GPS World

Tag: ADVA

  • Launchpad: GNSS receivers, timing modules, survey applications

    Launchpad: GNSS receivers, timing modules, survey applications

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the April 2023 issue of GPS World magazine.

    TIMING

    Image: Furuno Electric
    Image: Furuno

    Global Timing Module
    Supports L1 and L5 GNSS signals

    GT-100 is compatible with all GNSS constellations. The GT-100 realizes high robustness and standard of time accuracy and stability. The GT-100 features advanced multipath mitigation, anti-jamming and anti-spoofing as well as short-term holdover, ensuring superior performance even if L1 or L5 are jammed. The module delivers nanosecond precision for 5G wireless systems, radio communications systems, smart power grids and grand master clocks. Along with the GT-100, GT-9001 and GT-90 achieve a level of time stability of 4.5ns (1σ) and offer superior features and performance.
    Furuno, furuno.com

    Image: UTStarcom
    Image: UTStarcom

    PTP Grandmaster
    Designed for mobile networks

    The SyncRing XGM30E precision time protocol (PTP) grandmaster is designed for mobile networks and other applications requiring accurate time and frequency synchronization. It is an addition to the SyncRing line of network synchronization equipment. The SyncRing XGM30E is an indoor PTP grandmaster offering echo time accuracy of more than ±40 ns, which can meet the stringent timing requirements of demanding applications, including 4G and 5G networks. The clock complies with the PTP IEEE 1588-2008 standard, supporting major ITU-T frequency and phase and time profiles. SyncRing XGM30E supports synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) output on all service interfaces for accurate frequency synchronization, and SyncE input for enhanced time holdover operation during GNSS outages. The grandmaster includes an indoor rack-mount design and power supply redundancy with AC or DC built-in options and has flexible management options. The SyncRing XGM30E is available now.
    UTStarcom, utstar.com

    Photo: Huber+Suhner
    Image: Huber+Suhner

    Copper-Free Data System
    For precise timing synchronization for high-performance networks

    The GNSS and Power over Fiber GPSoF System receives, transmits and expands GNSS timing signals for the purpose of timing synchronization in data centers, central offices, distributed antenna systems or enterprise applications. It enables greater distances between the radio frequency source and the receiver system. It is also immune to RFI, EMI and EMP, contains remote control and monitoring via a web interface, and supports infrastructure installation due to direct GNSS signal evaluation.
    Huber+Suhner, hubersuhner.com

    Image: ADVA
    Image: ADVA

    M-Code Device
    With advanced timing for military applications

    The OSA 5422 grandmaster clock meets key requirements of military networks by providing advanced positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities and improved resilience. The OSA 5422 grandmaster clock is integrated with a highly reliable M-code receiver, which meets stringent frequency and phase synchronization needs. The device is equipped with multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receivers for when M-code is not available. The OSA 5422 also has long holdover and precision time protocol backup, which enables it to maintain accurate timing even in the event of M-code disruption. The OSA 5422 supports legacy interfaces such as BITS and IRIG and features eight field-upgradable 10G bit/s ports and 1G bit/s interfaces. The device is suitable for most demanding military edge applications.
    ADVA, adva.com; Brandywine Communications, brandywinecomm.com

    AUTONOMOUS

    Image: CHC Navigation
    Image: CHC Navigation

    GNSS RTK Steering System
    Suitable for agriculture applications

    The NX510 SE Auto-Steer is an automated steering system that retrofits several types of new and old farm tractors and other vehicles. It can be connected to local real-time kinematic (RTK) networks or GNSS RTK base stations. NX510 SE is a guidance controller powered by multiple corrections sources and five satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS. It has a built-in 4G and UHF modem that connects to all industry-standard differential GPS and RTK corrections to achieve centimeter-accuracy steering. NX510 SE contains GNSS and inertial navigation system terrain compensation technology, which maintains high accuracy in challenging environments and terrain. This makes NX510 SE suitable for ditching, planting and harvesting applications. In addition, AgNav multilingual software, operating on a 10.1 in industrial display, supports multiple guideline patterns that include AB line, A+ line, circle line, irregular curve and headland turn.
    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Image: Trimble
    Image: Trimble

