GNSS RF front ends for SDR software receivers
Configurable GNSS RF front ends and DIF recorders: compact A1, A2 and A4 models, plus the rackmount A8.
PORTOS family Front ends and recorders for ARAMIS
Model options
RF channels, center frequencies, bandwidths, sampling rates, clocking and interfaces are specified with the order. The A-number identifies the principal antenna-input configuration; it does not limit a unit to one RF frequency per antenna.
Compact · single antenna input
The smallest and least expensive PORTOS option for conventional multi-frequency SDR reception, RF recording, algorithm development and field measurements.
Compact · dual antenna input
A compact platform for two-antenna measurements, differential reception, reflectometry, orientation experiments and comparative signal studies.
Compact · up to four antenna inputs
A compact multi-channel front end for antenna-array, CRPA and coordinated signal-acquisition work.
Rackmount · up to eight antenna inputs
The high-channel-count platform for multi-antenna research, CRPA, coherent acquisition, ionosphere monitoring and GNSS-INS development. Combined with the ARAMIS SDR engine, it forms the RAD GNSS SDR receiver.
Receiver and laboratory workflow
PORTOS down-converts and digitizes antenna signals, supplies the receiver-side RF/DIF streams, and can record them for later processing.
Live reception Antenna → PORTOS → ARAMIS ISM, RAD or Academic receiver
Post-processing PORTOS recording → DIF files → ARAMIS or customer software
RF playback Recorded or simulated file → ReGen / Replicator playback hardware → receiver under test
Recording and RF playback are separate functions. PORTOS is not presented as a real-time retransmitter; ReGen with Replicator hardware provides the controlled RF playback or simulation path.
Channel architecture
PORTOS RF channels are specified for the required GNSS bands, sampling and bandwidth, then mapped to the appropriate antenna inputs.
One antenna may feed several RF paths through a splitter. A2, A4 and A8 configurations preserve separate antenna paths under a common clock. A8 provides up to eight configurable channels.
Research applications
Acquire several antenna inputs under a common timing architecture for CRPA, direction finding, adaptive processing and antenna-array experiments.
Work with samples, baseband data, correlators and observables rather than being limited to a closed position output.
Configure the signal path and processing for propagation monitoring, amplitude and phase analysis, and multi-frequency studies.
Record RF environments for subsequent analysis and controlled RF reproduction using a separate ReGen / Replicator system.
Data & software access
PORTOS supplies RF acquisition, digitized-IF streaming and recording. Its C++ acquisition interface connects customer software. ARAMIS adds GNSS receiver processing through the separate NAV API and BASE API.
Timing & integrated navigation
RAD combines ARAMIS SDR processing and PORTOS A8 hardware with external timing and synchronized IMU data collection for GNSS–INS development.
An optional IMU/INS integration project can support loose, tight or ultra-tight coupling and BGPS™ instant-positioning know-how. PORTOS A8 is currently supported. Other PORTOS configurations depend on the selected front end.
Controlled record & playback
PORTOS records GNSS/RF signal environments for later analysis. Laboratory playback is performed independently by ReGen. The two units are intentionally unsynchronized and provide no real-time recording-to-transmission path.
See Simceiver™ and ReGen systems PORTOS A8 datasheetIndependent published evaluation
Dr. Mehul V. Desai, Dr. Darshna D. Jagiwala and Dr. Shweta N. Shah evaluated a customized integrated PORTOS RF front end and ARAMIS SDR receiver for NavIC L5 + GPS L1 ionospheric-correction and positioning research published in IETE Technical Review. The SAC/ISRO-funded work used raw signal data and the ARAMIS Navigation API.
Read the paper (PDF) Publisher pageConfiguration enquiry
Tell us the frequencies, antenna count, bandwidth, sampling, timing, recording, software and IMU requirements. We will select PORTOS A1, A2, A4 or A8 and the required ARAMIS configuration.
Discuss a PORTOS system