QUSPID showcases the potential of Galileo Quasi-Pilot (QP) signal

The availability of low-complexity GNSS signals is a critical factor for reducing Time to First Fix (TTFF) and power consumption in receivers, particularly for low-power IoT devices, location-based services, and mass-market applications.

In this context, the Galileo Second Generation programme introduce the Quasi-Pilot (QP) signal, a strong differentiator for the Galileo system. QP provides a stable and predictable reference that significantly simplifies signal acquisition and tracking in both single- and multi-frequency scenarios, thereby reducing the energy required to achieve the first position fix.

These efficiency gains directly benefit battery-powered IoT devices, consumer equipment, and UAVs, while also improving thermal behaviour, reliability, and robustness in automotive-grade chipsets. When combined with advanced Galileo features such as OSNMA, the Quasi-Pilot (QP) signal enhances resistance to interference and spoofing, enabling more trustworthy positioning and timing in challenging environments, including applications ranging from connected objects to advanced driver-assistance and future automated driving systems.

Under the EUSPA/GRANT/03/2024 framework, the QUSPID Consortium will demonstrate the effectiveness of the Quasi-Pilot (QP) signals in terrestrial applications, by assessing its performance in real-world ground-based scenarios. The consortium brings together end-to-end GNSS expertise and strong market insight, including chipset integration by STMicroelectronics, G2G expertise from TASF, and long-standing Galileo and market adoption experience from FDC. The project will be demonstrated through two proofs of concept in IoT and automotive applications, with verification led by Saphyrion using advanced testing tools, and will include a clear market exploitation plan to accelerate the adoption of this innovative GALILEO feature.

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Reduced Time to First Fix (TTFF)

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Enhanced Performance in Challenging Environments

Consortium Partners

The QUSPID Consortium brings together some major players in the field of GNSS with ST Microelectronics, Thales Alenia Space France, Saphyrion and FDC leading the QUSPID Project

The core hardware of the QUSPID products builds upon technologies developed by the partner STMicroelectronics (STM), a global leader in chip manufacturing, which ensures the commercial integration of the QP signal into a widely adopted chipset, Thales Alenia Space France which brings in-depth expertise in G2G, having recently achieved the successful completion of the Satellite Critical Design Review (SCDR), Saphyrion (SPH) with over a decade of experience in advanced positioning systems, especially for aerospace, scientific, and civil protection applications, excels at industrializing compact, rugged, and low-power GNSS unit while FDC has supported the Galileo programme since its inception and has integrated its latest evolutions, such as the recent OSNMA (Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication) enhancements, into its GNSS products portfolio. These advanced features will be embedded in the QUSPID product line.

QUSPID for Automotive and IoT

The QUSPID project will identify and prioritize use cases in the Automotive sector and across different IoT domains, that could benefit from the use and implementation of the Quasi-Pilot (QP) signal. Its aim is to establish and consolidate a relevant user base, and to derive user requirements for the two Proofs of Concept (PoCs).

The validation of both use cases and requirements will be supported through active engagement and continuous discussions with relevant stakeholders.

Automotive

The Quasi-Pilot signal will benefit the automotive market by making GNSS positioning faster and easier to acquire, especially in challenging environments. One of the key applications expected to benefit of this new signal is the Smart Digital Tachograph market. and The QUSPID project will therefore use this specific application as a Proof of Concept (PoC).

Smart digital tachographs are essential for road freight transport in Europe. They contribute to driver safety and fair working conditions by recording driving time, rest breaks, vehicle speed, ensuring that drivers comply with legal limits and others features. New-generation smart tachographs also use satellite signals and secure digital technology to prevent tampering and ensure compliance with the EU mobility package (e.g crossborder detection).

This helps reduce accidents, improve road safety, and ensure compliance with European transport regulations.

In the context of Smart Digital Tachograph generations (v2) the introduction of the Galileo Quasi-Pilot (QP) signal provides clear added value by improving signal robustness, availability, and continuity in operational truck environments. When combined with Galileo OSNMA, the enhanced signal structure supports reliable and trustworthy positioning and timing performance for positioning integrity, resilience, and tamper resistance.

This positions QUSPID solution as a key enabler for next-generation smart tachographs and reinforces its role as the GNSS reference for road transport applications in Europe.

IoT

For the European IoT ecosystem, the innovative Quasi-Pilot (QP) signal and services deliver added value by enhancing GNSS robustness, trust, and acquisition efficiency for mass-market and low-power devices. The improved signal observability enables faster and more reliable positioning with reduced energy consumption, supporting the deployment of sustainable, scalable, and trustworthy IoT services. This contributes to European objectives on digital sovereignty, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible digital infrastructures

Enabling Low-Power GNSS for Next-Generation Railway IoT

Railway applications place strong demands on positioning technologies: long operational lifetime, limited power availability, and reliable performance in challenging environments. The Quasi-Pilot (QP) signal directly addresses these constraints by enabling ultra-fast Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) and rapid signal reacquisition with minimal energy consumption.

By simplifying GNSS acquisition, Quasi-Pilot allows battery-powered and energy-autonomous devices to obtain accurate position fixes using short, low-power “snapshot” operations rather than continuous tracking. This capability is a key enabler for large-scale deployment of IoT solutions across the railway domain.

From freight wagon and asset tracking to yard automation, geofencing, and temporary infrastructure monitoring, fast-acquisition GNSS ensures immediate localisation after long idle periods or brief signal interruptions caused by tunnels, bridges, or dense infrastructure. At the same time, reduced power consumption extends device lifetime to multiple years, significantly lowering maintenance costs.

By combining fast positioning, energy efficiency, and improved robustness to signal outages and interference, the Galileo Quasi-Pilot signal provides a strong technological foundation for reliable, scalable, and cost-effective railway IoT systems, supporting the transition toward more digitalised and automated rail operations

03.24.2026

Designing the Future of GNSS Signals: Inside Quasi-Pilot (QP) Evolution

If you have any question or if you need any information on the project, feel free to contact us at
info@quspid.eu

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