    Module for Rail Monitoring
    For automated and semi-automated rail monitoring

    The T4D Rail Module enables simple data collection and reduces office work required to automate movement detection for rail monitoring projects. The T4D software offers four main elements for automated monitoring: sensor management and data integration for GNSS; total station, geotechnical, vibration and environmental sensors; geodetic processing and adjustments for accurate results; analysis and visualization through several tools that provide real-time updates to support in-depth analysis and data presentation; and alarming and reporting. The T4D Rail module enables integration of rail as-builts collected with the Trimble GEDO system or with a track measuring bar paired with the Trimble Access Gauge Survey app. It also can automate calculations for track geometry parameters, generate analysis charts, and trigger alarms. The T4D software is offered in five editions to fit various project requirements. The editions include T4D Access, T4D Field, T4D Intermediate, T4D Geotechnical and T4D Advanced. T4D Access and T4D Advanced are the two editions that support the add-on Rail Module.
    Trimble Geospatial, geospatial.trimble.com

    Image: Airobotics
    Image: Airobotics

    C-UAV Device
    Anti-UAV protection device

    The Iron Drone system is an advanced counter-UAV device, designed to defend against hostile drones in complex environments with minimal damage. Iron Drone is an automated intercepting system designed to eliminate small drones without using GPS or radio frequency jamming. The Iron Drone system is launched from a designated pod and flies autonomously towards targets under radar guidance. It identifies the target using computer vision capabilities. The intercepting UAV follows the target then uses a net and a parachute to incapacitate it, capture it and lower it to the ground.
    Airobotics, airoboticsdrones.com

    R&S EVSD1000 has been designed to provide a mounting adaptor for installation onto medium-size drone types. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)
    Image: Rohde & Schwarz

    Drone-based analyzer
    For UAV inspections

    EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer provides highly accurate UAV inspection of terrestrial navigation and communications systems. The EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer is a signal-level and modulation analyzer for medium-sized UAVs. It features measurements of instrument landing systems, ground-based augmentation systems and VHF omnirange ground stations. The mechanical and electrical design is optimized for UAV-based, real-time measurements of terrestrial navigation systems with up to 100 measurement data sets per second. The analyzer provides high-precision signal analysis in the frequency range from 70 MHz to 410 MHz. This also includes the needed measurement repeatability to ensure that results from UAV measurements can be compared to flight and to ground inspections in line with ICAO standards. The EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer reduces runway blocking times, provides necessary measurement repeatability and offers measurement precision and GNSS time and location stamps. While streaming measurement data during a drone flight via the data link to a PC on the ground, the analyzer can also buffer data internally to ensure no results are lost if the data link is lost.
    Rohde & Schwarz, rohde-schwarz.com

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    SILC Eyeonic Vision System (Image: SiLC)
    Image: SiLC

    Coherent Vision Solution
    Suitable for advanced products

    The Eyeonic Vision System is a frequency-modulated continuous wave lidar solution, which delivers high levels of vision perception to identify and avoid objects with low latency. At the core of the system is a fully integrated silicon photonics chip. It provides more definition and precision than legacy lidar solutions, with roughly 10 milli-degree of angular resolution coupled with millimeter-level precision. These features enable this solution to measure the shape and distance of objects with high-precision and at a large distance. The system combines the Eyeonic Vision Sensor and a digital processing solution based on a powerful field-programmable gate array. The flexible architecture enables synchronization of multiple vision sensors for unlimited points per second. The compact, powerful, vision solution is suitable for autonomous vehicles, smart cameras, robotics and other advanced products. It is available now. Pricing varies depending on configuration.
    SiLC Technologies, silc.com

    Image: SBG Systems
    Image: SBG Systems

    GNSS-Aided INS
    Easily integrated with lidar or other third-party sensors

    Quanta Plus is a GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS). The device combines a MEMS inertial measurement unit (IMU) with a resilient GNSS receiver to get reliable position and attitude, as well as providing real-time kinematic (RTK) fixes. Quanta Plus includes motion profiles, which enable users to optimize the sensor parameters to suit different use cases. The built-in precise time protocol server ensures sub-microsecond synchronization with external devices such as lidar. The device also has a built-in datalogger, Ethernet interface for easy integration, and a web configuration interface for simple setup and control. The INS can be integrated with Qinertia, SBG System’s post-processing software. Qinertia improves the performance of acquired data during a mission using reliable RTK corrections from a wide range of continuously operating reference station networks, or by importing base-station data during the process. Quanta Plus also improves the accuracy of the position and attitude using forward and backward processing and by integrating a tight coupling between GNSS and IMU data.
    SBG Systems, sbg-systems.com

