Tag: Averna

Averna partners with PI Group for manufacturing

Averna and Physik Instrumente (PI) have formed a new partnership to deliver advanced automation solutions that meet the growing need for flexible, scalable and high-throughput manufacturing and test equipment.

Physik Instrumente (PI) is an international group of companies focusing on high-precision motion and positioning solutions, and Averna is a global test and quality solutions provider.

With significant overlap in several markets — industrial automation, automotive, consumer electronics, communications and life sciences — PI and Averna each offer expertise in different areas. Their goal is to expand each offering to their clients by integrating PI’s unique precision positioning and micro-robotics systems into Averna’s customized quality and assembly turnkey solutions.

To date, the two companies have delivered numerous joint projects, improving results for a variety of applications including camera and projector assembly, laser alignment, fiber alignment and optical wafer scanning.

“We are very excited to begin this partnership,” said Niels Davidts, vice president of Europe at Averna. “Having worked with PI products in the past, we understand the power of what they offer. They are unique in what they do, and we know how to make them work best for our clients. A closer partnership will open a lot of opportunities for both parties.”

Scott Jordan, long-standing photonics expert and business developer at PI emphasizes, “Working with Averna has been very rewarding. We have always been impressed with the systems they design for test, quality, and precision assembly. Combining our knowledge with Averna’s skills, we can now approach customer challenges in ways that have never been done before.”

October 4, 2022
Averna celebrates 20 years of test and measurement

Averna celebrated its 20th anniversary Sept. 20 as a test and quality solutions provider. Founded in 1999 by a team of three in Montreal, Quebec, Averna has grown to 400+ employees with 10 offices and more than 300 customers around the world.

“I am proud to see what Averna has become,” said Adil Lahlou, one of the co-founders of Averna. “We started Averna by understanding our clients’ manufacturing challenges and now reflecting on the continuing success we’ve had, it’s a reminder that we are still on the right path, particularly with the growth of Industry 4.0.”

Averna’s growth can also be attributed to business alliances. Company founders Kurt Hensen (T&M Solutions NV) and Darren Lingafeldt (Nexjen Systems) both believed that combining more than 100 years of test and quality experience would only benefit their customers and the industry.

“With each company bringing their own expertise to the forefront, different technologies are being exposed to a wider range of clients internationally,” the two said in a press release.

With proficiency in vision, RF signals, optics, precision assembly, robotics and automation, Averna has developed hundreds of unique solutions to service major industries such as medical technology, automotive and transport, and consumer goods and electronics.

Through standalone projects and complete program outsourcing, Averna’s global team has demonstrated its capability to support their customers at every step of the product life-cycle, the company said.

“What makes Averna outstanding is the willingness to consistently evolve and stay in front of our customers’ business needs,” said Francois Rainville, president and CEO of Averna. “It’s our employees’ enthusiasm to understand and tackle customers’ evolving requirements that has kept us ahead for the last 20 years and will continue to through the next 20.”

September 23, 2019
Averna offers GNSS simulation for RP-6500 RF Record and Playback platform

Averna’s David Brace offers a rundown on the company’s RP-6500 RF Record and Playback platform at ION GNSS+ 2018, which took place Sept. 24-28 in Miami. According to the company, real-time GNSS simulation and SATCOM signal generator toolkits will now be available for its RP-6500 RF Record and Playback platform, making it an all-in-one solution to support advanced satellite navigation applications.

October 4, 2018
Averna announces software toolkits for advanced satnav applications
The RP-6500 platform. (Photo: Averna)

Averna, a global test and quality solutions provider, announced that through existing partnerships, real-time GNSS simulation and satcom signal generator toolkits will be available for the RP-6500 RF record and playback platform, making the RP-6500 an all-in-one solution to support advanced satellite navigation applications.

Averna is exhibiting at Booth #518 during ION GNSS, Sept 26-27, at in Miami, where the company will be demonstrating the RP-6500 Wideband Record & Playback system.

The RP-6500 platform can record and playback up to 500 MHz of RF spectrum from 9 kHz to 6 GHz, as well as simulate all common GNSS signals (BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS, and QZSS). The system can also generate Satellite communications signals (DVB-S and DVB-S2).

The robust system fits into a car trunk for driving/recording applications, and syncs with both a GPS and Averna’s DriveView software, for synchronized location and video capture that is time-aligned with your data, the company said. Preloaded with RF Studio, powerful RF record/playback software for capturing real-world RF spectrum, including GNSS, radio, video & location data. A state-of-the-art workflow tool, the RP-6500 Series lets you quickly set up your recordings, add contextual data, visualize weak signals, and analyze your collected RF environments to validate and fine-tune your designs and products.

