Precise Calibration of Adaptive Antennas for GNSS Receivers on Platforms

Andrew J. O'Brien and Inder J. Gupta

Abstract:	Adaptive antenna arrays are used to provide interference suppression capabilities for GNSS receivers on complex platforms, such as aircraft. For precision applications, it is necessary to precisely calibrate the antenna array (including platform effects). For adaptive antennas that use STAP, calibration requires measurement of the entire antenna array manifold (i.e., the frequency response of each antenna element in all directions). Unfortunately, obtaining a reliable and precise antenna manifold measurement using conventional techniques is a daunting task. In this paper, we propose a technique for automated measurement of an antenna array manifold on-thefly using only standard, differential receiver measurements. It is implemented in the form of an appliqu´e with emphasis on being very loosely integrated into existing systems (it does not require modification of either the GNSS receiver or the adaptive antenna electronics). Our proposed technique provides precise, in-situ manifolds of adaptive antenna arrays without the need for tedious, manual calibration procedures. Results from simulations demonstrate that the technique can successfully measure the manifold of a GPS antenna array on a generic aircraft.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 24th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2011) September 20 - 23, 2011 Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon Portland, OR
Pages:	1102 - 1110
Cite this article:	O'Brien, Andrew J., Gupta, Inder J., "Precise Calibration of Adaptive Antennas for GNSS Receivers on Platforms," Proceedings of the 24th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2011), Portland, OR, September 2011, pp. 1102-1110.
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