GSA Releases New Galileo Open Service Signal-In-Space Interface Control Document

(Brussels, April 8, 2008) -- The European GNSS Supervisory Authority (GSA) has just released a new version of the Galileo Open Service Signal-In-Space Interface Control Document, the 'Galileo OS SIS ICD'. This document will enable developers to create products and applications which make the most of Galileo system and signals. This document is open for public consultation.

Galileo satellites will communicate with terrestrial users by employing independent code division multiple access (CDMA) signals transmitted in three different frequency bands. In order to enable the Galileo user community, such as device manufacturers and application developers, to interface successfully and efficiently with the navigation system and to stimulate early market development of end-user products, the GSA has released a new draft of the Galileo Open Service Signal-in-Space Interface Control Document (OS SIS ICD).

Interface control documents are a vital component of systems engineering because they define and control the interface(s) of a system, and thereby clearly and accurately define the requirements which applications need to fulfil. In short, ICDs describe how to access the functions and services provided by a system via its interface.

Fine tuning the signal

This is the second version of the Galileo OS SIS ICD; the first was published in May 2006. The new version incorporates, amongst other things, the description of the MBOC modulation for the Galileo E1 signal. The MBOC modulation is the result of a cooperative effort between the European Union and the United States. In addition, the structure of the Search-and Rescue (SAR) return link messages is described in this new version.

Even with the new information, the Galileo SIS ICD remains a work in progress. In order to fine tune it and make the document as useful as it can be, the GSA has opened a public consultation process on its website in order to gather comments from the widest audience possible, both within and outside Europe. This consultation process will end in May 2008. In order to comment it, interested parties will need to register and to download a specific comment form.

To access the new Galileo OS SIS ICD and to learn how to participate to the public consultation process, go to the GSA website at:
http://www.gsa.europa.eu/go/galileo/os-sis-icd/galileo-open-service-signal-in-space-interface-control-document

Source : GSA

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