An Analysis of GPS Receiver Performance Capabilities and Trends

Keith D. McDonald

Abstract:	Developments in GPS receivers have progressed substantially since their introduction in the mid-1970’s. The early receivers were massive analogue equipments which provided surprisingly good performance as coarse/acquisition (C/A) and precise (P) code measurement devices. The U.S. Department of Defense as well as the Defense establishments in Canada, Australia and in the NATO countries have continued the development, production and implementation of advanced versions of these code measurement receivers, concentrating on real time, dynamic applications. The schedule for the introduction of these units has been maintained reasonably consistent with the GPS satellite deployment activities which are now moving along well with six developmental (Block I) and five operational (Block II) satellites in orbit as of December, 1989. However, the strongest thrust in the development of GPS receivers has come from those developing receivers to meet the needs of the survey community - those requiring precise measurement of carrier phase on an.interferometric differential basis. The survey and geodesy community found early, practical applications of this technology in areas where GPS was originally either ignored or thought to have limited application. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current status and the changes that have occurred in GPS receivers during the past decade or so. From this information, realitive indications of future trends and concerns are identified. Survey receivers in particular are addressed since this area of GPS receiver technology and applications is evolving most rapidly. A means for classifying the various operating modes of GPS receivers is formulated and recommended for use where appropriate.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1990 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 23 - 25, 1990 Princess Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	19 - 30
Cite this article:	McDonald, Keith D., "An Analysis of GPS Receiver Performance Capabilities and Trends," Proceedings of the 1990 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 1990, pp. 19-30.
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