A GPS L2C Signal Programmable Correlator

The Global Position System (GPS) is currently modernizing its signals. The L2C signal was incorporated in 2005 for civil use as a complement of the L1 signal. Having several signals in different bands lets the receiver correct the errors caused by the ionosphere efficiently and provide not only a major protection against interferences but also a better exactitude in the position calculation. In this paper, the design and implementation of a correlation channel for the GPS-L2C signal using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) are presented. The correlation channels give the receiver essential information about the synchronism state with the received signals. With this information the receiver is able to synchronize with the signals coming from the satellites, demodulate the data and calculate its position and speed. Both the outstanding aspects of the implemented architecture as well as the most relevant results obtained from the validation tests are shown.