The ICFAI Institute of Science and Technology

Jaipur
(OCT-2008)

A
REPORT
ON
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM

&
TRACKING DEVICES

Submitted By: In Guidance of:

VIVEK KUMAR SINGH Mrs. MADHULIKA CHAUDHARY

[05JPEC038] [Faculty member]

Date: ---0--2008
 PROJECT SCHEDULING

S.No. Task Date of

Completion
1. Literature Survey 22-08-08
2. Project Outline 05-09-08
3. Mid Term Project Report 26-09-08
4. Mid-Semester Seminar/Viva
5. Final Project Report 04-11-08
6. Final Seminar

Signature of Student Signature of Faculty

 NEED OF THE PROJECT
Global Positioning & Tracking System is the rising need of today’s world. With the increasing population
of the mobile devices, people require not only the basic high quality voice services, but also other
advanced services, such as location based services (LBS).

We can View car data to judge driver's usage in our absence. With the help of Global Positioning &
Tracking System we can Track, Locate, Monitor, Control, and record vehicle usage.

Government Agencies can use the GPS and tracking system for the internal and external security
purposes.
 INTRODUCTION
Wireless location technologies have drawn a significant amount of attention over
the past few decades. Different types of location-based services have been
proposed and studied the location-based billing, the navigation system, and
applications for the intelligent transportation system. Due to the emergent interests
in LBS, it is required to provide enhanced precision in the location estimation of
mobile device under different environments. A variety of wireless location
techniques have been studied and investigated. These techniques can be classified
into the network-based and the satellite-based location schemes. The representative
algorithms for the network-based location techniques are the time difference-of-
arrival (TDOA) and the angel-of-arrival (AOA). The TDOA scheme measures the time
difference of signals coming from different wireless base stations; while the AOA
technique observes the arriving angle of signal from the mobile device. The well-
adapted technology for the satellite-based location method is the global positioning
system (GPS). It measures the time-of-arrival (TOA) of the signals coming from
different satellites.

In order to achieve better accuracy for location estimation, a hybrid approach

should be considered to satisfy the requirements under different environments (i.e.
urban, suburban, and rural areas). In this contribution, hybrid location estimation
and tracking system is proposed for the mobile stations (MS). The proposed location
scheme determines the MS’s location by combining the outcomes from both the
network-based and the satellite-based techniques.
 APPLICATIONS

Emergency 911 safety services

One of the most important applications of LBSs is emergency safety service which geometrically
locates a person who is unaware of his/her location or is not able to reveal it due to the emergency
situation such as injury, criminal attack, and so forth. With the exact location automatically transferred to
the emergency services, the assistance can be provided quickly and efficiently.

 Information services

Location-based information services provide information that is related to MS’ location. For
example, services such as guided tours, notification about nearby places of interest (restaurants, theaters,
etc.), transportation services, and other services that can be provided to tourists moving around in the
unfamiliar environment or city.

 Navigation services

Navigation services are applicable for mobile users. MS report their location to base station (BS), and
then serving operator can provide geometrical information in a map and route to the destination.

 Location based billing services

Location-based billing services enable a mobile location service provider to dynamically charge
service fee depending on MS’s location.

 Tracking and management services

Tracking and management services are applicable both corporate markets and consumers. For
example, by tracking postal packages, a company can know easily where their goods are at any time.
Vehicle tracking can also be applied to locate and dispatch an ambulance that is nearest to a given call.
Another similar application allows companies to locate their field person (salespeople, or repair engineers)
so that they are able to dispatch the nearest engineer and provide their customers with accurate personal
arrival time.
 ADVANTAGES
• Track, Locate, Monitor, Control, and record vehicle usage.
• View car data to judge driver's usage in your absence.
• Remote access codes to disable your car with an SMS
• Peace of mind that your vehicle cannot be tampered with without you coming to know of it.
• Security for your expensive cars
Estimation of MS location
To enable the above-mentioned LBS applications, some location-related parameters should interact
between MS and BS. BS then can estimate MS location with those parameters. Therefore, three main
issues should be considered:

i. Location parameters to be updated

ii. Parameter updating method
iii. Location estimation method

For example, periodical reporting of GPS location is the simplest solution, but the GPS location may
not always be available and the reporting requires huge MAC overhead. In the following, we discuss how
BS estimates MS location with/without MS’s assistance.

