BIOGRAPHIES ABSTRACT
Frederic Bastide graduated as an electronics engineers at In the coming years, additional radio navigation signals
the ENAC, the French university of civil aviation, in will be broadcast. For the civil aviation community, the
2001, Toulouse. He is now a Ph.D student at the ENAC. GPS L5 signal and GALILEO E5a and E5b signals are of
Currently he is working on DME/TACAN and particular interest. Indeed they will be broadcast in an
JTIDS/MIDS signals impact on GNSS receivers. He also ARNS band and are expected to increase accuracy,
spent 6 months at the Stanford GPS Lab in 2003 as an availability, integrity and continuity of service. However
exchange researcher. E5a/L5 and E5b bands interfering environment is heavy
and has been presented in several papers. In particular,
Eric Chatre graduated as an electronics engineer in Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and Tactical Air
1992 from the ENAC (Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Navigation (TACAN) systems operate in the 960-1215
Civile), Toulouse, France. From 1994 to 2001, he MHz frequency band also allocated to these new GNSS
worked with the Service Technique de la Navigation signals. These pulsed navigation systems consist of an
Aérienne (STNA) in Toulouse on implementation of airborne interrogator and a ground-based transponder that
satellite navigation in civil aviation. He is now part of emits high-power signals constituting a real threat.
the Galileo Interim Support Structure where he is in
charge of standardisation and certification matters. He is The aim of this paper is to propose a new assessment of
secretary of Eurocae WG 62. the impact of such interference on future GNSS receivers.
This impact is evaluated through the computation of the
Christophe Macabiau graduated as an electronics equivalent post-correlation signal-to-noise density ratio
engineer in 1992 from the ENAC (Ecole Nationale de degradation. Degradation is derived from the Signal-to-
l’Aviation Civile) in Toulouse, France. Since 1994, he has Noise plus Interfererence ratio (SNIR) at the prompt
been working on the application of satellite navigation correlator output. Obtained results are useful to assess
techniques to civil aviation. He received his Ph.D. in 1997 performance of receiver functions using prompt correlator
and has been in charge of the signal processing lab of the sums such as signal acquisition and carrier phase tracking.
ENAC since 2000. DME/TACAN degradations have already been assessed
by other authors but we bring here more accurate software
Benoit Roturier graduated as a CNS systems engineer and theoretical tools and the corresponding results.
from Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC), Degradation computation is carried out in two different
Toulouse in 1985 and obtained a PhD in Electronics from ways. First, a realistic receiver simulator is used that
Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse in 1995. He processes useful GNSS signals and interfering
was successively in charge of Instrument Landing DME/TACAN signals. Then, a theoretical derivation of
Systems at DGAC/STNA (Service Technique de la degradation has been developed taking into account
Navigation Aerienne), then of research activities on CNS separately the effects of low-level and high-level pulses.
systems at ENAC. He is now head of GNSS Navigation One important assumption for interference generation is
subdivision at STNA and is involved in the development that arrival times of pulses follow a Poisson distribution
of civil aviation applications based on GPS/ABAS, that is used to assess the effect of pulse collisions.
EGNOS and Galileo. Another important aspect of the theoretical analysis is the
consideration of the interference carrier effect yielding
low blanker duty cycles but contributing to the
Equivalent post-correlation C/N0 degradation is computed The AGC is a variable gain amplifier whose role is to
from prompt inphase correlator output samples. A basic adapt its gain to reduce quantization losses. Given the
correlator is illustrated below in the receiver scheme. The front-end filter bandwidth and the number of bits there is
received signal sR(t) at the antenna port is first filtered by an optimal gain [4,5]. The AGC system can be analog or
the equivalent RF/IF front-end filter H(f). The filtered digital by, for instance, looking at ADC bins distribution.
