Implementation of global navigation satellite system software-defined radio baseband processing algorithms in system on chip

Abstract

The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is an international navigation system that determines users' locations globally using a constellation of satellites. Conventional hardware-based receivers often face challenges related to cost-effectiveness and lack of reconfigurability. To address these issues, GNSS software receivers have emerged, executing baseband processing methods on host computers. However, host PC-based GNSS software receivers encounter obstacles during real-time signal acquisition, such as computational complexity and data loss. This research paper introduces a real-time system on chip (SoC)-based GNSS software receiver to mitigate these concerns. The receiver utilizes the USRP N210 radio frequency (RF) front end to acquire GNSS signals in real-time. Baseband processing algorithms are executed using the Zynq 7000 SoC board, with modifications applied to the acquisition module. The effectiveness of the SoC-based GNSS receiver is evaluated under both stationary and dynamic conditions. Experimental outcomes indicate that the receiver provides precise user localization and facilitates prototype development. This methodology not only overcomes the limitations of conventional hardware-based receivers but also leverages the benefits of SoC architecture to process GNSS signals in a flexible and efficient manner.