Legacy GPS Receiver Retrofit Interface for Evolving GNSS Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS and GNSS receivers become obsolete due to changing system requirements and compatibility issues, rendering them useless, necessitating a method and apparatus for retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
An interface apparatus comprising an antenna, amplifier, GPS receiver, and simulator that transforms GNSS signals into compatible GPS signals, with power management and inertial navigation capabilities, allowing legacy receivers to process encrypted military codes and maintain positioning even in signal-denied environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy GPS receivers are used, then compatibility with existing hardware is maintained, but they cannot process encrypted military codes and are rendered useless by changing system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface apparatus as an intermediary component between the legacy GPS receiver and the modernized satellite system. This interface apparatus includes a signal processor that receives encrypted military codes from modern satellites and converts them into formats compatible with legacy receivers, while also providing inertial navigation capabilities. The power controller acts as another intermediary, managing power distribution between the legacy receiver, the interface apparatus, and inertial navigation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface apparatus provides multi-functionality by enabling a single legacy GPS receiver to process multiple types of signals including encrypted military codes, standard GPS signals, and signals from modernized satellites. It also integrates inertial navigation systems and power management functions, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes that would otherwise require separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal processing capabilities are enhanced to process encrypted military codes, then adaptability to new systems improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing functionality into separate modular components within the interface apparatus. The signal processor is divided into distinct modules that handle different signal types (encrypted military codes, standard GPS signals, inertial navigation data) separately. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system by distributing complexity across manageable units rather than requiring a single complex processor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power management for multiple systems is implemented, then system versatility improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power controller implements periodic action by enabling and disabling different system components based on operational requirements. The interface apparatus can periodically activate inertial navigation systems, signal processing modules, and power management functions only when needed, rather than maintaining all systems running continuously. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to support multiple functions when required.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided n interface apparatus for retrofitting a GNSS apparatus. The interface apparatus includes an antenna configured to receive a first GPS transmission, and an amplifier coupled to the antenna to receive and amplify a first GPS signal.