Category: Simulators

Launchpad: Rescue beacon, satellite imagery, z-axis positioning

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the November 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

OEM

GNSS Module

For UAV, precision agriculture and autonomous machines

Photo: Unicore Communications

The UM982 GNSS module is a high-precision, dual-antenna real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and heading module. It supports BeiDou B1I/B2I/B3I; GPS L1/L2/L5; GLONASS L1/L2; Galileo E1/E5a/E5b, QZSS L1/L2/L5; and SBAS in dual-antenna mode. The highly integrated, compact (16 mm × 21 mm × 2.6 mm) module can reduce the design area of an OEM board by 72% compared to previous modules. Power consumption is less than 0.6 W. The NebulasIV GNSS system-on-chip is a key part of the UM982’s navigation system. The NevulasIV integrates RF, baseband and high-precision algorithms on a single chip, with supporting functions built in. High-level performance indicators include raw observation accuracy, RTK positioning accuracy, precise point positioning accuracy, and time to first fix. The two antennas can independently participate in deriving an RTK solution and outputting the positioning results.

Unicore Communications, en.unicorecomm.com

GNSS Antenna

Alternative to ceramic patch provides omni-directional performance

Photo: Antenova

The Agosti (part number SR4G080) is a new miniature surface-mount-designed (SMD) antenna for GNSS applications. It measures 9.0 mm x 5.8 mm x 1.7 mm and operates with exceptional efficiency in a reduced space on a corner of a printed circuit board. It has a small ground-plane requirement of 40 mm x 20 mm, 70 mm x 25 mm and 80 mm x 30 mm, making it suitable for small form-factor designs such as wearable devices, trackers and onboard diagnostics.

Antenova, antenova.com

Timing Antenna

Housed Dual-Band antenna with Accutenna technology

Photo: Tallysman

The dual-band TW3885T antenna supports GPS/QZSS L1/L5; Galileo E1/ E5a/b; BeiDou B1/B2/B2a; GLONASS G1/G3; and satellite-based augmentation systems in the region of operation: WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan) or GAGAN (India). It is housed in a through-hole mount, weatherproof (IP69K) enclosure. It mitigates the effects on GNSS receivers of new signals or harmonic frequencies from adjacent LTE bands on the radio-frequency spectrum. For permanent installations, L-bracket (PN 23-0040-0) or pipe (23-0065-0) mounts are available. Tallysman provides an antenna installation guide that recommends a 100 mm –125 mm ground plane and provides antenna installation and cable connector waterproofing best practices.

Tallysman Wireless, tallysman.com

Front End

Simplifies product development for high-precision applications

Photo: Taoglas

The TFM.110A is the first in a new series of high-precision, multi-band GNSS front ends for autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, automotive applications and robotics. It comes fully integrated with two cascaded low noise amplifiers (LNA) and pre-filters in a small, low-profile, shielded surface-mount package. When used between the device’s GNSS receiver and antenna, the two-stage amplifier solution eliminates the need for complex and challenging onboard filter and amplifier circuits. It supports L1, L2 and L5 bands and enables seamless signal transmission, signal purity and position accuracy in high-precision applications.

Taoglas, taoglas.com

SIMULATORS

Signal Simulator

Provides interference, spoofing, encryption and authentication capability

Photo: IFEN GmbH

Version 2.8 of the NCS Nova RF signal simulator offers advanced capabilities. With integrated interference generation capability, the Nova can generate coherent interference signals with a signal power of up to –30 dBm. The ability to assign two users to one RF output enables integrated spoofing scenarios with a single RF output, meaning spoofing is available even with an entry-level single RF Nova. The new release has advanced navigation message authentication simulation capability compliant to User ICD 1.0 for the Galileo E1-B OSNMA, meaning specific OSNMA events can be simulated — key to ensuring compliant receiver behavior. Supported events include renewal and revocation of both a public key and a TESLA keychain. GPS cross-authentication and generation of Galileo E6-C encrypted codes are also supported.

IFEN GmbH, ifen.com

MOBILE

Z-Axis Positioning

Enables first responders to locate callers on floor levels

Photo: Polaris Wireless

Z-axis location service enables the pinpointing of a smartphone user within one floor level inside a multi-story building. The technology — demonstrated to meet the 3-meter vertical location accuracy requirement of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — is integrated into Schok Gear’s newly released flip phones. The Schok phones provide consumers with a simple, powerful device. Adding indoor and vertical location to these phones enables first responders to locate all wireless 911 callers with floor-level accuracy in multi-story buildings.

