GPS World

Author: GPS World Staff

  • ESNC winner GUAPO a step ahead of civilian drone market

    ESNC winner GUAPO a step ahead of civilian drone market

    This year’s European Satellite Navigation Competition centered on the topic of civilian drone use. On Oct. 25 in Madrid, the 2016 edition culminated in an awards ceremony featuring prominent industry representatives and the winners of 32 categories, which included 11 drone applications.

    Rafael van Frieken, Madrid’s regional minister of education, youth and sport, presented the grand prize to the drone security system GUAPO.

    GUAPO — A security system for early drone detection, classification and tracking

    Drones have been one of the biggest trends of 2016. At the same time, concerns regarding the safety of these devices are growing due to the rise in media reports of drones crashing or encroaching on security-critical spaces.

    In response, the overall winners of ESNC 2016 — Carmine Clemente and his team from the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, Scotland) — are developing a satellite-based system capable of early drone detection and tracking.

    GUAPO factors in the electromagnetic characteristics of drones to offer continuous coverage with low resource requirements. It provides a cost-effective, sensor-based solution for monitoring areas where security is paramount, such as in the protection zones around airports.

    The GUAPO team from the UK took top honors in the 2016 ESNC.
    The GUAPO team from the UK took top honors in the 2016 ESNC.

    In addition, GUAPO is suited to security-related activities in connection with large events or drone deliveries in e-commerce.

    Along with the competition’s EUR 10,000 grand prize, the innovative project is now set to receive an extensive package including cash, marketing support, consulting services and technical assistance as the winner of the U.K.’s regional ESNC prize. These benefits are designed to accelerate the idea’s further development and market entry.

    Civilian drones a growth market for GNSS

    According to the latest drone report compiled by Business Insider, drone sales are expected to surpass EUR 11 billion by the year 2021 — a significant increase on the EUR 7 million the segment accounts for at present. Playing a prominent role in this growth will be commercial drones, the sales of which are projected to quadruple over the next five years thanks to ongoing technological advancements and heightening price competition.

    To operate safely, drones rely on satellite navigation signals such as GPS and Galileo for precise positioning and orientation. They thus represent a promising growth market for GNSS.

    The ESNC’s first attempt to address this up-and-coming market — a joint effort with Xunta de Galicia — was a success: A full third of the 2016 winners were recognized for innovative drone applications.

    An overview of the winning entrants in all of this year’s 32 categories is now available on competition website, and are listed below.

    “The large number of promising drone applications the ESNC received this year will aid our partner regions in positioning themselves in this future segment,” added Thorsten Rudolph, CEO of Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen and initiator of the ESNC. “Thanks to our new special prize for UAVs, the competition has also further solidified its reputation as an engine of innovation in new market sectors.”

    Europe’s innovation network for satellite navigation

    Having received more than 400 auspicious business ideas and highly advanced technical concepts, ESNC 2016 now offers solutions to the social and economic challenges our world currently faces.

    Since 2004, more than 300 prize-winners, nearly 3,800 entries and 10,000 participants from around the world have transformed the competition into the leading innovation network in satellite navigation.

    As a result, the ESNC is now playing a key role in the uptake of Europe’s EGNOS and Galileo programmes.

    “Downstream entrepreneurs and start-ups play an important role. They are the ones bringing EGNOS and Galileo down to Earth through the applications they develop. This is where the European Satellite Navigation Competition plays a crucial role,” said Matthias Petschke, director for the European Satellite Navigation Programmes of the European Commission. “The ESNC has accumulated a track record of success in fostering innovation and application development in satellite navigation since its launch in 2004.”

    2016 winners

     

    Overall winner

    Carmine Clemente, Domenico Gaglione, Christos Ilioudis :: Regional Winner United Kingdom
    GNSS based UAV monitoring system for Airfields using Passive radar Observations (GUAPO)

    Special prize winners

    Achilles Tripolitsiotis, Asst Prof Panagiotis Partsinevelos, Prof Stelios Mertikas :: GSA
    Drones2GNSS – the Future of Surveying: UAV-assisted GNSS Positioning in Obstructed Environments

    Sasha Afanasieva, Alessio Nunzi :: ESA
    Blubel – SatNav in a Connected Bicycle Bell

    Piotr Krystek :: DLR
    Augmented Crane Navigation System (ACNS)

    Mark Dumville, Ben Wales, Dr Luis Enrique Aguado, Dr Nigel Davies, Richard Bowden, Kevin Adams, Daniel Boulton, Matthew Jones :: BMVI
    GRIPPA – A PRS-enabled Smartphone Sleeve for Critical Applications