where
• α =4.5e11 s-2
Figure 3 EUROCAE interference masks and simulated filter • ∆t =12e-6 s is the inter-pulse interval
on E5b
−α (t − t k )2 −α (t − ∆t −t k )2
cos(2π ( f + ∆f
sDME / TACAN , f (t ) = J . H ( f J ) ∑ e +e jammer )t + θ J )
2 2 2
IF
k
where
• J is the jammer peak power at the antenna port
• fJ is the received jammer carrier frequency
• {tk} is the ensemble of pulse pairs arrival times
• ∆jammer is the frequency offset of the jammer
carrier with respect to either E5a/L5 or E5b
• θJ is the jammer carrier phase
collisions
[ ]
derivation. The classical definition of the SNIR is the 2
G AGC .PGNSS
= α. .(1 − Bdc )
2 2
ratio of the squared mean of the prompt correlator output E I GNSS , P
4
divided by its variance [10]:
In the absence of blanker it becomes
E [I GNSS , P ] = α . AGC GNSS
G 2 .P
E [I P ]
2 2
SNIR = 4
Var[I P ] So the useful signal power degradation deg(signal ) is
= E [(I + I )]
output is expressed when a digital blanker is 2
implemented. This power is E[IP]2= E[IGNSS,P]2 given that n, P jammer , P
= E [I ]+ 2 E [I .I ]+ E [I ]
both thermal noise and DME/TACAN signals are zero- 2 2
mean. Neglecting double-frequency terms that are filtered n,P n, P jammer , P jammer , P
2
[ ] G
E I n2, P = E AGC
TP
( )
∫ n(t )c(t − τˆ)cos 2πf IF t − θˆ χblank (t ).dt
The blanking function may be assumed independent from TP
both the useful GNSS signal and thermal. Indeed, this
( ) ( )
2
E ∫ ∫ n(t )n(u )c(t − τˆ )c(u − τˆ ) cos 2πf IF t − θˆ cos 2πf IF u − θˆ χ blank (t )χ blank (u ).dt.du
GAGC
=
function mainly depends on pulsed interference which are TP2 TP TP
the predominant signals. So,
( ( ) ( ))
2
= 2 ∫ ∫ K n (t − u )K C (t − u )E cos 2πf IF t − θˆ cos 2πf IF u − θˆ E (χ blank (t )χ blank (u )).dt.du
GAGC
TP TP TP
E [I GNSS , P ] =
PGNSS .GAGC
2.TP
[ ] [ ( )]
. ∫ .E c XQ, f (t − τ ).c XQ (t − τˆ ) .E cos θ − θˆ .E[χ blank (t )].dt
TP Front-end filtering is neglected for the moment thus
thermal noise is supposed white and its autocorrelation
Suppose in the following code and carrier phases tracking function is Kn(τ)=N0/2.δ(τ) so the double integral is non
processes are perfect so that τ = τˆ and θ = θˆ . Then, null only when t=u. Thus,
previous expression leads to
[ ] G 2 .N . f
E I n2, P = AGC O P .(1 − Bdc )
4
Pulses whose peak power is below the blanking threshold
will entirely enter the digital correlator. A convenient way
Without blanker, the power is to take into account their effect is to compute the
E [I n2, P ] = AGC O P
G 2 .N . f interference coefficient. So as to compute this coefficient,
4 DME/TACAN signal power spectral density is required,
So eventually, the thermal noise power degradation so first its autocorrelation function is calculated. To
deg(thermal noise) expression is simplify computation, the main assumption in the
following is to consider a Gaussian-shape pulse as
deg(thermal noise) = (1 − Bdc) rectangle, see next plot, whose length Teq is called the
Note: equivalent duration of a pulse and is defined as [12]
Because of the front-end filtering, output power is lower,
+∞
indeed it can be shown [11] that 1
Teq = . ∫ e −αt .dt
2
[ ]
E I n2, P = β .G AGC
2
.
N0. f P
4
.(1 − Bdc )
J −∞
A sinc2-shape, with nulls every 380 kHz, is easily The corresponding correlator output power Pout is then
observed on the PSD plot. It originates from rectangular- very well approximated by,
shape pulse with length 2.64 s considered in the
theoretical derivation. Moreover, the 12 s separation fp
between the two pulses of each pair implies smaller Pout = G AGC
2
.Pjammer .C I (∆f ).
4
internal lobes separated by about 83 kHz.
