Development of GNSS Transmitter and Receiver Using GNU Radio: A Software-Defined Approach

Numerous novel systems and technologies have surfaced in the domain of satellite navigation since the seminal advancement of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The entities comprise autonomous Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), including but not limited to the IRNSS of India, GLONASS of Russia, GALILEO of Europe, and BEIDOU-2 of China. Amidst this ever-changing environment, there has been a growing need for dependable and adaptable receivers in a vast array of applications, including military, commercial, research, and commercial sectors. Flexibility in this context entails the ability to adapt to future enhancements as well as reconfigure in real-time to accommodate various signal formats. One potential strategy for achieving these design goals is to implement the software-defined radio (SDR) paradigm. Recent progress in processor technology has facilitated the creation of (completely) software-defined receivers that exhibit performance levels comparable to or surpassing those of conventional hardware devices. Moreover, these receivers provide the benefits of adaptability and complete configurability. However, there are obstacles to upgrading existing hardware devices, particularly regarding support for and compatibility with legacy protocols. The implementation of reconfigurable hardware architecture offers a feasible resolution to these challenges by facilitating the modification of hardware to accommodate advancements in technology. However, the financial investment necessary to acquire the necessary hardware and software for configuring this module remains substantial. In this paper, a GNSS transmitter and receiver are implemented using GNU Radio. This demonstrates the capability of software-defined radio technology to tackle the changing requirements of satellite navigation systems effectively.