Polaris Wireless, polariswireless.com

Rescue Beacons

Connected with free mobile app

Photo: ACR Electronics

The new ACR Electronics GlobalFix V5 Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and ResQLink AIS Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) have integrated the automatic identification system (AIS) to increase the speed of location and aid. They also are compatible with Return Link Service (RLS) alerting. The combination of services ensures faster rescue and increases chance of survival of both boat (EPIRB) and crew (PLB). The safety beacons deliver mobile connectivity to a cell phone with a free mobile app, made possible with the addition of near-field communication technology in the beacons. With the app, users can monitor their beacons, review self-test results, view GNSS test locations, and monitor beacon performance and maintenance by scanning the beacons with their mobile phones. Besides GNSS positioning, the lightweight beacons have 406-MHz Cospas-Sarsat distress signal with MEOSAR compatibility and 121.5-MHz local homing signal.

ACR Electronics, acrartex.com

Device Management Platform

For Internet of Things deployments

Photo: Laird Connectivity

The Canvas Device Manager simplifies workflows for configuration and maintenance of internet of things (IoT) device deployments. It enables users to easily set up devices, monitor performance, and keep software up-to-date across the entire IoT device fleet. Device parameters can be remotely managed, and performance monitored. Canvas enables users to organize large numbers of devices to quickly build and maintain IoT solutions, and software updates can be remotely and rapidly deployed, thwarting security attacks.

Laird Connectivity, lairdconnect.com

SURVEYING & MAPPING

Slim Receiver

Advanced technologies in a slim, portable unit

Photo: ComNav

The N2 Palm RTK GNSS receiver is suitable for surveying, mapping and construction. It has a highly integrated main board and a three-in-one antenna, yet weighs 0.72 kg with battery and measures 48 mm. Powered by ComNav’s SinoGNSS K8 high-precision module, the N2 can track 1,590 channels, including all existing and planned signals of GPS, BDS-2, BDS-3, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS. Its advanced satellite-tracking technology ensures it works well even in harsh environments, such as under heavy foliage or close to buildings. A third-generation inertial measurement unit (IMU) makes the N2 immune to magnetic disturbance, which greatly improves its reliability. Pole-tilt compensation of up to 60° allows surveyors to locate points within 2.5 cm. By using the company’s Quantum algorithm, the N2 achieves calibration-free operation — after 10 seconds of initialization, users can make tilt measurements with centimeter-level accuracy for an extended period, greatly improving efficiency.

ComNav Technology, comnavtech.com

Image Library

Now with Pléiades Neo 30-cm imagery

Photo: Airbus

Airbus has added 30-cm Pléiades Neo imagery to its OneAtlas Living Library service. The new data source will complement the service which already allows users to instantly access a premium catalogue of Pléiades 50 cm and SPOT 1.5 m data via streaming, download and API. The Living Library provides frequent updates over urban areas, airports, harbors and military sites to name a few. Imagery is updated every day and processed in the cloud, with flexible options for integration into GIS workflows. With the OneAtlas Living Library, Airbus offers a pay-per-order option but also a subscription-based service that allows users to access premium content quickly available into their account, as well as a deeper archive of more than 10 years of imagery by Pléiades and SPOT satellites at a higher incidence angle and cloud coverage threshold, which will be available in just a few hours. OneAtlas also provides access to several other data services, such as reactive tasking, that allows users to task a full suite of optical and radar satellites, including Pléiades Neo, or access more than 15 years of global radar data, as well as the ability to download the WorldDEM product suite among others.

Airbus, https://oneatlas.airbus.com/service/living-library

Satellite Imagery 3

Free, user-friendly tool shows the Earth’s changes

Photo: Kermap

The Nimbo Maps platform provides monthly 10 m-resolution images of changes on Earth in a user-friendly format. The images are chronological, seamless and free of clouds, and include intuitive comparison timelapse features. The platform, developed by French startup Kermap, relies on innovative artificial intelligence methods to process satellite images supplied by the European Union’s Copernicus program through its Sentinel missions. APIs automatically retrieve data extracted from satellite imagery, providing Kermap customers with real-time, strategic, value-added information in the fields of agriculture, land planning and environmental transitions. Current coverage includes Europe, the Middle East and the United States, with plans to provide global coverage by early 2023.

Kermap, www.kermap.com; Nimbo, nimbo.earth

3D Imaging System

A lightweight payload package

Photo: GeoCue

The TrueView 655/660 3D imaging system uses the Riegl miniVUX-3UAV laser scanner and three fully integrated mapping cameras (right, left and nadir) for high-accuracy mapping with excellent vegetation penetration and wire detection. Previous TrueView 3D systems carried dual oblique cameras to maximize mapping coverage. The TrueView 655/660 adds a third RGB camera, allowing for imagery directly below the sensor to be captured. The third camera provides a direct view of the ground below to maximize data collection for time flown, while improving the quality of photogrammetry and colorized point clouds.