To learn more about the RP-6500 wideband RF Record and Playback, visit www.averna.com/RP-6500

“We’re extremely happy to add new testing capabilities to our RP-6500, an advanced solution for the design validation of Satellite Navigation systems,” commented Jean-Lévy Beaudoin, vice-president, Platforms & Innovation, R&D for Averna. “The RP-6500 is a complete RF Record and Playback platform–it’s been designed and built from the ground up to be all-in-one.”

Key features and benefits
- easy-to-use RF Studio user interface
- 500 MHz-wide instantaneous bandwidth
- covers most common wireless protocols from 9 kHz to 6 GHz
- multi-constellation and multifrequency GNSS Simulator
- supports SATCOM protocols for Satellite Set-Top Box testing
- high dynamic range (14 bits, >80 dB)
- form factor allows rack mounting or car trunk portability.
September 25, 2018
Averna’s 500-Mhz wideband platform tests advanced GNSS applications
Averna is offering a wideband RF record and playback platform. The RP-6500 records and plays back up to 500 MHz of RF spectrum — from 9 kHz to 6 GHz — to test multi-constellation GNSS applications, the company said. The system can also capture other signals such as Wi-Fi, V2x, spectrum sharing and cellular applications.

The robust system fits into a car trunk for driving/recording applications, and syncs with both a GPS and Averna’s DriveView software for synchronized location and video capture that is time-aligned.

Preloaded with RF Studio, a state-of-the-art workflow tool, the RP-6500 Series lets users quickly set up recordings, add contextual data, visualize weak signals and analyze the collected RF environments to validate and fine-tune designs and products.

“The RP-6500 is a complete RF Record and Playback platform–it’s been designed and built from the ground up to be all-in-one,” said Alex Pelland, product line manager at Averna. “The hardware ticks all the boxes for serious users, and we’ve bundled it with RF Studio, so that all users can achieve simple configuration, file management, and visualization as well.”

Key Features and Benefits
- Easy-to-use RF Studio user interface
- 500 MHz wide instantaneous bandwidth
- Covers most common wireless protocols from 9 kHz to 6 GHz
- High dynamic range (14 bits, ~ 86 dB)
- Form factor allows rack mounting or car trunk portability
- Time-synchronized capture of RF, signals, and messages
February 16, 2018
Launchpad: OEM, survey and mapping, transportation, UAVs

OEM

Narrowband cellular chipset

With integrated GNSS

The ALT1250 narrowband CAT-M1 and NB1 (NB-IoT) chipset includes GNSS functionality. Its extreme level of integration eliminates the need for most external components required to design a cellular Internet of Things (IoT) module. Less than 100 x 100 square millimeters, the ALT1250 module features support for both Release 13 standards — CAT-M1 and NB1. It includes a wideband RF front end supporting unlimited combinations of LTE bands within a single hardware design; a multi-layered and hardware-based security framework; an internal application MCU subsystem; and packaging that enables standard, low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing.

Altair Semiconductor, www.altair-semi.com

Grandmaster clock

Carrier-grade, packet-based timing and synchronization

Hardware on the TimeProvider 5000 IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clock has been updated to support Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and multi-GNSS constellations to ensure better reception and higher security in a wide variety of telecommunications network applications. Looking forward to mobile infrastructure with LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and 5G services, support for IPv6 and alternate GNSS constellations is rising in importance for deploying a robust, secure and future-proof synchronization network. The device offers multiple constellations in accordance with the directives in certain countries to remove sole dependency on GPS. Support for GLONASS and Galileo also makes systems more robust and secure to certain GNSS vulnerabilities. The TimeProvider 5000 provides redundant hardware, user-configurable PTP profiles and Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) support with optical small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules.

Microsemi Corporation, www.microsemi.com

Post-processing board

Designed for effective data collection, management

The Precis-BX316R is a GNSS Post-Processing Kinematic (PPK) board for accurate positioning. It supports raw measurement output from two antennas: GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2 and BeiDou B1/B2 from the primary antenna and GPS L1/L2 from the second antenna. The SD card on board (up to 32 GB) makes it convenient for users to collect data for post processing. Working with GNSS antennas, it can output stable measurement in challenging conditions. Integrated with versatile interfaces and connectors, Precis-BX316R aims to facilitate applications such as precision navigation, precision agriculture, surveying and UAV, and enforcing effective GNSS data management.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

