GPS World

Category: Applications

  • Microsemi SyncServer incorporates SAASM for defense market

    Microsemi SyncServer incorporates SAASM for defense market

    Microsemi Corporation’s new SyncServer S650 SAASM server incorporates a Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM).

    The SAASM capability provides a highly secure, accurate and flexible time and frequency platform for synchronizing mission-critical electronics systems and instrumentation applications in the defense market, such as satellite communications and defense operational infrastructure, the company said.

    Military Grade. The new SyncServer S650 SAASM, designed for use by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and other government agencies as well as their approved suppliers, received the GPS Directorate Security Approval to incorporate a military-grade, GPS SAASM receiver module.

    Microsemi SyncServer S650 SAASM Time and Frequency Server.

    This enables U.S. armed forces to confidently deploy features of Microsemi’s popular commercial SyncServer S650 in a military-grade configuration. In addition, the integrated SAASM module adheres to industry standards allowing for a migration path to GPS Military Code (M-code) support.

    “Our key military and DOD-related customers require flexible, secure and extremely reliable time and frequency technology for their most critical applications, which they have come to rely upon from Microsemi. Enabling support for SAASM provides the extra security and reliability necessary for this market,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and business unit manager of the Frequency and Timing Division at Microsemi. “The addition of the SyncServer S650 SAASM to our product line further demonstrates Microsemi’s commitment to providing the highest quality time and frequency technology in support of vital government programs.”

    The SyncServer S650 SAASM is a highly versatile time and frequency system with the company’s FlexPort technology for multiport, user-definable output signal configurations for time codes, pulses and a variety of signal types essential for system synchronization.

    This makes the SyncServer S650 SAASM ideal for DoD electronics system engineers synchronizing mission-critical, system-level instruments. This is coupled with Microsemi’s NTP Reflector technology for robust security, accuracy and reliability of network-based time services such as Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP).

    Resilience to Threats. According to a 2017 GNSS Market Report, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) jamming and spoofing are specifically identified as increasing and notable cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure.

    Furthermore, resilience to these threats has become mandatory by critical infrastructure policy makers and GNSS receiver manufacturers. Without the use of SAASM technology in the presence of these threats, deliberate or unintentional, the most mission-critical systems operated by the DOD may be subject to the side effects of degraded time and frequency performance.

    Microsemi’s new SyncServer S650 SAASM is designed to generate precise time and frequency signals to synchronize high bandwidth mission-critical communications systems and critical infrastructure requiring the highest levels of security support.

    In addition to offering superior low phase noise performance, the device is compliant with the Joint Chiefs of Staff SAASM GPS mandate and developed for authorized military users only.

  • Broadcom launches dual-frequency GNSS receiver for mass market

    Broadcom launches dual-frequency GNSS receiver for mass market

    Broadcom Limited is offering a mass-market, dual-frequency GNSS receiver device, the BCM47755, designed to enhance location-based services (LBS) applications for mobile phones, tablets and fitness wearables.

    Equipped with the latest GNSS innovations, the device is capable of centimeter-level accuracy with minimal power consumption and footprint, enabling an entirely new suite of high-precision LBS applications including lane-level vehicle navigation and mobile augmented reality.

    Until now, mobile location based applications have been powered by single-frequency GNSS receivers operating under stringent battery-power and footprint constraints.

    The expanded availability of L1/E1 and L5/E5 frequencies in satellite constellations enables the use of two frequencies to compute position much more accurately in both urban and open area environments.

    BCM47755 uses two different frequency signals from each satellite. (Image courtesy of Broadcom)

    The BCM47755 delivers this higher level of location accuracy while meeting the rigorous battery power and footprint needs in mobile phones.

    The BCM47755’s accuracy allows location-based applications to offer a richer consumer experience. For example, lane-level knowledge of the vehicle’s location vastly improves the turn-by-turn navigation performance.

