GPS World

Category: Transportation

  • Skydel teams with Noffz to increase presence in Europe

    Skydel teams with Noffz to increase presence in Europe

    Skydel, a GNSS test solutions company, has partnered with Germany-based Noffz to deliver SDX GNSS simulation to clients in Europe.

    Noffz creates test systems and solutions in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT) — especially in automotive RF-test applications around eCall, network access devices, telematics control units, infotainment/multimedia units and automotive radar.

    With nearly 30 years of experience, Noffz delivers worldwide turnkey solutions and PC-based measurement, as well as automation systems.

    “With their broad expertise in test solutions, Noffz is well positioned to bring Skydel’s SDX GNSS simulation solutions to clients located in Europe and beyond,” Skydel said in a blog.

    “Technology is constantly evolving,” reads the blog. “With the advent of new satellite constellations, such as Galileo, expanding needs for position and navigation in the transportation industry, and the growing threats of RF interferences, GNSS simulation is more than ever a key component in the arsenal needed to design and validate new products.

    “Skydel SDX delivers a new paradigm in GNSS simulation, featuring an exclusive mix of performance, flexibility and unique capabilities. With the addition of Noffz’s know-how covering multiple industries, we now have an outstanding team that’s ready to tackle today and tomorrow’s technological integration challenges.”

    Galileot will reach Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2019. Simulation of the complete Galileo constellation is possible with Skydel's SDX GNSS simulator.
    Galileot will reach Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2019. Simulation of the complete Galileo constellation is possible with Skydel’s SDX GNSS simulator.

  • Spirent releases test suite for in-vehicle and V2V connectivity

    Spirent Communications has released its first WAVE-DSRC (Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments – Dedicated Short-Range Communications) conformance test solution that includes a set of tests required for U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) certification.

    In late 2016, the USDOT proposed a rule that would require automakers to include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technologies in all new light-duty vehicles. The purpose is to make V2V devices “speak the same language” through standardized messaging deployed throughout the industry. Mandating that vehicles “talk” to each other enables a multitude of new crash-avoidance applications that could prevent hundreds of thousands of crashes each year.

    Spirent’s TTsuite-WAVE-DSRC consists of four different protocol conformance test suites as per the USDOT Certification Operating Council (COC) conformance test specifications. It enables full test automation, includes frameworks for individual adaptation, and it is extensible with many plug-ins to meet constantly changing development requirements.

     

    “We are carrying the ball as far as we can to realize the potential of transportation technology to save lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on the NHTSA website. “This long promised V2V rule is the next step in that progression. Once deployed, V2V will provide 360-degree situational awareness on the road and will help us enhance vehicle safety.”

    “Spirent is proud to support the activities of the U.S. Department of Transportation with modern solutions for testing in-vehicle and V2X connectivity,” said Thomas Schulze, director of marketing and business development for Spirent Communications. “Our engagement helps to improve the future of driving by ensuring high-quality products that provide more safety, more convenience and more infotainment options than ever before. We are committed to assisting our customers accelerate the development and deployment of automated vehicles.”

    This new product release is targeted at companies supplying or testing WAVE-DSRC ITS technology. Spirent’s TTworkbench is a full-featured integrated test development and execution environment that offers a variety of functions including DUT monitoring and simulation. It includes support for all of the Automotive international standard test specifications, including the OPEN Alliance, AUTOSAR and Avnu Automotive test specifications.

  • DOT conducts GPS backup study

    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is studying responses to its November 2016 request for information concerning back-up systems for GPS. DoT is investigating possibilities and practicalities of using one or more positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies to ensure PNT resiliency for critical infrastructure in the event of a temporary disruption in GPS availability.

    The filing period closed Jan. 30.

    RFI Response

    Several companies responded to the RFI. Statements from Satelles, NextNav, NovAtel, Allied Partners, Harris, UrsaNav, and Orolia dba Spectracom were not made public because they “contain confidential business information data.”

