Radio Navigation
Work has been carried out with J. Toth, K. Runtz, and R. Palmer in developing new low cost, short range, radio positioning systems based on adaptive FIR filtering and time domain spectral estimation. The systems can determine absolute positions with a high degree of accuracy and are well suited for real time navigation. The approach is based upon signal processing techniques and apriori knowledge of the system transfer function. The system electronics include a microprocessor, digital logic, R.F. receiver and transmitter. The carrier and intermediate frequencies are all derived from one common frequency using Phase Locked Loops and a digital phase detection system. Prototype systems based upon FPGA technology have been implemented and are now commercially available through the spin-off company Accutrak Ltd. These systems offer 15 cm. accuracy with a 100 ms update rate at approximately one tenth the cost of slower differential GPS systems. The two principal markets for these systems are precision farming and mine detection.
This page last updated on November 26, 1996.
Copyright © 1996 Ralph Mason.