    Rafael Aguado, Juan Díaz, Jorge Gómez, Ana Pérez :: UAV
    CANARD – Calibration of Air Navigation Safety Beacons with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

    Noordin Ahmad, Ooi Wei Han, Shahrizal Ide Moslin, Helmi Kadir, Norhan Mat Yusoff, Muhammad Firdaus Mat Ghani :: BELS
    ATTracT – Autism Trigger, Tracking and Trace

    Asst Prof Panagiotis Partsinevelos, Nikos Afentakis & Senselab Research Team :: University Challenge
    Message in a Bubble (MiaB): Pinpoint the Present, Empower the Future

    Luke Robinson, Michael Castle :: GNSS Living Lab
    GoWalk – ‘Fitbit’ for Elderly People to Keep them Independent and Healthy

    Regional winners

    Irene Franco Freire, Miguel A. Ledo Loyola :: Andalucia / Spain
    ManySafe.Pin: Ecological, Customisable, Autonomous GPS with Global Reach – and No Battery

    Austin Cheng-Yun Tsai, Dr Tsung-Hsun Tsai, Amy Hsin-Yi Lai, Jasmine Cheng-Jin Tsai, Dr Frank Chee-Da Tsai :: Asia
    Digital Media Convergence and Drone Video Capturing with Social Networking – Sharing & Profiting

    Markus Manninger, Andreas Ploier, Azra Todoric :: Austria
    Intelligent Drone Rescue System

    Rainer Schrode, Ulrike Nohlen, Dr Alexander Beetz :: Baden-Württemberg / Germany
    Civil engineering 3D+ guide

    Mikel Beltrán, Igor Latasa :: Basque Country / Spain
    Position-based Automatic Rail Track Monitoring System (PARTS)

    Hartmut Runge :: Bavaria / Germany
    Night Vision – An App That Increases Visibility

    Paco Morente, Jesús David Morente, Pablo Ibáñez, Matilde Bellido Rubiales :: Catalonia / Spain
    Biomimetic Drones and Fear as a Sustainable Method of Pest Control

    Michal Jakob, Jan Hrnèíø, Pavol Žilecký, Jan Nykl :: Czech Republic
    MoveLight: GNSS-enabled Platform for Light Personal Mobility

    Olivier Dinet, Przemysaw Szurmak, Mateusz Koœlacz, Larissa Goethals :: Flanders / Belgium
    Faver: Enabling Strangers to Do Each Other Favours for Rewards Based on Their Location

    Charles Moszkowicz, Jean-Charles Simonin :: France
    Pokemon Biodiv – Discover and Preserve Biodiversity

    Manuel García Sánchez, Daniel Gómez Pérez :: Galicia / Spain
    GNSS-Assisted Drone Landing System

    Matthias Siegel, Wolfgang Armbruster :: Hesse / Germany
    ISOCollect: Predictive Waste Collection Optimisation with Innovative Fill-Level Monitoring & Smart Routes

    Dan O`Donoghue, Richard Fairman :: Ireland
    I.O.T.A.P., the Internet of Things and People by Farmflo

    Gady Shlasky, Yossi Aloni :: Israel
    Optibus OnTime™ – Reacting to Bus Delays BEFORE they Impact Passengers

    Dr Saulius Rudys, Aleksej Kaminskij, Dr Domantas Brucas :: Lithuania
    Electromagnetic Compatibility Measurements Using Very Light Hardware on a Drone

    Pablo Flores :: Madrid / Spain
    DRONE HOPPER – Extinguishing Wildfires, Spraying Crops

    Jeroen Derriks, Ingrid van Namen :: The Netherlands
    Crowdsourced Surface Elevation Mapping Through Gamification

    Dr Harald Skinnemoen, Magnus Vikstrøm, Mete Cakman, Ivan Milecevic, Dan Richard Isdahl-Eng :: Norway
    BIRDEYE – Visual UAV Communication / Pilot Support with Integrated Satellite Navigation and Networking

    Rafał Osypiuk, Mateusz Spychała :: Poland
    Safe Airspace Sharing Between Manned and Unmanned Airborne Vehicles

    Titus Balan, Dan Robu, Florin Sandu :: Romania
    AwareAnywhere – Nowcasting and Localised Response Force Mobilisation

    Therese Öhman :: Sweden
    Positioned Production and Management

    Dr Aanjhan Ranganathan, Hildur Olafsdottir, Prof Dr Srdjan Capkun :: Switzerland
    SPREE: A Spoofing-Resistant GNSS Receiver

