Impact of carrier to noise power density, platform dynamics, and IMU quality on deeply integrated navigation

In this paper, the authors investigate how the Carrier to Noise power density ratio (C/N₀), platform dynamics, and differing Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) quality affect the performance of Deeply Integrated (DI) algorithms. Two different DI algorithms are described in detail and analyzed using a high fidelity GPS simulator. The first algorithm is a Vector Delay/Frequency Lock Loop (VDFLL). The second algorithm is a Deeply Integrated GPS/INS system with differing grades of IMUpsilas. The ability of the algorithms to operate at low C/N₀ levels and in high dynamics is investigated empirically with the GPS simulator. The VDFLL algorithm can successfully track the received GPS signals through 2 g, 4 g, and 8 g coordinated turns at 19 dB-Hz. Initial results of the Deeply Integrated GPS/INS algorithm show its operation through the 2 g, 4 g, and 8 g coordinated turn at 16 dB-Hz with a tactical grade IMU.