    Further, combining this accurate location with the lane’s traffic pattern gives consumers a significantly better estimate of arrival times. In the same vein, ride-sharing applications can be enhanced to more precisely pinpoint driver and client location.

    The BCM47755 consumes less than half the power of previous generation GNSS chips. Since GNSS and sensor applications are always on, this power efficiency has a proportional impact on the battery life of the mobile device. So, even while benefiting from a richer navigation experience, consumers will have a longer lasting battery on mobile devices that use the BCM47755.

    Product Highlights

    • Advanced dual-frequency GNSS receiver capable of processing satellite signals in both L1/E1 and L5/E5 frequency bands providing higher level of location accuracy
    • Incorporates new low power GNSS radio and dual-core ARM CM4-CM0 sensor hub
    • More than 50 percent lower power consumption compared to previous generation GNSS receiver
    • Delivers high-quality raw GNSS measurements for both code and carrier phase, enabling advanced location-based applications.

    “With the launch of the dual-frequency GNSS sensor hub, Broadcom continues the tradition of raising the bar for mobile GNSS,” said Vijay Nagarajan, senior director of product marketing of the Mobile Connectivity Products Division at Broadcom. “Location-based consumer applications can be disruptively enhanced with centimeter-level accuracy. On the other hand, lower power consumption and smaller footprint continue to be defining requirements for any mobile phone chip. The BCM47755 achieves these twin objectives for a richer consumer experience.”

  • Trimble acquires transportation company 10-4 Systems

    Trimble has acquired privately held 10-4 Systems, a provider of advanced, multimodal shipment visibility solutions and related technologies for shippers and transportation providers.

    10-4 solutions offer real-time shipment visibility, regardless of provider or mode, to shippers, third-party logistics providers and carriers of all sizes, according to the company.

    The acquisition expands Trimble’s portfolio of Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to include an established cloud-based solution for small carriers as well as a shipper RFP platform. Financial terms were not disclosed.

    Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, 10-4 Systems offers a comprehensive, highly configurable information platform that provides visibility at the individual shipment level, driving collaboration between shippers and carriers for increased efficiency, improved compliance and reduced transportation costs. The solution includes SKU-level detail, dynamic ETAs and other capabilities needed to provide the detailed shipment visibility that is becoming a standard expectation of shippers and consignees.

    “This acquisition will advance our mission to transform the way the world moves freight by providing innovative transactional, visibility, decision support and optimization solutions that benefit participants at every level of the supply chain,” said David W. Wangler, president of Trimble Transportation Enterprise. “With the addition of 10-4 Systems, Trimble will significantly enhance its ability to help the transportation industry optimize demand and capacity management and improve utilization of long-haul trucking assets.”

    Gartner identified visibility as the “No. 1 supply chain initiative” based on results from its 2016 User Wants and Needs Survey. Demand for end-to-end visibility is being driven by the rise of online-only and omni-channel commerce, which is causing shippers to rethink traditional inventory positions and transportation networks.

    “We are excited to bring the benefits of our advanced enterprise visibility platform to the thousands of supply chain partners that rely on Trimble’s Transportation Enterprise solutions,” said Travis Rhyan, president and CEO at 10-4 Systems. “Trimble has a clear commitment to offering leading-edge technologies and collaborative solutions that enable customers to increase efficiency, profitability and long-term competitiveness.”

    Rhyan will continue to lead 10-4 Systems as executive vice president and general manager. 10-4 Systems’ business will be reported as part of Trimble’s Transportation Segment.

  • Harxon showcases GNSS products at Intergeo 2017

    Harxon is showcasing a series of GNSS antennas and wireless data-link modems at 2017 Intergeo, being held Sept. 26-28 in Berlin, Germany.

    The products aim to provide the user better industrial solutions in the fields of surveying and mapping, precision agriculture and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

    The Harxon D-Helix Antenna.

