Asynchronous WAM with Irregular Pulse Repetition.

Radiolocation systems for aviation based on Multi-Lateration (MLAT) typically use a set of synchronised ground sensors to receive radio signals broadcast by onboard transmitters. In most cases, the sensor synchronisation in Wide Area Multi-Lateration Systems (WAM) is provided by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. However, in the case of synchronisation failure, there is still a possibility to estimate the coordinates of the tracked aircraft by using the measurements of the time of arrival taken by non-synchronised sensors. The article presents the principle of operation and equations for calculating the coordinates of an aircraft in an asynchronous multi-lateration system, together with the results of a computer simulation allowing comparison of the accuracy of position estimation between the asynchronous and the typical, synchronous MLAT. This paper contains also some comments on the required stability of the clock source for the sensors working in an asynchronous MLAT system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]