GPS World

Author: Tracy Cozzens

  • Fibocom modules complete first data call on China’s 5G standalone network

    Fibocom modules complete first data call on China’s 5G standalone network

    Fibocom’s 5G modules FG150 and FM150 have completed the first data call and end-to-end data transmission services under China Mobile’s Standalone-Structured 5G network. The download rate exceeds 100 Mbps.

    Fibocom is a leading provider of cellular embedded wireless module solutions for the internet of things (IoT).

    Fibocom FG150 and FM150 5G modules are the first 5G modules based on the Qualcomm SDX55 platform to offer the data-transmission services under the SA-structured 5G network in China, Fibocom said. Its IoT wireless modules incorporate GNSS receivers that receive GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou signals.

    See a test video here:

    “Wireless modules are essential for communication between IoT terminals and the base stations. As the world’s leading IoT wireless module solution provider, we are proud that our 5G modules have achieved another R&D milestone in the industry,” said Tiger Ying, CEO of Fibocom. “The completion of the first data call under SA-Structured 5G network is a significant step towards realization of all the three 5G features (eMBB, uRLLC, mMTC) in IoT industry and helps our customers to accelerate the large-scale deployment of 5G industry applications.”

    The test was run on the Fibocom FM150 5G module with China Mobile’s 5G SIM card under the n41 network frequency band in the Shenzhen Mobile 5G Joint Innovation Center.

    The Fibocom FM150 5G module has been successfully registered on the 5G SA network and established the PDU session. In the 5G SA communication process, the establishment of the PDU session is a symbolic link for successful dialing.

    Photo: Fibocom
    Photo: Fibocom

    Fibocom FG150 and FM150 5G modules support both 5G SA and NSA network architectures, providing an integrated multi-network solution that is compatible with the global 5G Sub 6 and millimeter-wave bands. Fibocom 5G modules are compatible with both LTE and WCDMA standards, reducing customers’ investment in the early stages of 5G deployment and helping customers to switch their older product lines to 5G product lines quickly.

    Fibocom’s 5G modules have global coverage, accelerating scale deployment of the 5G IoT applications. Applications include: 4K/8K video live broadcast, cloud office (ACPC), drone, robot, AR/VR, 5G virtual dress mirror, 5G cloud game, 5G digital signature, 5G wireless gateway, 5G CPE, 5G SD-WAN, smart grid, telemedicine, connected cars, intelligent transportation system, autonomous driving, smart homes and smart cities.

  • UAVOS parachute system for UAS proved effective

    UAVOS parachute system for UAS proved effective

    UAVOS has successfully tested its new two-stage parachute system. The new parachute system provides slow descent of a UAS at high speed. It includes two parachutes — the pilot chute and a main chute used to slow and stabilize the UAS.

    The decrease in the load speed on the UAS occurs due to the main chute opening delay function, when the pilot chute opens first. The parachute system is designed for UAS with speeds of up to 280 mph (450 kph) and weight of up to 110 lb (50 kg).

    Watch the parachute in action:

    The pilot chute allows safe, slow descent of the UAV during the main parachute deployment, as well as to open up the main chute at a minimum altitude.

    After landing, the group of the main parachute lines is automatically unfastened to collapse the canopy of the main chute and releases after touchdown to avoid dragging the aircraft along the ground. Unfastening is carried out by the lock of a three-step release:

    Stage 1: Opening the pilot chute
    Stage 2: Opening the main chute
    Stage 3: Release of the group of lines of the main parachute

    “In the aircraft safety developments, saving an entire aircraft through a deployable parachute system is a crucial thing,” said Aliaksei Stratsilatau, CEO and lead developer of UAVOS. These trials have generated an amount of data that allows us to quantify the performance of parachute system for future missions. Computer modeling cannot capture all the complexities. Parachutes encounter turbulent and dynamic airflow, which is almost impossible to replicate with computers. The only way to get a handle on all the possibilities is test.”

    Photo: UAVOS
    Photo: UAVOS
  • GPS, inertial technology support defense missions

    GPS, inertial technology support defense missions

    2 SOPS never stops

    There’s no question that GPS is an essential service. The Second Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) is continuing to provide a global utility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “No matter what, we need to ensure this mission continues so the American people and the world know they can depend on us to be the gold standard in precision navigation and timing,” said Lt. Col Stephen Toth, 2 SOPS commander. Services that use GPS include ambulances, hospitals, police departments and fire departments.

