Dual-Band RF Front-End Solution for Hybrid Galileo/GPS Mass Market Receivers

As a part of the GREAT project (Galileo receiver for the mass market) research and development activities focused on GNSS mass market receivers for handset terminals have been carried out. In this context, ACORDE is developing a RF subsystem, able to operate with Galileo and GPS satellite signals in the presence of the major 2 G/3 G cellular signals or other assistance technology, and investigating the multiband approach. The key focus is on a highly integrated radio front-end (FE) suitable for use within the mobile phone environment for location based services, satisfying the basic requirements for a mass market receiver such as low cost, low footprint, good accuracy, low power consumption and high sensitivity. The target is a Galileo E1/E5A and GPS L1/L5 dual-system dual band GNSS receiver. This paper will discuss the RF system level design issues for such type of receiver and the preliminary results obtained for the first prototypes of a custom MMIC chipset developed in the frame of the project.