    (Image: Inertial Labs)
    Image: Inertial Labs

    Survey Laser
    Suitable for remote-sensing applications

    The Resepi Hesai XT32 laser is designed for accurate remote-sensing applications. It can be used with commercially available lidar scanners, including Velodyne, Quanergy, Ouster, RIEGL, LIVOX and Hesai, as well as with UAVs. Resepi is completely modular, so users have full control for customization. The remote-sensing device uses a GPS-aided inertial navigation system with a NovAtel RTK/PPK single- or dual-antenna GNSS receiver, integrated with a Linux-based processing platform. It also comes with a 2 TB USB memory drive and has an embedded Wi-Fi cellular modem. Resepi has 3 cm to 5 cm point-cloud accuracy and can reach heights of more than 200 m above ground level. It is compatible with most UAV models; however, it is typically used with DJI M300, DJI M210 or DJI M600 models. The device is suitable for scanning and mapping, precision agriculture with lidar, simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm development, utility inspection and construction site monitoring. Resepi-supported software includes Hexagon NovAtel, PCPainter and PCMaster.
    Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

    Image: CHC Navigation
    Image: CHC Navigation

    IMU-RTK GNSS Receiver
    Provides robust and accurate positioning

    The i90 GNSS receiver combines a GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) engine, a high-end inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor and advanced GNSS tracking capabilities to increase RTK availability and reliability. The embedded 624-channel GNSS receiver is compatible with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou signals. The i90 GNSS combines high-end connectivity modules: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, 4G and a UHF radio modem. The internal UHF radio modem allows long-distance base-to-rover surveying up to 5 km. The built-in IMU ensures interference-free and automatic pole-tilt compensation in real time. An accuracy of 3 cm is achieved with pole-tilt range of up to 30°. The i90 GNSS receiver is suitable for construction and land surveying projects.
    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Image: CHCNAV
    Image: CHCNAV

    Field Application
    For Android devices

    LandStar8 is designed to be flexible and user-friendly for surveying and mapping tasks. It is versatile, modular and customizable for topographic tasks such as surveying, stake out, cadastral, mapping and geographic information systems (GIS). Building on the legacy of LandStar7, the LandStar8 provides features such as a refined user interface, streamlined workflows, faster operation, and integrated cloud services. Cloud connectivity is built in for backup, data storage or remote technical support. LandStar8 has a simple and intuitive layout with large map windows and sharp graphics. Users can hide features they rarely use and display only those they need. They also can copy coordinate settings, control and staking points from another handheld controller by scanning a QR code. Projects can be edited and sorted by history and attributes. Custom coordinate systems, geoid models and coding libraries can be updated at any time by using resource packages. LandStar8 also features a terrain calibration wizard designed for non-expert users.
    CHCNAV, chcnav.com

    Photo:
    Image: Position Partners

    Survey Rover
    For accurate, survey-grade aerial mapping and photogrammetry

    SmartSurveyor facilitates accurate, survey-grade aerial mapping and photogrammetry without the need for a connection between a camera shutter and a GNSS receiver. The fully compact, handheld aerial mapping survey rover is compatible with DJI Mavix 2 and 3 series and Phantom 4 Pro UAVs. The design is dissimilar from other UAV mapping systems in that it works from a UAV or smartphone and with two or more ground control points (GCPs) while using an ultra-matching technique. Once SmartSurveyor captures data, all photos and the GNSS file are uploaded to a PC and analyzed through the Agisoft UltraMatch workflow to confirm their accuracy before they are exported. Data can be managed in the cloud or on a local PC using software designed by MapSender. Additionally, this mapping tool works in tandem with the AllDayRTK subscription GNSS network service so that collected data can be uploaded to Tokara to remotely manage a project.