    “It would make a global pandemic that much worse if we were to go down,” Toth said. “It could prevent a lot of the day-to-day things we rely on from happening, it could be catastrophic.”

    GPS supports 14 of 16 essential industries in the United States. “We’ll remain reliable no matter what the condition the world is in,” Toth said. “Whether it be a pandemic, hurricane, tornado or any other type of crisis, we have plans and training for whatever threat we may face so the mission doesn’t stop.”

    Unlike other jobs across the Department of Defense, those directly conducting operations can’t telework. They need to be in a sensitive compartmented information facility or restricted area in a secured area to access specific terminals and networks.

    “The American people can count on space and they can count on our military to continue to provide the level of capability that’s expected no matter what’s going on in the world,” Toth said. “In times of crisis, people shouldn’t have to question whether we’ll be here or not, because we will and the mission won’t stop.”

    Welcome to the Space Force

    The official Space Force emblem was unveiled on Jan. 24. (Logo: United States Space Force)
    The official Space Force emblem was unveiled on Jan. 24.

    Organized as a military service branch within the U.S. Department of the Air Force, the newly created Space Force has taken the reins of the GPS program.

    Established on Dec. 20, 2019, under the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, the Space Force will be set up over the following 18 months. Commander of U.S. Space Command, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, was sworn in Jan. 14 as the first chief of space operations of the U.S. Space Force, and is stationed at the Pentagon.

    The same staff who have operated satellites and conducted space activities in the Air Force are continuing under the Space Force. Under the Space Force are the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base and the GPS Master Control Station, operated by the 50th Space Wing’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. The 50th Space Wing is under Space Operations Command, located at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

    25 years. The U.S. Space Force celebrated the 25th Anniversary of GPS reaching Full Operational Capability (FOC) on April 27, 2019. Over the past 25 years, GPS has become an integral technology that affects the lives of billions of people across the world.

    Check out more case studies where GPS and inertial technology are supporting defense missions.

    Featured image: U.S. Space Force / Kathryn Calvert; Capt. Jeff Wagner discusses a routine health check on a GPS satellite. 2 SOPS performs the command and control mission for the constellation.

  • Emcore provides defense-ready IMUs

    Emcore provides defense-ready IMUs

    The SDI500 Tactical Grade IMU (Photo: Emcore)
    The SDI500 Tactical Grade IMU (Photo: Emcore)

    Emcore is offering two inertial measurement units (IMUs) suitable for the defense market.

    SDI500 Tactical Grade IMU. Emcore’s Systron Donner Inertial SDI500 is a high-performance MEMS-based IMU that demonstrates true tactical grade performance with 1°/hour gyro bias and 1-mg accelerometer bias stability with very low 0.02°/hr angle random walk. Its performance is based on Emcore’s quartz MEMS inertial sensor technology. The SDI500 is designed to achieve the demanding performance levels required in sophisticated systems applications. Packaged in a highly miniaturized, cylindrical configuration with a volume of 19 cubic inches, it is suitable for use by integrators and OEMs.

    The SDI500 is a compact IMU constructed with SDI’s next generation quartz gyros, quartz accelerometers, and high-speed signal processing that achieves tactical grade performance. The SDI500 IMU is rated for rugged military environments.

    EN-300 Precision Fiber Optic IMU/INS (Photo: Emcore)
    EN-300 Precision Fiber Optic IMU/INS (Photo: Emcore)

    EN-300 Precision Fiber Optic IMU/INS. The EN-300 inertial system is designed to be compatible in form, fit and function with a legacy equivalent, but with the higher accuracy and performance needed for GPS-denied navigation, precise targeting and line-of-sight stabilization.

    It features navigational-grade performance with 0.04°/hr gyro bias and 0.1-mg accelerometer bias stability with ultra-low 0.007°/hr angle random walk.

    Internal signal processing provides full stand-alone or aided navigation, and as an option can provide standard IMU delta velocity and delta theta.

  • PCTEL unveils public-safety antenna platform for police

    PCTEL unveils public-safety antenna platform for police

    PCTEL has launched its  Trooper TRP-20INT platform, featuring models with a purpose-designed footprint to allow seamless installation on the leading 2020 police sports utility vehicles.

    Photo: PCTEL
    Photo: PCTEL

    The Trooper TRP-20INT antenna platform supports the high-speed requirements of complex RF communication systems used for critical communications in FirstNet public safety and intelligent transportation systems (ITS).