GNSS module

Integrated module eases embedded designs

The u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS receiver with integrated antenna is housed in a 15.5 x 15.5 x 6.3 millimeter package. It can be embedded in small devices that require location information, such as asset tracking and telematics systems, and generic automotive after-market applications. The module offers simultaneous reception of GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. The combination of an integrated wide-band antenna along with the module’s SAW filter and low-noise amplifier (LNA) architecture ensures that the SAM-M8Q receiver delivers robust performance in the presence of high-frequency signals from other electronic equipment that can cause interference, such as cellular modems.

u-blox, www.u-blox.com

Dual-band antenna

Tight pre-filter protects against high-level cell signals

The TW3892 is a through-hole mount dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna. It employs Tallysman’s Accutenna technology and is capable of receiving GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1 plus L-band correction services (1213MHz to 1261MHz + 1525MHz to 1610MHz). The TW3892 is a precisely tuned antenna with a tight pre-filter to protect against intermodulation and saturation caused by high-level cellular 700 MHz and other signals.

Tallysman, www.tallysman.com

Multi-constellation board

Protection against jamming interference

The credit-card sized AsteRx-m2 offers all-in-view multi-frequency, multi-constellation tracking and centimeter-level real-time kinematic (RTK) position accuracy for low power. It can receive TerraStar satellite-based correction signals for precise point positioning (PPP). The board features Septentrio’s AIM+ interference mitigation system that can suppress a wide variety of interferers, from simple continuous narrowband signals to complex wideband and pulsed jammers. The RF spectrum can be viewed in real time in both time and frequency domains.

Septentrio, www.septentrio.com

Test suite

For in-vehicle and V2V connectivity

Spirent’s TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC (Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments – Dedicated Short-Range Communications) conformance test solution includes a set of tests required for U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) certification. TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC consists of four different protocol conformance test suites as per the USDOT Certification Operating Council (COC) conformance test specifications. It enables full test automation, includes frameworks for individual adaptation, and it is extensible with many plug-ins to meet constantly changing development requirements. TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC is targeted at companies supplying or testing WAVE-DSRC ITS technology.

Spirent Communications, www.spirent.com

Survey & Mapping

GNSS receiver

Multi-frequency, multi-application and multi-use

The SP90m GNSS receiver is a powerful, highly versatile, ultra-rugged and reliable GNSS positioning solution for a wide variety of real-time and post-processing applications. Integrated communications options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UHF radio and cellular modem as well as two MSS L-band channels to receive Trimble RTX correction services. The SP90m can be used as a base station, campaign receiver, continuously operating reference station (CORS), real-time kinematic (RTK) or Trimble RTX rover, or be integrated on-board a machine. The receiver uses all available GNSS signals to deliver fast and reliable positions in real time, and allows the connection of two GNSS antennas for precise heading or relative positioning determination without a secondary GNSS receiver. It features an internal removable battery, internal memory and optional accessory kits for specific applications.

Spectra Precision, www.spectraprecision.com

Field-to-office software

For total stations, robotics and GNSS rover systems

GeoPro Field provides a graphical user interface designed to collect field measurements for land surveying and construction activities. GeoPro Field is a tool to collect and import measurement data into design and drafting software, increasing productivity with CAD functionality in the field. It is compatible with various software workflows, and point files are easily exported to third-party software. Sokkia GeoPro Office is the office-processing complement to the field software — designed to clean, process, and analyze field data into its easiest-to-use form. The office software can also be expanded with an optional 3D and road design module, for further versatility to design roads with the processed field measurements.

Sokkia, www.sokkia.com

RTK base and rover

Ready for highway and site construction

Hemisphere GNSS’ C321 GNSS Smart Antenna is designed for heavy highway and site construction. When paired with SiteMetrix Site Management software, the multi-frequency, multi-GNSS C321 antenna can be used as an all-in-one construction base and rover site controller. The C321 combines the Athena GNSS engine and Atlas L-band correction technologies. The ruggedized antenna is designed for the most challenging environments and meets IP67-standard requirements. Powered by Athena GNSS engine, the C321 provides best-in-class, centimeter-level RTK. Athena excels in virtually every environment where high-accuracy GNSS receivers can be used. Tested and proven, Athena performs with long baselines in open-sky environments, under heavy canopy, and in geographic locations experiencing significant scintillation. The C321 ships pre-configured to test-drive corrections from Hemisphere’s Atlas L-band corrections service. C321 also uses Hemisphere’s aRTK technology, powered by Atlas. This feature allows the receiver to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the C321 is Atlas-subscribed, it will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored.