    Dr Carmine Clemente, Domenico Gaglione, Christos Ilioudis :: United Kingdom
    GNSS based UAV monitoring system for Airfields using Passive radar Observations (GUAPO)

    Ricardo Verdeguer Moreno, Hilario Pinedo Puig :: Valencian Community / Spain
    Handling Stations Network for UAS Applications

  • Microsemi’s new time clock protects against GNSS vulnerabilities

    Microsemi’s new time clock protects against GNSS vulnerabilities

    Microsemi Corporation has announced its TimeSource Enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock (TimeSource Enhanced PRTC), a new system protecting against serious threats associated with GNSS vulnerabilities.

    It also enables telecommunications and mobile operators to meet the new G.8272.1 recommendation from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The stringent new ITU-T Recommendation G.8272.1 requires accuracy to within 30 nanoseconds (ns) or better when verified against a time standard such as UTC.

    Microsemi's new TimeSource Enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock protects against serious threats associated with GNSS vulnerabilities.
    Microsemi’s new TimeSource Enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock protects against serious threats associated with GNSS vulnerabilities.

    The TimeSource Enhanced PRTC “generates time” by producing its own independent time scale aligned with GNSS, while its phase, time and frequency signal outputs remain autonomous. This provides customers within the communications, power, public safety, data center and government network markets with a secure infrastructure, reducing dependency on GNSS and enabling network operators to retake control of the timing source used for network synchronization.

    “Worldwide telecommunications, power utilities and other infrastructure customers are in critical need of protection against GNSS vulnerability, and Microsemi’s new TimeSource Enhanced PRTC provides a powerful, high performance solution to address this need,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and business unit manager of Microsemi’s Frequency and Time division. “In addition, maintaining less than 30 ns performance is important to mobile operators who require a high level of accuracy to support LTE/4G and the upcoming deployment of 5G.”

    Massive deployment of GNSS as a timing source for synchronizing telecommunications networks (both wired and wireless) has created security risks to a point where governments, major telecommunications/mobile operators and enterprises are now urgently looking to protect their networks against both regional GNSS issues as well as the potential of a global GNSS outage. Microsemi’s TimeSource Enhanced PRTC works with the company’s cesium clocks to ensure time is generated in an autonomous manner. Specifically, the TimeSource Enhanced PRTC’s “source of time” aligns accurately with GNSS time without being dependent upon it—avoiding any vulnerability to threats caused by jamming and spoofing.

    According to Research and Markets’ report from market research firm Markets and Markets titled, “Anti-Jamming Market for GPS by Technique (Nulling System, Beam Steering System, Civilian System), Receiver Type (Military & Government Grade, Commercial Transportation Grade), Application, End User, and Geography – Global Forecast to 2022,” the anti-jamming market for GPS is expected to reach $4.8 billion and more than 309,000 units by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 percent and 10 percent, respectively, between 2016-2022. Demand for secured weapons guided systems and increasing vulnerability of GPS signals due to development of low-cost GPS jammers are the major growth drivers of the market.

    Microsemi’s technical experts will be showcasing the new TimeSource Enhanced PRTC, along with its integrated GNSS Grandmaster (IGM) 1100 series, SyncServerS600 series, TimeProvider 2700 and TimeProvider 5000, in booth #17 at the International Timing & Sync Forum (ITSF), taking place Nov. 1-3 in Prague, Czech Republic.

     

  • Oscilloquartz to unveil new synchronization technology

    Oscilloquartz, an ADVA Optical Networking company, will showcase vital new functionality for its synchronization and distribution technology at the 2016 International Timing & Sync Forum (ITSF) in Prague, Nov. 1-3.

    Demonstrations will reveal additional applications based on enhanced hardware and software in the OSA 5401 Syncplug, an ultra-compact Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clock, and the OSA 5420 range of synchronization distribution and assurance devices optimized for edge deployment.

    The new feature set includes the OSA 5401’s capability to be used as a boundary or slave clock and the OSA 5420 series’ availability as a one-box solution for all timing protocols. The advancements will improve accuracy, security and cost-efficiency and create new use cases and deployment scenarios for Oscilloquartz’s timing technology.

    “With these latest innovations we can offer the ultimate timing solution. Thanks to improved security and resiliency, as well as different PTP profiles for different markets, our technology now caters for all synchronization requirements,” said Nir Laufer, director, product line management, Oscilloquartz.