3.1. Discussion on Estimation Methods

The wireless location technologies can be classified into network-based and satellite-based location
schemes. The typical algorithms for network-based location techniques are the angle of arrival (AOA)
and the time difference of arrival (TDOA). For the satellite-based location method, the global positioning
system (GPS) is the well-adapted technique. It measures the time of arrival (TOA) of signals coming
from different satellites. However, several researches have been studied [3] [4] that the performance of
the location techniques listed above varies under different environments. Due to weak incoming signals
or shortage of signal sources (e.g. at rural area), the network-based (i.e. TDOA, AOA) methods result in
degraded performance for the location determination of mobile devices [5] [6]. On the other hand, the
major problem for the satellite-based (i.e. GPS) method is that the performance considerably degrades
while the satellite signals are severely blocked (e.g. at urban valley area)

It can be considered, for example, the hybrid location estimation and tracking system which combine
both network-based and satellite-based location schemes. Here, it is assumed that each MS is equipped
with a GPS receiver in order to obtain the TOA measurements from the satellites. As shown in Fig. 1, the
TDOA measurements are conducted at the MS by obtaining the signals via the downlink from the BSs.
The AOA signals are transmitted from the MS to the BSs using the uplink. The AOA measurements are
performed at the BS using its antenna arrays for two-dimensional adaptive beam steering. In order to
avoid signal degradation due to the near-far effect, it is assumed that only the home BS provides the
capability of the AOA measurements.
 Fig. 1 The schematic diagram of the hybrid mobile location scheme

This hybrid location estimation scheme can be applied to either MS-based or MS-assisted system. The
choice between these two types of systems depends on the requirement of the communication bandwidth
and the computation power of the MS. With this example, the MS’s location can be determined more
accurately. Not only the longitude (x) and the latitude (y) of the MS can be obtained, but also the altitude
(z) of the MS can be estimated.

From the above, it is apparent to know that obtaining the location of the MS is easy. In order to make
LBSs more efficient, the ability of computing and transmitting the MS’s location is needed. Therefore, it
is suggested that there should be some parameters, such as the longitude (x), the latitude (y), and the
altitude (z), to describe the MS’s location.

Simulation Results and Comparison

Here are some simulations performed in Fig. 2 to discuss the performances of MS location estimation
techniques based on MS. The MS is assumed to travel at a constant speeds of (3, 4, 0) m/s along the x and
y directions, i.e. (x, y, z) = (27 + 3t, 36 + 4t, 300) in meters. Fig. 2 shows the performance of this hybrid
location system (measured in RMS error) comparing with the GPS and the cellular system under urban,
suburban, and rural environments. It can be seen that the GPS system has the worst performance
comparing with the other two systems in the urban area; while the cellular system causes degraded results
in the rural area. The hybrid system is capable of adjust itself to accommodate different situations, which
provides consistent performance comparing with the GPS and the cellular systems.

Performance comparisons between the GPS, the cellular, and the hybrid system in urban (top), suburban (middle),
and rural (bottom) areas.

Radio Frequency Identification

RFID is a flexible technology that allows businesses to close the gap between acquiring data, converting it
to meaningful information, and automating all associated transactions. It can provide traceability and real-
time control to meet customer and regulatory requirements while actually improving efficiency and
profitability. RFID can be read-only or read / write, does not require contact or line-of-sight to operate,
can function under a variety of environmental conditions, and provides a high level of data integrity. In
addition, because the technology is difficult to counterfeit, RFID provides a high level of security.
Components of RFID Solution
RFID technology uses frequencies within the range of 50 kHz to 2.5 GHz. An RFID system typically
includes the following components:

