Abstract: Generic SATPS receivers and methods for configuring generic SATPS receivers that include a plurality of outputs are provided. These configurable SATPS receivers are adapted to be utilized in at least one of a plurality of particular SATPS receiver applications, and can also include a plurality of input paths, and a means for generating selected ones of the plurality of possible outputs. Selected ones of the plurality of outputs are enabled/disabled based on at least one requirement of the particular receiver application to configure or program the generic SATPS receiver to function as a SATPS receiver used for a particular SATPS receiver application or operating environment. The selected ones of the plurality of outputs can be defined by and can be those utilized by the particular SATPS receiver application or operating environment.

Abstract: A multi-function device with a positioning function and a real time positioning engine is disclosed. The device contains also a shared processor used by the positioning function and other functions of the device, such as a mobile radio-communication function. The positioning engine performs in real time the most computational intensive calculations of the positioning function, such as downsampling, Doppler mixing and correlation calculations. Since the received signal need not be stored, the memory requirements of the positioning function are significantly reduced if aiding data is available.

Abstract: A terrestrial C/A code GPS receiver system digitally samples, filters and stores a segment of 11 half chips of the received composite as a binary number and multiplexes this number for parallel correlation with each of a series of multibit code replicas for the satellites to be tracked. Each of the time delay specific correlation products are accumulated in a cell of a memory matrix so that at least twenty two delays for each satellite may be evaluated each code period providing fast reacquisition, even within a city intersection, as well as correction of multipath tracking and multipath interference. All cells of the memory matrix may be used for an acquisition of a single satellite in about 4 ms. Two satellite tracking, in addition to altitude hold, uses cross track hold alternating with clock hold to update the cross track estimate. Single satellite tracking uses cross track and clock hold together. Navigation data is updated with detected changes in motion including turns.

Abstract: In a mobile communication device, a method for compensating for a frequency adjustment in an oscillator shared between a communication circuit and a positioning signal receiver is provided. In one embodiment, the method begins to receive and store a positioning signal at a first time point. When, at a second time point, the operating frequency of the shared oscillator is adjusted, the frequency adjustment is recorded. After the positioning signal is completely received and stored, the processing of the positioning signal takes into consideration the frequency adjustment. In that embodiment, the processing hypothesizes a frequency shift in the received positioning signal. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for determining the operating frequency of an oscillator detects a beginning time point of a reference signal received by the mobile communication device and enables a counter to count in step with a clock signal derived from the oscillator.

Abstract: A combined Global Position System (“GPS”) and radio system for receiving GPS signals and radio signals is disclosed. The combined GPS and radio system includes a controller that controls a switchable frequency source and a mixer in signal communication with the switchable frequency source. The mixer is capable of receiving both GPS signals and radio signals and producing corresponding intermediate frequency (“IF”) signals in response to receiving a frequency reference signal from the switchable frequency source that has a first switch state of operation that corresponds to the mixer receiving GPS signals and a second switch state of operation the corresponds to the mixer receiving radio signals.

Abstract: A data detection circuit within a global positioning system (GPS) satellite receiver operates to detect and decode data sent in a spread spectrum signal. The data detection circuit receives input from a radio receiver, the information containing data from a plurality of satellites. The data is supplied to a circular memory device, which determines which data corresponds to which satellite. The memory device sends the received signal to a matched filter, which decodes the signal received from each satellite. This signal is analyzed to determine whether a phase inversion due to data modulation on the received signal is present. The phase inversion can occur at boundaries, known as data epochs, in the received signal, and corresponds to data in the received signal. This data contains information relating to the position of each satellite and is collected by the data detection circuit for use by the GPS receiver.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods, apparatuses, and systems for eliminating auto- and cross-correlation in weak signal CDMA systems, such as GPS systems. The invention uses parallel data paths that allow standard correlation of signals in parallel with verification of the lock signal to determine whether the system has locked onto the proper signal within the scanned signal window. The invention can be made with multiple CPUs, a single CPU with dual input modes, on multiple IC chips, or as a single IC chip solution for small, low cost reception, downconversion, correlation, and verification systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for determining the position of a GPS terminal. The system comprises a GPS terminal, a location aiding server, and a communications system. Messages are passed between the GPS terminal and the server, as well as within the GPS terminal, to determine the mode of operation of the GPS portion of the system. Decisions are made based on availability of aiding data and Quality of Service requirements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for improving measurement fault detection in a sequential measurement processing estimator, and is particularly applied to Global Positioning Receivers.

