Evolution to modernized GNSS ionoshperic scintillation and TEC monitoring

TLDR: The GPStation-6 as mentioned in this paper is the next generation GNSS ionospheric scintillation and TEC monitor, incorporating the proven GSV4004B receiver design with the ability to track multi-constellation, multi-frequency, GNSS measurements.

Abstract: The ionosphere, if not modeled sufficiently well, is the largest contributor of error in single frequency GNSS receivers. Modeling ionospheric effects is a major concern for a number of GNSS applications. Ionospheric disturbances induce rapid fluctuations in the phase and the amplitude of received GNSS signals. These rapid fluctuations or scintillation potentially introduce cycle slips, degrade range measurements, and if severe enough lead to loss of lock in phase and code. GNSS signals, although vulnerable, themselves provide an excellent way to measure the ionospheric effect continuously worldwide. Until now, ionospheric monitoring was performed using receivers such as the GSV4004B receiver, which was largely based on GPS only dual frequency receivers. Semi-codeless tracking of the GPS L2 signal greatly limited the accuracy, robustness and utility of the ionospheric TEC measurements and was useless for scintillation measurements on L2. The GPS modernization program, the restored GLONASS, and the upcoming GNSS constellations (Galileo and Compass) bring forth huge benefits for ionospheric monitoring. This paper introduces the NovAtel's next generation GNSS ionospheric scintillation and TEC monitor, the GPStation-6. By incorporating the proven GSV4004B receiver design with the ability to track multi-constellation, multi-frequency, GNSS measurements, the new receiver engine provides robust and less noisy ionospheric measurements.