    “Our enhanced OSA 5401 small form-factor pluggable grandmaster will bring major benefits to network operators. Its new slave and boundary clock functionality enables it to be used as an add-on, creating a hybrid synchronization network,” Laufer said.

    “Deployed this way, the OSA 5401 significantly reduces packet delay variation while taking up zero real estate and using very little power. It also protects against outages in the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), delivering superior frequency and phase with better resiliency throughout the network,” Laufer said.

    Further enhancements to the OSA 5401 include Layer 3 multi-cast functionality for financial and enterprise applications, as well as remote authentication and logs for improved manageability and security.

    Improvements have also been made to the OSA 5401’s GNSS capabilities, such as an elevation mask, a signal-to-noise ratio mask and fixed positioning, which enables more accurate time and frequency recovery, even in challenging environments such as urban canyon installations.

    Upgrades to the OSA 5420 series mean that it can now function as a high-capacity Network Time Protocol (NTP) server or PTP grandmaster in the same device, or even over the same port. What’s more, it can now support different types of line cards, including multiple 1Gbit/s ports used for PTP, NTP and Sync-E, as well as BITS, pulse-per-second, time-of-day and clock interfaces.

    This single box for all synchronization applications dramatically reduces cost and enables customers to protect their investment in NTP while planning future migration toward PTP.

    “We’re excited to present our latest advancements to the industry at ITSF. Our demos will show that we’ve created a complete synchronization solution — a family of devices that makes precise, resilient and affordable timing available for every industry,” said Gil Biran, general manager, Oscilloquartz.

    “With the OSA 5420 range, we’ve taken the Swiss army knife strategy even further, so that a single device now supports all sync technologies. It gives operators a one-box solution for overlay networks with different requirements,” Biran said. “With its NTP server and GNSS receiver capability, including multiple legacy and next-generation synchronization fan-out options, our OSA 5420 series is ideal for deployment in legacy synchronization architectures. It also offers the freedom to locate sync devices at any point in the network, which further reduces capital and operational expenditure.”

  • Telit offers new GNSS module

    Telit offers new GNSS module

    Telit Jupiter SE873 GNSS module.
    Telit Jupiter SE873 GNSS module.

    Telit‘s Jupiter SE873Q5 module is now available. The SE873Q5 is an ultra-low-power, high-sensitivity GNSS module with very small physical dimensions, completely compatible with its SE873 module.

    The new module leverages Telit innovation in miniaturization technology to improve power saving and sensitivity, delivering longer battery life and expanding design possibilities for tracking and navigation application areas particularly in wearable devices.

    The multi-constellation receiver module can be set to a number of different power saving modes depending on application requirements and includes an ultra-low noise boosting sensitivity that allows developers to explore a wider variety of device designs, enclosures and relative placement inside personal devices, garments or other space constrained electronics.

    The SE873Q5 is a flash-memory-based GNSS module capable of tracking three constellations simultaneously. Compared to the SE873, the new design reduces power consumption by 20%, while boosting satellite signal reception sensitivity. With complete pin-to-pin compatibility, the SE873Q5 can also be applied to existing designs based on the SE873, instantly boosting device performance as well as creating opportunities for new and upgraded products with very short time-to-market.

    “When it comes to application areas like wearables and others in the commercial and consumer spaces, there is no such thing as ‘too small’ or ‘too power-efficient’,” said Felix Marchal, Telit’s executive vice president of GNSS and short-range wireless. “And when you add to this type of efficiency, a stellar front-end RF performance in a miniature global satellite positioning receiver module, you immediately open up new product and business opportunities because now your antenna requirements are easier to meet; and you can explore more ‘buried’ designs where the module, used with an integrated antenna, can be encased deeper into the physical environment of the consumer, commercial or industrial application.”

    Features

    • The Jupiter SE873Q5 is packaged in a 7x7x1.85 mm QFN-like package, equipped SQI Flash memory, switching power supply and integrated high-performance low-noise amplifier (LNA). It is designed to support GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and is Galileo-ready, delivering simultaneous tracking in two modes: GPS+Galileo and GLONASS, or GPS+Galileo and BeiDou.
    • To extend battery life, the module includes a low-power tracking mode as well as advanced low-power modes: SmartGNSS 1 and 2, duty cycle, push-to-fix. Because it is flash-memory-based, it enables easy firmware updates, customization of operating parameters and supports ephemeris file injection (A-GPS) for up to 14 days, resulting in faster TTFF.
    • Navigation data is delivered using OSP binary protocol or NMEA through standard UART, SPI or I2C ports. The module supports A-GPS as well as Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) to increase position accuracy. Server-generated and client-generated extended ephemeris are supported and stored in internal Flash memory. The enhanced sensitivity of the SE873Q5 is rated at -147dBm for acquisition, -161dBm for navigation and -167dBm for tracking.
  • NASA tests solar-powered Silent Falcon UAS for large-scale operations