Transponder / Tag: A RFID device that actively transmits to a reader is termed an “active” tag; an
RFID device that only reflects or backscatters transmission from a reader is termed “passive.” The tags are
programmed with data that identifies the item to which the tag is attached. Tags can be either read - only,
volatile read/write, or write one/read many (WORM) and can be either active or passive. In general, active
tags use batteries to power the tag transmitter (radio) and receiver. These tags usually contain a greater
number of components than do passive tags. Therefore, active tags are usually larger in size and are more
expensive than passive tags. In addition, the life of an active tag is directly related to battery life. Passive
tags can be either battery or non-battery operated, as determined by the intended applications. Passive tags
reflect the RF signal transmitted to them from a reader or transceiver and add information by modulating
the reflected signal. A passive tag does not use a battery to boost the energy of the reflected signal. A
passive tag may use a battery to maintain memory in the tag or power the electronics that enable the tag to
modulate the reflected signal.

Antenna: Each RFID system includes at least one antenna to transmit and receive the RF signals. In
some systems, a single antenna transmits and receives the signals; in other systems, one antenna transmits
and one antenna receives the signals. The quantity and type of antennas used depend on the application.

RF Transceiver: The RF transceiver is the source of the RF energy used to activate and power the
passive RFID tags. The RF transceiver may be enclosed in the same cabinet as the reader or it may be a
separate piece of equipment. When provided as a separate piece of equipment, the transceiver is
commonly referred to as an RF module. The RF transceiver controls and modulates the radio frequencies
that the antenna transmits and receives. The transceiver filters and amplifies the backscatter signal from a
passive RFID tag.

Reader: The RFID reader directs the RF transceiver to transmit RF signals, receives coded signal from
the tag through the RF transceiver, decodes the tag’s identification, and transmits the identification with
any other data from the tag to the host computer. The reader may also provide other functions. For
example, ETC applications include accepting data from other input devices such as a vehicle detector and
controlling gate and lights. Firmware in the reader controls reader operations. The user can change or
customize the reader’s operations to suit a specific requirement by issuing commands through the host
computer or a local terminal

RFID Frequencies

There are basically four frequency bands in which RFID works namely; LF, HF, UHF and Microwave.

LF or Low Frequency is in the 100-500 KHz frequency band and provides short to medium read
range at a low reading speed. Its advantages are its ability to penetrate obscuring materials and its
inexpensive compared to other frequencies. Most suitable application areas are animal control, car
immobilizer, access control and inventory control.

HF or High Frequency ranges from 10 -15 MHz; typically 13.56 MHz and provides short to medium
reading range at medium reading speed. It’s potentially inexpensive and has moderate penetration in
obscuring materials. Mainly finds use in the application areas like access control, pallet and carton
identification and smart cards.

UHF or Ultra High Frequency has a comparatively long read range and is available in the 860-950
MHz frequency band. It has high reading speed and is expensive compared to the other frequencies. It is
ideal for applications like supply chain management, railroad car monitoring and toll collection systems.

Microwave Frequency is found in the 2.4 -5.8 GHz frequency band and has a medium read range
with moderate penetration ability in obscuring materials. It’s relatively expensive compared to LF and HF.
Microwave is most suitable for applications like carton and pallet identification
Supply

The GPS interface can be fed in 2 ways: with a stabilized 5V supply or with a 10 to 25V unregulated DC
supply. In both cases the power is fed into the RJ45 connector on point 8. Pin 7 is DC ground.

The power supply current is first secured with a slow 315mA fuse (in socket). Then there is a Transzorb
device to ground. This device is a short-circuit for reverse polarity voltages and for voltages above 27V.
It causes the fuse to blow and in doing so, protecting the other electronics and GPS module.

