Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application is related to copending and co-owned application titled GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM SPOOLER IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUE, Serial Number 14/678,755, filed on April 3, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

Background

Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention generally relates to electronics, and in particular, to global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] The global positioning system (GPS) is an example of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). A potential threat to the performance of a GNSS receiver is known as“spoofing.” Spoofing includes the transmission of false GNSS signals that can trick a GNSS receiver into incorrectly estimating its position, velocity, and/or time. One form of spoofing is known as“meaconing,” in which real GNSS signals are rebroadcast in a manner that causes the GNSS receiver to incorrectly estimate position, velocity, and/or time.

[0004] In addition, m certain situations, it can be difficult to upgrade or replace an existing GNSS receiver. For example, some GNSS receivers are custom-made or are built into objects such as vehicles. It would be desirable to provide a countermeasure to render these and other GNSS receivers to be less vulnerable to spoofing attacks.

Summary

[0005] One embodiment includes an apparatus including a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver for providing anti-spoofing capability to a second GNSS receiver, wherein the apparatus includes: a first group of acquisition and tracking functions configured to acquire and track multiple downconverted signals, wherein an acquisition and tracking function includes a hardware correlator; a processor configured to determine winch of the multiple downconverted signals are based on authentic GNSS signals and which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on spoofed GNSS signals; and GNSS signal replicators configured to generate replicas of authentic GNSS signals based on timing settings used by the first group of acquisition and tracking functions to track the multiple downconverted signals that are based on authentic GNSS signals and not on timing settings used to track the multiple downconverted signals that are based on spoofed GNSS signals.

[0006] One embodiment includes a method for providing anti-spoofing capability from a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver a second GNSS receiver, wherein the method includes: acquiring and tracking multiple downconverted signals using a first group of acquisition and tracking functions, wherein an acquisition and tracking function includes a hardware correlator; determining which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on authentic GNSS signals and which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on spoofed GNSS signals; and using GNSS signal replicators, generating replicas of authentic GNSS signals based on timing settings used by the first group of acquisition and tracking functions to track the multiple downconverted signals that are based on authentic GNSS signals and not on timing settings used to track the multiple downconverted signals that are based on spoofed GNSS signals.

[0007] One embodiment includes an apparatus including a first global positioning system (GPS) receiver for providing anti-spoofing capability to a second GPS receiver, wherein the apparatus includes: a first group of acquisition and tracking functions configured to acquire and track multiple downconverted signals, wherein an acquisition and tracking function includes a hardware correlator; a processor configured to determine which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on authentic GPS signals and which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on spoofed GPS signals; and a means for generating replicas of authentic GPS signals based on timing settings used by the first group of acquisition and tracking functions to track the multiple downconverted signals that are based on authentic GPS signals and not on timing settings used to track the multiple downconverted signals that are based on spoofed GPS signals.

[0008] One embodiment includes an apparatus including a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver with anti-spoofing capability, wherein the apparatus inciudes: a beamformer having an output with a group of downconverted signals corresponding to a spot beam antenna pattern; a group of acquisition and tracking functions configured to acquire and track multiple downconverted signals, wherein an acquisition and tracking function includes a hardware correlator; and a processor configured to determine which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on authentic GNSS signals and which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on spoofed GNSS signals, wherein the processor is configured to determine that a downconverted signal is from an authentic space vehicle when a spot beam antenna pattern nominally pointed towards a location m space of a corresponding space vehicle is dithered and a signal strength of the downconverted signal vanes in an expected manner with dithering of the spot beam antenna pattern, wherein the processor is further configured to determine position based on the multiple downconverted signals that are based on the authentic GNSS signals and not on the multiple downconverted signals that are based on spoofed GNSS signals.