    D-Helix Antenna: The multi constellation antenna is capable of superior tracking signals from 4 satellite constellations, including GPS L1/L2 L-Band, GLONASS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2/B3 and Galileo. The innovative quadrifilar helix antenna design of low wind-resistance is ideal for aerial photographs, telemetry technology, disaster monitoring and security monitoring industries. Its 3.5dBi peak gain ensures exceptional low elevation tracking performance. The low noise figure enhanced transmission interference reduction and improve the signal quality.

    The Harxon GPS 1000 Survey Antenna.

    Survey Antenna GPS 1000: The all constellation GNSS antenna has passed the NGS certification, which receives GPS L1/L2/L5 L-Band, BDS B1/B2/B3, GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo E1/E2/E5a/E5b signals. It can be used in land survey, marine survey, channel survey and agriculture applications, with a consistent performance across the full bandwidth. GPS 1000 has high gain and wide beam width to ensure the signal receiving performance of satellite at the low elevation angle, and the phase center remains constant as the azimuth and elevation angle of the satellites change. The influence of measurement error can be minimized via the multi-feed design and embedded multi-path rejection board.

    Rover Radio HX-DU1603D: The high-speed, Bluetooth-enabled ruggedized UHF rover radio is designed for GNSS/RTK surveying and positioning. It ensures the data communication between 410MHz and 470 MHz in either 12.5KHz or 25 KHz channels. HX-DU1603D is equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver for wireless communications of external devices, features a 6800mAh rechargeable internal battery and configurable transmit power between 0.5W and 2W, also the IP67 waterproof capability allows outdoor long operational hours.

    Harxon Frequency Hopping Module HX-DU1018D/HX-DU2017D.

    Frequency Hopping Module HX-DU1018D/HX-DU2017D: The built-in frequency hopping transceiver modules are small size, light weight, low power consumption and strong resistance to disturbance. They provide a reliable, high speed and low latency data transmission, which are suitable for UAV flight control. These modules support a band range among 400MHz, 840MHz and 900MHz and long distance of communication. Besides, HX-DU1018D/HX-DU2017D can realize a switchover between air baud rate and serial port baud rate.

    Harxon Smart Antenna.

    Smart Antenna: It is a multi-functional GNSS product which is integrated by multi-frequency OEM antenna, OEM receiver and frequency hopping transceiver. Smart Antenna utilizes the dual anti-multipath antenna to receive stable GNSS signals under the bad-signal environment and precisely output the direct information with a centimeter-level positioning accuracy. The IP67 waterproof design allows the smart antenna for a long time outdoor operation.

    The Harxon H-RTK.

    H-RTK: H-RTK is for UAV positioning and navigation, which reaches the positioning accuracy to a centimeter level. It is integrated with positioning, height setting and heading functions to provide accurate, reliable solutions. H-RTK ensures the positioning accuracy to a centimeter level for a more stable flightpath. Also, it provides the reliable height information and solve the height-error problem to prevent air turbulence. H-RTK outputs precise navigation information with powerful magnetic disturbance resistance, it enables the flight reliability under a magnetic disturbance environment, and avoid security risks. The built-in anti-interference frequency hopping transceiver helps data transfer back to the base station, and supports the frequencies of 400 MHz, 840 MHz and 900 MHz.

    For more information,visit Harxon’s booth at Intergeo in Hall 4.1 booth C4.013.

  • SBG Systems demonstrates Qinertia INS/GNSS software at Intergeo

    SBG Systems demonstrates Qinertia INS/GNSS software at Intergeo

    SBG Systems will demonstrate Qinertia, its in-house next-generation INS/GNSS post-processing software, at the Intergeo trade show, which takes place Sept. 26-28 in Berlin.

    SBG Systems can be found is in Hall 1.1, stand C1.007.

    For more than 10 years, SBG Systems has been designing inertial navigation systems from the internal inertial measurement unit (IMU) to filtering with GNSS data.

