Intermittent tracking in weak signal environments

Intermittent tracking or cyclic tracking is a common method used in modern Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers to conserve power. It is critical for receivers in battery-operated devices like wearables, smartphones and handheld devices. These devices are often used in degraded or weak signal environments such as indoors. This paper discusses the challenges for intermittent signal tracking in weak signal scenarios and quantifies the achievable position accuracy. Issues for cyclic tracking in signal challenged environments are shown in the test results. Finally, a possible solution is proposed that can alleviate these effects.