Abstract: A Search Domain Reducing Frequency Transfer in A Multi-Mode Global Positioning System Used With Wireless Networks is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods, apparatuses, and systems for eliminating auto- and cross-correlation in weak signal CDMA systems, such as GPS systems. The invention uses parallel data paths that allow standard correlation of signals in parallel with verification of the lock signal to determine whether the system has locked onto the proper signal within the scanned signal window. The invention can be made with multiple CPUs, a single CPU with dual input modes, on multiple IC chips, or as a single IC chip solution for small, low cost reception, downconversion, correlation, and verification systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for tuning a circularly polarized patch antenna to compensate for manufacturing tolerance variation, and to compensate for mistuning of the antenna due to the implementation of the product in which the antenna is used. Varactors are coupled to the metal patch portion of the antenna, and a dc voltage is applied to tune the antenna capacitance. The varactors can receive different voltages if desired.

Abstract: In a system and method for simultaneously receiving or switching between dual frequency carrier signals in a GPS receiver is adapted to utilize different harmonics of a sub-harmonic frequency generator, which may include a lower frequency voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to detect the L1 and L2 GPS carriers. A sub-harmonic mixer may be used to simultaneously down convert the L1 and L2 signals to a lower intermediate frequency (IF). A second mixer may be an image reject (IR) mixer used to separate the downconverted second L2 signals. This mixer may be configured to simultaneously monitor the L1 and L2 signals, or to switch between the L1 and L2 signals. High frequency switching is not required of the radio frequency (RF) input or local oscillator signals, and simultaneous L1 and L2 reception is enabled without a 3 dB image noise degradation. This method minimizes the RF components and power dissipation in a dual frequency GPS receiver, while optimizing the functionality and performance.

Abstract: In a satellite global positioning system, satellite acquisition and location assistance is based upon shared information between a GPS receiver and a remote server. Satellite position is predicted by satellite almanac data.

Abstract: Generic SATPS receivers and methods for configuring generic SATPS receivers that include a plurality of outputs are provided. These configurable SATPS receivers are adapted to be utilized in at least one of a plurality of particular SATPS receiver applications, and can also include a plurality of input paths, and a means for generating selected ones of the plurality of possible outputs. Selected ones of the plurality of outputs are enabled/disabled based on at least one requirement of the particular receiver application to configure or program the generic SATPS receiver to function as a SATPS receiver used for a particular SATPS receiver application or operating environment. The selected ones of the plurality of outputs can be defined by and can be those utilized by the particular SATPS receiver application or operating environment.

Abstract: Generic SATPS receivers and methods for configuring generic SATPS receivers that include a plurality of outputs are provided. These configurable SATPS receivers are adapted to be utilized in at least one of a plurality of particular SATPS receiver applications, and can also include a plurality of input paths, and a means for generating selected ones of the plurality of possible outputs. Selected ones of the plurality of outputs are enabled/disabled based on at least one requirement of the particular receiver application to configure or program the generic SATPS receiver to function as a SATPS receiver used for a particular SATPS receiver application or operating environment. The selected ones of the plurality of outputs can be defined by and can be those utilized by the particular SATPS receiver application or operating environment.

Abstract: A method for navigation processing in a satellite positioning system receiver is disclosed. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises separating the three SATPS satellites into a first pair and a second pair, constructing a primary solution and an alternate solution, wherein the primary solution and the alternate solution satisfy the measurement constraints, computing a Doppler difference estimate for the primary solution and a Doppler difference estimate for the alternate solution, computing Doppler difference residuals for the first pair and the second pair of SATPS satellites, and comparing the Doppler difference residuals for said primary and alternate solutions to determine a valid solution. Typically, the computing of a Doppler difference residuals comprises differencing a measured Doppler difference from an estimated Doppler difference for the first pair and the second pair of SATPS satellites.

Abstract: Power is conserved in a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver by shutting down selected components during periods when the GPS receiver is not actively calculating the GPS receiver location. A low power time keeping circuit accurately preserves GPS time when the selected components are deactivated. When the selected components are turned on in response to a wake-up command, time provided from the low power time keeping circuit, corrected for actual operating temperatures, and data from the GPS clock temperature/frequency table, are used to recalibrate time from a GPS oscillator. Positions of the GPS satellites are then estimated such that the real GPS time is quickly determined from the received satellite signals. Once real GPS time is determined from the detected satellite signals, the selected components are deactivated. The process described above is repeated such that accurate GPS time is maintained by the low power time keeping circuit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a personal telecommunications device having both global positioning systems (GPS) and telecommunications provisions which share a common clock source. GPS provisions include a feedback loop for controlling an oscillator that generates a GPS system signal based upon the common clock signal. The feedback loop includes a frequency synthesizer for generating a feedback control signal, a phase comparator for generating a control signal in accordance with the feedback signal and the common clock signal, and a loop filter for processing and outputting the control signal to the oscillator to control the frequency of GPS system signals.

Abstract: A navigation system for tracking the position of an object includes a GPS receiver responsive to GPS signals for periodically providing navigation state measurement updates to a navigation processor. The system also includes a dead-reckoning sensor responsive to movement of the object for providing movement measurements to the navigation processor. The navigation processor determines object navigation states using the navigation state measurement updates and propagates the object navigation states between measurement updates using the movement measurements.