(U) Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver Applications Module (GRAM)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The GPS Receiver Applications Module (GRAM) is a standard for a GPS receive card.  It will be used by industry to develop standard DoD GPS receivers for airborne applications. 

Description: (U)
(U)  The GRAM is the GPS Joint Program Office solution of choice to migrate to an Open System Architecture (OSA) for avionic equipments employing GPS receiver engines.  The GRAM is a military receiver on a card that specifies a multi-channel, precision code (P-code) receiver that operates with both GPS L1 and L2 frequencies.  

(U)  The goals of the GRAM program are to: a) ensure security, interoperability, and interchangability, b) maintain a number of competitive industry sources for PPS GPS modules for cost reasons, c) reduce proliferation of non-standard interfaces, definitions, functions and performance metrics, d) provide technical definitions that form basis of a JPO receiver card certification, and e) provide a technically expedient and cost effective host for future capability upgrades.

(U)  GPS Receiver Applications Module-GRAMs are to be considered members of the family of common DoD UE not requiring OSD approval for procurement and use. This will streamline the acquisition process for a DoD Systems Program Office to embed or implement GPS into their systems. The GRAM standard was developed jointly with industry and DoD users and also complies with the DoD initiative to use industry standards.

(U)  The GRAM Standard provides form factors, interface data through Interface Control Document (ICD-155), functional definition and performance requirements, a set of baseline functions, and optional additional functions which can be specified if required by the system. It provides a precise common set of GPS semantics and definitions. Functions are segregated as "minimum and optional additional."  At least three types of cards are specified in terms of form-factor:  "Modified Standard Electronic Module (MOD SEM), VME, and Weapon."  Minimum environmental requirements, mechanical and electrical characteristics, and data messages are included. Additionally, the GRAM Standard defines certification test requirements and provides guidelines for embedding GRAM receivers in host systems.

User Impact: (U)
(U) The GRAM specification will allow builders of DoD GPS equipment to easily integrate GPS into on-board flight navigation and management systems providing highly accurate, all weather navigation and timing information to the aircraft allowing more precise flight patterns, rendezvous, and weapons delivery.  

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) 3A Airborne Receiver, GPS Block IIA, GPS Block IIF, GPS Block IIR, Miniature Airborne GPS Rec. 2000

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Receivers

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) NAVIGATION.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
18 May 1998

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)