Open-Architecture Design for GPS Applications

Yves Theroux

Abstract:	The last few years have seen a new range of GPS products and applications, while the cost of a basic GPS sensor has decreased significantly. The need has emerged for a versatile GPS sensor that can be tailored to any specific application. This paper describes the architecture of the CMT-1200, a compact and low-cost GPS receiver that permits the incorporation of new software components at different execution levels and rates, thereby providing maximum flexibility without the need of an extra processor or memory. The user can thus easily customize the I/O or navigation filtering, as well as add new data or command processes directly into the core software. This reduces hardware requirements while providing more efficient utilization of software processing power and memory. The CMT-1200’s hardware is also described. The basic design approach includes a high level of circuit integration, and a powerful RISC processor architecture. With two built-in serial ports and many discrete inputs and outputs, the CMT-1200 can be easily expanded to handle additional devices (eg, serial ports, A/D converter, gyroscope, altimeter, etc) with minimum added circuitry. Finally, examples are provided of specific applications, showing how the software and hardware can be customized with a minimal time to market.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 8th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1995) September 12 - 15, 1995 Palm Springs, CA
Pages:	117 - 121
Cite this article:	Theroux, Yves, "Open-Architecture Design for GPS Applications," Proceedings of the 8th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1995), Palm Springs, CA, September 1995, pp. 117-121.
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