Global Positioning System

Brief Background:

The Global Positioning System or GPS is a system of satellites that was originally started by the United States Department of Defense in the early 1970's. The 24 satellite system became fully operational in 1993 for military navigation and tracking. Today GPS has two different levels of service: Standard Positioning Service (Available to Everyone) and Precise Positioning Service (Available only to the U.S. Armed Forces).

How It Works:

The satellites orbit the earth an altitude of 20,000 km and constantly beam out radio waves that carry a signal to your receiver. Each satellite has four atomic clocks on board that time stamp each radio wave which allows for it to be timed on its way to the receiver. Then it combines the time and how fast the radio wave travels to determine the distance between the satellite and receiver. No matter where you are on earth you will be able to receive a signal from at least 4 satellites. This allows it to use a method called Trilateration to pinpoint your position. Trilateration is where at least three satellite use their distance to the receiver to form overlapping spheres that will show where they intersect.

Pros:

- Allows for easy travel

- Inexpensive

Cons:

- Requires the use of satellites

- Privacy issues

Future:

In the future GPS will play a large role in the automation of farming by creating self driving tractors. It will also be used to create a system of self driving cars and self flying planes. GPS will eventually eliminate the need and use of radar technology.

Works Cited

Dunbar, Brian. “Global Positioning System History.” NASA, NASA, 5 May 2015, www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/scan/communications/policy/GPS_History.html.

How Does GPS Work?| Explore, www.physics.org/article-questions.asp?id=55.

www.explainthatstuff.com/howgpsworks.html.

Bluetooth

Brief Background:

Bluetooth is a short distance wireless connection system that is used for a multitude of things. It can be used to download pictures from a camera to a laptop, link two devices for music or calling, and for a wireless mouse. The technique behind bluetooth, Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), was first used in WWII to control a torpedo without it being able to be jammed. Over the next years it became more advanced, became integrated into many products, and received its name from the nickname of King Harald Blatand of the Danes.

How It Works:

Bluetooth uses 79 different radio frequencies to transmit and receive information from other devices. When two or more devices are connected and sharing information they form a mini computer network called a piconet. Multiple piconet's can also connect and share information forming a scatternet. Bluetooth communicates through Spread-Spectrum Frequency Hopping (SSFH), a system where the devices automatically switch between different radio frequencies. When Bluetooth uses SSFH it switches frequencies thousands of times per second. This minimizes interference from other radio wave devices and vastly increases its security.

Pros:

- Secure

- Efficient

- Little Battery Use

Cons:

- Automatic Connection When Not Wanted

- Expensive

- Difficult To Set Up

Future:

In the future this technology will be used for large scale project such as home and industrial automation. The range and data transfer rates will increase allowing for many new uses.

Works Cited

“How Does Bluetooth Work?” Explain That Stuff, 11 Nov. 2017, www.explainthatstuff.com/howbluetoothworks.html.

Systems, eZ. “A Short History of Bluetooth.” A Short History of Bluetooth / ULP Wireless Update / News / Home - Ultra Low Power Wireless Solutions from NORDIC SEMICONDUCTOR, www.nordicsemi.com/eng/News/ULP-Wireless-Update/A-short-history-of-Bluetooth.

Radio Frequency Identification

Brief Background:

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless system made of tags and readers. The reader, connected to an antenna, sends and receives signals. The tag uses radio waves to signal its identity to the reader. Tags can transmit up to pages of data that can be used for a wide variety of things such as theft protection, inventory tracking, race timing, and access control. RFID was first used in 1940 during World War II in order to identify friendly and foe aircrafts. Over the next few decades the technology slowly progressed until the 21st Century where it became integrated into many fields.


How It Works:

There are two different types of RFID tags: passive and active. The passive tag is powered by the signal released by the reader whereas the active tag is powered by batteries and can transmit higher wavelengths and greater distances. These tags transmit signals back to the reader which can contain a vast amount of information. The reader is then normally connected to a computer that does something with the information such as identify stolen objects or take inventory of a business.

Pros:

- Automation of many processes

- Efficient


Cons:

- Expensive

- Complex to install


Future:

In the future this technology will most likely be more advanced and included in more everyday processes. Entire inventory systems for businesses could run automatically with this technology.

Works Cited

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Electromagnetic Compatibility(EMC) - Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).” U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationSafety/ElectromagneticCompatibilityEMC/ucm116647.htm.

Thrasher, James, and About James ThrasherJames is a contributor to RFIDinsider and the Digital Marketing Manager for atlasRFIDstore. When he's not following the latest news in tech, James is probably watching a basketball game. He currently resides in Birmingham, AL with his . “What Is RFID Used for in the Real World? | RFIDinsider.” RFID Insider, 1 Sept. 2015, blog.atlasrfidstore.com/what-is-rfid-used-for-in-applications.