Hemisphere GNSS, www.hemispheregnss.com

RTK GNSS tablet

Centimeter-level positioning

Toughpad is Panasonic’s newest professional-grade notebook, specifically designed for precision agriculture, machine control and robotic guidance applications in harsh environments and conditions. Embedded in the tablet is a u-blox NEO-M8 GNSS receiver module delivering high integrity and precision in demanding applications worldwide. First tested for collecting snow in Hokkaido, Japan, the Toughpad tablet uses Panasonic’s own satellite positioning technology combining a satellite radio receiver module, wireless WAN, and a single-band real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver connected to an external antenna. The system enables high-precision positioning down to centimeter level in open-sky conditions.

Panasonic, www.panasonic.com
u-blox, www.u-blox.com

Mobile app

Aids in understanding the oceans

Esri has released an Ecological Marine Units (EMU) app for mobile devices. The app provides a new way to measure marine environments on a 3D interactive map for more cost-effective fishery planning and informed conservation. It is a resource for scientists, educators, governments and industries seeking accessible information and imagery about the ocean’s long-term physical and nutrient properties. The EMU app puts data such as temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen from 52 million locations throughout the world’s oceans at any user’s fingertips. This data informs how livable marine environments are for ocean-dwelling species as well as the overall health of the ecosystem. The app is free from the App Store and Google Play.

Esri, www.esri.com

Post-processing software

Delivers CAD drawings from ground-penetrating radar data

DX Office Vision is a utility post-processing software for mapping ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data from the field into a CAD drawing. It allows even non-experienced users to obtain professional 3D CAD drawings and visualize the detected underground utilities in a simple way. The intuitive interface enables users to filter, select, identify and make annotations of the located targets. With DX Office Vision, post-processing for all ground-penetrating data requires no add-on or third-party software.

Leica Geosystems, www.leica-geosystems.com

Transportation

Infotainment testing

For the connected-car market

Averna has entered a strategic partnership with M3 Systems to distribute their StellaNGC GNSS Simulator on VST NI platforms for the infotainment segment of the automotive market. M3 Systems’ GNSS simulator, based on National Instruments’ Vector Signal Transceiver (NI VST), will now be available as part of Averna’s AST-1000 platform, extending its capability to navigation and GNSS testing. Launched in July 2016, the AST-1000 is an RF solution designed for radio, navigation, video and connectivity testing. Also based on the NI VST, the software-defined AST-1000 supports infotainment RF signals, including AM/FM, DAB, RDS, HD Radio and Sirius/XM as well as GNSS navigation. The combination provides a comprehensive solution and enables applications for testing infotainment systems.

Averna, www.averna.com

LTE automotive-grade module

Optimized for connected cars

The LE940A9 automotive-grade module is designed to support LTE Advanced Category 9 (Cat 9) networks. The series offers three multi-band, multi-mode variants — including voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) — and is optimized for automobile manufacturers to deploy next-generation connected-car technology in world markets. The LE940A9 delivers 450 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload speeds with extremely low latency and advanced security. The xE940A9 40×40 mm LGA form factor nests with the 34x40mm Telit xE920 automotive module family, offering flexibility for the OEM or tier-one integrator. It powers the entire connected-car platform, supporting current needs while including advanced features that enable future integration of upcoming services. The module can run in-vehicle applications inside a secure processing environment from the built-in application processor, storage and memory. Automotive application programs can run entirely and securely on the module itself, protected by advanced cyber-security capabilities.

Telit, www.telit.com

Reference design

Nine antennas including four LTE, two Wi-Fi, GNSS, SDARS and DSRC

The Axiom is a reference design for a low-profile, compact multiple-antenna solution for the next generation of connected cars. The Axiom reference design helps automobile manufacturers more quickly advance antenna configurations that work for their particular make and model. As many as 18 antennas are needed to power the next-generation connected car, including multiple cellular antennas for network connectivity; Wi-Fi for hotspot connectivity; GNSS for navigation, emergency call systems and other location-based technologies; satellite radio (SDARS); AM/FM antennas; radar antennas for object detection; Bluetooth antennas for smartphones and other devices, and dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) antennas for vehicle-to-vehicle/infrastructure applications.

Taoglas, www.taoglas.com

Ground robotics

Ruggedized module based on military design principles

The Duro is a ruggedized version of Swift Navigation’s Piksi Multi dual-frequency RTK GNSS receiver. Built for outdoor operations, Duro combines a rugged enclosure with centimeter-accurate positioning. Leveraging design principles typically used in military hardware, the GNSS sensor is protected against weather, moisture, vibration, dust, water immersion and unexpected circumstances that can occur in outdoor long-term deployments. It is ready to connect out of the box. Primary industries for this product include robotics, precision agriculture, mapping, military, outdoor industrial and maritime.

