Analog distortion of wideband signal in satellite navigation payload

The non-ideal components in the navigation signal generation chain of a GNSS satellite payload can induce various signal distortions, which lead to ranging error and impact positioning accuracy. This paper investigates the non-ideal characteristics of analog components in the payload including the up-convertor, filter, HPA, and OMUX. We establish the distortion model of the analog signal generation chain, and propose the simulation methods for phase noise and HPA memory effect, as well as the performance evaluation formulation. Then the distortions of the most demanding AltBOC(15,10) signal after each component are analyzed in the frequency, modulation, and correlation domains. The code phase and carrier phase tracking errors are further assessed. The simulation results quantify the impact of each non-ideal component on the signal performance. The study provides a useful reference for the design and evaluation of navigation signal and payload as well as the specification of satellite signal quality. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.