Tracking system - GPS or RF ?

EDAboard.com Forum Index -> RF, Microwave, Antennas and Optics -> Tracking system - GPS or RF ?

Author

Message

GeekWizard

Joined: 24 Oct 2004
Posts: 95
Helped: 3
Location: United Kingdom

21 Sep 2008 13:11 rf beacon tracking

Dear all,

I need to make a presentation on what factors to consider in designing a tracking system embedded in the Cash-In-Transit products.

I have googled such systems and also on this board, most of the people suggest a GPS-GSM embedded system i.e. finding the location through a GPS module and transmitting the information through the GSM network.

- What factors are important while designing such a system? I can think of (a) Power supply (b) Choice of microcontroller (c) Network security, Any others?

How can such a system be implented using an RF beacon? I have seen references to it but cannot get my head around on how it might work.. Any thoughts.

Thanks

vfone

Joined: 10 Oct 2001
Posts: 2328
Helped: 327

21 Sep 2008 15:19 Re: Tracking system - GPS or RF ?

Yes, power supply (and power management in general) is very important in this kind of system, thinking that you never now how long you need to track that system (also could be a delay starting the initial search).
Security is given by the security of the GSM system which is relative good for this application.
Also antenna system is important to maintain a good link connection even for hidden spots of the GPS or GSM networks.

GeekWizard

Joined: 24 Oct 2004
Posts: 95
Helped: 3
Location: United Kingdom

23 Sep 2008 12:01 Re: Tracking system - GPS or RF ?

Quote:

Also antenna system is important to maintain a good link connection even for hidden spots of the GPS or GSM networks.

Is it true that GPS needs a direct line-of-sight link with the antenna and satellite ? If it is so, I was wondering how can a GPS based system work to track containers kept inside a vehicle ?

Many Thanks.