Pjammer is the mean DME/TACAN signal power after
The interference coefficient CI(∆f) at the frequency offset front-end filtering. According to the Poisson distribution
∆f is defined as [4], properties, it can be easily demonstrated that
. H ( f J ) .(2λTeq ).e eq
J − 2 λT
Pjammer =
2
−∞
2
where
Note: division by two comes from the carrier effect.
Bdc COMPUTATION
P ( N ,τ ) =
(λ.τ )N .e −(λ .τ )
Eventually, the correlator output SNIR in presence of N!
DME/TACAN signals (referenced by index i) is:
Moreover, one very useful property of such random
α . GNSS .(1 − Bdc )2
P distributions is that knowing there is one (or more) arrival
SNIR = 4 time(s) during a certain interval of time τ, this arrival
(1 − Bdc ). f p time(s) is(are) uniformly distributed over τ. For the sake
.(1 − Bdc ) + .∑ Pjammer ,i .C I ,i (∆f )
NO . f P
β. of simplicity, assume pulses that may enter in collision
4 4 i
have blanker activation times at least equal to the blanker
activation time of the initial pulse. In reality durations
and the equivalent post-correlation C/N0 degradation may be shorter if for instance their peak powers are lower.
(equal to the SNR degradation) with respect to the Thus, without any collision,
nominal case (front-end filtering but no interference) is
T/ 0 collision = T
for one collision,
C 1 − Bdc
deg = T
1 T
N0
equ ∑ Pjammer ,i .CI (∆f i ) T/1 collision = ∫ t. .dt =
0
T 2
1+ i
β .N O for two collisions,
The larger is the power ratio the closer is the real mean
blanker activation time to the mean value computed in the
absence of carrier. This result may be better understood
when considering the probability density function of a
sinusoidal function with uniformly distributed phase over
[0,2π[, see Figure 13. Clearly there are more samples of
the carrier located around extremities than at lower
values. So when the ratio (J.|H(f)|2)/Th is large, the
probability for the carrier samples to be above the
threshold gets larger as compared with a lower ratio. Thus
Figure 11 Original DME/TACAN pulse and the blanked
version the real activation time gets closer to the activation time
value assuming pulse envelope only. Eventually, the real
Samples falling below the blanking threshold shouldn’t be mean activation time Tblanker of a DME/TACAN pulse
neglected because they participate to the noise floor at assuming pulse collision and carrier effect is
correlator output. Their effect has been described
previously. J . H ( f ) 2 −λT T (λT ) −λT T (λT )2 −λT
Tblan ker = γ . Te +
e + e + ...
Th 2 1! 3 2!
A complete GLS L5 receiver simulator is available for Degradations are now computed for the set of
our tests [15]. This simulator is based on a previously DME/TACAN beacons “visible” from an aircraft flying
built GPS L1 C/A receiver and has been validated through over the worst European location (longitude of 9° and
extensive tests. Because GPS L5 and GALILEO E5a latitude of 50°) at high altitude (FL 400). Only
signals will have the same signal structure, computed DME/TACANs within the direct line of sight visibility
degradations are assumed identical for these two signals. have been considered. The tropospheric refraction effects
GALILEO E5b structure is also identical so the only which may be assessed through a longer 4/3 earth radius
difference when simulating degradation is the equivalent radio horizon has not been considered at this stage.
RF/IF front-end filter.
Given the aircraft elevation with respect to each beacon,
The aim of these simulations is to estimate the equivalent
post-correlation C/N0 degradation and blanker duty cycle the proper DME/TACAN beacon antenna gain Gbeacon is
due to DME/TACAN signals only. Thus, some functions, applied to the transmitted power Pbeacon. We assumed two
such as AGC/ADC system, are not implemented to not different antenna gains, plotted in Figure 14, for DME
take into account associated losses. Only the following and TACAN beacons. An elevation angle of 0 degrees
functions were used: corresponds to the horizontal direction. It is interesting to
note over the European hot spot, the angle of arrival of
DME/TACAN signals is always comprised between -20°
• Signals generation: useful GNSS signals,
and 0° at the aircraft antenna level.
receiver thermal noise, DME/TACAN signals
• Front-end: equivalent RF/IF signal filtering,
Cable loss Lcable between the transmitter and the antenna
equivalent digital pulse blanking without
and free space propagation losses Lfree are accounted for.
