A square root information filter for multi-GNSS real-time precise clock estimation

Real-time satellite orbit and clock estimations are the prerequisite for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) real-time precise positioning services. To meet the high-rate update requirement of satellite clock corrections, the computational efficiency is a key factor and a challenge due to the rapid development of multi-GNSS constellations. The Square Root Information Filter (SRIF) is widely used in real-time GNSS data processing thanks to its high numerical stability and computational efficiency. In real-time clock estimation, the outlier detection and elimination are critical to guarantee the precision and stability of the product but could be time-consuming. In this study, we developed a new quality control procedure including the three standard steps: i.e., detection, identification, and adaption, for real-time data processing of huge GNSS networks. Effort is made to improve the computational efficiency by optimizing the algorithm to provide only the essential information required in the processing, so that it can be applied in real-time and high-rate estimation of satellite clocks. The processing procedure is implemented in the PANDA (Positioning and Navigation Data Analyst) software package and evaluated in the operational generation of real-time GNSS orbit and clock products. We demonstrated that the new algorithm can efficiently eliminate outliers, and a clock precision of 0.06 ns, 0.24 ns, 0.06 ns, and 0.11 ns can be achieved for the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS-2 IGSO/MEO satellites, respectively. The computation time per epoch is about 2 to 3 s depending on the number of existing outliers. Overall, the algorithm can satisfy the IGS real-time clock estimation in terms of both the computational efficiency and product quality.