    These antennas feature two 5G elements compatible with leading cellular routers supporting 600-MHz to 6-GHz frequencies. In addition, PCTEL’s proprietary high-rejection multi-GNSS technology is included for high-precision tracking and asset management.

    “In order to meet the communication demands of law enforcement, our Trooper TRP-20INT platform was specifically designed for installation on the raised ridges of police vehicle roofs. This method makes installation easier and optimizes RF performance,” said Rishi Bharadwaj, PCTEL’s chief operating officer.

    “PCTEL brings strong RF and mechanical design capabilities to develop high-performance antenna systems for deployments in harsh environments in mission critical applications,” added Bharadwaj.

    PCTEL also announced its new and improved PCTWSLMR-2 full-spectrum LMR mobile antenna, designed to support the leading OEM multi-band land mobile radios that enable interoperability among emergency management and response personnel. The new antenna incorporates a strong and ultra-flexible spring structure designed for maximum impact shock absorption, providing solid installation integrity even in low overhead-clearance situations.

    PCTEL will showcase its new antenna platforms at IWCE, Aug. 24-28, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, booth 1215. Contact PCTEL for more details on product specifications and availability.

  • Helicopter navigation system powered by synthetic vision

    Helicopter navigation system powered by synthetic vision

    Photo: Honeywell
    Photo: Honeywell

    Honeywell is providing Leonardo’s helicopter division with a significant cockpit upgrade — Honeywell’s innovative Primus Epic 2.0 — for its AW139 helicopters. Primus Epic 2.0 will deliver better maps, improved situational awareness at night and in marginal weather, and easier access through wireless connectivity, improving safety and saving time. It is track based, meaning navigation follows the actual path of the helicopter and accounts for wind and other environmental factors.

    The “synthetic vision” system enables pilots to fly a variety of challenging approaches. Helicopter-specific missions supported include corporate VIP transport, emergency medical services, oil and gas, and search and rescue.

    The SmartView synthetic vision system is usable all the way down into the hover, helping pilots navigate during low-visibility conditions. These missions can include steep 9-degree descents into landing areas in challenging terrain and oil-rig approaches. Flight crews will also benefit from a more user-friendly, iNAV map visual interface with easy-to-use displays and an improved cursor that makes map manipulation and menu navigation more comfortable.

    “Technology innovations are crucial to reducing pilot workload and making flights safer for crew and passengers,” said Mike Ingram, vice president and general manager, Cockpit Systems, Honeywell Aerospace. “With the Epic 2.0 Phase 8 upgrade, AW139 pilots will not only reduce the time and cost of some operations, especially those in weather and around challenging terrain, they will also experience some of the best safety features available anywhere in the helicopter market.”

    The Phase 8 upgrade also increases connectivity capabilities, with Wireless Data Loading that lets pilots access data at high speeds remotely without a hardwire connection, transferring flight plans wirelessly and accelerating preflight actions.

  • Anti-jam technology gets smaller with NovAtel system

    Anti-jam technology gets smaller with NovAtel system

    Photo: NovAtel
    Photo: NovAtel

    Hexagon | NovAtel launched the GAJT-410ML GPS anti-jam system in 2019. The compact design of the new, smaller version of NovAtel’s GPS Anti-Jam Technology (GAJT) can be rapidly integrated into space-constrained military vehicles (see photo). The system is easy to use while protecting GPS-based navigation and precise timing receivers (including M-code) from intentional jamming and accidental interference, according to NovAtel.

    Spoofing, or the ability to give false data to a receiver, is a different challenge from jamming, with potentially even graver consequences. The GAJT portfolio provides protection from both jamming and spoofing to best defend military systems.

    Spoofing Detection. As a trusted partner for guidance, navigation and control, NovAtel is developing robust spoofing detection technology that will be available in the company’s product portfolio soon. The additional spoofing information empowers users to make informed decisions about the radio frequency environment they are operating in, alerting them if malicious actors are present. This provides actionable intelligence as part of a layered approach to defend against jamming and spoofing.

    NAVWAR Support. NovAtel OEM components and military off-the-shelf items are engineered to deliver precise, assured positioning and timing. Deep GNSS expertise and lean manufacturing capabilities enable the effective delivery of high-performance products in large volumes with minimal production and delivery times. This approach is combined with a high level of support to achieve low product return rates.

