GNSS Receiver USB Host Controller Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GNSS receivers lack the capability to directly output data to external storage devices like USB flash drives, necessitating the use of external computers for post-processing, which is inconvenient and can lead to bottlenecks in data logging and communication.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a USB host capability into the GNSS receiver's real-time operating system, allowing it to connect directly with a USB flash drive for data storage and firmware updates, enabling the GNSS receiver to store and process data independently without an external PC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If GNSS receiver uses traditional serial interface (RS-232, USB client) for data output, then device complexity is low, but data transfer efficiency and storage capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GNSS receiver's processing unit with USB host controller functionality, merging previously separate functions (data processing and storage management) into a single integrated system. This allows the receiver to directly control and manage external storage devices without requiring separate dedicated hardware interfaces, thereby improving data transfer efficiency while controlling complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: GNSS signal processing, data formatting, and USB host controller operations. By making the processing unit universal and multi-functional, the system achieves improved data transfer capability to various storage devices without adding dedicated specialized hardware for each function, thus improving productivity while managing device complexity.
2Reliability
If GNSS receiver connects to external computer for post-processing, then data storage capacity is sufficient, but system reliability and operational independence are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The GNSS receiver is equipped with USB host controller capability that enables it to independently manage and store data on external storage devices without requiring connection to an external computer. The receiver performs self-service functions including data formatting, storage management, and retrieval operations, thereby improving system reliability and operational independence while maintaining manageable complexity through the use of standardized USB protocols.
3Speed
If GNSS receiver uses USB host capability for direct storage, then data logging speed improves, but firmware update capability and storage management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The USB host controller is designed to handle multiple types of data transactions through a unified interface: high-speed data logging, firmware updates, and storage device management. By implementing a universal USB host protocol stack in the processing unit, the system achieves fast data logging speeds while managing firmware updates and storage operations through the same infrastructure, thereby improving speed without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.