[0009] One embodiment includes a method for providing a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver with anti-spoofing capability, wherein the method includes: using a beamformer, generating an output with a group of downconverted signals corresponding to a spot beam antenna pattern; acquiring and tracking multiple downconverted signals using the group of acquisition and tracking functions, wherein an acquisition and tracking function includes a hardware correlator; determinming which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on authentic GNSS signals and which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on spoofed GNSS signals, wherein a downconverted signal is determined to be based on a signal from an authentic space vehicle when a spot beam antenna pattern nominally pointed towards a location in space of a corresponding space vehicle is dithered and a signal strength of the downconverted signal vanes in an expected manner with dithering of the spot beam antenna pattern; and determining position based on the multiple downconverted signals that are based on the authentic GNSS signals and not on the multiple downconverted signals that are based on spoofed GNSS signals. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] These drawings and the associated description herein are provided to illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be limiting.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an antenna and a GNSS receiver that can provide anti-spoofing capability to a second GNSS receiver via simulated GNSS signals. A beamformer provides a non-directional pattern output and a spot beam antenna pattern output.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1 with the addition of anti jamming processing.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of an antenna and a GNSS receiver that can provide anti-spoofing capability to a second GNSS receiver via simulated GNSS signals. A beamformer provides a spot beam antenna patern output.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 3 with the addition of anti jamming processing.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of an antenna and a GNSS receiver that can provide anti-spoofing capability to a second GNSS receiver via simulated GNSS signals. A beamformer provides multiple spot beam antenna patern outputs.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 5 with the addition of anti jamming processing

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a process for generating simulated or replica GNSS signals.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a process for determining whether a signal originated from an authentic space vehicle source or originated from a spoofer.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates an integrated antenna and GNSS receiver.

[0020] F igure 10 illustrates a separate antenna and GNSS receiver.

[0021] Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of an adapter for powering a GNSS receiver with anti -spoofing and providing simulated GNSS signals to a second GNSS receiver.

[0022] F igure 12 illustrates an embodiment configured to provide simulated

GNSS signals to multiple GNSS receivers. [0023] T 'o avoid repetition of description, components having the same or similar function may be referenced by the same reference number.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

[0024] Although particular embodiments are described herein, other embodiments, including embodiments that do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0025] Accurate reporting of position, velocity, and time are indeed desirable attributes of any GNSS receiver. While illustrated in the context of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), the principles and advantages described herein are applicable to other GNSS, such as, but not limited to, the Russian GLONASS system, the European Galileo system, the Chinese COMPASS system, the Indian IRNSS system, or the like.

[0026] GNSS receivers include, but are not limited to, navigation systems, surveying and mapping equipment, flight data recorders and other vehicle tracking equipment, Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), and the like. Various types of objects can rely on the GNSS-based information. These objects can include, but are not limited to smart phones, cars, trucks, aircraft, gliders, helicopters, watercraft, driverless or autonomous motor vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), guided missiles, cruise missiles, smart bombs, artillery, robots, farm equipment, network equipment, decoys, transponders, and the like. If a GNSS receiver for these objects were to incorrectly report information, undesirable events can occur to the object reiving on the GNSS-based information, such as getting lost or thrown off course, incorrectly fertilizing a field, getting into accidents or crashes, incorrectly reporting position, velocity, and/or time in log entries, incorrectly synchronizing transmission of data, incorrectly mapping a region, or the like.

[0027] One embodiment of the invention can advantageously provide one or more countermeasures against spoofers. One embodiment identifies a direction from which a spoofing attack occurs. A beamformer can control an antenna pattern of a controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) to generate a variety of antenna patterns, such as directional patterns with a main lobe and/or to generate one or more nulls for a pattern that may or may not be directional. For example, a variety of different antenna patterns can be selected for beam steering or for null steering. These different antenna patterns can vary by, for example, applying different phase shifts for the signals from the elements of the CRPA. Parameters for antenna patterns, such as phase shift information, can be generated during a calibration operation and can be stored in lookup tables for access during operation and can also be generated during use using space-time adaptive processing (STAP) and/or space- frequency adaptive processing (SFAP).