    NASA tests solar-powered Silent Falcon UAS for large-scale operations

    NASA’s concept for a possible UTM system would safely manage diverse UAS operations in the airspace above buildings and below crewed aircraft operations in suburban and urban areas. (Image: NASA)
    NASA’s concept for a possible UTM system would safely manage diverse UAS operations in the airspace above buildings and below crewed aircraft operations in suburban and urban areas. (Image: NASA)

    Silent Falcon UAS Technologies participated in the NASA UTM (unmanned traffic management) project headed up by the NASA Ames Research Center, held this month in Reno, Nevada.

    NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are working together to identify ways to safely enable large-scale UAS operations in the low-altitude airspace. The growing number of UAS and commercial UAS applications has led to this critical project.

    The UTM flight tests took place the week of Oct. 17. Silent Falcon, along with 11 other partners in the UTM program, flew their aircraft in typical UAS scenarios.

    The tests focused on the ability to alert and inform airspace users of potential dangers and conflicting situations that go BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) as well as within VLOS (visual line of sight). Safety is of utmost importance and visual observers will be put in place to ensure aircraft stay on their designated paths and won’t interfere with other aircraft in the area.

    Silent Falcon

    Silent Falcon is a solar electric, carbon fiber, modular small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) designed for numerous commercial, public safety, military and security applications.

    Silent Falcon’s solar electric propulsion systems gives it the unique ability to stay in the air for extended periods of time — five or more hours depending on environmental conditions. It’s also what gives the Silent Falcon its ability to be virtually silent. Once the Silent Falcon reaches 100 meters, it’s effectively undetectable.

    The composite structure of the Silent Falcon provides exceptional durability while flying in all types of conditions, as well as for launch and recovery. It’s also very lightweight for ease of transport and in-air maneuverability.

    The Silent Falcon UAS prepared for launch. (Photo: Silent Falcon)
    The Silent Falcon UAS prepared for launch. (Photo: Silent Falcon)

    Using a highly sophisticated mesh network, wave relay communication system, the airborne network nodes provide seamless dissemination of voice, video and data. With an internet connection on the ground, users can provide secure and encrypted voice, video and data to anyone, anywhere in the world on a private Silent Falcon communication network.

    The large, open payload bay of the Silent Falcon has been designed with an open interface and open architecture to accommodate a wide range of sensors, cameras and payloads. This allows the Silent Falcon to perform a large variety of extended range and endurance missions.

    “We are extremely fortunate to be a part of this very important project – both in the actual flight operations, as well as the development of the UTM software,” said John Brown, Silent Falcon UAS Technologies president and CEO. “This project is extremely important to the UAS industry and is of particular interest to us as we manufacture a long-range, long-endurance fixed-wing UAS that was designed for BVLOS applications. We are grateful to NASA for including us and we look forward to further participation as the project continues to move forward.”

  • South Korea, Thales to develop SBAS for aviation

    South Korea and France’s Thales Group will jointly develop an advanced Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) for GPS by 2021.

    The country’s state-run Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) will sign a $40 million deal with Thales Group on Oct. 26, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

    The new SBAS, dubbed KASS (Korean Augmentation Satellite System), especially will help reduce errors in aviation GPS, which currently occur at a rate of one in 5 million and by up to 16 meters horizontally and 20 meters vertically.

    “By reducing the error and providing more accurate location of aircraft by using satellites, the SBAS is expected to help set the shortest air route possible while also helping reduce the cost of fuel for flights and thus expanding their capacities,” the ministry said in a press release.

    A separate agreement will be signed with the European Aviation Safety Agency to jointly verify the new GPS augmentation system following its development.

    KASS will rely on EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System) developed by Thales Alenia Space as prime contractor for the European Commission, with the European Space Agency (ESA) as contracting authority. The EGNOS system is operating in Europe since 2009 for Safety of Life services.

    South Korea will initially be using KASS to provide aeronautical applications, including Safety of Life services so that it can be used during different flight phases, especially landings. It will eventually extend these services to other applications, including maritime, road and rail.