AGC/ADC
Moreover regarding the aircraft antenna gain Gair, it is
• Tracking loops: phase lock loop (PLL) and delay assumed constant (-10 dBi) for elevations from -30° to -
lock loop (DLL)
Figure 14 Considered DME/TACAN beacon antenna gains An important result is that degradation is lower on E5b by
versus elevation about 2 dB without safety margin. With a safety margin
of 6 dB, E5b degradation is even lower by about 3.5 dB.
Simulations have shown negligible differences in Finally, a safety margin of 6 dB yields much higher
degradations and blanker duty cycles for the two degradations on both bands; there is an increase of about
proposed masks (RTCA and EUROCAE) so no 2.5 dB on E5a/L5 and about 1 dB on E5b.
distinction will be made in the following.
GEOGRAPHICAL DEGRADATION MAPS OVER
Next tables present the Bdc and equivalent post- EUROPE
correlation C/N0 degradation estimates obtained by the
theoretical derivation and simulations. A safety margin of
Theoretical derivation of the equivalent post-correlation
either 3 dB or 6 dB was also applied to the transmitted
C/N0 degradation and blanker duty cycle has been
power by DME/TACAN beacons. Four blanking
validated through tests using the GNSS receiver
thresholds were considered on E5a/L5: -120.0, -118.4
simulator. So we can compute theoretical degradations
dBW, -117.1 and -115.9 dBW and the following results
over the whole of Europe at FL 400. Figure 15 shows the
were obtained:
Figure 15 Locations of DME/TACAN beacons in Europe Figure 17 Theoretical E5b degradation over Europe due to
replying in the 1151-1213 MHz band (X mode) DME/TACAN signals – blanking threshold -120.0
dBW
Here is the E5a/L5 degradation plot over Europe for a
blanking threshold of -118.4 dBW:
Figure 20 Theoretical E5a/L5 C/N0 degradation and Bdc as a Reallocation of DME/TACAN beacons seems to be an
function of the bilateral reallocation bandwidth over
the European hot-spot
efficient way to reduce the impact of DME/TACAN
signals on GNSS receivers. However this solution is
expensive.
Degradation could be reduced by a factor 2 if all the
beacons transmitting within +/- 5 MHz around E5a/L5 are
reallocated. On E5b, with a blanking threshold of -120
dBW we get results of Figure 21. In this band a bilateral
reallocation of 10 MHz almost cancel degradations.
[3] Y.Ernou, “E5 band RF Interference Environment and [16] Personnal conversation with Chris Hegarty, August
receivers susceptibility”, 6th EUROCAE meeting, 2003
working paper 12, Madrid, 8-9 April 2003
[17] M.Tran, C.Hegarty, “Performance Evaluations of the
[4] A.J. Van Dierendonck, “GPS receivers”, Global New GPS L5 and L2 Civil (L2C) Signals”, Proceedings of
Positioning System: Theory and Application, B.Parkinson the Institute of Navigation National Technical Meeting,
and J.J Spilker, JR., Ed ., Washington, D.C.: AIAA, Inc., Anaheim, CA, January 2003
1996
[18] Stephens, S.A., and J.C. Thomas, “Controlled-Root
[5] H.Chang, “Presmapling, Filtering, Sampling and Formulation for Digital Phase-Locked Loops”, IEEE
Quantization Effects on the Digital Matched Filter Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems,
Performance”, Proceedings of the International January 1995
Telemetering Conference, 1982, pp. 889-915
[19] Anon, “Assessment of Radio Frequency Interference
[6] Grabowski, J, Hegarty, C, “Characterization of L5 Relevant to the GPS – appendix G”, RTCA, January 1997
Receiver Performance Using Digital Pulse blanking”,
Proceeding of The Institute of Navigation GPS Meeting,
Portland, OR, September 2002