On the exact solutions of pseudorange equations

Three formulations of exact solution algorithms to the system of determined pseudorange equations are derived. It is demonstrated that pseudorange equations are hyperbolic in nature and may have two solutions, even when the emitter configuration is nonsingular. Conditions for uniqueness and for the existence of multiple solutions are derived in terms of the Lorentz inner product. The bifurcation parameter for systems of pseudorange equations is also expressed in term of the Lorentz functional. The solution is expressed as a product of the geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) matrix, representing the linear part of the solution, and a vector of nonlinear term. Using this formulation stability of solutions is discussed     

Existence and uniqueness of GPS solutions

The existence and uniqueness of positions computed from global positioning system (GPS) pseudorange measurements is studied. Contrary to the claims of S. Bancroft (1985) and L.O. Krause (1987), in the case of n=4 satellites a fix may not exist, and, if a fix exists, it is not guaranteed to be unique. In the case of n>or=5 satellites, a unique fix is assured, except in certain degenerate cases such as coplanar satellites. An alternate formulation of the direct n=4 pseudorange to three-space position solutions of Bancroft and Krause is presented, and simple tests for existence and uniqueness are derived.<>     

Observability, ensemble averaging and GPS time

Obtaining time from an ensemble of clocks with a Kalman filter when the system is not observable is examined. Particular attention is given to the Global Positioning System (GPS) master control station (MCS) Kalman filter and the ramifications of estimating ensemble time under conditions of unobservability are explored. The effect of one proposed workaround to problems caused by unobservability is addressed