GeoCue, geocue.com

November 10, 2022
Keysight combines GNSS and 5G to accelerate assisted-Galileo LBS

Tbe company has received Global Certification Forum validation of 5G LBS Assisted-Galileo test case

Keysight Technologies Inc. has gained Global Certification Forum (GCF) validation of a 5G location-based services (LBS) assisted-Galileo (A-Galileo) test case by combining 5G new radio (NR) and GNSS technology.

The achievement will accelerate implementation of LBS in smartphones by enabling mobile phone vendors to verify that designs comply to the latest 3GPP specifications that support accurate location positioning in a wide range of sectors.

Sectors include healthcare, road and aerial transportation, emergency and rescue services, public safety, and homeland security. Highly precise positioning services also enable mobile operators to deliver personalized services supporting entertainment, hospitality and retail applications.

LBS leverages different technologies, including GNSS, beamforming and round-trip time to geographically locate a user. LBS test cases allow users to verify sensitivity, accuracy and dynamic range in mobile phones that leverage GNSS constellations to identify precise geographic location.

S8705A RF/RRM DVT and Conformance Toolset. (Photo: Keysight)

GCF conformance agreement group meeting #72, held Oct. 21, confirmed the validation of the first 5G LBS A-Galileo test case, which was supported by Keysight’s S8705A RF/RRM DVT and Conformance Toolset. The toolset provides access to a wide range of radio frequency, radio resource management, and development validation test cases used to verify 5G NR designs in both non-standalone and standalone deployment modes.

The S8705A toolset uses the E7515B UXM 5G Wireless Test Platform, a compact signaling test platform with multi-format stack support, rich processing power and abundant RF resources for emulating various mobility scenarios in a 5G network as well as a recommended GNSS emulator to deliver the LBS test case.

November 1, 2022
Spirent GNSS simulator now integrated with MVG over-the-air test systems

Spirent Communications announced that the Spirent GSS7000 GNSS simulator has been integrated into Microwave Vision Group (MVG) over-the-air (OTA) and passive antenna test systems.

MVG, an antenna measurement solutions company, enables the characterization and evaluation of antennas for testing wireless connectivity, reliability, and standards compliance. MVG near-field test systems perform fast and accurate measurements for OTA tests of antennas designed for satellite communications and other GNSS-enabled products, systems, and networks.

As connectivity in industries such as automotive, aviation and military becomes ever more sophisticated, the need to ensure that all the pieces of technology work together in the way they should increases. The integration of Spirent into MVG test systems enables R&D engineers to incorporate the antenna and the vehicle in a test environment that represents the real-world signal environment as closely as possible while maintaining full control and repeatability.

“Our integration into MVG over-the-air test systems, such as the multi-probe SG24 or StarLab, delivers a cutting-edge testing solution, helping to accelerate the development of next-generation products and systems,” says Adam Price, VP of PNT Simulation at Spirent.

October 25, 2022
Global corporation VIAVI acquires Jackson Labs for PNT solutions

Said Jackson,
President and CTO,
Jackson Labs

Global corporation VIAVI Solutions Inc. has completed the acquisition of Jackson Labs Technologies, a leader in positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions for critical infrastructure serving both military and civilian applications.

Jackson Labs develops and supplies modules, subsystems and box-level solutions that include front-end receivers, transcoders, rack-mounted equipment, and patented retrofit technology. Their broad customer base includes armed forces, defense contractors, energy distribution infrastructure, low-Earth-orbit (LEO) operators and 5G service providers.

Jackson Labs’ next-generation M-code solutions complement and advance VIAVI’s timing and synchronization portfolio at a time when PNT requirements for defense, space, commercial aviation, transportation and telecommunication networks are expanding and becoming increasingly critical.

“As telecommunications, avionics and mission-critical infrastructure adopt next-generation technology, legacy timing and synchronization protocols are no longer sufficient. Jackson Labs is a trusted provider of PNT solutions in these markets, and we look forward to addressing these opportunities together,” said Oleg Khaykin, president and CEO of VIAVI. “With this acquisition, we are continuing to drive operational scale via the addition of advanced technology and high-performance products that address market segments with strong growth and profitability.”

“Being a part of VIAVI will significantly expand Jackson Labs Technologies’ market reach worldwide, and allow us to further deliver world-class solutions for the rapidly developing PNT landscape as it enters a new era,” said Said Jackson, CEO of Jackson Labs Technologies.

DelMorgan & Co. acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Jackson Labs in connection with the transaction. Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

About VIAVI

VIAVI s a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for communications service providers, enterprises, network equipment manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, government and avionics. It helps customers harness the power of instruments, automation, intelligence and virtualization.

VIAVI is also a leader in light management solutions for the anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, government and automotive markets.

VIAVI operates offices throughout North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, including China and Japan.

October 7, 2022
Averna partners with PI Group for manufacturing

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 4, 2022
WORK Microwave showcases self-configurable Xidus GNSS simulator

Xidus-648 (Photo: Work Microwave)

WORK Microwave demonstrated its Xidus GNSS Simulator at the ION GNSS+ 2022 conference, which took place last week in Denver.

