Next generation GPS

Stanford University, earlier this week, announced the creation of the Stanford Center for Position, Navigation, and Time (SCPNT). Some highlights from the press release…

Since Stanford led the development and deployment of the widely used error correction system called the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) in 2003, the main limitation to GPS has become loss of signal for either of two reasons: an obstructed line of sight or radio interference (malevolent interference is known as "jamming"). Research at the SCPNT will address both problems.

SCPNT researchers are already looking at techniques to get the maximum benefit from the new signals to be available from GPS satellites. To date, civilians have only had total access to signals at one frequency. In the next decade, GPS will begin to broadcast signals at three frequencies for civilians. In addition, SCPNT will leverage the signals from the Russian satellite navigation system, called GLONASS; the upcoming system from Japan, called QZSS; and the signals from Galileo under development by Europe…

… SCPNT researchers are also developing several technologies to compensate for temporary signal losses. Among the solutions are new micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) and atom-based sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes (to measure movement) and oscillators (to measure time) that can be embedded in GPS receivers. When a GPS signal is lost the sensors can continue providing position and time information by recording the receiver’s movement since the last signal was received.

To ensure that these robust receivers are also inexpensive, the SCPNT is working to develop lower power GPS integrated circuits. These receivers will also leverage signals from other radio sources like television stations and existing radio navigation systems such as Loran.

In addition to developing the WAAS for the Federal Aviation Administration and JPALS for the Navy, Stanford is also working to deploy a complementary Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) that will be used at major airports. By providing decimeter accuracy, the LAAS will allow jetliners to land fully automatically when needed.

SCPNT already has their website up.