What Is Inside a GPS Receiver?

The GPS system relies on orbiting satellites for information.

A GPS receiver allows a user to find his location anywhere in the world. The receiver uses a combination of hardware calculation and internal data to convert these signals into a location.

Antenna Receiver

All GPS receivers have an antenna, either internal or external. The antenna receives the radio signal broadcasted by the satellites. Clarity of the signal is important. Without the time data provided by the signal, the receiver cannot calculate position.

Data and Computer Components

Data received by the antenna is calculated by the internal processor. The receiver uses stored satellite movement paths to determine the location of the satellite. The radio data is used to determine current distance. Current location is calculated through multiple readings.

Display

Positional data is then showed to the user. Current location, speed and altitude can be displayed by the receiver. Additionally, most modern receivers can display the user's position on an internal map.

References

• America.gov: United States Updates Global Positioning System Technology

Resources

• Global Positioning System: Technical Information