The Xidus GNSS simulator provides high-fidelity, reliable RF signals with automated calibration, making it suitable for validating the performance of GNSS receivers for a wide range of applications, including spacecraft, aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, digitalized agriculture, autonomous driving, and military drones and vehicles.

The Xidus GNSS simulator enables users to perform rigorous and extensive testing of GNSS systems. Through advanced customization and configurable capabilities, Xidus provides pure, perfectly synchronized and reliable benchmark signals distributed over one or many RF outputs. The wide, dynamic power range is a key differentiator, allowing users to perform real tests without attenuation artifacts. With the Xidus system, users can easily and effectively generate long-term, complex and reproducible yet variable scenarios at higher update rates without leaving the laboratory.

Xidus simulates multi-constellation, multi-frequency and multi-RF signals out of the box — for any position on Earth and in space. The simulator includes APIs and remote control for flexible system integration and automated testing. Modular signal-generation hardware allows simple plug-and-play module insertion, enabling easy and robust field upgrades whenever necessary, the company said.

WORK Microwave’s Xidus GNSS simulator series includes:

Xidus-Studio Software — This powerful and intuitive graphical user interface for the Xidus GNSS simulator simplifies the configuration of any scenario, providing access to a wide variety of parameters: different vehicle models with 6DOF, multiple vehicle simulation, spoofing and meaconing, multiple TX antenna patterns, multiple RX antenna patterns, industry standard error models, runtime distortions on individual channels, and more. Xidus-Studio also allows the design of bespoke satellite orbits ranging from LEO to GEO. The software runs on both Windows and Linux platforms.

Xidus-424 GNSS simulator — Offering a compact chassis with two RF outputs, it runs any scenario over multi-constellation/frequency even with the entry configuration. This chassis supports up to 128 LOS channels and 512 multipaths that can be seamlessly distributed over the two RF outputs.

Xidus-648 GNSS simulator — This is a bigger chassis designed to support the most demanding scenarios, up to 256 LOS channels and 1,024 multipaths, dispatched seamlessly over four RF outputs. The chassis can easily be cascaded if needed. The tool is suitable for test campaigns on receivers with multiple antennas.

September 25, 2022
Orolia’s new GNSS simulator GSG-7 packed with features
GSG-7 delivers the highest standard of GNSS signal testing in a cost-effective, easy-to-use, turnkey form factor supporting navigation and timing systems

Photo: Orolia

Orolia has released the GSG-7, its latest GNSS signal testing solution.

Orolia made the announcement at the ION GNSS+ conference, taking place this week in Denver.

Offered through the Orolia family of Skydel-based simulators, the GSG-7 features a small form factor, an internal RF combiner, high-end performance with a 1,000-Hz simulation iteration rate, real-time synchronization, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration, powerful automation, and multi-constellation and multi-frequency simulations.

“The GSG-7 is redefining the essential and high capabilities in GNSS simulation with its ease of use, advanced simulation capabilities, reduced size, and competitive price,” said Lisa Perdue, simulation product line director. “Leveraging the powerful Skydel software and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, GSG-7 can accommodate almost any configuration to conduct system testing and simulation. The use of SDRs [software-defined receivers] means that maintenance and customization are not only easier, but more cost-effective than other options on the market.”

Powered by Orolia’s Skydel simulation engine, the GSG-7 can be programmed to simulate operations with all current GNSS signals, as well as future ones. Skydel’s architecture makes the GSG-7 future-proof by allowing new, incoming signals and updates to be implemented through software updates.

The GSG-7 simulator is suitable for development and integration projects that require high performance, all-in-view satellite signals, and an increased number of GNSS constellations.

“Capable of handling complex simulation scenarios, the GSG-7 has a simple, yet powerful application program interface (API) ensuring easy automation and integration into your test environment,” Perdue added. “Users can also benefit from advanced HIL capabilities that include zero-effective latency and built-in performance monitoring tools.”

GSG-7 Webinar

Orolia will host a product webinar on Oct. 6 to discuss the new GSG-7 in great detail. Topics will include:
- What is the architectural difference?
- What are the applications?
- What are the use cases?
- What resources are available to users?
Register here.
September 19, 2022
Launchpad: handheld mapping, excavator guidance, cesium clock

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the September 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

OEM

Receiver Upgrade

OSNMA anti-spoofing tech now on PolaRx5 GNSS reference receivers

Photo: Septentrio

Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) is now available on the high-end PolaRx5 reference receiver series. OSNMA offers end-to-end authentication on Galileo’s civilian signals, protecting receivers from GNSS spoofing attacks. OSNMA adds another layer of security to the receivers’ existing AIM+ anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology. The PolaRx5 product range also now supports RINEX format versions 3.05 and 4.0.