    Statements are available at the web page from Oakridge National Laboratory, UrsaNav and iPosi, SAE International, the GPS Innovation Alliance and Locata Corporation, which made its response openly available “to kick off the necessary public discussion.”

    Senate Inquiry

    At a Feb. 8 Commerce Committee hearing, Sen. Roy Blunt asked DoT Inspector General Calvin Scovel about progress on GPS back-up, which DoT and the Deputy Secretary of Defense announced they would “be working on” in 2015. Scovel responded with information about the Federal Aviation Administration’s next-gen plan, which did not address the question.

    Sen. Blunt then asked Scovel to submit a written answer for entry into the final record of the hearing: “My question for the record will be that this commitment made in 2015 concerned about the current dependency that so many people have with GPS, is ‘Are they moving forward with a backup system if the current GPS system goes down?”

  • European satnav competition open for submissions

    The European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) — the largest international competition for the commercial use of satellite navigation — is once again in search of outstanding ideas and business models for accelerating Galileo applications.

    Renowned institutions and regional partners are set to award prizes worth a total of more than €1 million in more than 20 categories.

    Submissions are due June 30.

    Innovation Network for Satellite Navigation

    Satellite navigation is indispensable when it comes to accurate, reliable and continuous localization, according to the ESNC. This technology is fundamental to a variety of current trends, including multimodal logistics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and smart cities.

    First held in 2004, the ESNC has evolved into the leading innovation scouting mechanism in terms of Galileo-related applications across Europe and beyond. Moreover, the ESNC promotes the transformation of groundbreaking business ideas into market-ready products and new ventures.

    Each year, the competition offers advantages to more than 400 business ideas. It has awarded prizes to more than 300 winners, which represent just a fraction of the 3,700 innovative concepts submitted by 11,000 participants. Through its network — including the ESA Business Incubation Centres, other incubators across Europe and the new E-GNSS Accelerator co-funded by the European Commission — the ESNC plays a decisive role in the realization of promising ideas by supporting the foundation of startups and creating high-tech jobs.

    One of the main objectives of the ESNC is fostering the European space sector’s competitiveness globally by boosting the development of commercial space applications, especially for startups, SMEs and young entrepreneurs. Advancing Europe’s space programs and meeting user needs, especially when it comes to space data access to encourage alternative business models and technological progress, represent major goals of this strategy.

    ESNC-2017-kickoff

    The involvement of the pan-European spirit within the EU Space Strategy is realized in the ESNC by engaging multiple regions across Europe with their own dedicated prizes.

    “The investment in space technologies and applications as well as the support of forward-thinking entrepreneurs and startups ensure Europe’s increased competitiveness,” said Elżbieta Bieńkowska, commissioner for internal market, industry, entrepreneurship and SMEs. “To achieve this ultimate goal, the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) and the Copernicus Masters are a proven platform for trendsetting technologies and business models based on Galileo and Copernicus to implement the new EU Space Strategy.”

    Within this context, this year’s ESNC patronage taken over by Markku Markkula, president of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), sets the tone for the innovation competition’s pan-European mission of uniting the European regions and cities through the support of space-related businesses and future-oriented entrepreneurs, increasing the market and user uptake of Galileo.

    “The European Committee of the Regions attaches great importance to the new opportunities linked to the involvement of European regions in innovation networks, such as the European Satellite Navigation Competition,” Markkula said. “I have therefore gladly taken on the role of patron for the ESNC as of 2017.”

    E-GNSS Accelerator

    As the high-tech platform for pioneering satellite navigation applications, the ESNC is now additionally equipped with the new E-GNSS Accelerator. This program is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups to accelerate their business case on a broad scale and bring their products and services to market.

    The E-GNSS Accelerator will run for three years and will directly support the winners of the ESNC 2017, 2018 and 2019. Thereby, the participants await even more prizes, services and three further business incubations worth an additional value of EUR 500,000.

