Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have revolutionized today’s military technology. In the world of modern warfare wherein communications, positioning, and timing all play huge roles, satellite technology is a necessity that military groups increasingly rely on.
The problem, though, is that GPS signals weaken considerably when sent to Earth. Thermal noise blurs the signals. It creates obstacles that make it difficult for organizations to communicate without disruption.
Furthermore, the weakening of the signals renders them susceptible to jamming, which in most cases, are planned and intentional. This is where the use of anti-jamming technology, such as a controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) simulator, comes into play.
Concept and goals
There are many threats placed on GPS signals. For instance, even just the small, 10-watt jammers already have the power to disrupt unprotected receivers. High-powered radio frequency (RF) equipment can also tap into these signals. Because of this, it’s even more dangerous for those in the military — especially those in active missions and whose lives are on the line.
GPS anti-jamming devices serve as a barrier for GPS receivers against intentional jamming and interference. This is especially useful — and in fact considered mandatory — in military operations, seeing as organizations need to protect the weakened GPS signals that they receive from the satellite.
Minimizing the threats
CRPA and other anti-jamming technologies considerably reduce the risks associated with compromised communication, positioning, and timing. These devices minimize the threats of such vulnerabilities through the use of power minimization. It then lessens the impact of jamming and interference. As a result, GPS receivers continue to function properly, keeping everything intact and stable.
GPS anti-jam technologies continue to evolve quickly. Thanks to all these improvements, such devices have become accessible to more applications. In the past, only valuable assets had access to them.