Swift Navigation, www.swiftnav.com
Carnegie Robotics, www.carnegierobotics.com

UAV

GPS-INS for drones

Now in beta mode for summer release

The μINS is a precision miniature GPS-aided inertial navigation system (GPS-INS) designed to provide high-quality direction, position and velocity data for drones and robotic applications. It uses a u-blox L1 GPS receiver. Advanced algorithms fuse output from micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensors, magnetometers, barometric pressure, and a high-sensitivity GPS (GNSS) receiver to deliver fast, accurate and reliable attitude, velocity and position even in the most dynamic environments. Sensor calibration, standard on all units, minimizes undesirable effects of manufactured variation and maximizes sensor performance. Features include GPS UTC time synchronization; an inertial measurement unit with comprehensive calibration for bias, scale factor and cross-axis alignment; –40°C to 85°C temperature compensation; a measurement of 15.6 x 12.5 x 6.3 millimeters; and a weight of 2 grams.

Inertial Sense, www.inertialsense.com

UAV helicopter

Designed for high-altitude flight

The Scout B-330 UAV helicopter is built with a payload capacity of up to 50 kg. (110 pounds), flight endurance of at least three hours, and the capability of flying at high altitudes (up to 3,000 meters above sea level) in a typical mission scenario. This includes a full autonomous take-off sequence, a mission flight at variable speed, and a landing sequence. The Scout B-330 is specifically designed for lidar-based powerline mapping missions. It pairs with Riegl airborne and unmanned lidar sensors such as the Riegl VP-1 Helicopter Pod, the Riegl VUX-1UAV lightweight UAV laser scanner, and the Riegl VUX-1LR lightweight, long-range airborne laser scanner.

Aeroscout, www.aeroscout.ch

Situational awareness

Certifiable application for unmanned traffic management

The IRIS UAS Airspace Situational Awareness application meets the requirements of the DO-278A Assurance standard for Air Traffic Management systems, providing a certifiable option to monitor drones and airspace. By anticipating the regulatory requirements for airspace visualization with Unmanned Traffic Management or UTM, the IRIS display will be a regulatory-approved component increasing the safety of commercial drone flight operations — especially when operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The application had its genesis in supporting military UAV flight operations and was developed to help operators safely pilot UAVs in BVLOS operations. It was also used by regional airspace UTM managers to monitor the operations of multiple drones simultaneously. The DO-278A standard is used by certification authorities such as FAA, EASA and Transport Canada.

Kongsberg Geospatial, www.kongsberggeospatial.com

Precision pointing gimbal

Better than 0.3-degree accuracy, plug-and-play

The miniature Epsilon series of gyro-stabilized gimbals now have a precision geo-pointing feature. The feature, Precision Geo-Lock, combines a GPS-aided inertial navigation system (GPS/INS) with dedicated software algorithms and payload operator software. Precision Geo-Lock provides the user with highly accurate target geo-location, range-to-target, as well as Geo-Lock functionality and moving map user interface. It incorporates VectorNav’s VN-200, which offers a high-level of performance in a form factor small enough to be integrated directly into the optical bench of the gimbal. Precision Geo-Lock provides better than 0.3-degree accuracy and is plug-and-play, so the customer can install the Epsilon gimbal and get accurate results on any platform and in a high-vibration environment.

Octopus ISR Systems, www.octopus.uavfactory.com
VectorNav Technologies, www.vectornav.com

August 1, 2017
M3, Averna join to test auto infotainment

Averna AST-1000.

Averna has entered a strategic partnership with M3 Systems to distribute M3’s StellaNGC GNSS Simulator on National Instruments’ VST platforms for the infotainment segment of the automotive market.

M3 Systems’ GNSS simulator, based on National Instruments’ Vector Signal Transceiver (NI VST), will now be available as part of Averna’s AST-1000 platform, extending its capability to navigation and GNSS testing.

Launched in July 2016, the AST-1000 is an RF solution designed for radio, navigation, video and connectivity testing. Also based on the NI VST, the software-defined AST-1000 supports all common infotainment RF signals, including AM/FM, DAB, RDS, HD Radio and Sirius/XMas, as well as GNSS navigation.

The combination provides a comprehensive solution and enables unprecedented applications for the testing of infotainment systems.

