Channel Context Detection and Signal Quality Monitoring for Vector-based Tracking Loops

T. Lin, C. O'Driscoll, G. Lachapelle

Abstract:	Vector-based tracking has attracted a significant amount of attention over the past two decades due to its capability of weak signal tracking in urban canyon environments where some GNSS signals are highly attenuated or blocked. Although a large amount of research work has been published on the implementation and performance evaluation of vector-based tracking loops, little research has been conducted on the reliability analysis of vectorbased tracking loops. The impetus for this paper and underlying research is to develop a suitable signal monitoring and channel context detection algorithm for vector-based tracking loops. In this paper, two new approaches, i.e. signal compression and fading parameter (e.g. the Ricean K-factor) monitoring, are applied to GNSS signal monitoring and channel context detection. Three categories of Ricean K-factor estimators are introduced: envelope-based, envelope/phase-based and phase-based. Their performance, limitations, and practical implementation challenges in a high sensitivity GNSS receiver are investigated.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 23rd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2010) September 21 - 24, 2010 Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon Portland, OR
Pages:	1875 - 1888
Cite this article:	Lin, T., O'Driscoll, C., Lachapelle, G., "Channel Context Detection and Signal Quality Monitoring for Vector-based Tracking Loops," Proceedings of the 23rd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2010), Portland, OR, September 2010, pp. 1875-1888.
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