Septentrio, septentrio.com

Anti-Jam Antennas

Developed with the United States military

Photo: Mayflower Communications

The MAGNA-F and MAGNA-I GPS anti-jam antennas provide simultaneous L1/L2 protection and can protect commercial and military GPS receivers on aircraft. The MAGNA products were developed with sponsorship by the U.S. Navy and further improved by the U.S. Army to support GPS protection requirements for air, sea and ground platforms, such as fixed-wing/rotary aircraft, ships, UAVs and tactical vehicles. The MAGNA-F uses a 3.5-inch-diameter controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) compatible with existing fixed radiation pattern antenna (FRPA) footprints. The MAGNA-I (NavGuard 730) is a high-performance yet small GPS anti-jam integrated solution with a 4.5-inch diameter FRPA-compatible footprint.

Mayflower Communications, mayflowercom.com

Single-board computer

Centimeter-level GNSS for mass-market applications

Photo: ArduSimple

The SimpleRTK2B single-board computer (SBC) is built around up to three u-blox ZED-F9P high-precision GNSS receivers. It simplifies development of centimeter-level positioning solutions supporting real-time kinematics (RTK), making the technology accessible to broader audiences. The SimpleRTK2B-SBC was developed to make RTK technology as close to plug-and-play as possible. In addition to working as a stand-alone solution, customers can program their own applications with the company’s microPython API. The SimpleRTK2B-SBC delivers mechanical integration with centimeter position on three axes (heading, pitch and roll), outputting on NMEA, RTCM, RS232 and CANBus interfaces via Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 2G/3G/4G communication. It offers configurable input/output and an inertial measurement unit.

u-blox, u-blox.com; ArduSimple, ardusimple.com

Optical cesium clock

For assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT)

Photo: ADVA

The OSA 3300-HP is a high-performance optical cesium clock with a 10-year lifetime compared to the five-year lifetimes of high-performance magnetic clocks. It provides the resilience required for PNT assurance in critical infrastructure and empowers service providers to deliver differentiated service-level-agreement timing offerings with integrated GNSS backup. The OSA 3300-HP has embedded Ethernet- and IP-based management as well as a user-friendly touchscreen graphical user interface.

ADVA, adva.com

Vehicle Navigation System

With M-Code capabilities and upgrade paths for other GNSS systems

Photo: Collins Aerospace

NavHub-200M is a vehicle navigation system for the international market with military code (M-code) receiver capabilities. NavHub-200M provides assured positioning, navigation and timing (APNT) while improving overall resistance to threats to GPS, such as jamming and spoofing. Its message formats and signal modulation techniques ensure faster and more accurate performance for ground vehicles on the connected battlespace, while advanced security features prevent unauthorized access or exploitation. NavHub-200M also includes the open interface standards and sensor-fusion capabilities required for a GNSS upgrade path, such as that for Europe’s Galileo constellation, as well as the ability to interface with key vehicle sensors such as the inertial measurement unit (IMU) and odometer.

Collins Aerospace, collinsaerospace.com

MAPPING

Mapping Handheld

High-performance data collector

Photo: Trimble

The Trimble TDC650 handheld is built for data collection, inspection and asset management activities. The rugged solution provides scalable high-accuracy GNSS positioning for professional field workflows, including apps such as Esri ArcGIS Field Maps and Trimble TerraFlex software. The TDC650 is scalable, allowing customers to choose their desired accuracy down to the centimeter level.

Trimble, trimble.com

Lidar Scanner

Powerful solution for manned and unmanned aircraft

Photo: YellowScan

The Voyager long-range lidar scanner has a wide field of view, with all points collected oriented toward the ground so there is no loss of points. In all, 1.5 million points per second will be usable. Voyager combines a Riegl VUX-120 laser scanner with a Trimble Applanix AP+ 50 AIR or Applanix AP+ 30 AIR GNSS-inertial board, providing a precision of 0.5 cm and an accuracy of 1 cm. Voyager’s detection and processing of up to 15 target echoes per laser pulse allows for excellent vegetation penetration. It has an extremely fast data-acquisition rate of up to 1,800 kHz, suitable for projects requiring the highest point density. The laser scanner’s specifications can be customized and can be combined with YellowScan’s software solutions.

YellowScan, yellowscan-lidar.com

ArcGIS Pro Add-In

Extends 3D Tiles Next workflow into Esri ArcGIS Pro

Photo: ArcGIS

The 3D Environments Add-In application for Esri ArcGIS Pro allows ArcGIS users to rapidly transform 3D Tiles Next data formats, such as One World Terrain, into ArcGIS Pro projects to create 3D scenes from 2D vector data and 3D models. The add-in leverages Presagis’ building templates and texture libraries that analysts use to create enhanced 3D visualizations of GIS environments, helping increase collaboration across the enterprise. The 3D Environments Add-In contains tools to create, transform and extract a wide variety of 3D formats to provide seamless interoperability between ArcGIS Pro and modeling and simulation applications. It is available on the Esri ArcGIS Marketplace.

