Adaptive Control Technologies for Improved GPS Receiver Performance Under Jamming

Mayflower Communications proposes to substantially improve the reliability of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers under jamming using a combined adaptive antenna and temporal filter solution that incorporates low cost, small size, and low power requirements. The objective is to provide up to 50 dB of additional interference protection for both military and commercial GPS systems at an affordable cost (less than $1,000 in quantity production) and within a volume of 24 cubic inches. Mayflower will develop the low-cost, anti-jam GPS adaptive antenna electronics system based upon state-of-the-art GaAs MMIC components and a novel null-steering direct search genetic algorithm (GA). In addition, Mayflower will investigate the potential synergism of the anti-jam GPS adaptive antenna to be developed with its existing Adaptive Temporal Filter (ATF). Furthermore, Mayflower's approach will enable the upgrading of the existing investment in military and commercial GPS hardware systems for both wideband and narrowband threats without requiring extensive or costly modification of these systems. The Phase II effort will develop a prototype demonstration unit incorporating combined adaptive antenna and temporal filter electronics. Anticipated Benefits: The capabilities of Military GPS systems are significantly improved against both wideband and narrowband jamming, as well as other unintentional interferences. Commercial GPS systems, being more vulnerable than military systems to radio frequency interference (RFI) (i.e., common SATCOM, VHF communication harmonics, and Mobile Satellite Service), will have a low-cost means of increasing their protection against RFI.