Richard Bova of RF Microwave Consulting Services

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) emerged at the end of the 20^th century. The first practical system was the US version known as the Global Positioning System (GPS). It greatly improved the range and accuracy of a position fix when compared to previous navigation systems.

A constellation of satellites and ground control stations are at the heart of the system. Atomic clocks in satellites are synchronized by ground control which also monitors the satellite’s exact position in orbit. Satellites broadcast their orbital information along with a time stamp that allow earth-bound receivers to triangulate their position. While straight forward in principle the implementation of the system is complex requiring planetary mechanics and mathematics that is beyond the scope of this lecture. Instead, the lecture will provide an over-all description of the system including its operation, uses and limitations.

Biography:

Richard Bova is a former embedded systems engineer who recently worked in the satellite communications system industry. He has also worked as an analog/digital design engineer with hybrid integrated circuits, navigation systems and military ground support equipment. As a former adjunct and full-time professor at the DeVry College of NY, he served as the Chair of the Electrical Engineering Technology program and was a TAC/ABET program evaluator.

Mr. Bova holds a BSEE and MSEE from the Tandon School of Engineering at NYU (formerly Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn) and is a Life Member of the IEEE. He is currently a volunteer workshop leader in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program at Stony Brook University where he leads workshops in drawing and electronics related subjects.

Email:

Address:Commack, New York, United States, 11725-2341