Presagis, presagis.com

Cloud-Based GIS

Energy performance data helps tackle climate change

Photo: XMAP

Municipal geographic information system XMAP can now incorporate the energy-performance ratings of individual properties to help local authorities tackle climate change, improve housing standards, and ensure landlords comply with legislation. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data layer uses a rating system similar to the one used on new appliances, ranging from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). It allows tenants and house buyers to make informed decisions. In addition to a color-coded visualization of current ratings, the XMAP EPC layer contains enhanced analysis including generalized ratings and the potential for improvement. Bath and North East Somerset Council, UK (pictured), has embraced this resource and is looking at how the data can be used to raise housing standards.

XMAP, xmap.geoxphere.com

Caged Drone

For mapping and inspection in dangerous areas

Photo: Flyability

The Elios 3 is a collision-tolerant drone equipped with a lidar sensor for indoor 3D mapping. The drone is powered by a new SLAM engine called FlyAware that lets it create 3D models as it flies. It also hosts a new version of Flyability’s software for inspectors, Inspector 4.0. The Elios 3 comes with an Ouster OS0-32 lidar sensor, allowing inspectors to collect data for the creation of survey-grade 3D models using Connect software from Flyability’s partner GeoSLAM. Protected by a cage, the Elios 3 has advanced collision-tolerance features that allow inspectors to fly it inside dangerous confined spaces such as boilers, pressure vessels and mines.

Flyability, flyability.com

SURVEYING

Data Collector

Ergonomic yet rugged for fieldwork

Photo: ComNav

The R60 is a powerful handheld with an ergonomic design. It runs on Android 12 OS, providing a suitable workhorse for surveying professionals in the field. Survey Master field software works seamlessly on the R60, which features a Qualcomm 8-core processor for massive data processing. Its 64-GB memory allows ample data storage and enables the opening of CAD drawings in seconds. Other features include a QWERTY keyboard, a 5.5-inch sunlight-readable high-resolution screen, an IP67 rating (dustproof and waterproof), and a 9,000 mA Li-ion battery for more than 30 hours of continuous functioning.

ComNav Technology, comnavtech.com

Base Station

Mobile station provides cm positioning

Photo: HYFIX

The Mobile Centimeter (MobileCM) Space Weather Station is a ready-to-use GNSS device that will act as a real-time kinematic (RTK) base station and collect space weather data. The device is pre-configured to securely connect with the Global Earth Observation Decentralized Network (GEODNET) using a home Wi-Fi network. The full four-constellation GNSS base station has built-in NTRIP server functionality and is packaged with a survey-grade triple-band roof antenna and required cables.

HYFIX, hyfix.ai

MACHINE CONTROL

Guidance System

Upgradeable for precision agriculture

Photo: SingularXYZ

The SAgro10 GNSS guidance system is an entry-level guidance system for precision agriculture, providing users with higher navigation precision and higher productivity, which can be upgraded to an automatic steering system. Embedded with a high-precision GNSS module, the SAgro10 system tracks all four global constellations. For users with network coverage or a UHF base station, the system provides centimeter-level accuracy navigation in real-time kinematic mode. In the absence of base stations, the SAgro10 system provides sub-meter navigation accuracy in single-point smoothing mode. Compatible with most agricultural tractors, its components can be installed within 15 minutes. The 10-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen has a clear and simple graphic interface.

SingularXYZ, singularxyz.com

Excavator Guidance

Brings 3D mapping to small sites

Photo: iDig

iDig 3D Connect is a solar-powered excavator guidance system with a GNSS receiver that can be removed and used as a rover, rather than permanently installed on the machine. 3D excavator guidance has seldom been used for small projects such as house foundations because of the need for a surveyor to stake out points and map a site. The removable receiver enables contractors to complete these tasks. The software provided creates a GNSS-generated site map, enabling precision digging relative to the area and making the process quicker, simpler and more eco-friendly than with 2D.

iDig, idig-system.com

MOBILE

Asset Tracking

Cloud-based service uses GNSS and Wi-Fi

Photo: onurdongel/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty images

The Cloud Locator service takes data from LoRa Edge-enabled devices and uses Semtech’s LoRa Cloud Geolocation and Modem services for asset tracking both indoors and outdoors. It features built-in serverless technology and enables testing of ultra-low-power asset tracking on either a private or public LoRaWAN network. It is designed to work with trackers using Semtech’s LoRa Edge LR-series chips. The LR-series chips combine Wi-Fi and GNSS to obtain the latitude and longitude of devices in any indoor or outdoor location. Once configured on the service, together with Semtech’s LoRa wireless radio frequency technology for transmission to the cloud, customers can view the tracker location on a map in less than 15 minutes.

