Theory of Operation

F

F.1 GPS Satellite Message

Every GPS satellite transmits the Coarse/Acquisition (C/A) code and satellite data modulated onto the L1 carrier frequency

(1575.42 MHz). The C/A code is a unique pseudo-random sequence for each satellite. The satellite data transmitted by each satellite includes a satellite almanac for the entire GPS system, its own satellite ephemeris, and its own clock correction.

The satellite data is transmitted in 30-second frames. Each frame contains the clock correction and ephemeris for that specific satellite, and two pages of the 50-page GPS system almanac. The time required to transmit the complete system almanac is 12.5 minutes; the time to transmit the satellite ephemeris is 30 seconds.

The system almanac contains information about each of the satellites in the constellation, ionospheric data, and special system messages. The ephemeris contains detailed orbital information for a specific satellite. The GPS system almanac changes infrequently and is typically valid for weeks. Ephemeris data changes hourly, but is valid for up to four hours. The GPS control segment updates the system almanac weekly and the ephemeris hourly through three ground- based control stations. During normal operation, the smart antenna updates the ephemeris stored in its memory at 30-minute intervals.

The performance of a GPS receiver at power-on is determined largely by the availability and accuracy of the satellite ephemeris data and the availability of a GPS system almanac.

F-2

Acutime 2000 Synchronization Kit User Guide

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Trimble Outdoors Part Number 45005-00-ENG, AcutimeTM2000 Synchronization Kit manual GPS Satellite Message