    Designed for the surveying market, Qinertia is a fully in-house INS/GNSS post-processing kinematic (PPK) software. Whether the survey is made from a car, a UAV, a plane or a vessel, Qinertia will secure and enhance a surveyor’s acquisition, the company said.

    The company will hold four live demonstration at its stand during Intergeo. The demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m. and 15 p.m. on both Tuesday, Sept. 26, and Wednesday, Sept. 27.  There is no need to book to attend a demonstration, but please note that seats are limited.

  • New LTE tracker platform connects and locates objects

    New LTE tracker platform connects and locates objects

    LTE chipmaker Sequans Communications S.A. and semiconductor company STMicroelectronics have introduced CLOE, an LTE-connected tracker platform based on the integration of Sequans and ST technologies.

    An acronym of Connecting and Locating Objects Everywhere, CLOE combines the Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies of two industry manufacturers into one comprehensive platform that simplifies the development of LTE-based IoT tracker devices for the full range of vertical markets, including logistics, consumer electronics and automotive.

    Specifically designed and optimized for OEMs and ODMs to add IoT tracking capability to their product offerings, CLOE integrates Sequans’ Monarch LTE Cat M1/NB1 chip and ST’s Teseo III GNSS chip for communications and satellite-based tracking performance.

    “CLOE targets multiple vertical markets with best-in-class performance for all of the important tracking measures: battery life, location accuracy, reachability, mobility and reporting periodicity,” said Antonio Radaelli, infotainment BU director at STMicroelectronics. “’Componentizing’ ST’s navigation technology and Sequans’ LTE modem technology makes CLOE an ideal platform to build trackers of all types — anything a developer can think of.”

    “The tight integration of ST’s latest-generation Teseo chip with our Monarch LTE chip results in a power-optimized, cost-effective, all-in-one solution to speed new IoT tracker devices to market in a very short time,” said Danny Kedar, vice president of Sequans’ IoT business unit. “CLOE delivers ultra reliable LTE connectivity with ultra-low-power consumption, and high performance GNSS and accelerometer performance, including lowest time to first fix.”

    CLOE Key Features

    • Turnkey cellular tracker solution for OEMs and ODMs, anywhere in the world
    • Chipset integrates PMU, LTE, GNSS, memories and MCU
    • First-to-market, operator-certified
    • LTE Cat M1/NB1 dual-category
    • Covers all worldwide LTE bands with a single hardware design
    • High GNSS accuracy and short time to first fix
    • Support for autonomous or server-based Assisted GPS (AGPS) for optimal time to fix
    • Designed to address multiple track & trace segments, including
      • Logistics
      • Consumer electronics
      • Automotive
    • Optimized for low power consumption and cost
    • Modular design includes GNSS, cellular connectivity, MEMS; can be expanded to include other sensors, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi.

    CLOE is designed and optimized for production based on a full bill of materials (BOM) that includes LTE, GNSS, accelerometer, power supply, battery management, LED and button management. The modular design enables copy/paste and optimizes BOM cost. CLOE is easily customizable.

  • Tersus launches new version of Precis-BX306 RTK board

    Tersus launches new version of Precis-BX306 RTK board

    Tersus GNSS Inc. has released a major upgrade to its Precis-BX306 RTK board with new and improved GPS/GLONASS functionality. Tersus GNSS is a manufacturer of high-precision GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) boards, receivers and systems.

    Precis-BX306 Board Easy Kit.

    The new version of Precis-BX306 supports up to 20-Hz RTK solution and raw measurement output, which can be integrated with autopilots and inertial navigation units.

    With improved algorithms, the new Precis-BX306 demonstrates its ability that the 30-km baseline can be fixed quickly, the company said.

    Moreover, the dynamic fix rate shows an advantage comparing to the majority of competitive solutions. Stable fix rate is achieved when it is working under city valley, tree, and other challenging environment.