M3 Systems’ GNSS simulator is a good fit to extend the capability of the AST-1000 for navigation testing because both instruments are based on the NI VST, the companies said.

Averna is aiming for an all-in-one platform for the complete validation of infotainment systems, including radio, navigation, audio/video and connectivity testing.

The Averna AST-1000 is available to customers worldwide.

April 26, 2017
Averna acquires US-based Nexjen Systems

Averna, a developer of test solutions and services for electronics device-makers, has acquired 100 percent of U.S.-based Nexjen Systems for an undisclosed amount.

Nexjen Systems is a full-service integrator with expertise in mechanical test systems, RF automated test equipment, industrial control, measurement and monitoring systems, and automation control panels.

Nexjen Systems, a division of Jenkins Electric Company, was created in 2005 to service Jenkins Test & Measurement customers in the southeast region. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nexjen Systems is a National Instruments Alliance Partner.

Nexjen Systems’ president, Darren Lingafeldt, and vice president, Brian Esque, will continue to participate in the day-to-day operations and expansion plans as Averna employees.

“Averna is extremely pleased to announce the acquisition of Nexjen Systems and welcomes its employees to the team,” stated François Rainville, vice president of sales and marketing for Averna. “Nexjen Systems represents an exceptional opportunity to expand Averna’s presence in the Eastern USA in each of our major market segments as well as tap new resources, solutions, and expertise to offer an extended Test & Quality Solution portfolio.”

Darren Lingafeldt, president for Nexjen Systems, added, “We are delighted to join the Averna team and provide our long-standing customers with additional opportunities to deliver their test and quality projects worldwide as well as benefit from Averna’s renowned global support.”

July 5, 2016
Averna acquires European company Test & Measurement Solutions

Averna has acquired 100 percent of Europe-based Test & Measurement Solutions for an undisclosed amount. Averna is a developer of test solutions and services for communications and electronics device-makers worldwide.

Averna’s main shareholders, Tandem Expansion and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), both helped finance the acquisition. For CDPQ, the investment is consistent with its objective to further the international expansion of high-performing Quebec companies.

T&M Solutions develops multidisciplinary solutions to test, measure, inspect, assemble and validate products in nearly all segments of the production industry. Headquartered in Belgium and with offices in the Netherlands and Poland, T&M Solutions is a National Instruments Gold Alliance Partner and has 100 employees, including 70 engineers with almost 50 NI certifications.

The acquisition increases Averna’s global reach as well as provides a strong local presence in Europe, according to an Averna press release. It will enable Averna to enter the market with a well-established and respected solution provider while giving it a springboard for further European deployments. In addition, T&M Solutions brings unique expertise in semiconductor testing, vision inspection systems and precision assembly.

T&M Solutions’ management, including current owners Roel Geraerts and Kurt Hensen, will continue to play key roles in operations and expansion plans for the European market.

“This major expansion into Europe signals Averna’s strategic positioning to accelerate growth and become a truly global Test Engineering powerhouse. Test & Measurement Solutions and Averna share complementary solution portfolios, clients and partners, so this is a real win-win arrangement for everyone,” said François Rainville, vice president of sales and marketing for Averna. “We are proud to welcome T&M Solutions’ customers and employees while providing all our customers with additional expertise and increased worldwide presence.”

André Gareau, Averna’s president and CEO, added “We’re building a strong track record of successful acquisitions and are motivated by our robust pipeline of opportunities in Europe and around the world. These are exciting times for Averna and the industry as our leading test expertise, rapid processes and global support continue to demonstrate that we are a strategic-value partner for our clients’ ongoing product quality and market goals.”

“We are very excited to become part of Averna, a leading player in our field. This transaction creates a unique strategic opportunity as we combine T&M Solutions’ mature European presence and respected expertise with Averna’s expansive global footprint and renowned products and solution delivery capabilities,” said Kurt Hensen, CEO of Test & Measurement Solutions. “As part of Averna, our portfolio will deliver even greater value as we remain focused on our strengths and customers.”

March 14, 2016
Alternative GPS/GNSS test method plus simulation updates

Note: In May 2013 this newsletter published a column on “What’s New in GNSS Simulation.” This month, Editor Tony Murfin takes a brief look at a new start-up in GNSS simulation, Skydel, and its software signal simulator. We also provide quick updates on the latest from those simulation companies and others.

