TOA estimation algorithms evaluated according ED-117 minimum operational performance specifications for Mode S multilateration systems

The time of arrival (TOA) estimation algorithms are evaluated for the local area multilateration (LAM) system at the Salzburg airport W. A. Mozart in Austria. The LAM system consists of 14 strategically distributed sensors with decentralized time-synchronization. The evaluation compares the rising edge detection time of arrival estimator (REDTOE) algorithm [1] with state-of-the art algorithms according the given minimum operational performance specifications EUROCAE ED-117 [2] for all maneuvering areas on ground. Airports are typically hosting a high number of constructions such as hangars, masts or shelters, so that multipath overlapping propagation is likely to happen. Especially when having multipath, the REDTOE algorithm has its benefits by improving the TOA accuracy. Herein we have shown that the REDTOE algorithm achieves better results than common known algorithms in a real-world LAM evaluated according ED-117 position accuracy specifications.