Improving performance of mobile receivers
A system-on-chip (SoC) GNSS receiver that makes use of multi-constellation signals, such as global positioning system (GPS), Galileo and European geostationary navigation overlay service (EGNOS), will turn the tide in the design of GNSS receivers. Assisted-GNSS (A-GNSS) technologies enhance receiver performance for both network-connected and autonomous devices. A-GNSS server provides assistance data to the mobile device, shortening the wait to calculate the position of the user (low time-to-first-fix). It can also be hybridised with other positioning technologies, such as micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) sensors, thus improving radio navigation, especially in dense-urban areas or indoor locations. The EU-funded 'High performance mass market GNSS receiver multi standard ready for market' (HIMALAYA) project aims to develop a hybridised application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) GNSS receiver for easy integration into a mobile platform for LBS services. Focus is laid on providing an optimal assisted-GNSS solution that will deliver assistance data about multiple constellations (GPS, Galileo, EGNOS). This ASIC should also make use of complementary technologies (MEMS, Wi-Fi, antennae). The consortium has already designed the server that will support the Secure User-Plane Location (SUPL) v2.0 protocol. The SUPL protocol is the standard network assistance method to support LBS for wireless communications. Furthermore, it has analysed the algorithms required to enhance the precision and accuracy of positioning in the urban environment. Preliminary antennae for mobile phones have also been designed that operate at different frequency bands and demonstrate acceptable radiation levels. The scientific team has defined the type of LBS application that will be built for the demonstrator. They have also designed the architecture for the radio-frequency and baseband subsystems of the SoC GNSS receiver. The final demonstration of the receiver remains to be unveiled. In this case, the hybridised ASIC will be integrated in a platform for mobile and personal applications. Moreover, a real application will demonstrate the usability of the solution and emphasise the added value of Galileo and EGNOS in real mass-market environments.
Keywords
Global navigation satellite system, receiver, location-based services, assisted GNSS, Galileo, Wi-Fi, secure user-plane location protocol
