GPS Navigator Circuit using ATmega 16

The system “GPS Navigator Circuit using ATmega 16” is implemented to detect the position/location of anything under consideration, and hence it is suited for navigation activities.

Introduction to GPS Navigator Circuit using ATmega 16

The term GPS has been so popular in recent times. The credit for its quick recognition is due to the list of multiple features this system offers. Elaborated as a Global positioning system (GPS) it has already been established as a reliable technology that has made our lives much easier. Just with the involvement of GPS, we have observed a drastic change in the accuracy and efficiency of the project. Probably for the same reason, the mobile phone development team has incorporated an in-built GPS receiver, which is the reason why we can trace the location of the place we are standing at an instant. However, this instant location identification is possible when there is a distinct line-of-sight communication with four or more satellites.

Trusting GPS for the reasons listed above, we built a device called GPS Navigator Circuit using ATmega 16. With this device, the GPS signal from around the vicinity is collected, and then it is further processed to extract details about its current location. To extend the flexibility of the system, we did include a tracking record system. This feature will serve us best in two definite ways; one is to check on the path traveled so far which will ensure our safety, as we can always travel back to the point where we started in the case when we feel lost in the unknown locality.

Another project based on GPS posted on bestengineeringprojects.com

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Circuit and Working of GPS Navigator Circuit using ATmega 16

The complete circuit diagram of this device is given clearly in fig. 1. As we see the chief component of this project is a simple microcontroller called ATmega16 (IC1) around which the entire circuit is fabricated. Besides this, other components like 5V voltage regulator 7805 (IC2), GPS module, graphical LCD (GLCD1), and a few other components are included in this project.

Talking about the supply, we have implemented a 9V/12V adaptor to power the circuit. The circuit consumes a regulated 5V supply from the regulator IC2 for efficient operation. When the circuit feeds on the power, LED1 glows to notify us about the power consumption scenario.

A clock frequency of 16 MHz is required to operate the microcontroller IC1. To establish a communication path between the GPS receiver modem and IC1, a serial protocol is used. The GPs receiver connects simultaneously and transfers data through Tx pin to the Rx (PD0) pin of IC1. The rate of data transfer is approximately 1 Hz.

Here we use a special type of LCD called GLCD to display the information collected. A normal LCD cannot display such enormous data, so a GLCD which is a 128×64-pixel and KS0108-controller-based device is used. To interface it with a microcontroller, port pins PB0-PB7 of IC1 are connected to data pins D0-D7 of GLCD1. Similarly, few pins from port D; PD2-PD6 are configured to provide control signals RS, R/W, EN, CS1, and CS2 to GLCD1, respectively. And, of course, we have Switch S1 to make necessary reset arrangements related to navigation.

Working of GPS Navigator Circuit using ATmega 16

Finally, let’s discuss how this navigating device works. When the adequate supply is offered to the circuit, first of all, the microcontroller is turned on and it quickly stores the initial values of longitude and latitude data marking the start point. And, as we move on with that device in hand, the varying values of longitudes and latitudes are continuously plotted in it forming the path we traveled; a clear picture for this explanation is given in fig.1.

To include a wide area on a small screen, we use certain rules of measurement such that 30 meters of distance traveled on the field is equivalent to 1 division change on the screen. Hence, after the recorded distances are plotted on the screen with respective latitude and longitude values, what we get is a distinct view of the path we traveled so far and the details about turns and directions we followed. Besides this, from the map developed, other information regarding the current latitude, longitude, speed, altitude, date, time, etc are known. In addition, the total number of satellites our GPS modem can capture can also be known.

Software for GPS Navigator Circuit using ATmega 16

The fact that the ‘C’ language is used in coding makes it easier to implement. For the compiling purpose, we use WINAVR Programmers Notepad. WINAVR is a GCC–based compiler for AVR. To burn the code into the microcontroller we can use any program burner/loader with FUSE BYTE settings mentioned below:
Lfuse-0xef
H fuse-0x99

The data is sent continuously by GPS receiver modem to IC1 through USART at a 9600 baud rate. The data sent by GPS is initiated by a ‘$’ sign which is further followed by National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) output sentences. For additional details, refer to Table I.

On the other hand, the microcontroller is ready to continuously capture and store all bytes for each NMEA output sequence. Now, the total bytes are partitioned and distinctly sampled into a small packet that contains information about time, date, longitude, latitude, altitude, speed, etc. All such values are continuously monitored and updated on the GLCD screen.

Click Here to Download Software Code

Construction and testing of GPS Navigator Circuit using ATmega 16

The figure of the actual size of the single-side PCB layout for the GPS navigator circuit is illustrated in Fig. 2. The respective component layout is given in Fig. 3. Follow the pattern as in the circuit to assemble the components on the PCB and reduce possible errors during assembling. To protect IC1, use IC base. For the supply, we can implement a 9V/12V adaptor. It can also be replaced with any other suitable DC source.

Figure 2: Solder Side PCB design of GPS Navigation Circuit Using ATmega 16

Figure 3: Component Side PCB design of GPS Navigation Circuit Using ATmega 16

For testing the entire circuit, make sure at Vcc of IC₂ there is a 5V power supply concerning the GND pin. And, at the Tx pin of the GPS module, with the help of an oscilloscope, we can view the data transmitted by the GPS modem.

PARTS LIST OF GPS NAVIGATOR CIRCUIT USING ATMEGA 16