how to choose the power amplifer for GNSS navigation spoofing system

To set up the Shiningintl Counter-UAS (C-UAS / CUAS) GNSS Spoofing (Global Navigation Satellite System) system,  Choosing a power amplifier (PA) to match our GNSS spoofing anti-drone system is a critical and nuanced decision. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about precision, control, and system integration. Here is a structured guide on the key parameters and considerations to apply on select the PA for Shiningintl GPS Spoofing system..

anti drone spoofing system power amplifier

Decision Factors to consider in choosing spoofing system power amplifer

1.Frequency Range & Compatibility

The first step is to consider the suitable frequency range of the power amplider, please refer to Shiningintl Navigation System Spoofing motherboards for details frequencies.

  • GNSS Bands: Your PA must cover the specific GNSS frequencies you intend to spoof. Take the Shiningintl 4 bands spoofing anti drone board for example, it covers Signal Reception Frequencies: BDS-B1, GPS-L1, GLONASS-L1,Galileo-E1,

GPS L1: 1575.42 MHz (Most common, highest drone receiver sensitivity)

GLONASS L1:      1598.0625 MHz ~ 1605.375 MHz

Galileo E1:  1575.42 MHz± 12.276 MHz

Beidou B1: 1561.098 ± 2.046

  • Key Spec: Ensure the PA’s operational bandwidth covers all target bands. In this example, the PA covering 1500-1650 MHz would cover all the bands for the 4 bands GNSS navigation spoofing motherboard, but for multi-band spoofing such as GPS L2C and GPS L5, you need a wider range from 1176.45MHz

here is the RF spectrum of naviagion system:

navigation GNSS frequency range

2. Output Power (The Most Critical & Misunderstood Parameter)

This is about effective range, you would like to say ”I want the Critical Infrastructure Protection area is 2km radiums” so we need to limit the spoofing area into the 2km radium circle area, not maximum destruction. More power isn’t always better, it will affect the areas the drones need to operate normally.

  • Calculation Basis: Power needed is determined by the link budget.

Power Required (dBm) = Drone Receiver Sensitivity (dBm) + Path Loss (dB) + Fade Margin (dB) – Antenna Gain (dBi)

The Shiningintl 4 band GNSS navigation spoofer board RF signal output is 15dbm without any attenuation setting , the attenuation through the cables and combiner is about 6dbm,

  • Typical Range:
    • Low Power (Portable):+20 dBm to +30 dBm (1W to 1W). For close-range, covert, or precision takeover (e.g., 100-500 meters).
    • Medium Power (Mobile/Checkpoint):+30 dBm to +40 dBm (1W to 10W). For facility perimeter defense (e.g., 1-2 km).
    • High Power (Fixed Site):+40 dBm to +50 dBm (10W to 100W). For long-range, large-area protection.Beware: Creates significant regulatory and interference challenges.

Rule: Use the minimum effective power. Excessive power increases noise, causes interference, makes the system easier to detect, and raises legal/health issues.

3. Linearity and Signal Fidelity

This is non-negotiable for spoofing. Unlike jamming, spoofing requires generating a legitimate-looking GNSS signal.

  • 1-dB Compression Point (P1dB): The output power where the PA begins to saturate and distort. Your operating power must be well below this point (typically backed off by 3-10 dB) to maintain linearity.
  • Third-Order Intercept Point (OIP3/IP3): Indicates how well the PA handles intermodulation distortion (IMD). Higher is better. Poor linearity creates spectral regrowth and signal artifacts that can alert the drone or corrupt your spoofing signal.
  • Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR): Measures power leakage into adjacent frequency channels. Must be very low.

4. Gain

  • Defines how much the PA will amplify your input signal from the shiningintl spoofer boards.
  • Must be matched to your source’s output (e.g., the shiningintl 4 band GNSS spoofing board output is +15 dBm) and your target output. A typical gain range is 20 dB to 40 dB.
  • Important: Ensure the gain doesn’t amplify noise or imperfections from the boards output. Normally connect a 10W power amplifier to Shiningintl Navigation System Spoofing board will cover 2-3 kilometers radium, and connect a 20W power amplifier can cover 15 kilometers distance.

5. the Whole Spoofing System Integration

  • Connectors: Match Shiningintl navigation spoofer board (SMA connector).
  • Form Factor & Cooling:A 10W+ PA will require active cooling (fan) or a large heatsink. This impacts enclosure design, portability, and power supply.
  • Power Supply:Higher-power PAs need 12V, 24V, or even AC mains. Mobile systems need efficient DC-DC converters. Normally we suggest to use a 28V DC power supply to our Shiningintl spoofer board system
  • Control Interface:Some PAs offer analog or digital controls (on/off, power level, bias). Useful for automated systems. Our spoofing board already has the control of the signal output, we don’t interact with any power amplifier, it has to use a mechanical switch to control the power amplifier.

6.Operational Scenarios

  • Portable/Man-Pack:Prioritize low weight, low power consumption, battery operation, and passive cooling. Normally use Shiningintl portable shiningintl portable 4 bands navigation spoofer module or board , the power amplifer normally is less than 5W
  • Vehicle-Mounted: Can handle more weight and power, needs robust power supply and vibration resistance., it can use our 4 band , 6 band, 13 band and 22 band anti-drone spoofing boards. The rated power of power amplifier can be higher than portable device, depends on the power supply of the vehicle.
  • Fixed Site:Can use high-power, AC-powered, liquid-cooled PAs with large external antennas.

The Shiningintl GNSS spoofing system power amplifier Summary

  1. Define Requirement: what is the Max. effective range? .
  2. Calculate Link Budget:Estimate the required EIRP(Effective Isotropic Radiated Power = PA Power + Antenna Gain). Start with conservative estimates.
  3. Choose Antenna First: Directional antennas (dish, Yagi) provide high gain and focus power, drastically reducing the required PA output. This is the smartest way to increase range.
  4. Select PA Specs:
    1. Frequency: Covers GNSS bands of interest.
    1. Output Power: Meets calculated need with a ~3 dB margin.
    1. Linearity (OIP3/P1dB): Choose the most linear PA you can afford. This is key to spoofing success.
    1. Gain: Compatible with shiningintl spoofing board power rated(shiningintl spoofing software provide the attenuation setting to meet the PA requirement).

This document is for the clients who want to integrate Shiningintl spoofing anti drone counter-drone system board, we already have the whole solution components including the power amplifier, we suggest the clients to take our power amplifier to test the performance at first, we can help them to choose the right PA if they need other PA amplifier supplier in volume orders.

If need more support, please contact Shiningintl