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This course is for technical and scientific professionals and managers who would like an in-depth perspective on the GPS system, its performance and operation. The course is also for those entering the field and specialists desiring a broad view of GPS developments.

Mr. Keith McDonald
NavtechGPS

GPS System Overview
• System description, technology, development & evolution
• GPS characteristics, capabilities, requirements & performance
• GPS navigation technique; determination of position, velocity, time
• System segments, operation, interdependence; information flow
• GPS configuration, operating modes, civil/military applications

GPS Performance and Policy
• Accuracy, availability, integrity; SPS & PPS operations
• DoD and DoT policy, system status, plans and applications
GPS Space Segment:
How satellites and orbit data affect system operation
• Orbits & orbital characteristics, Kepler’s laws; ephemeris elements, GPS spacecraft: Generations or "Blocks," features, status, plans

GPS Constellation, Coverage & Performance:
How satellite geometry affects receiver performance
• GDOP, visibility, mask angle, constellation performance analysis
GPS Operational Control Segment (OCS):
How OCS uploads and monitors the GPS constellation of spacecraft
• Operational Control System: functions, operation, performance & vulnerabilities

Level: An understanding of basic engineering terms and concepts is desirable, but not mandatory. Non-technical attendees will gain an understanding of the overall system. Most attendees proceed to 110B.

1:30 - 5:00, Monday, String 1
110B: Fundamentals of GPS II

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This describes the GPS system concept; signal structure; PRN codes; data messages; Pseudorange measurement; navigation, velocity and time solutions; error sources; ionospheric correction techniques; error budgets; user types; equipment operation and future system plans.

Mr. McDonald

GPS System Concept & Operation
• Position determination techniques; pseudoranging; ephemeris data
• Signal structure, modulation, power spectrum, noise levels
• Pseudorandom noise (PRN) codes, C/A, P(Y)-codes (and others)
• Code processing; correlation, correlators; data message and content • GPS navigation (position, time) solution; velocity, clock drift solution • Signal acquisition; techniques, TTFF, power levels, signal policy

Error Sources and Effects on Receivers
• Systematic and random errors, tropospheric propagation & models
• Ionospheric effects; diurnal, seasonal & solar cycle dependence
• AFGD ionospheric model, single frequency correction, other methods
• Two-frequency (L1, L2 or L5) correction for iono delays, performance • Ionospheric delay; decorrelation, scintillation, regions affected
• Multipath effects; code rate dependence, mitigation techniques
• Error budgets, performance effects, representative SPS, PPS accuracies and implementations  

Introduction to Differential GPS (DGPS)
• Precision relative measurement techniques; common bias error 
   reduction
GPS Receiver Architectures and Equipment
• Receiver block diagrams; carrier and code acquisition, tracking loops
• Analog and digital configurations; accuracy trends, factors
• Carrier smoothing, aiding; noise levels; receiver operating sequence
• Test results, stand alone & differential performance: SPS & PPS receivers, capabilities and typical operational equipment
• Future plans, signal and system improvements and concerns
• Summary of course; Q and A Session

Level: A basic understanding of engineering terms and concepts is desirable. 110A or equivalent is prerequisite. 110A & B are especially good preparation for the evening programs, and for many of the courses on Tuesday.