    “Our first export success with this sophisticated and powerful navigation system is the upshot of Thales Alenia Space’s involvement with Europe’s satnav projects since the outset, in 1996,” said Jean Loïc Galle, president and CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “We are drawing on 20 years of experience to help the Korean space agency, and allow government bodies in the country to develop applications that will improve its people’s comfort and safety for all types of transportation.”

    Thales Alenia Space’s contract with KARI concerns the supply of the ground infrastructure. It will initially operate via a relay provided by an existing geostationary satellite, and it will be interoperable with other SBAS worldwide, which guarantee air traffic safety when planes move between different zones. KARI and Thales Alenia Space will be applying an approach based on partnership, which means that an integrated French-Korean team will be in charge of the project.

  • Russians seek answers to GPS anomaly in Moscow

    Mobile phone apps that use GPS are malfunctioning in Moscow, Russia, according to the Associated Press.

    According to research by programmer Grigory Bakunov, who works for Russian internet firm Yandex, a system for blocking GPS was located inside the Kremlin.

    GPS users in central Moscow have been complaining on social media that when they are near the Kremlin, their GPS apps stop working or show them to be in Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, which is 18 miles away, which suggests the purpose of the disruption may be to prevent drones flying over the Kremlin.

    Runners in September’s Moscow marathon also complained that their jogging apps lost track of how far they had run when they passed the Kremlin.

    Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday he did not know why the malfunction was occurring.

  • u-blox brings ARM mbed OS 5 to low-energy IoT modules

    u-blox brings ARM mbed OS 5 to low-energy IoT modules

    u-blox has announced ARM mbed OS 5 support for the ODIN-W2 wireless Internet of Things (IoT) gateway module and the NINA-B1 Bluetooth low energy module.

    The ARM mbed OS 5 incorporates a real-time operating system (RTOS) in the core of the operating system. This open environment provides all the features needed to rapidly deploy and develop connected IoT products based on an ARM Cortex-M microcontroller, including security, connectivity and drivers for sensors and I/O devices. On existing u-blox ODIN-W2 and NINA-B1 hardware, customers can now rapidly develop wireless IoT applications making it easier to cut costs, development time and footprint, the company.

    ublox-iot-ub066At ARM TechCon, held Oct. 26-27 in Santa Clara, California, u-blox will showcase the NINA-B1 and ODIN-W2 in a powerful and responsive IoT sensor-to-gateway-to-cloud scenario. In the live demonstration, the ODIN-W2 will read sensor data via Bluetooth low energy technology from NINA-B1-equipped sensors, and simultaneously stream it via Wi-Fi to an IBM cloud server, allowing for real-time data visualization and analysis.

    “The unique combination of u-blox’s ODIN-W2 and NINA-B1 with ARM mbed OS 5 creates the best performing complete IoT architecture solution for applications from sensor data collection to flexible intelligent gateway processing and cloud connectivity, with full support for customer code — all based on the most proven embedded application platform,” said Hakan Svegerud, head of Product Strategy, Short Range Radio, at u-blox.

    The already certified ODIN-W2, NINA-B1 and wireless stacks are designed for typical embedded applications, which require a small footprint implementation with responsive, high-performance hardware and an open CPU architecture. Usage scenarios include IoT, and medical and industrial applications, that use multiple sensors and/or smart gateways linked by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. ODIN-W2’s 1-MB of flash memory offers ample space for all the customer software required to create a powerful gateway.

    The ARM mbed development environment, with its extensive tools and libraries, gives embedded application designers and developers full access to each u-blox module’s ARM Cortex-M4 based microcontroller. This allows them to avoid the need for an external host CPU — not only saving bill of materials costs and development resources, but also keeping the board footprint to an absolute minimum.

    In addition to providing a consistent development process across multiple products, this environment allows an extremely broad range of sensor and actuator-based IoT designs to be implemented on a single, compact, certified wireless module. Moreover, the u-blox open standard approach ensures ease of IoT connectivity, while still accelerating type approval certification by controlling access to the wireless stacks. All of these advantages combine to reduce time to market to a minimum.

  • OriginGPS offers module plus software for drone navigation

    OriginGPS, a manufacturer of miniature GNSS modules, has launched three new products built on the flash-based SiRFstar V from Qualcomm Technologies Inc.

    This latest trio of modules has drone features such as low-latency velocity and position outputs and 5-Hz position updates.

    The Multi Hornet and Multi Micro Hornet offer drone OEMs a choice between 10 by 10 millimeter or 18 by 18 millimeter integrated, high-performance patch antennas, with benefits that extend to OBDII and under-dash telematics when utilizing the larger Multi Hornet.

