Method and apparatus for gps signal receiving that employs a frequency-division-multiplexed phased array communication mechanism

Abstract

An improved GPS signal receiver (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of antenna elements each receiving a plurality of GPS signals (e.g., GPS LI signals or GPS L2 signals). A plurality of mixers (which correspond to the array of antenna elements) and a combining node convert the GPS signals received at the antenna elements in a frequency-division-multiplexed (FDM) manner over FDM frequency bands logically assigned to the antenna elements to produce a composite signal representing such GPS signals. An analog-to-digital converter converts an analog signal derived from the composite signal (which may be an intermediate frequency signal or a baseband signal) into a digital word stream. Demultiplexing logic extracts GPS signal components in the digital word stream. The GPS signal components correspond to the FDM frequency bands logically assigned to the antenna elements. Beam forming logic, operably coupled to the demultiplexing logic, applies variable phase delay and variable gain to each GPS component in accordance with a set of weight values supplied thereto. Preferably, the beam forming logic is controlled to perform adaptive beam steering/nulling operations that provide for interference cancellation, multipath rejection and improved signal reception.