Linx Technologies has released the MAG Series SMA and RP-SMA magnetic antenna bases, which are suitable for GPS, Galileo and QZSS applications. The antennas are designed to combine a strong magnetic mount with typical connectors to create different mounting options for a variety of whip/blade-style connectorized antennas.
“This versatile mounting option provides the capability to extend the placement of the antenna to a remote location and allows the flexibility for the antenna to be used in a mobile application, making it especially well-suited for the growing internet of things (IoT) market,” said Tolga Latif, senior director of product management for IoT and micro-markets.
The MAG Series antenna bases are IP67 rated (connectors, base and coax) and are also suitable for LTE-M (Cat-M1), NB-IoT, 5G/4G LTE/3G/2G, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, Wi-Fi, HaLow (802.11 ah), Bluetooth and Zigbee, as well as GNSS applications.
The MAG Series antenna bases are available now via Linx Technologies’ distributor and manufacturer representative networks.
Every month, we ask members of our Editorial Advisory Board to weigh in on a topic. For the January 2021 issue, we asked,
Will precise point positioning (PPP) replace real-time kinematic (RTK)? If so, for which applications and when?
Miguel Amor
“Recently, Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division demonstrated RTK levels of performance — globally —through PPP technology; we call it RTK From the Sky (see page 29). I believe that PPP adoption rates will grow significantly in the coming years and eventually replace RTK — especially in areas that are not well served by RTK networks or similar services. Adoption rates will depend on which applications can field GNSS receivers capable of the signals and constellations to perform like RTK.”
Miguel Amor Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division
Alison Brown
“For many applications, the improved accuracy provided by PPP (10 cm) is sufficient and RTK solutions are not needed. However, the typical convergence time of PPP is between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the number of satellites available, satellite geometry, the quality of the correction products, the receiver’s multipath environment, and atmospheric conditions. This slow convergence compared to RTK solutions will limit application for many real-time applications such as mobile solutions.”
Alison Brown NAVSYS Corporation
Jean-Marie Sleewaegen
“PPP-RTK combines near-RTK accuracy and quick initialization times with the broadcast nature of PPP, over internet or L-band. PPP-RTK can be seamlessly integrated into GNSS receivers, bringing convenient sub-decimeter accuracy to applications where configuring RTK is not practical or where there is no internet connection. PPP-RTK is likely to be adopted by emerging mass-market applications such as UAVs, while RTK will probably remain prevalent in applications where it is already well established, such as precision agriculture.”
Jean-Marie Sleewaegen Septentrio
Bernard Gruber
“I do not believe that PPP will replace RTK technology solutions anytime soon. Satellite-based GNSS correction services with an emphasis on global provide worldwide access, but achieving the required accuracy, due to convergence, can be slow. Today, myriad users and emerging customers may utilize corrections augmented with RTK transmitter/base stations that hybrid solutions can provide, thus solving both the age-old navigation issue of obscuration and near real-time positioning simultaneously.”
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
Q: How can the safety, security, and full utility of GNSS applications be ensured while evolving to the best and most efficient use of limited and extremely valuable electromagnetic spectrum?
Mitch Narins, principal consultant, Strategic Synergies, LLC
A: (1) Agree that “No electromagnetic spectrum use will be approved, now or in the future, that impacts GNSS PNT users.” – a common mission statement essential to establishing trust!
(2) Determine how best to migrate today’s GNSS PNT users to be more resilient to both interference and planned future adjacent band services.
(3) Provide detailed architectures, network layouts, and implementation plans for rollout of new adjacent band services compliant with (1) and supportive of (2).
A: We cannot ignore fielded legacy systems, but neither can we chain ourselves to old technology and hinder progress.
Spectrum usage cannot be solved by less regulation, but it can be with innovative regulatory ideas adhering to minimalist principles. For example, would a “cash for clunkers” program work to eliminate weak receivers from the field to enable more efficient spectrum use?
This is one of those situations where government involvement can spur an innovative solution.