Skydel
Software-defined simulator
Skydel provides a software-defined simulator using generic hardware to accommodate system integrators who may have a consumer product or application with GNSS inside, and may not require a full-function simulator. Skydel uses a regular GPU to perform modulate the GNSS signal. The computer can be a laptop or desktop, but must include an Nvidia graphics card. The Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) here is the Ettus N210. Skydel also uses the bladeRF x40 made by nuand, an alternative USB 3.0 Software Defined Radio, and Averna RP-6100 Record & Playback system.

“What’s New in GNSS Simulation” Updates

Spirent
Spirent debuts practical PNT framework for more robust position, navigation and timing systems
Threats to GNSS and related PNT applications are more orchestrated and coordinated, with the motivation to disrupt or cause financial loss. The technology to disrupt GPS has also become much more accessible, resulting in GPS vulnerability even gaining attention at hacker conventions. Spirent’s GNSS Interference Detector System helps users solve these problems.

Rohde & Schwarz
Solutions for all aspects of LBS testing
Need to verify your location based service (LBS) applications based on A-GNSS, OTDOA and eCID? Rohde & Schwarz offers a wide range of testing solutions for all aspects of LBS testing, including protocol conformance, minimum performance and OTA. Applicable from development and production to installation, the solutions support the positioning techniques and protocols deployed by mobile network operators.

CAST
CAST lightweight GPS Satellite Simulator
With its compact size of 7 x 11 x 3 inches and weighing in at just over four pounds, the SGX is CAST’s smallest fully capable simulator to date. The SGX lightweight portability features 16 channels of L1 C/A and P codes and is extremely accurate and repeatable. Features include a touchscreen, individual satellite power control and start-and-stop scenarios with the touch of a button.

Spectracom
GNSS Simulator Compatible with IRNSS and QZSS
Spectracom’s GPS/GNSS simulator is now available for testing receiver compatibility with India’s global navigation satellite system, IRNSS, and Japan’s regional satellite system, QZSS. The Spectracom GSG-6 Series multi-frequency GNSS signal simulator is designed to be field upgradeable to readily enable the addition of all current and future GNSS constellations.

iFEN
SX3 GNSS Software Receiver
The SX3 Black Edition is a modular dual-RF multi-GNSS software receiver with superior flexibility and performance, whether processing the dual-RF front-end data stream in real-time or post-processing IF samples from storage. Graphical user interface provides easy access to signal processing configuration properties and gives real-time feedback for channel output, correlation function and RF spectrum.

RaceLogic
The 2015 leap second – LabSat scenarios now available
With the LabSat 3 Simulator you can reliably test your products on the bench to see how they cope with events such as the leap second, alongside standard issues such as multipath and signal obscuration. Recordings of the leap second from the three main constellations are now available for use with LabSat 3.

IP-Solutions
Replicator
GNSS RF simulator, recorder and playback device — inexpensive, economical, flexible, with a high-fidelity GNSS simulation solution. This product was originally developed cooperatively for JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). Originally developed for, and in cooperation with, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Cobham AvComm
ATC-5000NG NextGen ATC/DME Test Set
Formerly the Aeroflex AvComm business unit, Cobham introduced this year the ATC-5000NG NextGen ATC/DME Test Set, an RF signal generator/receiver for testing Mode A, C and S transponders. The ATC-5000NG was designed with modern software-defined radio technology for engineering development, design validation, manufacturing and return-to-service testing.

TeleOrbit
GIPSIE
TeleOrbit’s software-based GNSS multi-system performance simulation environment, GIPSIE, consists of a satellite constellation simulator and an intermediate frequency simulator. The digital signal simulator GIPSIE streams the software-generated signals or recorded live data exactly into the receiver’s baseband processing chain to support development, test, verification, validation, qualification and certification.

Averna
RP-6100
The Averna RP-6100 Multi-Channel RF Record & Playback for RF application testing allows users to to record real-world signals such as GNSS, HD Radio, LTE and Wi-Fi, plus impairments, to advance projects and harden product designs. Frequency range of 10–6000 MHz, up to 4×40 MHz or 2×80 MHz bandwidth, 14-bit resolution, tight channel synchronization. Records up to 22 hours, supports Skydel’s software-defined, real-time GNSS Simulator.

Syntony GNSS
Syntony RTG2 Constellation Simulator
Syntony offers the RTG2, a GNSS constellation simulator that generates realistic GNSS RF signals, taking into account the current and future GNSS constellations. The generator is entirely configurable (troposphere and ionosphere effects, simulated receiver trajectory, etc) through a user friendly interface accessible on a separated PC through Ethernet.

November 19, 2015
ION GNSS+ Product Showcase

Skydel Solutions’ GNSS simulator.

