A GPS receiver can periodically obtain range data without degrading the performance
such as positioning sensitivity and positioning speed and conserve energy consumption.
Supplied with IF data from a frequency conversion section 4, a synchronization
hold section (6) acquires synchronization of a carrier frequency and phase
synchronization of a C/A code, holds the acquired state, and obtains necessary
information such as range data. When range data is obtained, a switch (23)
is turned off to stop supplying the power to the synchronization hold section (6).
A control section (7) executes a positioning operation using the obtained
range data and the like, finds and outputs positioning information indicative of
a current position. Thereafter, the switch (23) is turned on to restart
the synchronization hold section (6). In this manner, control is provided
to repeatedly start and stop the synchronization hold section (6).