[QQ28] With digital beamforming, many different antenna patterns can be generated at the same time. The different antenna patterns are generated via different patterns of constructive and destructive interference. When a directional antenna pattern is generated by the beamformer, the antenna pattern exhibits gain along the direction of the mam lobe. A beam can be steered by changing the antenna pattern to one that has the main lobe along a different direction. When a null is generated by the beamformer, the antenna patern exhibits atenuation or loss along the direction of the null. The nulls can also be steered by changing the antenna pattern from among various antenna patterns having nulls.

[00:29] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an antenna 102 and components of a first GNSS receiver that can provide anti-spoofing capability to a second GNSS receiver via simulated GNSS signals 150. The second GNSS receiver can be a legacy GNSS receiver that does not inherently possess anti-spoofing capability. In certain embodiments, such as when the first GNSS receiver is only being use to provide anti-spoofing capability to the second GNSS receiver, the first GNSS receiver does not have to be a complete GNSS receiver and for example, does not need to provide a GNSS-based position, velocity, and time (PVT) solution as the PVT solution will be performed by the second GNSS receiver. However, for a standalone GNSS receiver, the capability to provide PVT can be readily added by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0030] The antenna 102 can correspond to a controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA). An RFDC block 104 of the illustrated GNSS receiver can include, for example, low noise amplifiers (LNAs), radio frequency (RF) downconverters, and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). RF signals from each antenna element of the antenna 102 are amplified and downconverted by the LNAs and downconverters to generate intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The IF signals are then converted to digital form by the ADCs to generate digital IF signals. In the context of military GPS receivers utilizing both LI and L2 bands, a digital IF signal downconverted from LI and a digital IF signal downconverted from L2 can be generated for each antenna element. In the context of GPS, since the various signals from the various space vehicles (SVs) are broadcast at the same frequencies, these digital IF signals typically carry multiple digital downconverted signals. An advantage of using digital IF signals is that multiple independent antenna patterns/beams can be formed by a beamformer (BF) 106 from the signals originating from the antenna 102.

[QQ31] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the beamformer 106 provides a non-directional pattern output and a spot beam antenna pattern output. In this example, the multiple downconverted signals from the non-directional pattern output are used for providing GNSS signal replication. The multiple downconverted signals from the spot beam antenna pattern output are used for identifying which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on authentic SV signals and which are based on spoofed signals.

[0032] In the context of GPS, the SVs broadcast their signals at the same frequencies. While these frequencies will be altered a bit by Doppler shift, multiple downconverted signals from multiple SV RF signals and possibly RF signals from spoofers can exist when received. Different SVs modulate their RF signals using different spreading codes or pseudo-random noise (PRN) codes such that a GPS receiver can distinguish among the signals. However, a spooler will broadcast its signals using the same spreading codes as the SVs. A meaconer type of spoofer can take authentic signals from SVs and rebroadcast them with delays. It can be difficult for a conventional GPS receiver to distinguish between authentic and spoofed signals, which can lead to undesirable results, such as miscalculations of position.

[0033] The multiple downconverted signals from the non-directional pattern output are provided as an input to multiple acquisition and tracking functions 108. These acquisition and tracking functions 108 should be numerous enough to acquire and track both downconverted signals based on authentic RF SV signals and acquire and track downconverted signals based on spoofed RF signals. Acquisition and tracking of PRN codes is well known in the art and involves synchronizing a replica code for a SV with the signal (or downconverted version of the signal) received. After a signal is acquired and is being tracked, the timing required for synchronization with the replica code will be known. This timing information, winch can be numerically-controlled oscillator (NCO) timing, can be the basis for reconstruction of a clean version of the GNSS signals, that is, a version without spoofing. These acquisition and tracking functions can include a combination of hardware and software. An example of hardware can include a correlator circuit, which is also known as a digital matched filter. Much of the control function, however, is typically implemented using firmware/sofitware instructions executed by a processor.

