Handheld Navigation System Implementation on FPGA Board

Abstract: The widespread use of navigation devices is increasing rapidly. This all becomes possible mainly due to increased development of hardware, for instance increased computing power (e.g. microcontroller, GPS, Compass) and software. The Handheld Navigation (HNS) is one of the navigation techniques. It is used in different fields. Just like any-other means of navigation, it is used to determine the position and direction of the user accurately and find the shortest track with precision. Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that can be used to determine position coordinates, time, speed and course over ground. The electronic compass is a traditional device that is used to determine the current directional angle of the user. The goal of the thesis is to compare the results of directions angle and distance from two designs (direction’s angle and distance are calculated based upon information from GPS receiver and the other direction’s angle and distance are calculated based upon information from GPS receiver and Compass). In the thesis, we have developed dual designs to achieve the goal of the thesis. The first design uses the GPS receiver coordinates to calculate the direction angle and distance, the second design integrates the GPS positioning and the digital compass, to calculate the direction and distance of Handheld Navigation user. Each device communicates with the microcontroller through the interfaces. As there are two designs. Directional results are obtained from each design. Then these results are compared with each other. After comparison, the more accurate result is chosen for the user. A Handheld Navigation PCB board design has been made. In addition SD card and LCD display are used. Both designs have been carried out on Altera Cyclone II FPGAs. The result of the prototyping shows, that the best design for Handheld Navigation System is the design that consists of GPS and Compass because the compass sensing is stable depending on the magnetic north while the previous design depends on calculated direction on movement and then also on the speed of movement.