Performance Limits for Signals of Opportunity-Based Navigation

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the theoretical limits of signals of opportunity for navigation, using modified Cramér-Rao bounds and simulations to evaluate accuracy and infrastructure needs for both non-terrestrial and terrestrial signals.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive MCRLB-based framework to assess the potential and limitations of SOOP signals for navigation without extensive signal simulation.

Findings

MCRLB effectively predicts ranging accuracy for various SOOP signals.

Non-terrestrial SOOP can achieve high accuracy with proper signal characteristics.

Terrestrial SOOP offers feasible infrastructure-based navigation solutions.

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential of non-terrestrial and terrestrial signals of opportunity (SOOP) for navigation applications. Non-terrestrial SOOP analysis employs modified Cram\`er-Rao lower bound (MCRLB) to establish a relationship between SOOP characteristics and the accuracy of ranging information. This approach evaluates hybrid navigation module performance without direct signal simulation. The MCRLB is computed for ranging accuracy, considering factors like propagation delay, frequency offset, phase offset, and angle-of-arrival (AOA), across diverse non-terrestrial SOOP candidates. Additionally, Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP) and low earth orbit (LEO) SOOP availability are assessed. Validation involves comparing MCRLB predictions with actual ranging measurements obtained in a realistic simulated scenario. Furthermore, a qualitative evaluation examines terrestrial SOOP, considering signal availability, accuracy attainability, and infrastructure demands.