GPS(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Introduction to Global Positioning System (GPS)

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system that allows users to determine their exact
location on the earth's surface. GPS has become an essential tool for a variety of applications, including
navigation, surveying, mapping, and tracking.

How GPS Works: Basic Principles

GPS works by using a network of satellites orbiting the earth to determine the location
of a GPS receiver on the ground. The GPS receiver sends a signal to one of the GPS
satellites, which then transmits a signal back to the receiver. By measuring the time it
takes for the signal to travel from the satellite to the receiver, the GPS receiver can
calculate the distance between the two.

GPS receivers need to receive signals from at least four GPS satellites to determine
their location accurately. By measuring the distance between the receiver and each of
the four satellites, the receiver can triangulate its position on the earth's surface.
GPS-enabled IoT Devices
GPS-enabled IoT devices are becoming increasingly common around the world. The ability to track a
device's location and movement in real-time is critical in monitoring cargo, keeping track of vehicles, and
analyzing customer behavior. IoT-enabled GPS can also help in disaster management, rescue services,
and even wildlife conservation.

Benefits of GPS Integration in IoT

The integration of GPS with IoT can help organizations to optimize their operations and simplify
complex processes, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. Tracking vehicles in real-time can
reduce transport time, simplify logistical planning, and optimize delivery schedules.

IEEE2030.10.1-2018

This includes time sources such as Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and time
distribution systems
GPS Architecture
 Space segment
The space segment includes the satellites and the Delta rockets that launch the satellites from
Cape Canaveral, in Florida. GPS satellites fly in circular orbits at an altitude of 10,900 nautical
miles (20,200 km) and with a period of 12 hours. The orbits are tilted to the earth's equator by 55
degrees to ensure coverage of polar regions. Powered by solar cells, the satellites continuously
orient themselves to point their solar panels toward the sun and their antenna toward the earth.
Each of the 32 satellites, positioned in 6 orbital planes, circles the earth twice a day.

The satellites are composed of:

Solar Panels. Each satellite is equipped with solar array panels. These panels capture energy
from the sun, which provides power for the satellite throughout its life.

External components such as antennas. The exterior of the GPS satellite has a variety of
antennas. The signals generated by the radio transmitter are sent to GPS receivers via the
L-band antennas. Another component is the radio transmitter, which generates the signal. Each
of the 32 satellites transmits it's own unique code in the signal.
 Internal components such as atomic clocks and radio
transmitters. Each satellite contains four atomic clocks.
These clocks are accurate to at least a billionth of a
second or a nanosecond. An atomic clock inaccuracy of
1/100th of a second would translate into a measurement
(or ranging) error of 1,860 miles to the GPS receiver.

The control segment

The control segment (CS) tracks and maintains the satellites in space. The CS
monitors satellite health and signal integrity and maintains the orbital
configuration of the satellites. Furthermore, the CS updates the satellite clock
corrections.
The current Operational Control Segment (OCS) includes:
1. a master control station,
2. an alternate master control station,
3. 11 command and control antennas,
4. 16 monitoring sites.

Master Control Station

▪ Provides command and control of the GPS constellation
▪ Uses global monitor station data to compute the precise locations of
the satellites
▪ Generates navigation messages for upload to the satellites
▪ Monitors satellite broadcasts and system integrity to ensure
constellation health and accuracy
▪ Performs satellite maintenance and anomaly resolution, including
repositioning satellites to maintain optimal constellation
▪ Currently uses separate systems (AEP & LADO) to control operational
and non-operational satellites
▪ Backed up by a fully operational alternate master control station
The Master Control Stations to receive satellite signals are as under:

Cape Canaveral
Kwajalein
Diego Garcia
Ascension
Hawaii
Colorado (Prime station)

User (Receiver) Segment

The User Unit is the term given to all GPS receivers like mobile phones, laptops, PC, or any other device.
The device receives the signals from the GPS satellites and determines how far away it is from each
satellite.

Every GPS receiver has three components as mentioned below:

*An Antenna that is typically tuned to the satellite for the transmission of frequency.
*Receiver processor.
*A clock that is highly stable is typically a crystal oscillator.
The block diagram of GPS receiver is shown in below figure.

The function of each block present in GPS receiver is mentioned below.

1.RECEIVING ANTENNA: receives the satellite signals. It is mainly, a circularly polarized

antenna.

2.LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER: (LNA) amplifies the weak received signal

3.DOWN CONVERTER: converts the frequency of received signal to an Intermediate

Frequency (IF) signal.

4.IF AMPLIFIER: amplifies the Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal.

5.ADC :performs the conversion of analog signal, which is obtained from IF amplifier to digital.
Assume, the sampling & quantization blocks are also present in ADC (Analog to Digital Converter).

6.DSP :(Digital Signal Processor) generates the C/A code.

7.MICROPROCESSOR:performs the calculation of position and provides the timing signals in order
to control the operation of other digital blocks. It sends the useful information to Display unit in order
to display it on the screen.

Application of GPS in IOT

GPS (Global Positioning System) plays a vital role in IoT (Internet of Things) applications by
providing accurate location data for connected devices. Some applications include:

1.Asset Tracking: GPS enables real-time tracking of vehicles, containers, or other valuable
assets, enhancing logistics and security.

2.Fleet Management: GPS helps monitor and optimize vehicle routes, fuel usage, and driver
behavior, improving efficiency and safety
3.Smart Agriculture: IoT devices equipped with GPS can monitor soil conditions, crop health, and
equipment location to optimize farming practices.

4.Environmental Monitoring: GPS-enabled sensors can collect data on air quality, water levels, and
wildlife movements, aiding in environmental research and conservation efforts.

5.Personal Safety: Wearable devices with GPS allow for precise location tracking, enhancing personal
safety for individuals, especially in emergency situations.

6.Geofencing: GPS-based geofencing triggers actions or alerts when a device enters or leaves a
predefined geographic area, useful for security, marketing, or automation purposes.

Overall, GPS integration in IoT facilitates efficient tracking, monitoring, and management of assets and
resources across various domains.
Advantages of Global Positioning System :

1.GPS is extremely easy to navigate because it tells you to direction for every turns you’re taking
otherwise you need to fancy reach to your destination.

2.GPS works altogether weather so you would like to not worry of climate as in other navigating devices.

3.GPS costs you very low as compared other navigation systems.

4.Most attraction of this technique is its100% coverage on earth.

5.It also helps you to look nearby restaurants, hotels and gas stations and is extremely useful for a
replacement place.
The 7 Main Disadvantages of GPS
Inaccuracy
Lack of local knowledge
Distracted driving
The chance of signal or battery failure
Reliance on US Department of Defense
Privacy issues and crime
Commercial exploitation