Abstract: A GPS receiver (26) for processing GPS satellite signals and adapted for connection to a client device (24). The receiver (26) includes a down converter (44), a correlator (46), and a microcomputer A. The microcomputer A has a microprocessor A, a first memory (48A), a second memory (48B, 148B), and an input/output interface (50). The input/output interface (50) is capable of being connected to the client device (24). The first memory (48A) contains a first set of instructions for the microprocessor A to download and store in the second memory (48B, 148B) at least one time critical GPS software module (A1, A2, . . . AN) from the client device (24). The first memory (48A) also contains a second set of instructions for the microprocessor A to determine whether to download and store in the second memory (48B, 148B) a plurality of non-time critical software modules (B1, B2, . . . BN) from the client device (24).

Abstract: A method of determining a reference frequency in a wireless communication device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a known frequency source; receiving a signal from an unknown frequency source; and calculating an estimate of the frequency of the signal from the unknown frequency source based upon the frequency of the known frequency source. establishing a communication link based upon the frequency of the signal from the unknown frequency source. A wireless communication device according to the present invention is also disclosed comprising a first frequency source associated with a GPS receiver and generating a substantially fixed frequency; a second frequency source associated with a host device and generating an unknown frequency; a counter coupled to the second frequency source; and a control circuit coupled to the counter, the control circuit determining the frequency of the second frequency source based upon the substantially fixed frequency and a value of the counter.