HOW DOES GPS WORKS

BASIC WORKING CONCEPT OF GPS

How to Calculate a Position
How to Calculate a Position
Satellite Signal Structure

Carrier L1 L2
Frequency 1575.42 MHz 1227.60 MHz
Wavelength 19cm 24cm

Code Modulation C/A-code -

P(Y)-code P(Y)-code
NAVDATA NAVDATA

C/A - Coarse Acquisition Code

P - Precise Code (Y-Code when encrypted)
NAVDATA - Satellite health, satellite clock corrections, ephemeris parameters
and SV orbital parameters.
GPS Signal Structure
• Each GPS satellite transmits a number of
signals
• The signal comprises of two carrier
waves (L1 and L2) and two codes (C/A on
L1 and P or Y on both L1 and L2) as well
as a satellite orbit message
 PRN: Pseudo-Random Number Code
Satellite Range based on Code Measurement
The PRN code is one of the key elements of GPS

• Uniquely identifies each satellite

• Provide the timing coordination for the system
• Makes it possible to amplify the low-power GPS signal – do not
need big satellite dishes.
 Triangulating from Satellites
Improbable as it may seem, the whole idea behind GPS is to use
satellites in space as reference points for locations here on earth.

One satellite Two satellites

 Triangulating from Satellites

Three satellites
Position is calculated from distance measurements (ranges) to satellites.
Mathematically we need four satellite ranges to determine exact position.
Three ranges are enough if we reject ridiculous answers or use other tricks.
Another range is required for technical reasons to be discussed later
Four satellites
Minimum # of Satellites Required - Algebra Problem
 Dilution of Precision (DOP)
- It is an indicator as to the geometrical strength of
the satellites being tracked at the time of measurement
_ GDOP (GEOMETRICAL)
_ INCLUDES LAT, LON, HEIGHT & TIME
_ PDOP (POSITIONAL)
_ INCLUDES LAT, LON & HEIGHT
_ HDOP (HORIZONTAL)
_ INCLUDES LAT & LON
_ VDOP (VERTICAL)
_ INCLUDES HEIGHT ONLY
 The Integer
Ambiguity
Dl = First Partial Wavelength
N = Integer Ambiguity
Thank You

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