Formation of Radiation Patterns of Small-Element Antenna Arrays for GNSS Interference Suppression

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation study of a smallsized $\mathbf{3} \times \mathbf{3}$ antenna array designed to enhance the interference robustness of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. The capabilities of spatial null steering in the radiation pattern using the Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR) and Linearly Constrained Minimum Variance (LCMV) algorithms are investigated. A mathematical model of an antenna array for receiving signals from navigation satellites and forming a radiation pattern with interference suppression is presented. A square 9-element antenna array is used to illustrate limiting cases of deep simultaneous suppression of interference from up to eight directions. To extend the angular range of interference arrival up to 20° × 30°, a method based on closely spaced null-forming points in the radiation pattern is proposed. This method also enables efficient spatial scanning for interference detection.