    ESNC-2017-event

    ESNC Partners

    In the ESNC 2017, special prizes are to be offered in partnership with the following institutions: the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI).

    Prototypes can also be entered into the GNSS Living Lab Challenge.

    The University Challenge, meanwhile, is explicitly designed for students and research associates.

    In addition, participants choose from this year’s confirmed partner regions: Asia, Austria, Baden-Württemberg / Germany, Basque Country / Spain, Bavaria / Germany, Catalonia / Spain, Estonia, France, Hesse / Germany, Ireland, Madrid / Spain, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, United Kingdom, and the Valencian Community / Spain.

    Stay tuned for more updates on additional ESNC regions.

    Obtain more information at the official website, www.esnc.eu, comprising all relevant information on prizes, partners, and terms of participation involved in the ESNC.

    Prizes for the Best Applications

    This year’s winners will take home prizes worth a more than EUR 1 million and be welcomed into the ESNC’s leading innovation network for global satellite navigation systems.

    Along with cash, the various prize categories offer primarily technical, business-related and legal support in realizing the winning business models. A jury of international experts from the realms of research and industry will also evaluate the winners of all the categories to select an overall winner, who will be revealed at the festive Awards Ceremony in early November 2017.

    Furthermore, three additional incubations, supported by the European Commission, will be awarded in front of a high-ranking audience.

    Those who enter the ESNC also stand to benefit greatly from the opportunity to work closely with leading institutions and regional partners. The ESNC is geared towards individuals and teams from companies, research facilities and universities around the world.

    Awards Ceremony and Space Conference

    A partner program, the Copernicus Masters (Earth observation), also kicked off on April 5 in Brussels.

    The Awards Ceremony for both the ESNC and the Copernicus Masters takes place in early November. The event brings together industry, politics, entrepreneurship and research to showcase the most disruptive space applications and discuss trendsetting developments in the satellite downstream sector and its various application fields.

  • Trimble introduces compact GNSS sensor for system integrators

    Trimble introduces compact GNSS sensor for system integrators

    Trimble-ABX-Two-OEM-GNSS-Sensor-W.jpgTrimble has introduced the ABX-Two OEM GNSS sensor, which delivers precise heading, pitch, roll and 3D positioning information. With two internal MB-Two modules, the ABX-Two offers a third antenna option that provides a drift-free, absolute attitude solution.

    The ABX-Two is designed for a wide variety of applications such as agriculture, automotive, aviation, construction and marine systems.

    The announcement was made at Ocean Business 2017, an international event for ocean technology.

    The ABX-Two is a compact, lightweight and weatherproof enclosure that is built around two MB-Two modules. The sensor allows a wide range of voltage inputs and maintains low-power consumption regardless of the voltage. The ABX-Two speeds the integration process with a web user interface and a variety of interface connections for an easy addition into new and existing solutions.

    “System integrators require high performance, reliability and support for their positioning solutions,” said Chris Wheeler, business area manager of Trimble’s Precision OEM GNSS group. “The ABX-Two is designed for easy integration. And its rugged dependability makes it ideal for harsh environment applications.”

    The ABX-Two has a powerful RTK engine that delivers centimeter-level accuracy from a base station or Real- Time Kinematic (RTK) network. With Trimble RTX correction services, the ABX-Two achieves Precise Point Positioning without a base station.

    The ABX-Two features a wide range of option-upgradable GNSS configurations from single sensor/single frequency/single GNSS to multi sensor/multi frequency/multi GNSS capability. Trimble’s patented Z-Blade technology drives a powerful GNSS agnostic engine, allowing the ABX-Two to use any single GNSS satellite system for positioning without any constellation preference to deliver fast and stable centimeter-accurate positioning and heading information.

    The Trimble ABX-Two is available now through the Trimble GNSS OEM international network of representatives and authorized dealers.

  • Foxcom offers GPS/GNSS repeaters for Iridium, indoors

    RF optical solutions maker Foxcom has introduced a range of products to serve the GPS/GNSS repeater market.