After the Transzorb there are several other components for filtering and the unregulated voltage is
supplied to the switching regulator U2. This LT1107CN8-5 (datasheet) produces 5V without much heat
losses. A linear regulator like a 7805 would dissipate approx. 2 Watts. With this switching regulator the
dissipation is limited to max. 0,3Watts. R10 defines the output voltage. If it is 0 ohm, the output voltage
would be exactly 5V. We chose to make it 5k6 ohm so the output voltage becomes approx. 5,1V. This is
done to compensate for the loss in the filter around L3. R9 is only used when you use the adjustable
version of the LT1107, and since we supply the fixed 5V output version, this position stays unpopulated.

The regulated 5V is then wired to the 2-position jumper SW5. With this jumper we can choose between
the 5V from the LT1107 regulator (position 2), or from an externally supplied 5V regulated supply
(position 1). After this jumper ther is an additional Transzorb to ground. This one short-circuits
everything above 6V. If the SW5 jumper is in position 1 (external 5V) and a higher voltage is supplied,
this Transzorb burns the fuse end protects the sensitive GPS module.

After some more filtering (C6, L3, C7, C8) the +5V is offered to the GPS module and the RS232
converter. There is also a simple charging circuit consisting of D6, D7 and R6 for an optional NiCd
battery to keep the real-time clock and static ram of the GPS module powered, as to speed up locking to
the GPS constellation after power-up. However, we chose to not deliver this NiCd battery and instead
offer a 0,22F 5,5V supercap, that can be soldered directly onto the GPS module. This supercap keeps the
clock running for approx. 2 days. If you want longer retention you will have to mount a 3,6V NiCd PCB-
mount battery, for example the Emmerich NC-M120-3,6V type, or any other 3,6V NiCd or NiMH type.
You can also choose to use a non-recharable 3V Lithium cel. In that case, do not mount the charging
circuit or disconnect it from the battery.

Via jumper SW4 and a 10 ohm series resistor R7 5V is offered to the GPS module to feed an external
active antenna. When you use a passive antenna, leave SW4 open.

RS232

The GPS module outputs a serial TTL (0V / 5V) signal. This must be converted to RS232 levels (+5 to 15
/ -5 to 15V) before it is usable by the PC host computer.
The RS232 level convertor is the conventional circuit around a MAX232 (U1). The 4 converters in this
chip are all used: 2 for the NMEA serial data input and output port, 1 output to convert the 1PPS signal to
RS232 levels and 1 input for connecting an optional differential GPS receiver.

The 1PPS signal can be connected to either pin 1 (DCD), pin 6 (DSR) or pin 8 (CTS) of the serial port.

Software like NMEAtime or Linux time server can use this 1PPS signal to achieve a a very accurate time
synchronisation. Every software package has its own way of detecting this 1PPS signal, and some
softeware packages don't use it al all. Therefore the 1PPS signal is configurable on pin 1, 6 or 8 of the
DB9 connector. If the software you use does not make use of this option, than don't wire anything at all.

The DB9 connector is wired as a modem. If you have an existing modem cable it can be used to connect
the GPS kit to the serial port of the PC or laptop.

All signals are also wired to the RJ45 connector, so the DB9 female PCB connector is in fact optional
when filling the PCB with components. However, you will need to make your own cable.

RJ45 connector

For the power supply and variuous other signals a RJ45 connector with 8 contacts has been chosen. This
is a much-used and robust connector. The disadvantage is that you need a special crimping tool and
special cable tou correctly mount a cable. These tools are available for prices of around 10-15 Euro. For
a small fee we can supply you with some cables that enable you to make your own cable. But you can
also buy a UTP network cable at the local PC shop. Make sure you buy a network cable with all 8
contacts wired!
 Conclusion
Hybrid location estimation and tracking system is introduced in this contribution. The system is
capable of estimating the three dimensional position and velocity of the mobile devices. It is shown in the
simulation results that the proposed scheme provides consistent location estimation accuracy under
different environments. However, the consistent location estimation accuracy will only be obtained in the
condition that the both systems, the satellite-based systems and network-based systems, have sufficient
signal sources simultaneously
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.quentind.com/quantum/global_positioning_s
ystem.htm
www.agilent.com/satellites
www.visiontek.co.in.vtu