A
frequency management scheme for a
hybrid communications / positioning device, such as a cellular / GPS or other combined device, generates a local
clock signal for the communications portion of the device, using a
crystal oscillator or other part. The oscillator output may be delivered to a
phase locked loop to drive a high-frequency
clock for the cellular or other communications portion of the
hybrid device. A processor may determine frequency error between the
phase locked loop and
base station or other reference, to derive a digital frequency tracking message. A Doppler search or other logical control message may likewise be communicated from the processor to a GPS or other positioning
receiver. The
GPS receiver circuitry may consequently adjust Doppler center,
window width or other parameters to enhance
time to first fix or other performance. The architecture eliminates the need for a second
crystal or other direct oscillator in the
GPS receiver portion of the
hybrid device, while still maintaining GPS performance. The architecture of the design also eliminates the need for frequency correcting elements in the
crystal oscillator or other base reference oscillator or
clock. The invention can furthermore be used in any
system, radio, modem,
transceiver, or
receiver that has two or more receivers that share one reference or base oscillator or clock.