    Foxcom launched an Iridium repeater in September 2016 and is now offering advanced GPS/GNSS repeater solutions globally.

    The firm’s repeaters have been designed to cover a wide range of commercial and military applications, such as:

    • aircraft hangars
    • time distribution in data centers
    • GPS distribution in tunnels
    • police and fire stations
    • manufacturing and test facilities

    GPS L1 and GLONASS signals are passed through the repeater to the interior space. This means that satellite navigation devices will always receive a signal when indoors, eliminating any satellite acquisition delay when leaving the building.

    Foxcom offers a choice of coax or optical solutions that have been optimized to meet the needs of customers worldwide, including.

    • Optical GPS/GNSS Repeater. Foxcom’s GPS/GNSS optical repeater solution is for retransmitting GPS/GNSS signals indoors. The repeater system provides seamless coverage inside a hangar or a large facility enabling the testing of navigational systems.
    • GPS/GNSS Distribution in Tunnels. Foxcom’s redundant GNSS Time Distribution System (TDS) ensures failsafe global satellite navigation signal transmission in tunnels.
    • GPS/GNSS Distribution for Data Centers. Foxcom’s optical redundant GNSS Time Distribution System (TDS) ensures failsafe synchronization in data centers by transmitting fully redundant GPS/GNSS signals. By deploying Foxcom’s optical GPS/GNSS link, networks of data centers at multiple locations can be accurately synchronized.
    • GPS Optical Link | GL7222. Foxcom’s Sat-Light/Gold L-Band Interfacility Link offers a high performance,  alternative to conventional coaxial-cabled systems. The Gold GPS Link covers the frequency range of 1100 to 1600MHz and supporting both L1 and L2 GPS bands. The Gold Series GPS link is compatible with wide range of active GPS antenna and is equipped with voltage selectable GPS antenna powering.
    • GPS Repeater Kit. Foxcom’s GPS repeater solution is for retransmitting GNSS and GLONASS signals indoors. The repeater system provides seamless coverage inside a hangar or a large facility enabling the testing of aircraft navigational systems. The kit consists of an active repeater, indoor/outdoor antennas and 3 x 30 foot coax cable.

    Coax-based Iridium repeater. Iridium satellite telephones are used all over the world. They generally can’t operate indoors, because the structure of the building blocks the ingress and egress of the signal. When it isn’t practical or safe to leave the building to make a call, a repeater system overcomes this barrier.

    Iridium repeaters are used in a wide range of situations, including underground civil defense/military bunkers, oil rigs/ships, large buildings and any other underground facilities.

    Foxcom’s coax-based Iridium repeater can be used when the distance from outdoor to indoor antennas is short. For example, when used in an aircraft hangar the ODU and IDU may be just a few meters apart. The cost of the coax-based kit is significantly lower than that of the optical version.

    The new coaxial repeater system merges the ODU and IDU into one combined unit removing the optical fiber interfaces. The single IP65 repeater unit is roof-mounted and comes as a kit with antenna set and the required cabling.

  • GSA contracts with Eutelsat on next-gen EGNOS payload

    GSA contracts with Eutelsat on next-gen EGNOS payload

    The European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA) has selected Eutelsat Communications for the development, integration and operation of the next-generation EGNOS payload on a future Eutelsat satellite.

    Credit and copyright: GSA.
    Credit and copyright: GSA.

    Eutelsat and GSA have concluded a long-term contract valued at €102 million covering the preparation and service provision phases for the EGNOS GEO-3 payload that will be hosted on the Eutelsat 5 West B satellite that is due for launch end of 2018.

    The new payload marks a replenishment of current EGNOS capacity and is scheduled to start service in 2019 for a duration of 15 years.

    With the addition of the EGNOS payload, Eutelsat is further optimizing the Eutelsat 5 West B satellite that was commissioned in October 2016 on a design-to-cost basis from Airbus Defence and Space and Orbital ATK. Airbus Defence and Space is building the satellite’s commercial Ku-band payload and the EGNOS payload while the platform is being manufactured by Orbital ATK.

