PhD Studentship funded by Spirent Communications Ltd with support from WCPRS

The main challenge with (CAVs) is related to the difficulties in obtaining precise localisation and timing. While techniques such as object detection and sensor data fusion have been adopted, the location errors reported are below the specified intelligent transportation systems (ITS) requirements. In application such as cooperative positioning precise timing is required for range based vehicle and infrastructure localization. With respect to positioning accurate location information is required for lane detection, manoeuvring on a winding and collision avoidance.

The RG4IV project focuses on the robustness of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) from the perspective of intelligent vehicles. Robustness, from a CAV point of view in this project is seen as being able to withstand both physical and cyber challenges. Thus, this project is holistic because the RF signal propagation characteristics, which are dependent on weather, location, and other deployment scenario constraints, will be considered alongside the associated security aspects of the system.

This project is funded by Spirent Communication Ltd. and WCPRS. The IV connectivity team role involves conducting measurements to test GNSS signals using a GSS 7000 signal generator provided by Spirent. The multi-GNSS constellation Simulator System will allow the researchers jointly with the WMGs 3xD simulator to depict real life RF signals conditions for Autonomous Vehicle scenarios. WMG will contribute towards providing innovative solutions to the GNSS robustness which will subsequently aid multiple leveraging technologies.

Student: Jasmine Zidane, Industrial Supervisor: Colin Ford (Spirent Communications Ltd.)

Academic Supervisors: Dr Matthew Higgins, Dr Erik Kampert.