A scheme for weak GPS signal acquisition aided by SINS information

In order to enhance the acquisition performance of global positioning system (GPS) receivers in weak signal conditions, a high-sensitivity acquisition scheme aided by strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) information is proposed. The carrier Doppler shift and Doppler rate are pre-estimated with SINS aiding and GPS ephemeris, so that the frequency search space is reduced, and the dynamic effect on the acquisition sensitivity is mitigated effectively. Meanwhile, to eliminate the signal-to-noise ratio gain attenuation caused by data bit transitions, an optimal estimation of the unknown data bits is implemented with the Viterbi algorithm. A differential correction method is then utilized to improve the acquisition accuracy of Doppler shift and therefore to meet the requirement of carrier-tracking loop initialization. Finally, the reacquisition experiments of weak GPS signals are implemented in short signal blockage situations. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme can significantly improve the acquisition accuracy and sensitivity and shorten the reacquisition time.