  • Parker LORD launches all-in-one RTK system

    Parker LORD launches all-in-one RTK system

    Photo: Parker LORD
    Photo: Parker LORD

    Parker LORD has launched the 3DM-GQ7 dual-antenna RTK inertial navigation system with multiple integrated aiding sensors and support for external aiding.

    It has two integrated real-time kinematic (RTK)-capable multi-band multi-constellation GNSS receivers, integrated barometric pressure sensor, magnetometer, and hardware support for wheel odometry. It also has an application programming interface (API) for external sensor measurements.

    The 3DM-GQ7 offers advanced sensor fusion for accurate measurements in challenging environments. It provides seamless operation during temporary GNSS signal outages and online tracking of inertial measurement unit (IMU) error sources for superior dead-reckoning.

    An optional network RTK receiver, the 3DM-RTK, allows users to connect and communicate to the company’s SensorCloud RTK Connection network. This makes for an all-in-one solution (GNSS-INS + RTK + SensorCloud RTK).

    3DM-GQ7 Features

    • High quality position, velocity and attitude estimates at rates up to 1 kHz
    • 2-cm position accuracy (in good conditions with RTK corrections available)
    • 0.1 degree roll/pitch accuracy; 0.25 degree heading accuracy with dual-antenna GNSS, depending on conditions
    • All-in-one system solution (GNSS-INS + RTK + SensorCloud RTK)
    • Applications include drones, autonomous vehicles and legged robots

  • Raytheon M-code receiver deployment underway

    Logo: Raytheon Technologies

    In 2019, the U.S. Air Force certified the security architecture of Raytheon Intelligence & Space’s M-code modules and receivers as providers of secure and reliable access to modernized GPS. The resilient receivers are designed for high anti-jam performance.

    Raytheon’s M-code application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip is either integrated into a ground-based receiver card optimized for low dynamic applications, or used as an avionics/naval receiver card to support multiple end users.

    “Our focus is on taking a comprehensive approach to resilient navigation,” explained Chad Pillsbury, director for Raytheon’s Secure Sensor Solutions. “We provide the complete family of PNT solutions. We start with the fundamental components, like the ASIC chip, and tailor our solution for the platform and mission requirements.”

    Open Architecture. Raytheon successfully completed testing of the first M-code receiver onboard the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 bomber in 2017. “Since then, we’ve undergone a number of tests internally and with third-parties. Our M-code receivers have standard interfaces and open architecture protocols, enabling them to work with both U.S. and allied systems. By pairing our M-code receiver with our anti-jam electronics and antenna, our systems enable warfighters to combat the most advanced threats seen in the world today,” Pilsbury said.

    The receiver is planned to be incorporated into many fighters, bombers and weapons systems across the U.S. Department of Defense. “We provide enhanced anti-jam, anti-spoof GPS capabilities, as well as alternate navigation and multi-constellation support that represent a significant improvement over the systems currently used by today’s warfighters,” Pillsbury said.

    Meeting Advancing Threats. “The hardest part is meeting a changing threat target,” Pillsbury explained. “The fact is the threat is advancing at a rapid rate. Because of that, challenges are constantly evolving.

    “That means we had to design solutions that were simultaneously robust and secure, but also flexible and open so we can continually upgrade them. That’s not an easy thing to do.

    “But, by taking a comprehensive approach that looked at the whole problem rather than just part of it, we’ve developed systems that address these challenges and have the flexibility to address future challenges.”

    Raytheon’s M-code products are now available to the U.S. military and its allies in accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the U.S. State Department.

  • GNSS simulation critical for NAVWAR testing

    GNSS simulation critical for NAVWAR testing

    The BroadSim Advanced GNSS Simulator (Photo: Orolia)
    The BroadSim Advanced GNSS Simulator (Photo: Orolia)

    Orolia Defense & Security offers a range of solutions that support critical positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems for Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) domains. Orolia is approved to work on the full spectrum of U.S. government classified and unclassified projects and is positioned to support strategic partnerships in the development of key positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies for the defense market.

    BroadSim Advanced GNSS Simulator. Powered by the Skydel software engine, BroadSim provides software-defined features and benefits, with additional capabilities and specifications for applications requiring maximum security and compliance. With 100+ units fielded, BroadSim is trusted by the U.S. government, military and industry.

    Broadsim supports encrypted signals (Y-code, M-AES, and M-MNSA) and provides advanced jamming and spoofing simulation. Scalable configurations for testing CRPA/antenna electronics systems (anechoic and wavefront) are available. BroadSim has four independent RF outputs and runs on a custom Linux operating system.

