Joint GNSS Pilot Detection Using Multi-Satellite Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GNSS receivers face challenges in achieving fast and high-sensitivity time acquisition, particularly when receiving weak satellite signals, due to the degradation of pilot detection performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for performing pilot detection by jointly considering correlation results generated from multiple satellite signals, utilizing a joint pilot detection circuit that synchronizes timing across multiple satellite signals using correlation operations and inter-satellite time of arrival offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pilot detection is performed using a single satellite signal, then the detection process is simple, but the detection sensitivity and speed are degraded when receiving weak satellite signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines correlation results from multiple satellite signals to perform joint pilot detection. The joint detection circuit processes correlation results from at least two different satellite signals, merging the information to improve detection sensitivity and speed, particularly for weak signals that would be difficult to detect individually
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a joint detection circuit as an intermediary component that receives correlation results from multiple satellite signals and processes them together. This intermediary structure enables the system to leverage information from multiple sources without requiring complete redesign of the detection architecture
2Productivity
If legacy GPS L1 C/A and BeiDou B1I signals are used, then the receiver design is simple, but the time acquisition takes 6-12 seconds which is too slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary correlation operations on multiple satellite signals before final pilot detection. By pre-processing the signals and computing correlation results in advance, the system reduces the overall time required for time acquisition while managing complexity through structured preprocessing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-signal detection to multi-signal joint detection, adding the dimension of multiple satellite signals to the detection process. This dimensional expansion enables faster time acquisition by leveraging additional signal sources simultaneously
3Measurement precision
If the GNSS receiver waits for accurate time synchronization before acquiring other signals, then time accuracy is improved, but the overall signal acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary time acquisition using joint pilot detection on multiple satellite signals before complete time synchronization is achieved. This preliminary action provides an initial time estimate that accelerates subsequent signal acquisition while maintaining acceptable accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs pilot detection using correlation results from multiple satellite signals even when not all signals are fully synchronized. This partial action approach allows the system to proceed with time acquisition using available information rather than waiting for complete synchronization
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
Enables fast and high-sensitivity time acquisition, resolving GPS or BeiDou time in less time than conventional methods, with improved sensitivity and success rates by combining correlation results from multiple satellite signals.
Implementation Method 1
performing a plurality of correlation operations according to the plurality of input signals and the plurality of code sequences, for generating a plurality of correlation results
Implementation Method 2
The purpose of the correlation process is to synchronize the timing between the local replica and the received satellite signal
Data Source
AI summary
A joint pilot detection method includes: obtaining a plurality of input signals that are derived from a plurality of satellite signals transmitted from a plurality of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) satellites, respectively, wherein each of the plurality of satellite signals carries a pilot component modulated by a secondary code; obtaining a plurality of code sequences that are replicas of secondary codes of the plurality of satellites, respectively; performing a plurality of correlation operations according to the plurality of input signals and the plurality of code sequences, for generating a plurality of correlation results, respectively; and performing pilot detection by jointly considering the plurality of correlation results.