Point Positioning Capability of Compact, Low-Cost GNSS Modules: A Case Study

Abstract

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) provides precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) information. Various types of receivers of varying cost and complexity are used for collection and use of GNSS data. Currently, cost-effective, compact, low power consuming, multi-constellation enabled, single, or dual-frequency GNSS modules are being increasingly available having the capability of providing modest position solution accuracy. This paper presents the results of GPS, BeiDou, and GPS + BeiDou hybrid positioning capabilities of few commercially available modules based on systematic analysis from data collected during two time periods from two locations of India using geodetic and commercial patch antennas w.r.t. the reference points created through PPP (Precise Point Positioning). The results are compared with those provided a survey-grade GNSS receiver. It is witnessed that, selected single frequency module can provide 3-4m 2DRMS (Distance Root Means Square) precision and their dual frequency counterparts can provide 2DRMS solution precision around 3 m in GPS-only operation, around 7 m in BeiDou-only operation and around 3.5 m in case of GPS + BeiDou hybrid operation. The performance of the compact modules clearly presents the cost-performance benefit of the compact modules for real-time applications and the results of this study would help in understanding the capabilities of these modules for mass-market applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Compact modules
• Geodetic antenna
• GNSS
• Low-cost antenna
• Position accuracy
• Precision

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), New Delhi (Project Code: ERIP/ER/DG-MSS/990516601/M/01/1658), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi (Project Code: File N0. 8-10/ RFID/RPS/POLICY-1/2016-17) and University Grants Commission (UGC) (Project: CAS-2) for the financial support to carry out the work.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Somnath Mahato

Somnath Mahato received the BTech degree in electronics and communication engineering from Meghnad Saha Institute of Technology in 2012 and MTech degree in electronics and comm engineering (Microwaves) from The University of Burdwan in 2014. Presently, working as a senior research fellow at the University of Burdwan. He was the recipient of the SAIARD Junior Scientist award and URSI-RCRS Young Scientist Award in 2020. He has received best paper presentation awards from Centre for Environment and Economic Development and Geospatial Conclave in the year of 2018 and 2020. He is a senior member of URSI. His research interests include global navigation satellite system, satellite communication, radar and navigation systems, and microwave active and passive device design. Email: [email protected]

Atanu Santra

Atanu Santra is currently working as a senior research fellow in GNSS laboratory, the University of Burdwan, India. He is pursuing PhD in part time category in electronics and communication engineering at National Institute of Technology, Sikkim, India. He completed BTech. and MTech. from JIS College of Engineering and The University of Burdwan, India, respectively. His primary research area is NavIC PNT services, multi-GNSS, and ionosphere irregularity monitoring. Email: [email protected]

Sukabya Dan

Sukabya Dan is pursuing his PhD degree in electronics and communication engineering from the National Institute of Technology Mizoram. Currently, he is associated with the Department of Physics, The University of Burdwan as senior research fellow. He got his MTech and BTech degree from Kalyani University and West Bengal University of Technology, respectively. His research interest includes GNSS positioning techniques, IRNSS, low-cost GNSS modules, development of the prototype for GNSS based applications. Email: [email protected]

P. Banerjee

P Banerjee, FIET, SMIEEE, FIETE, FMSI, FURSI, joined National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi and retired as senior deputy director, chief scientist. Later he served as professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Amity University, Noida. Currently, he is a visiting faculty in Burdwan University. He has more than 40 years’ experience in the design and development of analog and digital circuits, microprocessors-based system, electronic instrumentations, phase lock system, time dissemination techniques via geostationary satellite, GPS, GLONASS and GNSS system and generation of time scale, etc. He was a member of scientific expedition to Antarctica. He was the Chairman of Commission A of International Union of Radio Science (URSI). He is a recipient of URSI Young Scientist Award, IETE Hari Ramji Toshniwal gold Medal, distinguished visiting professorship from INAE. Email: [email protected]

Surajit Kundu

Surajit Kundu received BTech degree in electronics and communication engineering from Academy of Technology in 2009, MTech degree from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur in 2012 and PhD degree from National Institute of Technology, Sikkim in 2018. Since 2014, he is working as an assistant professor in the Department of ECE, National Institute of Technology Sikkim. Dr Kundu is a senior member of IEEE and URSI. He published 35 research papers in SCI journals and conference proceedings so far. His research interest includes antenna design, ultra-wideband communication, frequency selective surfaces, satellite communication, navigation, and ground-penetrating radar. He received “Young Indian Radio Scientist” award from URSI-InRaSS in AP-RASC 2019. Email: [email protected]

Anindya Bose

Anindya Bose, BSc, MSc, MPhil, PhD, FIETE, SMURSI, MASI, MIGNSS, is working as a senior scientific officer in the Department of Physics, The University of Burdwan, India. His research career started at Time and Frequency Section, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, India. He is a recipient of URSI Young Scientist Award. His research interest includes GNSS and he leads the GNSS Laboratory Burdwan (GLB). The group is working on Multi-GNS, on efficient and cost-effective LBS development using GNSS for Indian context. The group is a member of Multi-GNSS Asia (MGA), received recognition from ESA, and have provided consultancy support to several GNSS based Industries in India. His other research interests include microwaves communication, antennas, and e-Learning.