    Interference Detection & Mitigation (IDM). Orolia’s IDM technology is patented, rigorously tested and field proven for more than a decade, while regularly updated to conform to new and emerging threats. BroadShield provides embedded GPS jamming and spoofing detection, serving as a kill switch. BroadSense offers mobile detection for situational awareness, and ThreatBlocker provides protection with in-line detection and suppression.

    Resilient PNT. Orolia’s resilient PNT solutions improve the reliability, performance and safety of customers’ mission-critical operations for air, land, sea and space applications.

    The 8230 AJ GPS/GNSS anti-jam outdoor antenna is a high-gain (40-dB) GNSS outdoor antenna with a unique conical pattern that rejects interference from the horizon. IP67-rated, it is designed for harsh environments.

    The VersaPNT provides a rugged and resilient PNT source. The all-in-one customizable system delivers accurate, software-configurable PNT signals and high-performance for mobile applications in GNSS-degraded and denied environments.

  • DHS to host 2020 GPS equipment testing event this summer

    DHS to host 2020 GPS equipment testing event this summer

    DHS logoThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is hosting the 2020 GPS Equipment Testing for Critical Infrastructure (GET-CI) event. This event will take place during the summer of 2020.

    The revised the due date for responses is May 8, 2020. Visit this site for more information.

    S&T’s GET-CI events are a series of annual evaluation events intended for manufacturers of commercial GPS equipment used in critical infrastructure as well as critical infrastructure owners and operators.

    DHS S&T recognizes the importance of accurate and precise position, navigation and timing (PNT) information to critical infrastructure and has a dedicated multi-year program to address GPS vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, with a multi-pronged approach of conducting vulnerability and impact assessments, developing mitigations, exploring complementary timing technologies, and engaging with industry through outreach events and meetings.

    Through these sustained efforts, the goal of the program is to increase the resiliency of critical infrastructure to GPS vulnerabilities in the near-term future.

    Examples of measures that can be taken to enhance resiliency can be found in a DHS issued set of best practices released via ICS-CERT, titled “Improving the Operation and Development of Global Positioning System (GPS) Equipment Used by Critical Infrastructure.”

  • Industry perspective: Next-gen PNT needs careful assessment

    Industry perspective: Next-gen PNT needs careful assessment

    With the first GPS Block III satellite SVN 74 being set as healthy and active in January, GPS has reached another important milestone. Setting the vehicle healthy and active makes the satellite available for use by military and civilian GPS users around the world. GPS has been a hugely successful system, consistently exceeding its performance specification and providing users with levels of accuracy and availability that would have seemed astonishing only a few short years ago.

    Despite these successes, the limitations of GPS and other GNSS have been highlighted by a catalog of real-world well-documented jamming and spoofing incidents, some of which have had serious impacts. With this increase of incidents, the military and commercial worlds have become increasingly aware of the vulnerabilities of sole reliance on GNSS. Interference with GNSS is a critical risk to not only business continuity, but to the safety of the world.

    Image: Spirent Federal
    Image: Spirent Federal

    Simply trusting the output from a GNSS receiver without question is no longer acceptable in safety- or liability-critical applications. The focus of many manufacturers and developers has been on assuring the integrity of reported GNSS PNT data.

    Recently, more systems have begun using non-GNSS data sources to augment the GNSS solution. A GNSS receiver becomes one of the many sensors used in a system that combines their inputs to provide an assured, trustworthy source of precise positioning and timing data even when GNSS is disrupted. There are also active global initiatives in both commercial and military domains worldwide to seek and develop direct replacements for GNSS-based navigation and timing systems.These systems eliminate the use of GNSS completely and are termed “alternative navigation systems.”

    Whether assured, augmented or alternative, these PNT systems need careful assessment. Their performance, robustness and resilience need to be measured in normal conditions and with interference.

    Spirent is actively working to develop new, relevant test frameworks and designing the next generation of PNT test equipment that can easily integrate with and assess more than one technology. From inertial integrated with GPS to a number of alternative PNT systems that are being analyzed by the U.S. government, Spirent is working to unlock the maximum benefits of the next generation of PNT solutions.

    Roger Hart, director of engineering, joined Spirent Federal in 2015. He has worked in development of spacecraft navigation systems, including GPS, for civil, NASA and defense applications since 1986. Guy Buesnel is Spirent’s specialist PNT Security Technologist covering the areas of PNT threats and mitigation.