A Totally Software Approach for an Integrated GPS/SATCOM Receiver

Abstract

GPS signal processing is conventionally performed in hardware correlators controlled by a medium-performance microprocessor. The high data transfer rates and processing power of the transputer make it feasible to perform the entire task in software. Because of the proximity of the mobile SATCOM band to the GPS band, a combined set can share radio hardware, and on a time-multiplexed basis can use the same CPU and radio for both GPS and SATCOM. A demonstrator of this technology has been built and proven, and this article covers the rationale behind its design.