Apparatus for providing GPS positioning information to a plurality of computers from only one GPS receiver

An apparatus for providing GPS positioning information to a master computer and a plurality of slave computers from only one GPS receiver comprising:

• a first level shifter adapted to be coupled to the GPS receiver for receiving a positioning information signal and converting logic levels;
• a first buffer connected to the first level shifter for providing isolation and passing the positioning information signal;
• a plurality of second buffers to provide isolation, each second buffer connected in series with the first buffer and passing a replica of the positioning information signal;
• a plurality of second level shifters, each second level shifter being connected to a respective second buffer and adapted to be coupled to a respective one of the computers for converting logic levels and passing a replica of the positioning information signal to the computer;
• a third buffer adapted to be coupled to the GPS receiver for receiving a synchronizing signal and providing isolation;
• a plurality of fourth buffers to provide isolation, each fourth buffer being connected in series with the third buffer;
• a plurality of third level shifters, each third level shifter being connected to a respective fourth buffer and adapted to be coupled to a respective one of the computers for passing a replica of the synchronizing signal to the computer;
• and
• a signal lead adapted to be coupled between the GPS receiver and the master computer for passing a control signal from the master computer to the GPS receiver to set up and control the state of the GPS receiver.

A method of providing GPS positioning information to a master computer and a plurality of slave computers from only one GPS receiver comprising the steps of:

• providing each computer with a replica of the positioning information signal from the GPS receiver so that each computer receives all of the positioning information it would have received if it had been connected to its own GPS receiver;
• providing each computer with a replica of the synchronizing signal from the GPS receiver so the each computer receives the synchronizing signal it would have received if it had been connected to its own GPS receiver;
• and
• passing a control signal from the master computer to the GPS receiver to set up and control the state of the GPS receiver.