GPS Solutions

The Perfect Complement to GPS Navigation

Honeywell's electronic compass modules are used for compass solutions as the perfect complement to GPS navigation systems.

Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) offer the latest method in high accuracy navigation by using a constellation of 24 satellites orbiting the earth and transmitting microwave band radio frequencies across the globe. GPS receivers capture at least 4 of the satellite transmissions and use difference in signal arrival times to triangulate the receiver's location.

Without a compass, GPS receivers must collect several sets of coordinates, or waypoints and then determine a general sense of direction of travel. By complementing GPS receivers with electronic compasses, more precise and instantaneous headings are provided to aid navigation for air, ground and water-based systems. In addition, electronic map displays can quickly be updated and in the case that GPS signals become blocked, compass updates and system speed information can provide a temporary backup in navigation.

Electronic compassing for GPS applications uses Honeywell's magnetic sensors configured for sensing earth's magnetic field at about 0.6 gauss. Determining the magnetic sensors orientation relative to the south to north pole field direction provides the required heading information. The magnetic sensors measure the magnetic field intensity in a single direction and when two or three sensors are placed at right angles to each other, create a vector summation of the earth's magnetic field. The electronic compass function takes these sensor inputs and calculates a heading relative to the sensor orientations.

Honeywell Compass Solutions for GPS Navigation Honeywell offers both magnetic field sensors and complete electronic compass modules for electronic compassing. The HMC102X and HMC105X families of linear mode magnetic sensors are particularly suited for cost effective electronic compassing and navigation purposes. These magnetoresistive sensors offer miniature package sizes, high reliability, fast response and high sensitivity required for compact GPS navigation platforms.

For more turnkey compass solutions, Honeywell's line of HMR compass modules cover a wide range of compass requirements. Each compass module has a user calibration routine for adapting to the location of the compass in the platform (vehicle, aircraft, ship, etc.). In addition, each compass module can be ordered as a development kit with demonstration software and cabling for personal computer operation.