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FUNTIMES-2: Future Navigation and Timing Evolved Signals - 2

The Future Navigation and Timing Evolved Signals – 2 (FUNTIMES-2) project is a European GNSS mission evolution study funded by the European Commission within the Horizon 2020 Framework for Research and Development.

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Description

Contract Number: 630/PP/GRO/RCH/17/9877

Project Segment: Multi-modal

Duration: 24 months (January 2019 – January 2021)

Budget: €600 000

Project Partners: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (Prime Contractor, Germany), École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (France), Fondazione LINKS (former Istituto Superiore Mario Boella) (Italy), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain), Universität der Bundeswehr München (Germany)

Project Officer: Dominic Hayes (DEFIS.C.2) dominic [dot] hayesatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (dominic[dot]hayes[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Technical Officer: Matteo Paonni (JRC.E.2) matteo [dot] paonniatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (matteo[dot]paonni[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Background

The European Global Satellite Navigation System Galileo has nearly achieved the full operational capability (FOC), while the corresponding user segment is constantly increasing. The processing of Galileo signals, in particular in the E1-band, is an integral part of modern mass market chips. In addition, advanced versions supporting dual frequency reception (E1 – E5 band) and processing have begun to enter the market.

In this context a strong need for continuity of R&D activities in the field of navigation signal engineering is required. Considering the long process required for introducing new signals and features in a system that is already deployed and finds itself in the almost in the operational phase, early R&D activities become essential to investigate potential evolutions and new concepts to improve the Galileo signals and services in the short, medium and long term.

Project Objectives

Based on the review of signal concepts proposed by a predecessor study in the light of the latest trends in user needs and user receiver technology, the FUNTIMES-2 study aimed at studying the Galileo signal evolution ranging from extending the current signals up to the definition of new signal concepts aiming at the provision of enhanced PNT services.

Results

The project started by updating both the definition of the key elements characterizing GNSS signals and current signal plans of the major global and regional satellite systems. In parallel, a literature survey on the various proposals for the evolution and optimization of navigation signals and a critical review of the findings of the predecessor study were carried out.

The obtained findings in combination with a compiled summary of the current receiver technologies and techniques and the identification of receiver technology trends within the following 20 years led to the definition of a research plan that guided the subsequent core navigation signal R&D activity.

Various solutions belonging to the following areas were analyzed:

  1. Various approaches to support signal acquisition either by introducing spreading codes appropriate for partial correlation or new signal components exhibiting a small bandwidth
  2. Meta-signal processing for improved position accuracy.
  3. Advanced solutions for signal authentication.
  4. New concepts for the data message based on CSK modulation and LDPC forward error correction.

Expected Impact

The project allowed studying elements in the field of GNSS signal engineering, illuminating possible ways to the evolution of the Galileo current signal plan. The technical solutions offered by this study have been mainly investigated to modernize and complement the current Galileo Open Service signals, but can be also adopted by any other GNSS. The proposed ideas present different levels of maturity. In some cases the solutions are ready to be implemented in the currently deployed systems, while in other cases they would require a corresponding evolution of the space and ground segments of Galileo. Where deemed necessary, specific recommendations for future R&D work in the areas studied in the project were provided.

 

Disclaimer: The project results represent the views of the consortium. They do not necessarily represent the views of the European Commission and they do not commit the Commission to implementing the results.