Optimization of the carrier tracking loop for GPS high dynamic receivers

A carrier tracking loop which can adjust the loop parameters adaptively is proposed for high dynamic application. Three modules, called the α-β-γ filter model, adaptive loop structure model and adaptive loop bandwidth model respectively, are added in the presented tracking loop compared with the traditional carrier tracking loop based on the second-order frequency lock loop (FLL) assisting third-order phase lock loop (PLL) loop filter. And the optimization methods for the tracking bandwidth and the carrier loop order are analyzed. The real-time estimation methods of the dynamic parameters, the velocity, acceleration and jerk along the line of sight (LOS) between the satellite and the receiver’s antenna, and the measurement parameters are discussed based on the presented α-β-γ filter algorithm. A method is introduced to improve the filter’s dynamic response to meet high dynamic application by self-adjusted α-β-γ filter coefficient used in the tracking loop. The performance of three cases with different carrier tracking loop is compared by simulation.