    The EGNOS GEO-3 payload on Eutelsat 5 West B will comprise two L-band transponders that will act as an augmentation, or overlay to GNSS messages. Data from GNSS measurements received by an interconnected ground network of positioning stations across Europe will be transferred to a central computing centre where differential corrections and integrity messages will be calculated and then broadcast by Eutelsat 5 West B to users.

    The new payload will be the first step towards the deployment of the EGNOS next generation, EGNOS V3. This new generation of EGNOS will augment both Galileo and GPS and is planned to be qualified by 2022. EGNOS V3 will provide a higher level of performance and robustness than the current EGNOS legacy services, as required by the growing use and reliance on such services.

    Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications specializes in communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 39 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies.

  • Tallysman introduces dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna

    Tallysman introduces dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna

    Tallysman, manufacturer of economical high-performance GNSS antennas and related products, has introduced a through-hole mount dual-band plus L-band GNSS antenna, the TW3892.

    The introduction of this antenna is a continuation of Tallysman’s expansion into broader band GNSS antennas.

    The TW3892 antenna employs Tallysman’s Accutenna technology and is capable of receiving GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1 plus L-band correction services (1213MHz to 1261MHz + 1525MHz to 1610MHz).

    TW3892 (other radomes are available).
    TW3892 (other radomes are available). Photo: Tallysman

    This TW3892 is a precisely tuned antenna with a tight pre-filter to protect against intermodulation and saturation caused by high-level cellular 700 MHz and other signals.

    The TW3892 antenna provides superior multipath signal rejection, a linear phase response, and a tight phase center variation (PCV) at an economical price point. It provides comparable or superior performance to higher priced dual-band GNSS antennas on the market.

    The TW3892 is designed for precision agriculture, autonomous vehicles, navigation, real-time kinematic, precise point positioning and other applications where precision matters. The ability of the TW3892 to access L-Band correction services extends its utility to a wider range of applications.

    The TW3892 is housed in a through-hole mount, weatherproof enclosure for permanent installations. For non-rooftop installations, L bracket or pipe mount (part numbers 23-0040-0, 23-0065-0 respectively) are available. A 100-mm ground plane is recommended for non-rooftop installations.

  • Swift, Carnegie Robotics partner on GNSS for robotics, autonomous driving

    Swift, Carnegie Robotics partner on GNSS for robotics, autonomous driving

    Swift Navigation is teaming up with Carnegie Robotics LLC to develop a line of navigation products for autonomous vehicles, outdoor robotics and machine control. The first navigation product will be announced May 8 at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL event in Dallas, Texas.

    Swift Navigation is a San Francisco-based startup building centimeter-accurate GPS technology for autonomous vehicles, and Carnegie Robotics LLC (CRL), the industry leader in reliable robotic components and systems.

    Swift Navigation solutions use real-time kinematics (RTK) technology, providing location solutions that are 100 times more accurate than traditional GPS. In 2016, Swift shipped the Piksi Multi, a multi-band, multi-constellation high-precision GNSS receiver, suitable for autonomous vehicles.

    The Piksi Multi.
    The Piksi Multi.

    The Piksi Multi offers advanced precision GNSS capabilities for the mass market. The robotics market, through this partnership with Carnegie Robotics, stands to benefit from Piksi Multi’s improved localization and control, the companies said.

    Carnegie Robotics supplies rugged, reliable robotic systems for real-world work. The team at Carnegie Robotics has decades of experience successfully transitioning state-of-the-art technologies from early design into commercial use in precision agriculture, machine control, autonomous vehicles and industrial and military robots. This process requires both a deep knowledge of robotics and best-in-class engineering, but it cannot succeed without also addressing the business case, the needs of the end-user, reliability, maintenance, safety, certifications and the dozens of other essential factors necessary for a product to succeed in the real world.

