Get An Overview Of GNSS Receiver And Its Applications

Get An Overview Of GNSS Receiver And Its Applications

A Global Navigation Satellite System or GNSS is defined as a combined group of satellites. These get strategically placed. GNSS is used to generate and relay positioning. It is also vital for determining the timing, and navigation data from space. One can use the satellite system to connect the sensors on the Earth. GNSS is embedded in Internet of Things (IoT) devices for ever-improving solutions.

LBS or Location-based services and the diverse applications of GNSS are growing popular with time. GNSS is useful in various domains, like navigation, tourism, health, and entertainment. GNSS offers accurate and reliable positioning information for users. However, it is a challenge for the traditional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. Why? Because the signals could get degraded or blocked by buildings, trees, and obstacles. Read on and explore more about GNSS and its applications.

Know the concept 

GNSS is the generic term for a system of satellites. It is essential to provide geolocation and time information to the GNSS users on Earth. You must have heard of GPS. GPS, or Global Positioning System, is the most well-known GNSS. However, there are other regional and global systems. It includes Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, and QZSS. 

GNSS receivers are devices that calculate the position by measuring the distance and time of signals from more than one satellite. The GNSS signals are vulnerable for obvious reasons. It is essential to review the obstacles like signal interference, multipath, attenuation, etc. All these can impact the signal strength and reduce the accuracy, availability, and integrity. The signals may get reflected, diffracted, or obstructed by tall buildings, walls, roofs, or other construction projects. 

GPS versus GNSS

When it comes to global navigation satellite systems are mentioned, and the first thing you think of is GPS. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the concepts. Rectify the popular misconception that GPS and GNSS are the same. GPS or Global Positioning System is part of GNSS, owned by the US. It is also known by the term NAVSTAR. 

GNSS is a term that could be used for every form of the global satellite positioning system. Among the various systems, GPS is a classic example of GNSS. Thus, GPS is also a type of GNSS system. It is the pioneer system invented to help the independent military navigation system run by the United States Ministry of Defence. The navigation and positioning system was released by the US Ministry to the public for general use. GPS is an accurate positioning system, common for GNSS-compatible equipment pieces. It is apt for devices that use positioning, navigation, and timing through signals from satellites. 

Performance factors you must note

When discussing the performance of the various GNSS systems, one can focus on four core aspects. It includes – 

• Accuracy – It determines and measures the actual position, speed, and time, compared to the data measured by the GNSS. 
• Integrity – The integrity of the system describes the ability of the system to manage the confidentiality of the data it provides. It is also essential to raise the alarm if any abnormal information gets recorded. 
• Continuity – The continuity of GNSS is the capacity to offer continuous and streamlined information without blockage and disruptions. 
• Availability - The availability of a GNSS system is determined through percentage. The percentage exhibits the usability of signals from that system.

The utility of GNSS receiver

How do the GNSS receivers review and interpret signals and pinpoint the location? The process of interpretation is known as trilateration. It is a way to position an object from three distances. A GNSS receiver comprises two elements –

• A processor 
• An antenna 

The antenna picks up the signal, and the processor decodes the critical information. Some receivers have two antennas that serve as the primary and secondary antennas. 

If a satellite broadcasts, it sends the time signal by encoding it in the signal information. The receiver interprets the difference in time from the broadcasted pointer to the receiver time. It also considers the time delay created by the earth’s surrounding layers. The receiver can determine the location with the satellite’s information.

Improve IoT performance with the GNSS system.

Over the last few years, GNSS has become essential for numerous applications with smartphones and vehicles. For instance, GPS-enabled maps have become an indispensable choice for self-driving cars. GNSS system is vital for all smartphone devices with location data. It is among the elementary technologies that helped devices with the Internet of Things that are connected to the urban environment and infrastructure of today. It has grown significantly and evolved from a defense-related technology to a public sector application. More organizations are adapting to the industrial revolution, and smart cities are becoming the norm across countries. Get GNSS receivers designed with perfection and find quality solutions from the best-in-class industrial testing equipment manufacturers.