    “The technology changes made in this version give a whole new user experience for our customers,” said Xiaohua Wen, founder and CEO. “With the updated capabilities, the Precis-BX306 is particularly useful for drones, surveyors and geographic information system data users interested in an affordable RTK solution.”

    This latest version of Precis-BX306 is pin-to-pin compatible with major GNSS boards in the market, offering a flexible interface. Event mark and PPS are supported as always. All enhanced features demonstrate Tersus’ commitment to the needs of customers who value dynamic accuracy and stability.

    The new Precis-BX306 is available for order and delivery immediately, and it will be shown at Intergeo in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 26-28.

  • Customer-driven improvements highlight Carlson Survey 2018

    Carlson Survey 2018 continues to build on its development of survey features that are based on customer requests.

    Among the improvements in Carlson Survey’s 2018 version are its ability to place and prioritize building footprints on lots, the new Field-to-Finish Ramp Special Code and expanded 3D capabilities.

    “There are more than 200 improvements in Carlson 2018,” said Dave Carlson, vice president of development at Carlson Software. “We listen to our customers and work all year to develop their requested tools.”

    In the LotNetwork aspect of Carlson Survey 2018, users now have the ability to set up multiple building footprints with their individual dimensions and setback requirements and designate the order of placement priority. Each lot is then automatically drawn with the building footprint as designated. There are also new options to leave empty lots and to draw driveways.

    “Carlson’s work horse, Field-to-Finish, has yet again added more time saving features for surveyors,” said Doug Aaberg, Carlson Survey product manager. “New features like the Ramp special code allow users to define complex handicap ramps or driveway aprons with a single shot, automatically creating the necessary horizontal and vertical elements for a surface model. More tools are available for controlling elevations, line work and text.”

    In addition, new tree and pipe features have increased user control and offset curb lines can now be automatically labeled with elevations. The new features have been designed to further automate the creation of plans and surface models, Aaberg said.

    LotNetwork driveways in Carlson Survey 2018.

    Also, Carlson Survey 2018 offers more flexibility to identify wall heights in the field. “This, together with the expanded 3D object library, allows users to create true three-dimensional models straight from the field,” said Aaberg.

    Other improvements to Carlson Survey 2018 include:

    • New Field-to-Finish method to control size, symbol, layer, and color points based on GIS values;
    • New Coordinate Cloud command for storing and retrieving points (can include pictures and comments) to an online database for your own archive or to share;
    • Ability to fix text overlap to clean up annotation; and
    • New method to geolocate DWG files in Google Earth.

    Carlson Survey provides a full toolkit for surveyors with everything from network least squares to surface modeling. Users can work seamlessly between the office and the field, and they can establish company-wide design styles to ease and speed their work.

    Along with Carlson Survey for 2018, Carlson Software is also releasing the 2018 versions of Carlson Civil, Carlson GIS and Carlson Hydrology. Together with Survey, they make up the Carlson Civil Suite.

    Carlson’s 2018 release also includes: Carlson Point Cloud, Carlson Field, Carlson Mining, Carlson Construction, Carlson GeoTech, Carlson CADnet and Carlson Trench (the last four make up the Carlson Takeoff Suite), and Carlson Natural Regrade, all featuring their own industry-specific improvements.

  • Phase One Industrial introduces 190MP aerial system

    Phase One Industrial introduces 190MP aerial system

    Phase One Industrial has launched the 190MP Aerial System, built on dual CMOS sensors and the dual-lens iXU-RS1900 camera, which is capable of capturing images at 190 megapixels, according to the company.

    An alternative to traditionally expensive large-format cameras, the system was designed with input from engineers and experts in photogrammetry to address challenging aerial applications such as remote sensing, monitoring, inspection and disaster management.

