Carrier Phase Positioning Nutshell

What is Carrier Phase Positioning ?

Carrier phase measurement method achieves higher accuracy than legacy code-based distance measurement methods primarily due to its precision in determining the exact number of wavelengths between a transmitter and receiver. This method can detect fractional changes in the signal phase, allowing for sub-centimeter level accuracy in positioning. In contrast, code-based methods generally provide meter-level accuracy due to their reliance on timing measurements, which are more susceptible to timing errors. Carrier phase measurement's ability to discern such fine details makes it exceptionally suited for applications requiring high precision, such as surveying, geolocation, and autonomous vehicle navigation.

How This Can Be Applied to Vehicles

Applying GPS carrier phase technology to 5G/6G mobile positioning enhances accuracy through the precise measurement of phase changes, crucial for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications. Leveraging OFDM subcarriers in 5G, this approach effectively addresses integer ambiguity, a key challenge in carrier phase positioning, by using advanced algorithms alongside 5G's high-resolution signals. The integration benefits from 5G's features like Sidelink communications for direct device interactions and extensive network infrastructure, facilitating accurate, reliable positioning crucial for autonomous driving and precise asset tracking. 

How This Can Help Safe Driving?

C-V2X based carrier phase positioning offers significant advantages over traditional lidar or radar-only vehicle sensing systems, particularly in its ability to operate effectively in challenging conditions and complex environments. Unlike lidar or radar, which can struggle in bad weather or fail to detect distant objects, C-V2X technology can accurately identify the position of objects far away, regardless of weather conditions. This system not only detects other vehicles but also communicates with them, enabling cooperative planning for safer traffic movement. An additional benefit is its capacity to recognize pedestrians and cyclists using smartphones, enhancing safety for more vulnerable road users. With a detection range that far exceeds other sensors, C-V2X based carrier phase positioning can monitor hundreds of vehicles and pedestrians in a car's vicinity, offering a comprehensive view of the surrounding area to ensure optimal navigation and safety.

Limitation of Lidar/Radar Visibility

Extended Coverage of V2X Positioning

Locaila R&D

Locaila, was established in 2019 by two pioneering engineers from Korea's Electronic Communications Research Institute (ETRI). The company's R&D breakthroughs since 2021, particularly in extracting carrier phase information from 5G signals, have led to a 10-fold precision enhancement in stationary target location estimation. With the introduction of "V-finder" in 2022 and advancements in multi-element phased array antennas, Locaila has improved signal detection and vehicle localization significantly. 

In 2024, Locaila's relocation to San Jose, CA, signified a strategic push into the U.S. market, focusing on the autonomous vehicle industry and emergency services. As an active member of 3GPP and ATIS, Locaila is not just creating products but also shaping industry standards, aiming to launch its first commercial offering by 2024. This journey illustrates Locaila's role as a driving force in smart transportation technologies. 

Other Applications

Emergency Location Finding

Enhancing E911 services by providing highly accurate caller locations, significantly improving response times and emergency outcomes.

Indoor Positioning

Offers precise navigation and tracking within buildings, facilitating wayfinding and asset management.

Pedestrian Protection

Enhancing pedestrian safety by enabling cars to detect and avoid potential collisions with individuals wearing smart watches or smartphones.