Antenna and RF front end calibration in a GNSS array receiver

Abstract

The use of spatial-domain signal processing for mitigation of interference signals in receivers of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) allows for improvement of the overall system performance. To fully benefit from the use of adaptive antenna arrays, the individual signal processing paths in such a multi-antenna system should be thoroughly calibrated. The focus of this paper is on the specifics of such calibration in receivers for satellite navigation systems (e.g. GPS and coming Galileo). The design goals of the antenna and RF front end for GNSS receivers are reviewed. The architecture of a GNSS array receiver for safety-of-life applications with high robustness against radio interference is presented. The practical solutions for the antenna array and RF front-end calibration along with the field test results demonstrating their performance are outlined.