Precise carrier phase measurements from a lost cost dual frequency GPS receiver

Military applications requiring the use of precise carrier phase and code measurements are increasing. This paper describes the capabilities and applications of a low cost dual frequency precision PPS GPS engine, the Rockwell Collins Miniature PLGR Engine (MPE) II. The MPE-II matches the virtues of a military GPS engine with the capabilities of a commercial survey quality receiver. It maintains track under high dynamics and under high jamming. It also determines precise carrier phase measurements synchronized to GPS 1 second epochs and at variable rates (up to 10 Hz). With the precise carrier phase measurements from both L1 and L2 available, an external user can determine highly accurate solutions for range and attitude applications. The MPE-II has proven its ability in many applications including survey and attitude determination systems and in space based orbit determination solutions. Other uses for the MPE-II includes targeting and guidance implementations, range tracking and time-space-positioning information (TSPI) sensor use, and other embedded engine applications requiring precision GPS measurements. This paper discusses the MPE's development history. It provides an overview of several of unique features (including precise carrier phase measurements and enhanced jammer immunity) and the MPE product family offerings that meet nearly all the needs of the military precision test and evaluation community. A look at several of the current and projected future applications of precision measurements by Rockwell handheld and embedded receivers concludes this overview.