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GNSS and GPS Frequency Bands Explained

gnss gps frequency band satellite navigation

This article breaks down the frequency bands used by Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS). We’ll cover bands used by systems like GLONASS, Galileo, Compass/Beidou, IRNSS, as well as the specific frequencies used by GPS, including L1, L2, and L5.

GPS Frequency Bands (L1, L2, L5, QZSS)

The following table outlines the frequency bands used by GPS and the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).

System/BandFrequency (MHz)Wavelength (m)Bandwidth (MHz)
GPS L11575.420.19015.345
GPS L21227.60.24411
GPS L51176.450.25512.5
QZSS L51176.450.25524
QZSS L2C1227.60.24411
QZSS E6/LEX1278.750.23520
QZSS L11575.420.19012

GNSS Frequency Bands (Europe, Asia - GLONASS, GALILEO, COMPASS/Beidou, IRNSS)

This table details the frequency bands used by other major GNSS systems including GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (Europe), COMPASS/Beidou (China), and IRNSS (India).

System/BandFrequency (MHz)Wavelength (m)Bandwidth (MHz)
GLONASS I-L116020.1876.5
GLONASS I-L212460.2415
GLONASS II-L11575.420.19046.5
GLONASS II-L11600.9950.187415.365
GLONASS II-L21248.060.24048.75
GLONASS II-L31202.0250.249620.46
GLONASS II-L51176.450.25510.22
GALILEO-E11575.420.190412
GALILEO-E5b1207.140.24812.5
GALILEO-E5a1176.450.25512.5
GALILEO-E61278.750.234620
COMPASS CPII/Beidou-E21561.0980.192116
COMPASS CPII/Beidou-E51207.140.24816
COMPASS CPII/Beidou-E61268.520.236416
COMPASS CPII/Beidou-B11561.0980.19214.092
COMPASS CPII/Beidou-B1-21589.740.18874.092
COMPASS CPII/Beidou-B21207.140.24824
COMPASS CPII/Beidou-B31268.520.236524
COMPASS CPII/Beidou,B1-BOC1575.420.190416.368
COMPASS CPII/Beidou,B2-BOC1207.140.2485.115
COMPASS CPII/Beidou,B3-BOC1268.520.236535.805
COMPASS CPII/Beidou,L51176.450.25524
IRNSS-1,L51176.450.25524
IRNSS-1,S-Band2492.0280.120416.5