GPS & GNSS Antenna Configurations

Though originally intended as only a radio-navigation system, the global position system (GPS), and variant systems, have also become ubiquitous tools for the distribution of time and frequency signals. GPS is used in virtually all modern smartphones, tablets, automobile telematic systems, and aircraft. GPS relies on very precise timing signals and sophisticated electronics in orbiting satellites as well as terrestrial GPS receiver systems. GPS Disciplined Oscillators (GPSDO) are also used as a reference for frequency and time measurements around the globe. So, not only will you find GPS receivers/antennas on vehicles and within smartphones, but also in computing racks and edge-node electronics.This whitepaper aims to provide some insights into how the GPS system works, and to provide a deeper perspective into the nuances of GPS antenna features/capabilities and how GPS antenna selection impacts GPS system performance.