Kinematic Test Results of a Miniaturized GPS Antenna Array with Digital Beamsteering Electronics

Alison Brown, Keith Taylor, Randy Kurtz and Huan-Wan Tseng

Abstract:	NAVSYS have developed a miniaturized GPS antenna array technology that reduces the size of the antenna elements and the array dimensions. Using this technology, a 4-element GPS antenna array has been developed in a 6-inch diameter footprint. This miniaturized antenna array technology enables GPS controlled radiation pattern antenna arrays (CRPAs) with anti-jamming capability to be installed on vehicles where their size has previously prohibited their use. Problems have been experienced with previous CRPA electronics that can degrade the accuracy of carrier phase observations derived from the multiple elements. To demonstrate the capability of the Mini-Array for precision applications, such as JPALS, the 4-element miniaturized antenna array has been configured for aircraft installation and integrated with NAVSYS GPS digital beamforming electronics. Test data is presented in this paper, demonstrating the ability of the Mini-Array to generate a precise kinematic GPS solution. Simulation results are also presented of the expected performance of the Mini-Array with NAVSYS beam/null-steering electronics in a jamming environment.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2000 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 26 - 28, 2000 Pacific Hotel Disneyland Anaheim, CA
Pages:	621 - 628
Cite this article:	Brown, Alison, Taylor, Keith, Kurtz, Randy, Tseng, Huan-Wan, "Kinematic Test Results of a Miniaturized GPS Antenna Array with Digital Beamsteering Electronics," Proceedings of the 2000 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Anaheim, CA, January 2000, pp. 621-628.
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