Semtech, semtech.com & locator.loracloud.com

Bike Computer

Features multi-band GNSS receiver

Photo: Garmin

The Edge 1040 bike computer features solar charging and multi-band GNSS technology. Its multi-band GNSS receiver (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) provides accurate positioning in challenging ride environments, such as dense urban areas or under deep tree cover. Advanced navigational tools help cyclists stay on track, such as turn-by-turn navigation and alerts that notify riders of sharp curves ahead. Route guidance and off-course notifications can be paused for exploring and turned back on for return to the original route. When using the Trailforks app, Forksight mode automatically displays upcoming forks in the route and where a rider is within a trail network.

Garmin, garmin.com

SIMULATORS

Simulator Upgrade

Features advanced hardware-in-the-loop testing

Photo: Orolia

Skydel 22.5 is a significant software upgrade to the Skydel simulation product line. It features advanced hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing solutions providing very low to zero effective latency. Enhanced visualization tools can monitor internal latency through real-time curves showing when the data is generated and sent to the RF signal. Users can also review the transmission of HIL packets for optimizing the entire network’s latency, checking its stability (jitter), and that data is available and used at the right time in Skydel. HIL testing is an essential step in the verification process of the model-based design approach because it involves all the hardware and software that will be used operationally.

Orolia, orolia.com

Synchronizer and Simulator

Contained in an easily deployable suitcase

Photo: Focus Telecom

The Time-Loader is designed for defense and mission-critical applications, for deployment in environments where GNSS signals are denied or disrupted. It supports any ground, naval or airborne system that needs real time of day (TOD) and 1PPS external synchronization aligned to the UTC or GNSS. It generates a GPS L1 C/A code RF output as if the signal were coming from a live-sky GPS antenna. It provides full-constellation GPS output and is compatible with external GNSS receivers. Its GPS-disciplined oscillator (GPSDO) is the Microsemi MAC-SA53/55, which provides excellent UTC accuracy with outstanding hold-over rubidium clock performance. A self-contained, miniature GPS simulator provides real-time extremely accurate signals. The 18-channel full-constellation simulator stores location/time/date data in internal memory and stores complex vector data to simulate dynamic scenarios. The simulator also can be used to transcode NMEA or SCPI position/ velocity/time (PVT) data into GPS RF signals.

Focus Telecom, focus-telecom.com

September 13, 2022
IFEN releases new NCS Nova RF signal simulator

Release V2.8 provides advanced interference, spoofing, encryption and authentication simulation capability

Photo: IFEN

IFEN GmbH has released a new version of its NCS Nova RF signal simulator, offering a full package of advanced simulation capabilities.

With its now-integrated interference generation capability (AWGN, CW, pulsed and chirp), NCS Nova version 2.8 can generate coherent interference signals with a signal power of up to –30 dBm.

The ability to assign two users to one RF output enables integrated spoofing scenarios with a single RF output (one user is the original simulated user; the other is the target spoofing user). Thus, spoofing is available even with an entry-level single RF Nova.

The key feature of this new release is the new navigation message authentication (NMA) simulation capability, compliant to User ICD 1.0 for the Galileo E1-B OSNMA. Beyond basic authentication-testing capability, specific OSNMA events can be simulated. Testing OSNMA-enabled receivers under these specific events is key to ensuring compliant receiver behavior. The supported events include both a public key renewal and revocation and TESLA keychain renewal and revocation. Also, GPS cross-authentication is fully supported.

Finally, the new release fully supports generation of Galileo E6-C encrypted codes. This enables users to take full advantage of the Galileo third-frequency pilot signal.

August 18, 2022
Ultra-wideband brings signals indoors

Other sources, such as lidar, can be used to aid navigation in the absence of GNSS signals. (Photo: OxTS)

We discussed complementary PNT with Peter Rylands, senior product manager at OxTS.

What are some of the most promising approaches to complementary PNT and how does simulation technology help?

There are two approaches of particular interest. The first is looking at LEO satellite systems that can provide supplementary and potentially more secure methods of navigation, with global coverage from a single system. But these will still suffer from some of the issues GNSS systems experience, namely, what happens when you can’t obtain a signal?

The second is the use of visual aiding through sensor fusion, such as lidar and cameras, that can provide relative positioning (or absolute positioning once you have a space mapped) using SLAM algorithms. While this may increase onboard hardware dependencies, it creates a localized navigation system that can be better protected from malicious actors.

In contrast, closed-loop systems can look to an infrastructure-based system, allowing free movement within the specific area in which the infrastructure is located and a potentially more reliable source of PNT, especially indoors, where GNSS is not available. Ultra-wideband is definitely the up-and-coming technology here, but systems using Wi-Fi, cameras, Bluetooth and others also are being used.

