An interactive multiple model approach for robust GNSS carrier phase tracking under scintillation conditions

This contribution deals with robust carrier phase tracking in Global Navigation Satellite Systems, where the ultimate goal is to obtain accurate and robust phase estimates under non-nominal conditions, such as high dynamics, strong fading and ionospheric scintillation. Within this framework, an Interacting Multiple Model approach, using a bank of parallel Kalman-based filters with different dynamic state models, is proposed to cope with signals corrupted by severe ionospheric scintillation. In the proposed formulation, the time-varying and correlated scintillation phase is introduced into the dynamic system using an AR(1) model. Simulation results are provided to show the enhanced robustness and improved accuracy of the proposed approach, with respect to state-of-the-art carrier phase tracking techniques.