[0034] Using techniques to be described later, the acquired and tracked downconverted signals are characterized as being authentic or spoofed. For example, NCQ timing and the characterization can be stored m a memory device 110. A selector 112, which can be implemented by software, can pass identifiers for the relevant replica codes and the corresponding NCO timings to GNSS signal replicators 114 for only the authenticated signals. The GNSS signal replicators can modulate the SV replica code, such as coarse acquisition (C/A) codes and precise P(Y) codes onto an RF carrier, such as via binary phase- shift keying (BPSK) modulation. Other codes, such as military (M) codes exist and will also be applicable. The almanac data and the relevant ephemeris data for the SV can also be included in the modulation. This can be performed in a similar manner as is actually done in a SV. Other techniques can apply. The ephemeris data and almanac data can be retrieved from the authentic GNSS signals via the navigation message or can be retrieved from a different source, such as a computer network. The various modulated RF signals are then combined 116 and can be provided as an input to the second GNSS receiver to provide the second GNSS receiver with anti-spoofing capability. The RF combining technique is not critical as the RF signal power can be relatively low. A process for generating simulated or replica GNSS signals will be described later in connection with Figure 7.

[0035] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the multiple downconverted signals from the spot beam antenna pattern output of the heamformer 106 are provided as an input to multiple acquisition and tracking functions 120. The spot beam antenna pattern is used for identifying which of the multiple downconverted signals are based on authentic SV signals and which are based on spoofed signals. One technique to detect spoolers is described m copendmg and co-owned U.S. Patent Application Number 14/678,755, filed on April 3, 2015. Another technique will be described in greater detail later in connection with Figure 8. Other techniques may also be applicable. The characterization of signals as being based on authentic signals or spoofed signals can be repeatedly performed to maintain updated anti-spoofing. The authentication / control block 122 can perform the particular spoofing detection technique and provide the results to the memory device 110.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1 with the addition of anti-jamming processing. For example, space-time adaptive processing (STAP) or space- frequency adaptive processing (SFAP) techniques can be used to provide anti-jam capability'. As illustrated in Figure 2, a first STAP or SFAP processor 202 is disposed in a signal path between the non-directional antenna pattern output of the beamformer 106 and an input of the group of acquisition and tracking functions 108, and a second STAP or SFAP processor is disposed in a signal path between the spot beam antenna pattern output of the beamformer 106 and an input of the group of acquisition and tracking functions 120.

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of an antenna 102 and a GNSS receiver that can provide anti-spoofing capability to a second GNSS receiver via simulated GNSS signals. To avoid repetition of description with that of Figure 1, components having the same or similar function may be referenced by the same reference number.

[0038] Unlike the embodiment of Figure 1, the beamformer 306 does not have a non-directional antenna patern output. The beamformer 306 provides a spot beam antenna pattern output. The spot beam antenna pattern output is provided as an input to multiple acquisition and tracking functions 308. The spot beam antenna pattern output is used for both reconstruction of a clean GNSS signal and for distinguishing authentic signals from spoofed signals. As will be explained in greater detail later in connection with Figure 8, the spot beam can be pointed at particular locations in space where the SVs are supposed to be in order to distinguish between authentic and spoofed signals. While the spot beam may not be pointed towards other SVs, there should be enough energy received to maintain acquisition and tracking with the other SV signals.

[0039] Figure 4 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 3 with the addition of anti- jamming processing. As illustrated in Figure 4, a STAP or SFAP processor 402 is disposed in a signal path between the spot beam antenna pattern output of the beamformer 306 and an input of the group of acquisition and tracking functions 308.

[0040] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of an antenna 102 and a GNSS receiver that can provide anti-spoofing capability to a second GNSS receiver via simulated GNSS signals. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the beamformer 506 generates multiple spot beam antenna patterns. These multiple spot beam antenna patterns can advantageously provide gain in the direction of the SVs to provide additional anti-spoofing and anti-jamming capability over the embodiment described in connection with Figure 3.

[QQ41] Figure 6 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 5 with the addition of anti jamming processing. As illustrated m Figure 6, STAP or SFAP processors 602 are disposed in signal paths between the various spot beam antenna pattern outputs of the beamformer 306 and inputs of the groups of acquisition and tracking functions 508.

