Application of low cost frequency standards for commercial and military GPS

The pertinent parameters of a frequency reference for GPS (Global Positioning System) are discussed. Attention is then given to the relevance of these parameters as they relate to the pertinent GPS system parameters of time-to-first-fix performance, carrier tracking loop performance, and code tracking loop performance. It is concluded that the evolution in GPS hardware capability, cost, size, and power has spurred renewed interest in the study of the sensitivity of frequency standard parameters and their effect on performance criteria. It is noted that improvements in crystal manufacturing and hardware signal processing power will continue to drive the size and cost of the GPS frequency standard down.<>