Modular Multi-Frequency GNSS Receiver Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of manufacturing multi-frequency Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers are increased due to their complex design, making them more expensive than conventional receivers, and there is a need for a cost-effective method to provide multi-frequency capability in positioning systems.
Innovation Solution
A system with modular RF section modules that can be easily added or removed, each having a mutually complementary frequency set with respect to other modules, allowing for a flexible navigation signal architecture that can customize and upgrade receivers to support multiple frequencies, such as L1, L2, and L5 signals, by combining phase measurements from different frequency modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a receiver is designed to track multiple frequencies, then the positioning capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is divided into separate RF section modules, each dedicated to a specific frequency (L1, L2, L5). Each module contains its own antenna, RF front-end, and signal processing components. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-frequency capability by simply combining multiple simple modules rather than designing one complex integrated receiver, thereby reducing overall design complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a receiver is designed to track multiple frequencies, then the positioning capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the receiver into standardized modular units, each module can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for that specific frequency. This allows for economies of scale in producing individual modules and simplifies quality control and assembly, reducing overall manufacturing costs compared to producing custom integrated multi-frequency receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture creates universal interface standards and common processing components that can be used across different frequency modules. Shared elements such as the baseband processor, navigation solution engine, and user interface can handle multiple frequencies, reducing redundant development and manufacturing costs while maintaining multi-frequency capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional receiver design is used, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the multi-frequency capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system is designed with dynamic configurability through modular RF sections that can be added or removed based on required frequency support. This allows the system to adapt its capabilities dynamically - a basic single-frequency module provides cost-effective simple positioning, while additional modules can be integrated to provide multi-frequency capability when needed, balancing cost and versatility according to specific application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for leveraging available navigation frequencies for determining position by creating a flexible navigation signal architecture is disclosed. Such an architecture is designed for customizing a navigation system by combining, adding, replacing or removing one or more removable RF section modules. At least one of the RF section modules has a mutually complementary frequency set with respect to a frequency set of one or more of the other RF section modules in the system.