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NTIA Report TR-01-384

Measurements to Determine Potential Interference to GPS Receivers from Ultrawideband Transmission Systems

February 2001

J. Randy Hoffman, Michael G. Cotton, Robert J. Achatz, Richard N. Statz, and Roger A. Dalke

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Abstract: This report describes laboratory measurements of Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver vulnerability to ultrawideband (UWB) interference. The laboratory measurements were performed by inserting increased levels of UWB interference until an operating GPS receiver lost lock. At each interference level leading up to loss of lock, reacquisition time, fundamental GPS measurements (e.g., pseudorange and carrier phase), status flags (e.g., potential cycle slips), and position data were sampled. A variety of UWB signals were tested, including aggregates of as many as six UWB sources. Two GPS receivers with different receiver architectures were tested.

Keywords: Global Positioning System (GPS); Ultrawideband (UWB); Impulse Radio; Amplitude Probability Distribution (APD); Interference Measurement; Noise; Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software are identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

To request a reprint of this report, contact:
Margaret Luebs, Publications Officer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 497-3572
info@its.bldrdoc.gov

For technical information concerning this report, contact:
J. Randy Hoffman, Electronics Engineer
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
Voice: (303) 497-3582
rhoffman@its.bldrdoc.gov

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