Position Solution Sensitivity for Snapshot Receivers

Sensitivity-analysis of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver presents the limit of operation for a given scenario. It allows us to characterize its performance in harsh conditions and to sets design constraints. This paper presents a model for the full system sensitivity for a GNSS snapshot-based receiver. The probability of a successful position, velocity, and time (PVT) solution is modeled based on the acquisition statistics and knowledge of the satellite constellation. A laboratory set-up using Galileo E1B/C signals verifies the model with a snapshot processor. The model determines the theoretical sensitivity of a snapshot receiver allowing, e.g., the ideal snapshot length determination for a given scenario and application.