A major milestone was reached when Acorde took delivery of the first batch of custom MMIC components — LNA, I/Q down converter, dual frequency synthesizer and IF section (separate low pass filter and VGA) — for its RF subsystem, which is being developed as part of the Galileo REceiver for the mAss market (GREAT) project.

Through the new Open Service signals of Galileo, it is possible to build multiple-standard and multiple frequency navigation receivers that do not require users to subscribe to a premium service and allows higher accuracy and multipath performance, hence reducing the navigation errors. The GNSS receivers must operate in the presence of the multiple cellular transceivers. Since the deployment of the Galileo system will extend over many years, the focus is now on the development of dual-system GNSS receivers capable of receiving both the GPS and Galileo signals in order to allow full navigation capabilities even in the early stages of Galileo development.

The Acorde RF subsystem is able to operate with Galileo and GPS satellite signals in the presence of the major 2G/3G cellular signals or other assistance technology and to investigate the multiband approach covering different frequency bands. The key focus is on a highly integrated radio front-end suitable for use within the mobile phone environment for location-based services, satisfying the basic requirements for a mass market receiver such as low cost, low footprint, good accuracy, low power consumption and high sensitivity. The target is a Galileo E1/E5A and GPS L1/L5 dual-system dual-band GNSS receiver.

Marco Detratti, project manager, Acorde, commented, "The initial tests of individual circuits have been successfully carried out. Measured performances are in line with our expectations for this first MMICs run, and we think sufficient to build an RF front-end demonstrator."