    The system is equipped with an Applanix’ POS AV system, enabling direct geo-referencing of aerial images. It is also compatible with other GNSS/IMU systems. By integrating precision GNSS with inertial technology, POS AV enables precise determination of position and attitude, as well as the completion of geospatial projects in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

    The system’s accurate large image coverage, light weight and low power consumption make it compatible with most light aviation vehicles, including those that previously could not manage a large format system.

    The iXU-RS1900 camera and 190MP aerial camera system will be presented at Intergeo 2017, to be held in Berlin, Germany, from Sept. 26-28. Phase One Industrial’s booth is in Hall 4.1, stand B4.002. Applanix is exhibiting in Hall 4.1, stand C4.050.

    At the system’s heart is the IXU-RS1900 camera. It features two CMOS sensors and two 90mm lenses for capturing RGB information. Key imaging attributes include:

    • a small pixel size (4.6 µ)
    • large image area (16,470 x 11,540)
    • high image-capture rate of 0.6 second and exposure time of up to 1/2000 second.

    An optional four-band configuration, adding a 50-mm lens for capturing near infrared (NIR) information, provides four-band (RGB, NIR) or color-infrared (CIR) imagery.

    Integrated iX Capture software automatically generates distortion-free images and automatically performs an accurate matching of the NIR and RGB images.

    The iXU-RS1900 can also be a  standalone camera for photogrammetric work, as a component for lidar systems, or as part of a multiple camera array, such as a nadir camera for oblique systems.

    “Introducing the Phase One 190MP aerial system demonstrates our continuing commitment to the aerial photography market,” said Dov Kalinski, general manager of Phase One Industrial. “The cooperation with leading partners in mount design, GNSS, and Flight Managements Systems enables Phase One to offer an innovative system at affordable pricing, and enables our customers to execute projects faster and at lower cost.”

    190MP Aerial System Features

    The entire system comprises many elements including:

    iX Controller MK III: This is the central hub of the system. It controls the camera, the gyro-stabilizing mount and the GNSS/IMU system, and runs the capture application and the flight management system. The iX Controller supports dual monitors, so both the pilot and the operator are able to monitor and observe different views of the setup in parallel.

    iX Capture: iX Capture is an aerial capture, control and image processing software with an intuitive interface that displays key information such as exposure settings, histogram, GPS data and frame count. It provides the operator with real-time feedback and ensures confidence that each image has been captured correctly.

    Gyro Stabilized Camera Mount – Somag DSM400: Designed specifically for Phase One 190MP Aerial System, this mount has a low weight of 14 kg and high payload of 35 kg. It provides optimal stabilization of the system pod and allows highly efficient and precise image capturing under most flight conditions.

    GNSS/IMU system: The Phase One 190MP Aerial System is equipped with an Applanix’ POS AV system, enabling direct geo-referencing of aerial images. It is also compatible with other GNSS/IMU systems. By integrating precision GNSS with inertial technology, POS AV enables precise determination of position and attitude, as well as the completion of geospatial projects in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

    Flight Management System: Controlled and operated with ease, TopoFlight flight management system, integrated into the Phase One 190MP Aerial Camera System, enables the planning, positioning and sensors’ management – reducing aerial survey operational costs and increasing productivity. The 190MP Aerial System is also compatible with other flight management systems.

    Availability and Pricing: The iXU-RS1900 camera and 190MP Aerial Systems are available now from Phase One Industrial partners worldwide. The iXU-RS1900 camera pricing starts at US$150,000; the 190MP Phase One Aerial System pricing starts at U.S. $280,000; and the190MP Four-Band Aerial System pricing starts at US$365,000.

  • Antenova introduces low-profile Robusta GNSS antenna

    Antenova Ltd. has launched the Robusta GNSS antenna for tracking applications and smart cities. The Robusta is a very low-profile antenna in a new patent design for metal surfaces.

    Antenova, manufacturer of antennas and RF antenna modules for M2M and the Internet of Things, launched the Robusta (part no. SR4G031) at the GSMA Mobile World Congress Americas show, held Sept. 12-14 in San Francisco.

