A Collaborative Technique for Spatial Interference Reduction in Multi-Node Antenna Arrays with Antenna Diversity

Kenneth L. Collier Jr., Laurie L. Joiner

Abstract:	It is well known that civilian Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers are vulnerable to interference. Robust interference reduction can be accomplished through a combination of temporal and spatial filtering using antenna arrays; however, current solutions absorb surface area and add weight to the host platform. These rigid fixed arrays are impractical for systems whose mobility and portability are distinguishing qualities such as smartphones, smart sensors and autonomous vehicles. Research is needed to expand the interference mitigation options available to GPS-dependent platforms constrained by size, weight and power (SWAP) while maintaining their mobility. This paper formulates a collaborative solution where independent receiver nodes behave as antennas in a multi-node antenna (MNA) array. Wideband interference mitigation is accomplished through spatial null-steering with space-time adaptive processing (STAP). Selection-combining diversity is proposed to circumvent grating nulls which reduce the usable beamspace (UBS) of the MNA array. A modeling and simulation (M&S) tool is leveraged to show that the MNA array with antenna diversity scheme achieves interference mitigation and conserves UBS while introducing bias into the navigation solution. Position bias may be acceptable in many civilian applications when the only alternative is to navigate without GPS.
Published in:	2018 IEEE/ION Position, Location and Navigation Symposium (PLANS) April 23 - 26, 2018 Hyatt Regency Hotel Monterey, CA
Pages:	92 - 101
Cite this article:	Collier, Kenneth L., Jr., Joiner, Laurie L., "A Collaborative Technique for Spatial Interference Reduction in Multi-Node Antenna Arrays with Antenna Diversity," 2018 IEEE/ION Position, Location and Navigation Symposium (PLANS), Monterey, CA, April 2018, pp. 92-101. https://doi.org/10.1109/PLANS.2018.8373369
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