Software-based Real-time GNSS Signal Generation and Processing Using a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU)

Abstract

A graphic processing unit (GPU) can perform the same calculation on multiple data (SIMD: single instruction multiple data) using hundreds of to thousands of special purpose processors for graphic processing. Thus, high efficiency is expected when GPU is used for the generation and correlation of satellite navigation signals, which perform generation and processing by applying the same calculation procedure to tens of millions of discrete signal samples per second. In this study, the structure of a GPU-based GNSS simulator for the generation and processing of satellite navigation signals was designed, developed, and verified. To verify the developed satellite navigation signal generator, generated signals were applied to the OEM-V3 receiver of Novatel Inc., and the measured values were examined. To verify the satellite navigation signal processor, the performance was examined by collecting and processing actual GNSS intermediate frequency signals. The results of the verification indicated that satellite navigation signals could be generated and processed in real time using two GPUs.