by compensating for interference, ensuring reliable navigation parameters such as position and heading, even when GNSS interference is present.
Implementation Method 1
RF nulling circuits that combine signals from different antennas to produce phase-shifted signals
Implementation Method 2
combine signals from different antennas to produce phase-shifted signals... compensating for interference
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to improving blended GNSS/inertial navigation system tolerance to external GNSS interference. A plurality of RF nulling circuits is coupled to at least two antennas and to the inputs of dual GNSS-receivers. The RF nulling circuits provide phase shift configuration data from RF signals input from the antennas to a virtual antenna position estimator. The virtual antenna position estimator determines virtual antenna positions based on the physical antenna position and the phase shift configuration data from each RF nulling circuit. The virtual antenna position estimator then provides the virtual antenna positions to a navigation system for determining at least one navigation parameter of the vehicle.