Interesting facts about GPS technology
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are a critical component when it comes to the use and application of many of the technologies, on a daily basis. Although the system was primarily designed to navigate using signals which accurately pinpoint your location, nowadays GPS and navigation systems are a common technological fixture.
However, there are many things you didn’t know about proprietary GPS and navigation systems although we are pretty much relying on the same for proper guidance. Here are a few interesting facts about this three-decade-old technology.
GPS and navigation technology: The concept which revolves around GPS technology may be similar, but the technology is not unique. This means GPS is not the only space-based radio navigation systems. It is one of the much popular and used systems globally. Russia has its own navigation system known as the GLONASS, along with Galileo in Europe and BeiDou in China. However, presently GPS and GLONASS are the only two satellite-based space radio systems that offer global coverage. The Galileo and BeiDou systems are yet to be made fully functional for global coverage.
Number of Satellites in orbit: Since GPS and navigation systems heavily rely on global satellites for positional and coverage accuracy of the signals, there are currently 32 satellites orbiting our planet. Global coverage is only possible when a total of 24 satellites work together in cohesion to provide uninterrupted signals and coverage, which was achieved back in the 90’s itself. However, today with the additional eight satellites, extra coverage is possible without any downtime when the GPS satellites are undergoing scheduled maintenance and repairs.
GPS visibility and line of sight concept: We may have 32 satellites orbiting at any given point of time, however, for GPS and navigation systems to function properly, we only need a minimum of four satellites to achieve positionally and signal accuracy. Four satellites in our line of sight will ensure uninterrupted coverage and accurate location mapping since there is constant communication between the signal sender and receiver. The signals travel at the speed of light which is constant and based on these factors it is easy to determine an accurate position for mapping.
Relativity plays a key role: Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity in simple terms states that time tends to move faster in places where there is the minimum effect of gravity, which is why the time onboard GPS and navigation satellites will be different when compared to our clocks back home. In fact, the difference of 38 microseconds faster per day will not sound so significant, but in reality, if this factor is not taken into account, the locations mapping could be off by more than a couple of miles thus affecting positional accuracy. This is also one of the main reasons why we need four orbiting satellites in line of sight to determine accuracy.
The government owns and operates GPS system: The technology might have been invented and developed by the military, to be used for advanced warfare and systems, but it was made freely available to the public after 2000. The technology is owned and operated by the government as a public domain for everyone to benefit from GPS and navigation systems which have become a major part of our routine.
Other uses of GPS:
Battery backup systems are devices set up where the primary power source becomes unavailable. This can happen due to a power cut, a circuit failure, or any other related reason. The solution is available in various forms, from single-cell backup batteries used in computers to more advanced versions installed in large facilities with separate battery rooms, generally provided for data centers. The UPS (uninterrupted power supply/source) is an alternative to the usual battery backups.
Uninterrupted power supply/source – What it means
The UPS system activates automatically when the main power source becomes defunct. This source is distinguished from the other backup systems in that it provides almost instant protection from any interruptions due to power failure. This is made possible with the help of the pre-stored power in its battery packs.
Apart from this convenience, UPSs also help shield appliances from any spikes of voltage that might occur. Usually employed to protect electrical and telecom equipment, these devices come in various sizes. Allowing electronic gadgets to function smoothly without any work loss, UPSs recover their energy stock as long as the utility power is functional. This helps maintain its energy stores, providing optimal support for a long time.
Its main role
The UPS has the main role of bridging the power gap between the failure and the backup. This warrants that the system be extra sensitive to any power variation, be it voltage fluctuations or full-out power cuts. This especially makes UPSs instrumental in areas with rampant power cuts or a generally unstable power supply.
This is why these devices are installed between the main power source and the appliances and equipment. This presence would make it the first point of contact when the electricity goes out and would also enable it to restore the power backup while the main line is on.
Where are UPSs used?
Now that you know what UPSs are, it will be helpful to know the areas where they are most commonly used. These include hospitals, burglar alarms, and power stations.
Top UPS choice for 2023
In 2023, there are mainly two brands ruling the UPS market. Some of their best-selling models are discussed here:
Ovens are helpful when you have to cook dinner after a long tiring day since they require lesser effort than standing over a stove. Ovens that come with smart technologies are, therefore, even better for this purpose. The oven making company, Brava, introduced the smart oven that prepares meals faster than a convection oven without compromising on the taste that you prefer. This smart oven by Brava requires no preheating and can be used to prepare multiple types of foods that need to be cooked at different temperatures on the same tray at the same time without using too much energy.
Here is what makes Brava ovens different
Traditional ovens use a lot of energy for heating the air inside and outside its chamber. However, while the oven by Brava uses conduction and convection modes, it focuses on the direct transfer of energy by using six infrared lamps to heat the food instead of the tray or the air around it.
The company also claims that this method of cooking meals is faster than any other method in the world without obstructing the taste. A Brava oven takes only seconds to raise the temperature of its chamber from zero to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. These ovens also use considerably less energy than a convection oven.
How can you use a Brava oven?
There are three different zones on a glass baking sheet that divide the ingredients so each customizable light can cook the food accordingly. Once you have chosen the ingredients from the list or once you have chosen one of the preset recipes, the oven will tell you exactly where you should place your food item.
If you are cooking meat in the oven, then you can use a smart meat thermometer that can be placed inside the center of the meat, which will help you get the desired level of doneness. Therefore, you can expect a restaurant quality meal from the Brava oven.
What more can you expect from Brava oven?
The company offers a meal kit service that does not require a subscription at all. Consumers can thus simply order what they like whenever they want. In addition to this, a smartphone application allows the consumers to control recipes using their smartphone even from afar. Therefore, even when you are at work, you can select a meal, and it will be waiting for you in the oven when you get home.
To learn more about Brava oven, you can peruse their official website carefully. Additionally, apart from Brava, you can also check other over companies like Whirlpool, Bosch, Viking, and the like.