Development of an advanced interference detection and robustness capabilities system for GNSS signals (DARCY)

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are used for robust and accurate position and time information and have become a fundamental part of our critical infrastructure (KRITIS). Interfering with and deceiving these signals can therefore have serious consequences such as the failure of the power grid or mobile phone network.

Increasing danger from GNSS signal interference

In case of interference with GNSS signals, a distinction is made between unintentional and intentional interference. Unintentional interferences are caused by faulty electronics in the environment of GNSS receivers. Intentional interferences deliberately influence GNSS signals. Both types of interferences lead to the fact that the signals can no longer be processed correctly in the receiver. In this case, the receiver can provide no or incorrect information - how the receiver behaves in the vicinity of interferers in each individual case depends on various factors. So-called jammers are optimized for GNSS signals and can already be purchased for little money on the Internet. Measurement campaigns in Europe have shown that jammers are now widely used. Due to the increasing use of GNSS in applications other than critical infrastructures, such as pay-as-you-drive car insurance, theft protection and toll collection, a further increase in jammers is to be expected.

The project DARCY (Development of an advanced interference detection and robustness capabilities system) aims at the development of a network of sensors for the detection, evaluation (influence on position and time determination), characterization (type) and localization of interferers. The focus is on the development and testing of different detectors (low/medium/high-end), algorithms for local evaluation, approaches from the fields of machine learning (ML) and crowdsourcing for the fusion of events and their representation.

Test campaigns and testing of the system by »Interference Speed Camera«

The project is implemented in coordination and with the support of the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) and the Federal Office of Cartography and Geodesy (BKG). Joint test campaigns for testing the DARCY system are to be carried out and operated in selected reference stations of the BKG Galileo PRS receiver. Evaluations of the frequency of disturbances as well as the discussion of possible countermeasures based on the obtained information are planned with the BNetzA.

In addition, at least one test field for automated and networked mobility is to be used to test an »Interference Speed Camera« of sorts. Using the cameras installed there, the source of the interference will be recorded and documented by a Galileo PRS snapshot in a tamper-proof manner. In the long term, the legally secure identification of interferers is a basic prerequisite for taking regulatory or even criminal law measures.