A comparison analysis on forward error correction technology: a future perspective for GNSS

Abstract

PurposeThe main aim of this study is to elaborately examine the error correction technology for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) navigation messages and to draw a conceptual decision support framework related to the modernization of the GNSS and other systems.Design/methodology/approachThe extensive simulation model developed in Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) is used to evaluate the performance of forward error correction (FEC) codes such as Hamming, Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem, convolutional, turbo, low-density parity check (LDPC) and polar codes under different levels of noise.FindingsThe performance and robustness of the aforementioned algorithms are compared based on the bit length, complexity and execution time of the GNSS navigation message. In terms of bit error rate, LDPC coding exhibits more ability in the robustness of the navigation message, while polar code gives better results according to the execution time.Practical implicationsIn view of future new GNSS signals and message design, the findings of this paper may provide significant insight into navigation message modernization and design as an important part of GNSS modernization.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that conducts a direct comparison of various FEC algorithms on GNSS navigation message performance against noise, taking into consideration turbo and newly developed polar codes.