Multistatic Doppler Estimation Using Global Positioning System Passive Coherent Location

Abstract

In previous works, methods were explored for position estimation utilizing satellite-borne signals of opportunity, mainly the global positioning system (GPS). The GPS signal was exploited for use in a multistatic passive coherent location (PCL) system. The GPS signal is especially attractive for PCL applications because of the native capability to produce position and velocity estimation. This paper examines the signal specifications for PCL implementation and explores the potential limitations of the proposed solutions. GPS specific methods are developed for multistatic PCL velocity estimation in a three-dimensional plane. The method developed is combined with previously completed work of GPS PCL position estimation for a complete system design in range and Doppler. The PCL system is evaluated against conventional GPS position estimation and velocity estimation and proves to have comparable metrics of performance. Analysis and simulation are performed for verification and validation of the developed methods.