    The antenna operates in the 1559-1609 MHz bands and is designed for tracking metal objects and smart city applications.

    The Reflector family is designed to answer to the challenge of operating on a metal surface or housing, where it is extremely difficult for an antenna to operate. The Reflector antennas use a patented new technology with two layers. The first layer is electrically isolated from the second layer to provide RF shielding to the second layer. This allows the antenna to radiate effectively in the direction pointing away from the base material.

    The Robusta antenna has two key features for discreet tracking. It is extremely low profile so it can be mounted onto a metal object such as a bicycle frame or concealed under a label. Being able to operate directly on a metal surface, it can be used on bicycles, motorcycles, vehicles, containers or other property that needs to be tracked and located accurately.

    The Robusta antenna is also a good choice for smart lighting and smart meters in smart city applications, where it can be fixed to metal fittings.

    The antenna is manufactured from rigid FR4 material and measures 23 x 16 x 1.7 millimeters high, and comes with 100-millimeter or 150-millimeter cable and IPEX MHF connector and an adhesive pad for easy integration into a device.

    Antenova provides resources on its website to help with integration.

  • Microsemi publishes application note on NTP Reflector

    Microsemi publishes application note on NTP Reflector

    Microsemi has published a new application note on its Security Hardened SyncServer NTP Reflector.

    The NTP (Network Time Protocol) Reflector is a fast, accurate NTP server. It features denial of service resilience, monitoring and notification functions.

    Characteristics include 100 percent hardware NTP time-stamping for accuracy and high performance; NTP packet monitoring for DoS detection; bandwidth limiting and packet filtering for CPU protection; and alarming if NTP loading is above expected levels.

    To help users better understand the advantages of Microsemi’s NTP Reflector and packet limiting/monitoring technology, the company explains the underlying technology and its security benefits in the new application note, available for download.

    Key Characteristics

    • 100 percent hardware NTP timestamping for accuracy and high performance
    • NTP Packet monitoring for DoS detection
    • Bandwidth limiting and packet filtering for CPU protection
    • Alarming if NTP loading is above expected levels.

    The NTP Reflector is one of the many differentiating features of Microsemi’s new SyncServer S600 series network time servers.

    The reflector is a real-time, hardware-based NTP packet identification and time-stamping engine uniquely designed to protect the SyncServer CPU from excessive network traffic denial of service  attacks and notify the operator if NTP traffic is above expected levels.

    The innovative technology enables extremely high-bandwidth, high-accuracy, high-reliability and security-hardened NTP operations.

  • AutoSteer accelerates autopilot for farmers

    Tersus GNSS Inc. has released a new AutoSteer autopilot for agricultural machinery.

    The AG960 AutoSteer System is designed to accelerate the application of autopilot for precision agricultural machinery and enhance and optimize operational accuracy and productivity for modern farmers.

    By integrating high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver and software, the AG960 enables agricultural machines to operate in accordance with a pre-set planning path. Using precise GNSS guidance, the hydraulic system of the agricultural machinery is steered by the vehicle controller.

    Agricultural machines can operate aligned with the set route automatically, while graphical detailsare displayed on the vehicle display panel. The system is easy to use and applicable for each working cycle of agriculture, such as soil tillage, plowing, building of ditches and ridges, seeding, spraying and harvesting.

    Tersus plans to launch a series of solutions that meet the requirements of different farming machines. The AG960 was first commercially deployed in China, and will be rolled out in other regions around the world.

    Austosteer Components

    The AG960 AutoSteer System includes:

    • two GNSS antennas
    • vehicle display panel computer
    • high-precision positioning receiver: GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BDS B1/B2, Galileo, QZSS
    • hydraulic valve (steering wheel optional)
    • autopilot (controller)
    • coaxial rotation direction sensor
    • electromagnetic hydraulic valve
    • radio receiving antenna mast/pedestal