GPS Signal Sample Timing Data Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software-based GPS receivers face challenges in accurately synchronizing GPS signal samples with timing information, as the path carrying the signal stream is often the only synchronized signal path, making it difficult to pass timing information with precision over parallel signal paths, and requiring separate channels or headers.
Innovation Solution
Inserting repeated instances of timing data, including synchronization code words, directly into the GPS signal sample stream in place of some samples, allowing for precise timing indication within a single channel, eliminating the need for additional channels or multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing information is passed over a parallel signal path, then timing precision may be improved, but the system complexity increases and additional synchronized paths are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines timing data with GPS signal samples into a single multiplexed stream, eliminating the need for separate parallel signal paths. The timing data is inserted at regular intervals within the sample stream itself, merging two previously separate information channels into one unified transmission path while maintaining synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The single signal path carries both GPS signal samples and timing information simultaneously through multiplexing. This makes the path universal, capable of transporting multiple types of data (signal samples and timing markers) through the same channel, thereby eliminating the need for additional dedicated timing paths.
2Loss of information
If separate channels or headers are used for timing data, then timing information can be transmitted, but the data stream complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate channels or headers, the patent merges timing data directly into the GPS signal sample stream by replacing certain samples with timing markers. This integration reduces structural complexity while ensuring timing information is transmitted alongside the signal data.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing data is inserted as repeated instances within the stream, creating a copy of timing information at regular intervals. This allows the timing data to be embedded within the sample stream without requiring separate transmission channels, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If GPS signal samples are replaced with timing data, then timing synchronization is improved, but some GPS signal samples are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial replacement by substituting only certain GPS samples with timing data at regular intervals, rather than replacing all samples. This partial action provides sufficient timing synchronization information while minimizing the loss of GPS signal data, maintaining an optimal balance between timing precision and signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing data acts as a temporary marker inserted into the stream, serving its purpose for synchronization and then being discarded during processing. These timing markers are simple, lightweight data elements that provide necessary timing information without requiring permanent storage or complex handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A GPS receiver (10) is disclosed comprising a GPS antenna and a GPS RF front-end including an analogue to digital converter for sampling received GPS signals and a processor for outputting a stream of the GPS signal samples and inserting repeated instances of timing data indicating the timing of the sampling of the GPS signals in the stream in place of some of the GPS signal samples. Also disclosed is a corresponding method of providing a position fix and a computer program, computer-readable storage medium and apparatus for the same.