A multipath error cancellation method based on antenna jitter.

Abstract

Global Navigation Satellite System signals are often affected by multipath errors, which impact the accuracy of positioning measurements. Traditional methods frequently fail to effectively mitigate multipath errors across different environments, primarily due to their inherent sensitivity to varying conditions. Here, we propose a multipath error cancellation method that utilizes antenna jitter, which mitigates multipath errors by rapidly changing the relative phases of direct and multipath signals without requiring changes to the receiver structure. The model that combines theoretical analysis with experimental verification is conducted to identify the minimum jitter amplitude required for effective error reduction in straight-line jitter scenarios. Moreover, extensive satellite data collection and verification were performed in Changsha, China, from December 2023 to August 2024. The results indicate that the proposed method enhances robustness and applicability across various environments compared to traditional approaches. Notably, it enables a vehicle-mounted antenna, priced at just a few dollars, to achieve positioning accuracy comparable to that of high-precision antennas costing thousands of dollars, making advanced positioning technology more accessible.