    “Swift’s technology is perfectly suited for the world of robotics, and we couldn’t do better than working with the renowned industry leaders at Carnegie Robotics,” said Timothy Harris, CEO of Swift Navigation. “From their robotics technology expertise to their inertial intellectual property, Carnegie is an ideal partner for Swift. We are looking forward to developing an exciting line of products and making more joint announcements in the near future.”

    “Thanks to its focus on high-accuracy and low-cost, Swift Navigation has established itself as a leader and innovator in the world of high-precision GNSS,” said Steve DiAntonio, CEO of Carnegie Robotics. “Swift is an ideal partner to work with us on rapid development of robots and autonomous systems. We’re designing our joint line of products specifically for outdoor robots and autonomous vehicles with the appropriate physical, electrical and software interfaces to enable rapid deployment of precision GNSS and other mission-critical sensors.”

    More information about the partnership and the unveiling of this duo’s first joint product will take place at AUVSI XPONENTIAL. Visit the joint Swift Navigation and Carnegie Robotics booth #506 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

  • NOAA seeks new members for hydrographic advisory panel

    The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking new members for its Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a federal advisory committee that advises the NOAA administrator on the agency’s hydrographic programs, products and technology.

    “We depend on the perspectives of the people who rely on NOAA maritime products, especially for safety at sea or commercial efficiency, as we plan for improvements of our navigation data, services, and products,” said Russell Callender, Ph.D., assistant NOAA administrator for the National Ocean Service. “This panel is a vital part of our information gathering process to determine future priorities.”

    The panel advises NOAA on hydrographic surveying, nautical charts, tides and currents, geodetic and geospatial measurements, and coastal preparedness.

    shipping-portApplicants should have expertise in one or more of the following fields:

    • marine navigation and technology,
    • port administration,
    • marine shipping or other intermodal transportation industries,
    • cartography and geographic information systems,
    • geodesy,
    • physical oceanography,
    • coastal resource management, including coastal preparedness and emergency response,
    • other related scientific fields.

    Applications must be received by May 30; those received after the deadline will be kept on file and may be used for future panel vacancies. Members serve four-year terms, with meetings occurring at least twice a year.

    For more information on how to apply, see the Federal Register notice or visit the HSRP website.

  • GPSengine partners with Jointech for fleet tracking

    GPSengine, a hosted platform service provider in GNSS, telematics, IoT and tracking, named Jointech as an official Platform Connect partner.

    With support built into Platform Connect for Jointech’s tracking devices, customers can take advantage of the combined offerings for fleet tracking solutions.

    With a focus on personal tracking, vehicle and fleet tracking, combined with nine years of research, design and tracking device manufacture, Jointech has devices for many industry needs, including remote fuel management systems, container monitoring and fuel level sensors.

  • Fleet Complete acquires compliance solutions provider

    Fleet-Complete-LogoFleet Complete, a global Internet of Things (IoT) provider of fleet telematics and mobile workforce technology, acquired BigRoad, an hours-of-service (HOS) and regulatory compliance solutions provider.

    BigRoad will continue to operate and sell directly to owner-operators and fleets, and the integrated Fleet Complete BigRoad platform will be offered through their North American partner channels, AT&T and Telus.

    According to Fleet Complete, BigRoad was founded to address the new HOS regulations imposed on the commercial motor vehicle industry. BigRoad released a mobile HOS application, BigRoad Mobile App, as well as DashLink, an engine-connected electronic logging device.

    This acquisition aligns with the company’s goal of expansion, Fleet Complete says. The company also expanded into Europe in 2015 and Australia in 2016.

    “BigRoad is an impressive organization that has had a laser focus on creating the industry’s leading product for ELD compliance,” said Tony Lourakis, CEO of Fleet Complete. “Outperforming the competition in usability and connectivity, BigRoad’s driver-friendly and feature-rich application will be a great complement to our integrated platform, giving Fleet Complete customers the most reliable top-of-the-line HOS solution.”