Smart Positioning with Fastrax's Software GPS Receiver Solution

摘要

Fastrax introduces a new, software-based GPS receiver solution enabling more cost-effective GPS applications. The solution consists of a GPS RF module together with the complete signal processing and navigation software and is targeted mainly for platforms where the total CPU performance is in the range of a few hundred MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). This software based approach for GPS reduces the bill-of-material to <3$ and yet achieves state-of-the-art GPS performance equivalent to stand alone GPS receivers. With a cold start sensitivity of -144 dBm and a navigation sensitivity of -163 dBm the presented software GPS solution can match any existing solution on the market. The Fastrax software GPS approach also includes a wide range of navigation enhancing features in all stages from acquisition to navigation. This paper presents the Fastrax Software GPS receiver: the functionality, architecture, flexibility with parameters, system features, interfaces, extendibility to an accelerated version, and performance. To demonstrate the performance of the Fastrax Software GPS solution, test examples focusing on the CPU load, navigation accuracy, sensitivity, and cold/hot start characteristics are provided. The relatively low requirements for processing power and memory usage make the Fastrax Software GPS receiver a feasible and attractive alternative even for less powerful processor platforms at a low cost.