Performance analysis of a stand-alone high-sensitivity receiver

Abstract.

The use of GPS for personal location using wireless devices requires satellite signal measurements both outdoors and indoors. In the outdoor environment propagation paths may range from line-of-sight to shaded or blocked. The indoor environment may range from single-floor wooden constructions to high-rise buildings and underground facilities. In this paper, a high-sensitivity receiver which operates in unaided stand-alone mode is tested under a range of shaded and blocked signal environments, ranging from residential outdoor areas to urban canyons and residential houses. The measurement analysis is performed in both the observation and position domains. The results show that the receiver tested is able to yield measurements with C/N₀ degradations in excess of 20 dB-Hz, as compared to line-of-sight measurements. Position results are a function of the geometry of the remaining satellites, which in turn is a function of the environment.