Is this the message you receive when powering up your GPS navigation system?  If so, it’s with good reason.  The Global Positioning System, or GPS as it’s more commonly known, uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 Earth orbit satellites.  By accurately measuring the distance between any three of those satellites, called “triangulating,” a GPS can pinpoint an exact location anywhere on Earth, in addition to time and velocity. 

GPS was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and is the only fully functional global navigation satellite system in the world.  In 1993 the system was made available for civilian use, worldwide. 

GPS is now a household name and a widely used navigation tool.  As consumers, we think of GPS receivers as devices integrated into our cars and mobile devices.  Today, professionals and enthusiasts from all walks of life use GPS technology to improve productivity, enhance safety, and simplify their work.

Yet, GPS remains a highly sophisticated technology.  GPS receivers incorporate wireless components such as an antenna finely tuned to the frequencies transmitted by the satellites, receiver processors and a highly stable clock, such as a crystal oscillator.  The receiver may also include a display providing users with visual access to location and speed information.  Many GPS receivers can even relay position data to a PC or interface with a wireless device, such as a serial connection, USB or Bluetooth.

In addition to navigation, GPS is used in a variety of industries, some unexpected. Industries such as agriculture, municipal planning, building and marine construction, mining and many more utilize GPS technology to increase operational efficiency and save resources.

“GPS is an effective tool for any industry requiring a precise location, and each customer has unique requirements for their application,” says Zafar Ullah, field application engineer for Arrow Electronics.  “Arrow provides customized solutions to help customers get their products to market, from the architecture phase through product development to launch.”

As a full-service technology and solutions provider, Arrow Electronics provides customers with complete solutions for GPS technology with chipset, modules, antennas, components, development tools, reference designs, software and more. 

Through the Arrow Consulting Engineering Services (ACES) program, Arrow helps customers save time, effort and resources by connecting them with prescreened, qualified and certified third-party solutions and design service companies.  Additionally, through Arrow’s unique TestDrive program, customers can “try before they buy” free of charge for up to 21 days. 
 
Visit http://components.arrow.com/products/ for more information about Arrow’s wireless solutions; and www.arrownac.com/aces to learn more about ACES and Arrow’s design tools.