How to interface GPS with AVR microcontroller (ATmega16)

GPS modem is a device which receives signals from satellite and provides information about latitude, longitude, altitude, time etc. The GPS navigator is more famous in mobiles to track the road maps. The GPS modem has an antenna which receives the satellite signals and transfers them to the modem. The modem in turn converts the data into useful information and sends the output in serial RS232 logic level format. The information about latitude, longitude etc is sent continuously and accompanied by an identifier string.
How to interface GPS with AVR microcontroller (ATmega16)

This article shows how to interface the GPS modem with ATmega16 and extract the location (latitude and longitude) from the GPGGA string and display it on LCD.

The connection of GPS modem with AVR microcontroller (ATmega 16) is shown in the circuit diagram. The ground pin of max 232 and serial o/p of GPS modem is made common. Pin2 of MAX232 is connected to pin 3 of GPS modem and pin 3 of max 232 is connected to pin 2 of modem. This type of connection is called a serial cross cable.
Pin 2 of MAX232
Pin 3 of GPS Modem
Pin 3 of MAX232
Pin 2 of GPS Modem
Pin 5 Ground Pin of MAX232
Pin 5 Ground of GPS Modem
The commonly available GPS modem gives output in serial (RS232) form. The output consists of a series of string.
 
String format:
The following is an example of the output string from the GPS module with its explanation. This output strings contains information about latitude, longitude, time etc and will always start with $GPGGA. Refer NMEA Standards for more details on string formats.
How to interface GPS with AVR microcontroller (ATmega16) schematic
An example string has been given and explained below:
 $GPGGA,100156.000,2650.9416,N,07547.8441,E,1,08,1.0,442.8,M,-42.5,M,,0000*71
1.      A string always start from ‘$’ sign
2.      GPGGA :Global Positioning System Fix Data
3.      ‘,’ Comma indicates the separation between two values
4.      100156.000 : GMT time as 10(hr):01(min):56(sec):000(ms)
5.      2650.9416,N: Latitude 26(degree) 50(minutes) 9416(sec) NORTH
6.      07547.8441,E: Longitude 075(degree) 47(minutes) 8441(sec) EAST
7.      1 : Fix Quantity 0= invalid data, 1= valid data, 2=DGPS fix
8.      08 :  Number of satellites currently viewed.
9.      1.0: HDOP
10.  442.8,M : Altitude (Height above sea level in meter)
11. -42.5,M :         Geoids height
12.    __ , DGPS data
13. 0000 : DGPS data
14. *71 : checksum

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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