Controlled reception pattern antenna

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Controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPA) are active antennas that are designed to resist radio jamming and spoofing. They are used in navigation applications to resist GPS spoofing attacks. [1] [2]

Contents

Background

CRPAs are active antenna arrays composed of multiple antenna elements, typically arranged in a compact configuration. Unlike traditional omnidirectional antennas, which receive signals equally from all directions, CRPAs use sophisticated signal processing techniques to create a directional reception pattern. This allows the antenna to focus on legitimate signals (e.g., GPS satellite signals) while nullifying or attenuating interfering or malicious signals, such as those from jammers or spoofers. [3]

The primary function of a CRPA is to mitigate various types of threats:

CRPAs achieve this by leveraging adaptive beamforming and null steering, which dynamically adjust the antenna's sensitivity to prioritize desired signals and suppress unwanted ones. [3]

Design, operation

The interference-protected CRPA antenna on the Russian Armata vehicles. Inside the antenna "hat" is an array of spiral-shaped antennas that see only the signal from circularly polarized satellites CRPA-GPS.png
The interference-protected CRPA antenna on the Russian Armata vehicles. Inside the antenna "hat" is an array of spiral-shaped antennas that see only the signal from circularly polarized satellites

CRPA consists of the following components:

The operation of a CRPA relies on adaptive signal processing techniques, including:

Modern CRPAs use advanced algorithms, such as Space-time adaptive processing (STAP) or Space-Frequency Adaptive Processing (SFAP), to adapt to complex and dynamic interference environment. These algorithms enable the antenna to respond in real time to changing signal conditions. [6]

References

  1. "Anti-jam technology: Demystifying the CRPA - GPS World". GPS World - The Business and Technology of Global Navigation and Positioning. 2017-04-12. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
  2. "What are CPRA or Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas?". everythingrf.com.
  3. 1 2 3 "Tests of CRPAs and other adaptive GNSS antenna systems". www.lange-electronic.com. Retrieved 2025-05-19.
  4. 1 2 Sharar, Omer (2020-12-01). "Proportional Defense". Safran - Navigation & Timing. Retrieved 2025-05-19.
  5. "Anti-Jam Protection by Antenna". GPS World. 2013-02-01. Retrieved 2025-05-19.
  6. "Anti-jam technology: Demystifying the CRPA". GPS World. 2017-04-12. Retrieved 2025-05-19.