Simulation, as within many domains, allows users to test on a large scale with fewer barriers to entry than real-world testing and an ease in making iterative changes to find an optimal solution. Whether that is to benchmark performance in locations of interest or to change configuration settings to improve visibility or positioning, simulation allows you to do this without the expense of going straight into the environment itself or configuring the actual vehicle under test.

How does OxTS fit in that mix?

OxTS provides customers with the ability to navigate anywhere; whether for reference data in R&D, georeferencing for survey and mapping, or active navigation of autonomous solutions. To do this we provide an IMU-first offering that we then complement with other technologies. Traditionally, this is with GNSS, to form an INS that can provide centimeter-level accuracy. However, we are also aware of the vulnerabilities of GNSS. For us, this is when it becomes an unreliable source of PNT in denied areas, such as indoors, in urban canyons or under tree canopies.

Because of this, we are also investigating and developing complementary solutions that can enhance our offering for users who need confidence in their position even when GNSS is not available. Whether that is through sensor fusion, our Pozyx UWB solution for indoor navigation or other proprietary software and firmware capabilities.

What kinds of complementary PNT are most useful in addressing specifically the challenges posed by jamming and spoofing and how does simulation help?

We need to look at systems that cannot be impacted by, or have mitigations from, the impact of jamming and spoofing. Solutions that are independent of radio communications or satellite use are then valuable in providing this layer of protection. This is where we could look toward OxTS’s use of IMU technology and visual aiding systems. Simulation technologies would then allow you to run hardware-in-the-loop testing, where the primary GNSS solution can have simulated jamming and spoofing to understand the performance of your complementary and protected systems when GNSS cannot be trusted.

July 28, 2022
5G promises deeper connections

Orolia developed the Skydel GSG-8, a PNT test solution in its GSG family of simulators, to deliver GNSS signal testing and sensor simulation performance in an easy to use, upgradable and scalable platform. (Photo: Orolia)

We discussed complementary PNT with Erik Oehler, marketing director at Orolia.

What are some of the most promising approaches to complementary PNT and how does simulation technology help?

5G is the most promising for the future. I believe the benefits in infrastructure, speed, precision, reliability, and the industry incentives 5G offer are superior to GNSS. Alternative signals of opportunity and new commercial satellite-based providers are always valuable as extra layers of resilience. However, PNT from 5G is not quite ready yet. There will be a transition period during which systems use GNSS and these signals of opportunity simultaneously, so simulation enables receivers of any complementary signal to be tested in the same environments and with the same potential threats faced by primary constellation signals.

How does Orolia fit in that mix?

Orolia has the most atomic clocks in orbit, including those aboard the Galileo constellation. We integrate anti-jam antennas and build Interference Detection and Mitigation (IDM) into our products. We partner with companies that offer alternative signals, such as STL from Satelles. Our SecureSync NTP and PTP time servers live in the world’s biggest data centers and support encrypted signals, such as M and Y code for our militaries. We innovate with industry leaders such as Meta on building a better PCIe Time Card. We offer edge time servers with the ability to automatically add Hoptroff’s Traceable Time as a Service. If 5G PNT becomes a standard, we are already providing industry leaders such as Anritsu with solutions for acceptance testing on a major carrier’s backbone. With our pending acquisition by Safran and access to a world-leading portfolio of INS components, we are one of the most qualified companies in the world to solve nearly any PNT challenge.

What kinds of complementary PNT are most useful in addressing specifically the challenges posed by jamming and spoofing, and how does simulation help?

In two technical notes published by NIST, they recognize STL as one of four recommended solutions for PNT resilience and the only one being both independent of GNSS and capable of sub-microsecond accuracy. Being closer to Earth, it is a stronger signal, making it 1,000 times less susceptible to jamming. Additionally, because it is encrypted it is inherently immune to spoofing. The aforementioned Hoptroff TTaS is time delivered over VPN, removing the outside environment component completely. For positioning and navigation, the integration of an IMU provides a contiguous PNT solution even during periods of GNSS denial, analogous to how an atomic clock provides precise time holdover during these denial periods. Combined with anti-jam antenna technology and IDM software, a robust PNT solution is always available.

Simulation helps by (1) identifying the vulnerabilities your PNT system might have (or could have in the future to evolving threats) and (2) verifying the total integrated resilient system. Our GSG-8 Advanced GNSS Simulator supports hundreds of GNSS full spectrum signals, custom signals, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of integrated IMUs at up to 1000 Hz iteration rate. Our Skydel Wavefront and Anechoic simulators can verify the most complex GNSS anti-jam antenna systems.

July 28, 2022
Exclusive: Controlling the GNSS test environment

Editor-in-Chief Matteo Luccio sat down with experts from Spirent Federal Systems to discuss how simulation technology helps improve positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) and GNSS products and systems.

July 25, 2022