    The Multi Micro Spider brings all of these benefits into a compact 7 by 7 millimeter package suitable for use with a variety of external antennas. All of OriginGPS’ modules are designed with patented Noise Free Zone technology which minimizes noise, producing the maximum signal-to-noise ratio.

    “No other supplier out there rallies these new flash-based additions on such advanced GPS/GNSS modules of this size,” says Haim Goldberger, president and CTO at OriginGPS. “Our plug-and-play Multi Hornet and Multi Micro Hornet offer the fastest time-to-market while maximizing performance even in the harshest of signal environments. The Multi Micro Spider also supports these flash-based additions with a variety of custom antenna solutions. Regardless of antenna placement or mechanical drone design, OriginGPS now offers the software features required in the smallest and lightest weight package.”

    OriginGPS will be showing these new modules, along with their entire portfolio of GPS/GNSS modules, at Electronica, Hall A4, Stand 281.

    Features include:

    • Onboard flash for enhanced drone functionality. Based on the SiRFstar 5eB02 GNSS SoC from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc, OriginGPS’ new offerings are the ideal solution for drone manufacturers looking to quickly integrate GNSS functionality without adding sizeable hardware or weight. The low-latency speed and velocity outputs make these the world’s smallest, fastest responding GNSS modules.
    • Multiple antenna configurations offers a solution for every application. With two new additions to the Hornet product line, designers can opt for the miniature 10×10 mm footprint with best-in-class performance or the larger 18×18 footprint for maximum performance when GNSS signal levels are low. The new Spider offering can be implemented with a variety of external antennas.
    • OriginGPS’ Noise Free Zone (NFZ). The ORG4033 utilizes OriginGPS’ patented and proprietary NFZ technology for continued noise immunity and razor-sharp sensitivity even in poor signal conditions.
    • Intuitive design that facilitates shorter time to market. The new flash-based modules each use an existing OriginGPS Hornet or Spider footprint. Developers can easily transition from ROM-based to flash-based modules or GPS to GNSS in the same footprint, thereby reducing overall development costs and shortening time to market.

  • 4 Galileos ‘topped off’ for November launch

    4 Galileos ‘topped off’ for November launch

    Fueling operations have begun with the four Galileo spacecraft to be launched Nov. 17 from French Guiana. This will be launch contractor Arianespace’s first launch using its Ariane 5 rocket to deploy Europe’s constellation of navigation satellites.

    Fueling operations of Galileo spacecraft. (Photo: Arianespace)
    Fueling operations of Galileo spacecraft. (Photo: Arianespace)

    The fueling activity is now underway in the Spaceport’s S3B payload preparation facility. One of the first to be processed is named “Antonianna,” after an Italian child who won a European Commission Galileo drawing competition — with one winner selected from each member state of the European Union.

    Weighing between 715 kg. and 717 kg. each, the quartet of Galileo satellites will have a combined liftoff mass of 2,865 kg., and they will be deployed by Ariane 5 into circular orbit during a mission lasting just under four hours.

    The Ariane 5 launch, designated Flight VA233 in Arianespace’s numbering system, is set for a morning departure from the Spaceport on Nov. 17 at an exact liftoff time of 10:06:48 a.m. in French Guiana (13:06:48 p.m. Universal Time — UTC).

    Flight VA233 will mark Arianespace’s first use of its heavy-lift Ariane 5 to loft Galileo satellites, following seven previous missions with the company’s medium-lift Soyuz. The Soyuz vehicles carried a pair of Galileo spacecraft on each flight, delivering a total of 14 navigation satellites into orbit since 2011.

    Galileo is an important infrastructure program for Europe, creating a civil global satellite navigation system that provides highly accurate positioning with great precision and reliability.

    Fueling operations of Galileo spacecraft. (Photo: Arianespace)
    Fueling operations of Galileo spacecraft. (Photo: Arianespace)

    This program is funded and owned by the European Union, with overall responsibility for management and implementation held by the European Commission. The European Space Agency has been assigned design and development of the new generation of systems and infrastructure for Galileo.

    OHB System in Bremen, Germany built the rectangular-shaped satellites, which are sized at 2.7 x 1.2 x 1.1 meters, with their navigation payloads provided by Surrey Satellite Technology in the United Kingdom.

     

  • After the storm: Drone flights enable speedy cellular inspections

    After the storm: Drone flights enable speedy cellular inspections

    verizon-inspection-w
    Hurricane Matthew, which formed Sept. 28 and dissipated Oct. 10, brought torrential rains to the Carolinas, causing widespread flooding. The above is a screenshot from a drone inspection video.