[QQ42] Figure 7 illustrates a process for generating simulated or replica GNSS signals. After the authenticated signals are identified, the timing information from these signals, such as NCO timing, is used to reconstruct clean GNSS replica signals. In a state 710, the NCOs that control the timing of code chips for SV PRN codes are loaded with the timing information from the authentic GNSS signals. In a state 720, these codes, such as, but not limited to, C/A codes and P(Y) codes, are modulated onto RF carriers to generate simulated GNSS signals. In a state 730, the various simulated GNSS signal are combined. The process can be repeated as desired. The second GNSS receiver can advantageously receive this clean GNSS replica signal and accurately provide PVT information even in the presence of spoolers.

[0043] Figure 8 illustrates a process for determining whether a signal originated from an authentic space vehicle source or originated from a spooler. While illustrated sequentially, the process can alternatively be performed in parallel for multiple signals from multiple SVs. The process begins with a selection of a particular SV code 810 with a particular tuning. As described earlier, in the presence of a spooler, multiple signals having the same SV code can be present. A spot beam from the beamformer is aimed or pointed towards a point in space where the particular SV is supposed to be. The location of a particular SV can be obtained from its ephemeris data. The aiming of the spot beam is then dithered 810 or moved around that point in space, and the signal power is monitored to see if it varies as expected 830. An authentic signal from a space vehicle will vary in power, such as carrier-to-noise ratio, as the spot beam is dithered. This variance can vary in a broad range based on beam width, the number of elements in the CRPA, etc. However, the expected amount of variance will be readily determined by one of ordinary- skill in the art. By contrast, the signal from a spooler on the ground will not vary as much as the beam is dithered.

[0044] If the signal power vanes as expected, the process determines that the signal is authentic and can flag that signal as authentic. If the signal power does not vary as expected, the process determines that the signal originates from a spoofer and can flag that signal as spoofed or untrustworthy. These determination can be used in reconstructing clean replica signals for a second GNSS receiver or for providing anti-spoofing capability in a standalone GNSS receiver. The process can be repeated for other signals of the same code but with different NCO timings and/or for other codes. These techniques can be implemented by execution of software modules by a computer hardware system. Instructions for the software can be stored in a tangible, computer-readable medium.

[0045] Figure 9 illustrates an integrated antenna and GNSS receiver 902. Figure 10 illustrates a separate antenna 1002 and GNSS receiver 1004. The clean simulated GNSS replica signals can be provided to the second GNSS receiver 906.

[0046] Figure 1 1 illustrates an embodiment of an adapter for powering a GNSS receiver with anti-spoofing and providing simulated GNSS signals to a second GNSS receiver. An antenna input port 1102 for the second GNSS receiver 906 can be used for both receiving GNSS signals and for providing preamplifier power. Of course, the simulated GNSS signals can be provided to the second GNSS receiver 906 via the antenna input port, but the preamplifier output can also be used to power a relay 1104 for powering of the GNSS receiver with anti-spoofing, as the power intended for a preamplifier can be insufficient to power up a GNSS receiver. A load 1 106 can be provided for RF matching. A capacitor 1108 can be used to isolate DC power and RF signals.

[0047] Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of an adapter for powering multiple GNSS receivers with anti-spoofing and providing simulated GNSS signals to multiple GNSS receivers. Antenna input ports for the GNSS receivers can be used for both receiving GNSS signals and for providing preamplifier power. The simulated GNSS signals can be provided to a given GNSS receiver via a respective antenna input port, and optionally the preamplifier output can also be used to power a relay for powering of the given GNSS receiver with anti spoofing. A load can be provided for each antenna input port for RF matching. Each antenna input port may be connected to an RF splitter so that the signal from the GNSS simulator may be shared by the multiple GNSS receivers. A capacitor can be used to isolate DC power and R signals.

[0048] Various embodiments have been described above. Although described with reference to these specific embodiments, the descriptions are intended to be illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.