Case study

Differential-GPS (DGPS) is an enhancement to Global Positioning System that is based around a network of fixed, ground-based reference stations. DGPS transmitters (beacons) broadcast correction data using long wave radio frequencies between 285 kHz and 325 kHz and MSK digital modulation for data, 100 or 200 bps. Main application of DGPS is precision agriculture.

Solution

Bitgear develops end-to-end beacon receiver, including electronics/PCB, antennas, receiver design and software. Bitgear’s solution is based on Software Defined Radio concept, with simplified analog signal processing, and direct sampling and digital down-conversion implemented in FPGA, and Viterbi demodulator implemented in low-end signal processor. This approach provides excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and temperature stability of the device. Advantages of this approach over traditional solutions include better selectivity, sensitivity, temperature stability and hardware simplicity.

Added Value

• Custom SDR receiver design
• FPGA implementation
• Electronics and embedded software development
• Antenna design