    In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, Verizon used drones for cell-site inspections in North Carolina and South Carolina. The aerial survey shortened cell-site recovery to hours compared to potentially days, based on the severity of flooding.

    The quadcopter used was operated by Measure UAS, which conducted the flights with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization.

    Flights used a two-person crew that included a ground pilot for the UAS, and a visual observer of the operation for safe, legal and insured operations, Verizon said.

    While Verizon was able to access most hurricane-affected sites quickly to assess damage, some sites were not accessible because of extreme flooding. That’s where the UAS came in.

    Streaming in HD

    The UAS was able to livestream and record high-definition video and high-resolution photographs of a cell site.

    The first flight to a site surrounded by water near Elm City, North Carolina, and the Tar River Reservoir showed engineers that the base-station equipment — which was elevated on stilts — was not underwater and had not suffered visible damage.

    After determining the site was safe to access, Verizon’s Network team secured an air boat and refueled the generator, bringing the site back into service within hours.

    Verizon completed successful cell site inspection trials earlier this year in New Jersey providing valuable 3D imagery and system performance data via UAS.Now the company has several vendors to aid Verizon’s network maintenance and operations.
    airborne service

    In October, Verizon conducted the first trial with Verizon’s Airborne LTE Operations during an emergency management and disaster recovery exercise in Cape May, New Jersey.

    The exercise simulated how Verizon’s network could provide 4G LTE coverage from a 17-foot wingspan UAS operated by American Aerospace Technologies (AATI) to first responders in an area impacted by a severe weather event where no wireless service is available.

    While this is the first simulation in an emergency scenario, AATI and Verizon are conducting trials nationally testing connectivity between manned and unmanned aircraft and Verizon’s 4G LTE network, including in-flight connectivity.

  • UAV inspections: Using drones for powerline monitoring in India

    UAV inspections: Using drones for powerline monitoring in India

    Drones could soon be inspecting powerlines in India, thanks to a partnership between Sharper Shape and Sterlite Power.

    Sharper Shape, based in Palo-Alto, California, offers automated drone-based asset inspections. Sterlite Power is a power transmission company in India.

    The Sharper Shape Sharper A6 drone is designed for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights.
    The Sharper Shape Sharper A6 drone is designed for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights.

    Sharper Shape has already spearheaded the adoption of long-distance commercial drone flights for utilities in Europe. In the U.S., Sharper Shape is part of the EEI Sharper Utility partnership, an industry collaboration aimed at demonstrating and developing commercial long-distance drone flights for electric companies.

    As part of the cooperation, Sterlite Power will make a minority investment in Sharper Shape to foster Indian market growth and continued technology development. The companies signed a partnership agreement during Make in India Week in Mumbai in February, an event held to spur innovation, design and sustainability.

    Sterlite Power and Sharper Shape are awaiting approvals from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation for large-scale, long-distance inspection flights. Long-distance drone flights could provide significant benefits with safe, efficient and fast inspections compared to manned helicopter flights.

    Utilities in India. The partnership also intends to provide services for other utilities in India. India has a power transmission network of more than a million circuit kilometers, which undergoes double-digit growth annually. The use of drones will increase the uptime of the grid, reduce transmission tariffs, avoid grid blackouts, and save the environment by reducing deforestation along the line corridors.

    Sterlite Power has already introduced lidar for surveys and helicopters to avoid disturbances to farm activities and speed the process to commission much-needed infrastructure in India. Soon, it will deploy heli-cranes to erect transmission towers in the challenging terrains of Jammu and Kashmir.

    In the United States…

    In August, Sharper Shape  submitted a waiver application to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requesting approval to perform beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights. The waiver would allow members of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI)-Sharper Shape partnership to demonstrate and develop commercial long-distance flights for electric company asset inspections.

    BVLOS flights are able to travel 10–20 miles, compared to roughly one-third of a mile under visual-line-of-sight regulations.

    The test flights will leverage Sharper Shape’s new Sharper A6 drone and Sharperscope 5.0 payload. The A6 is optimized for BVLOS asset inspections, using four redundant cellular networks to make it virtually impossible for the drone to lose communication with ground-control operators, the company said.

    Sharper Shape leverages the LTE commercial multi-billion-dollar networks, while other vendors use point-to-point, which can’t communicate beyond line of sight, or satellite connection, which suffers from high costs and invariable latency that increases the response time and impedes a pilot’s ability to make quick adjustments during flight.