The Averna RP-6100 record-and-playback solution.

Record & Playback

The Averna RP-6100 Multi-Channel RF Record & Playback for RF application testing allows users to tecord real-world signals such as GNSS, HD Radio, LTE and Wi-Fi — plus impairments — to significantly advance projects and harden product designs. Skydel Solutions’ GNSS simulator is an entirely software driven innovative and cost-effective simulator that works with the RP-6100, enabling users to test corner cases and future events with a real-time GNSS solution.

Averna, www.averna.com; Skydel Solutions, www.skydelsolutions.com

PCTEL’s GEO-GNSS antennas.

Helix Antennas

PCTEL’s GPS/GLONASS high-performance asset tracking and synchronization helix antennas are now available commercially. The antennas capture the frequencies needed for GPS, Galileo and GLONASS satellite reception. This cross-compatibility allows global OEMs to use one standard platform to serve both European and U.S. markets.

PCTEL uses its proprietary filtering design to allow wideband coverage while achieving superior out-of-band rejection. With an IP67 rating, the small form-factor helix antennas will withstand harsh environments.

PCTEL, www.pctel.com

AsteRx-U dual antenna receiver.

Multi-Constellation Dual-Antenna Receivers

AsteRx-U and AsteRx-U Marine multi-constellation dual-antenna receivers incorporate the latest GNSS tracking and positioning algorithms and interference mitigation. Machine-control users in the agricultural, construction, marine and mining industries benefit from a complete system with integrated UHF radio, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth and cellular connectivity and a spectrum analyzer. All configurations can be done via the on-board web interface.

The AsteRx-U has decimeter- and centimeter-level RTK positioning including TerraStar. The AsteRx-U Marine also supports Veripos PPP augmentation services.

Septentrio, www.septentrio.com

The RTG2 constellation simulator by Syntony.

Constellation Simulator

The RTG2 is a GNSS constellation simulator that generates realistic GNSS RF signals, taking into account current and future GNSS constellations. RTG2 is able to entirely simulate one or many constellations (GPS, Galileo, etc.) including satellite-based augmentation systems such as WAAS and EGNOS.

The generator is entirely configurable (troposphere and ionosphere effects, simulated receiver trajectory, etc.) through a user-friendly interface accessible on a separate PC through Ethernet. RTG2 is highly flexible and scalable, offering hardware and software upgrades for capability extensions.

Syntony GNSS, www.syntony.fr

Telit’s Jupiter SE873 GNSS receiver with flash memory.

GNSS Receiver with Flash Memory

The Jupiter SE873 GNSS receiver is a complete multi-constellation position, velocity and time engine that delivers versatile performance in harsh environments. The 7 x 7 x 1.85 mm module has serial quad I/O flash memory, an integrated low noise amplifier, SAW filter, TXCO and real-time clock. The Jupiter SE873 supports Assisted GPS (both autonomous and server-based) plus SBAS, which improve time-to-first-fix and position accuracy. AGPS data is stored in flash memory and is available even after all power has been removed and then restored. This is especially important for battery-operated equipment.

The SE873 supports the entire GNSS spectrum: GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou, and it is Galileo ready. It delivers simultaneous low-power tracking of GPS and GLONASS or GPS and BeiDou.

Telit, www.telit.com

October 1, 2015
Averna and Skydel Join for Demonstrations at ION GNSS+
Averna and Skydel Solutions will be showcasing their latest GNSS technology simulation products at The Institute of Navigation (ION) GNSS+ conference, giving show-goers the opportunity to see the RP-6100 in action.

ION GNSS+, taking place Sept. 14-18 in Tampa, Fla., is the 28th International Technical Meeting of the Institute of Navigation’s Satellite Division and the world’s largest technical meeting and showcase of GNSS and related technology, products and services.

The companies will be presenting at Booth #100 in the Exhibit Hall, meeting attendees and discussing their latest innovations in GNSS receiver validation, among other topics. They will also be demonstrating two new GNSS solutions:
- RP-6100 Multi-Channel RF Record & Playback: The RP-100 for RF application testing allows users to tecord real-world signals such as GNSS, HD Radio, LTE and Wi-Fi — plus impairments — to significantly advance projects and harden product designs.
- GNSS Simulator: New from Averna’s partner Skydel Solutions, this innovative and cost-effective simulator is entirely software driven. It’s a perfect fit with the RP-6100, Averna said, enabling users to test corner cases and future events with a real-time GNSS solution.
Averna RP-6100 record and playback solution. (PRNewsFoto/Averna)
September 9, 2015