Real-time GPS receiver implemented using Altera FPGA Board

Abstract

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based global navigation satellite system [1]. It provides time and location information to users anywhere on Earth [1]. Nowadays, GPS is very useful not only for military applications but also for civil applications. GPS receivers are placed in any embedded system to continuously calculate current time and location information. Hence, real-time synchronous systems can be designed. This paper presents the design challenges and implementation issues of real-time GPS receiver based on GPS Receiver Board and Altera DE2 FPGA Board. The functionalities of real time system is to receive the data packets from GPS Receiver board continuously and to display the time and location information using Altera DE2 Board in real time mode. The designed system also accepts set-up of desired time, so that synchronous actions can be made. These actions will be only done once the GPS time matches the set-up time. Finally, the field trial demonstrates the successful operation of the real-time GPS receiver system.