Interference Mitigation for Local Area Augmentation Navigation Systems

Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) is being utilized for aircraft precision approach and landings. It relies on Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) in calculating the corrections for the aircraft using ground based stations, and sending them to the aircraft via a VHF link. The system achieves meter accuracies. Interference is a major source of error that is not correctable via DGPS. This book advances the LAAS ground based station architecture by analyzing the performance and designing new components that will enhance its functionality, especially in the presence of interference sources. Analysis and design of antenna arrays utilizing beam-forming and null-steering is presented. The performance of signal processing algorithms predicting the carrier- to-noise density ratio that are vital to the accuracy of the GPS receiver are analyzed through various interference and hardware limitation environments in a software GPS receiver platform. This book is useful for senior students, researchers and engineers in electrical engineering focusing in the areas of navigation, antennas and RF system level design and characterization.