Diversity Time and Frequency Location Receiver

A first location sensor for use in a wireless location system (WLS) comprising a network of location sensors, said first location sensor comprising:

• a first receiver subsystem comprising an HDTV receiver;
• a common processor platform (CPP) coupled via first link means to the first receiver subsystem, wherein the first receiver subsystem provides a stable time reference and position information to the CPP via the first link means;
• second link means for coupling the first location sensor to a sensor platform and providing time and frequency references and location data to said sensor platform;
• a second receiver subsystem comprising a GNSS receiver operatively coupled via third link means to said CPP, wherein the second receiver subsystem provides a second stable time reference and position information to the CPP via the third link means;
• and
• a reference oscillator operatively coupled to the CPP;
• wherein the CPP is configured to communicate via said first and third link means with the first and second receiver subsystems, to receive stable time signals from the receiver subsystems, and to use at least one of the time signals to discipline the reference oscillator, and wherein said reference oscillator provides a stable frequency reference to the CPP.

A system for determining the location of a location sensor of a wireless location system (WLS), comprising:

• means for acquiring gross timing information;
• means for acquiring correction factors for terrestrial signals;
• means for acquiring terrestrial broadcast signals;
• and
• means for computing a location of the sensor using the terrestrial signals and the correction factors, and for refining the computed location until it is within a defined tolerance;
• wherein the computed location is available for use in subsequent operations of the WLS.

A method for determining the location of a location sensor of a wireless location system (WLS), wherein the location sensor is unable to receive GNSS signals, comprising:

• acquiring gross timing information;
• acquiring correction factors for terrestrial signals;
• acquiring terrestrial broadcast signals and computing a location of the sensor using the terrestrial signals and the correction factors;
• refining the computed location until it is within a defined tolerance;
• and
• storing the computed location for use in subsequent operations of the WLS.