Final answer:
An IFR GPS system uses signal verification, multi-satellite calculation, and error correction techniques to confirm the signal from a satellite is not corrupted and accurate.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to confirm that the signal from a satellite has not been corrupted and that it is accurate, an IFR GPS system uses multiple techniques:
- Signal Verification: The GPS receiver checks for certain characteristics of the received signal, such as signal strength, signal quality, and data integrity, to ensure that the signal is authentic and hasn't been tampered with.
- Multi-Satellite Calculation: The IFR GPS system calculates the position based on signals received from multiple satellites. By using trilateration, which involves measuring the time it takes for the signals to reach the receiver from different satellites, the GPS system can verify the accuracy of the signal.
- Error Correction: GPS receivers also use techniques like differential GPS (DGPS) to correct for errors caused by factors such as atmospheric distortions and satellite clock discrepancies. DGPS compares the GPS signal with a separate reference signal to determine and correct any errors in the GPS data.