In recent years, with the widespread application of the global positioning system(GPS) in military and civilian fields, the stability and security of GPS signals have attracted increasing attention. Especially in complex interference environments, GPS signals are susceptible to interference, which has prompted the development of various interference technologies. This article will explore the development of GPS jammer technology and its impact on modern warfare and civilian navigation.


The principle of GPS signal jammer

A GPS jammer is an electronic device that transmits a strong interference signal with the same or similar frequency as the GPS signal, making it impossible for the receiver to correctly receive and decode the signal of the GPS satellite. Since the power of the GPS signal itself is extremely low, the jammer only needs a small amount of power to effectively interfere with its signal. For example, the strength of the GPS signal is only equivalent to the light of a 25-watt ordinary incandescent bulb viewed by a person 10,000 meters away under good visibility conditions, which makes interference relatively easy.

GPS interference in military applications

During the Iraq War, the Iraqi army used low-cost signal jammer s to interfere with GPS-guided weapon systems. Although the U.S. military quickly destroyed the jammers, the incident showed that low-cost GPS signal jammers can have a significant impact on the battlefield. According to reports, a Russian company produced GPS jammers that can interfere with GPS signals within a radius of tens of kilometers. These devices are not only inexpensive (can be purchased for a few hundred dollars), but also easy to carry and use.


portable jammer

Technical parameters and development

  • Modern GPS blocker technology continues to develop, and the jamming capability and range are also constantly improving. For example, a typical jammer weighs about 3 kilograms, measures 120mm × 190mm × 70mm, and has a jamming power of 8 watts. It can effectively interfere with two frequency bands of the existing US global navigation satellite system (1227 MHz and 1575 MHz) and two frequency bands of the Russian global navigation satellite system (1250 MHz and 1607 MHz).

  • The widespread use and easy access to this equipment may lead to a spiral of GPS jamming and navigation system confrontation. Military experts analyzed that the development of jammers has had a profound impact on navigation warfare, and has also triggered fierce competition among countries in anti-jamming technology.

  • Impact and countermeasures in the civil field

    Although GPS jammers are mainly used in the military field, their potential threat to civil navigation systems cannot be ignored. In the civil field, GPS is widely used in car navigation, sailing, adventure travel, etc. Unintentional interference can also interfere with these applications, affecting navigation accuracy and user experience.

  • In order to meet these challenges, scientists and engineers are developing various anti-interference technologies. For example, the US Electro-Radiation (ERI) company has developed an interference suppression unit (ISU), which includes a patch antenna and electronic equipment that can suppress broadband noise and narrowband interference, significantly improving the anti-interference ability of GPS receivers.

  • In addition, anti-interference receivers and signal processing technologies are also constantly developing. For example, the G-STAR high-anti-interference GPS receiver jointly developed by Northrop Grumman and Collins uses zeroing and beam steering methods to improve anti-interference capabilities through digital beamforming. The development of these technologies not only improves the reliability of navigation systems, but also provides better protection for civil and military fields.

Conclusion

The development of GPS jammer technology has had a profound impact on both modern warfare and civil navigation systems. With the continuous advancement of jamming technology, countries are also increasing their research and investment in anti-jamming technology. In the future, with the further development of anti-jamming technology, we are expected to ensure the stability of the navigation system while minimizing the impact of interference on daily life and military operations. By strengthening technology research and development and international cooperation, the GPS navigation system will continue to provide important guarantees for human production, life and safety.