Inverse Diffraction Parabolic Wave Equation Localisation System (IDPELS)

Troy A. Spencer, Rodney A. Walker, Richard M. Hawkes

Cooperative Resarch Centre for Satellite Systems (CRCSS), QUT University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Navigation Warfare, Electronic Warfare and Radar Division, Defence Science Technology Organisation (DSTO), Edinburgh, South Australia, Australia.

DOI:                 

Abstract

While GPS is a relatively mature technology, its susceptibility to radio frequency interference (RFI) is substantial. Various investigations, including the Volpe Report (Volpe, 2001) which was the result of a US Presidential Decision Directive (PDD-63) assigned to the Department of Transportation (DOT), have recommended that methods should be developed to monitor, report and locate interference sources for applications where loss of GPS is not tolerable. With GPS becoming an integral utility for developed society, the significance of research projects that enhance and expand the capabilities of GPS RFI localisation is highly important. In response to this requirement for GPS interference localisation, a novel technique called “Inverse Diffraction Parabolic Equation Localisation System” (IDPELS) has been developed. This technique exploits detailed knowledge of the local terrain and an inverse diffraction propagation model based on the Parabolic Equation method (PEM). In wave-propagation theory, an inverse problem may involve the determination of characteristics concerning the source, from field values measured at a certain point or certain regions in space. PEM is an electromagnetic propagation modelling tool that has been extensively used for many applications. This paper will present simulation and field trial results of IDPELS. Simulation results show that this technique has good promise to be useful in locating GPS jamming sources in highly-complex environments, based on networks of GPS sensing antennas. Results also show that the method is capable of locating multiple interference sources. Trials concerning the practical application of IDPELS are also provided. With measured lateral field profiles recorded with a single moving sensor platform in a van, results indicate IDPELS to be a pragmatic localisation technique.

Keywords

Parabolic, Inverse Diffraction, Propagation, Localisation

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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