Low-cost GNSS sampler based on the beaglebone black SBC

This paper describes the design of a simple low cost GNSS sampler with integrated storage. The sampler is built from low cost, off-the-shelf components. The proposed design stores digital IF samples from two separate front ends and record the data to a SD card for post-mission processing. The GNSS sampler currently supports GPS and GLONASS signals, but could also be configured for Galileo reception. The design is based on the popular low cost BeagleBone Black Single Board Computer (SBC) and two evaluation kits of the MAX2769 GNSS Radio Frequency (RF) front end. The design is based on two identical coprocessors in the processor of the BeagleBone, known as Programmable Realtime Units (PRU). The sampler has been designed for portability and data acqusition on small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).