    Position Partners, positionpartners.com

    OEM

    NB-IoT Industrial Module
    Complete with GNSS geo-location capabilities

    Image: STMicroelectronics
    Image: STMicroelectronics

    The ST87M01 is a fully programmable, certified LTE Cat NB2 NB-IoT industrial module that covers worldwide cellular frequency bands and integrates advanced security features. The ST87M01 is an integrated native GNSS receiver with multi-constellation access, which ensures enhanced and accurate localization. The module has a diminutive 10.6 mm x 12.8 mm land grid array footprint, making it suitable for applications where a small form factor is key. The STM8701 offers flexibility for product developers, presenting a fully programmable internet of things (IoT) platform enabling users to embed their own code into the module for simple applications. A variety of protocol stacks are available to handle popular IoT use cases. It targets wide-ranging IoT applications that require ultra-reliable low-power wide-area network connectivity and has ultra-low power consumption with less than 2 µA in low-power mode and transmit output power up to +23 dBm. Suitable applications for the module include smart metering, smart grid, smart building, smart city and smart infrastructure applications, as well as industrial condition monitoring and factory automation, smart agriculture and environmental monitoring. The module also can be combined with a separate host microcontroller, permitting many more use cases.
    STMicroelectronics, st.com

    Image: Quectel
    Image: Quectel

    GNSS Module
    Designed for battery-operated, ultra-low power GNSS devices

    The LC76G module is a compact, single-band, ultra-low power GNSS module that features fast and accurate location performance. The module can concurrently receive and process signals from the GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations. The LC76G has an internal surface acoustic wave filter and integrated low-noise amplifier, which can be connected directly to a passive patch antenna and provides filtering against unwanted interference. With a compact size of 10.1 mm × 9.7 mm × 2.4 mm, the footprint of the LC76G is compatible with other industry solutions, as well as Quectel’s legacy L76 and L76-LB modules. The LC67G is designed for battery-operated, ultra-low power GNSS devices, such as wearable personal trackers, wildlife and livestock tracking, toll tags, portable container trackers, as well as several traditional markets such as shared mobility and low-cost asset trackers.
    Quectel Wireless Solutions, quectel.com

    The INS-DH-OEM. (Photo: Inertial Labs)
    The INS-DH-OEM. (Photo: Inertial Labs)

    Inertial Navigation System
    Incorporates NovAtel and Honeywell technology

    The INS-DH-OEM utilizes a dual-antenna NovAtel GNSS receiver and a Honeywell HG4930-CA51 inertial measurement unit (IMU). The INS-DH-OEM contains Inertial Labs’ on-board sensor-fusion filter, navigation and guidance algorithms, and calibration software. The INS-DH-OEM has three axes, a full operational temperature range, advanced MEMS accelerometers and new-generation tactical-grade MEMS gyroscopes to provide accurate position, velocity, heading, pitch and roll. It is small and lightweight, measuring 85.5 mm x 67.5 mm x 52.0 mm and weighing 280 g. The dual-antenna NovAtel GNSS receiver is operational with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS constellations. The INS-DH-OEM is compatible with most commercially available lidars including Velodyne, Riegl and Faro. The algorithms are suitable for different dynamic motions of vessels, ships, helicopters, UAVs, gimbals and land vehicles.
    Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

    Image: MSO
    Image: MSO

    Speed Sensor
    Multi-use sensor for workflow

    The Speed Wedge MKII is a true-ground speed sensor and active motion detector for moving objects, based on radar doppler technology. This sensor is suitable for use in indoor and off-highway vehicles, conveyor belts, material flow and open channel water surface flow. The sensor contains a dead-reckoning system component for inertial measurement units and integrated management systems (IMS) in GPS/GNSS-denied environments such as in tunnels and underground mining operations. It also features sensor fusion with GNSS and IMS improving positioning accuracy, quality and reliability. Speed Wedge MKII deploys a radar front-end with planar antennas continuously emitting electro-magnetic waves at 24 GHz. It is designed for contactless measurement of speed and distance travelled independent on wheel/drive slip. For demanding applications Speed Wedge MKII is sealed and potted in a rugged encasing. Speed Wedge MKII is available in variants with pulse, serial RS232 and CAN-Bus output. High-speed up to 200 km/h is available.
    MSO, mso-technik.de/home-en.html

    Image: Orolia
    Image: Orolia

    GNSS Simulations Software
    For simulation and testing needs

    Skydel GNSS simulation software can now generate more than 500 simulated satellite signals. This platform is suitable for GNSS users, experts and manufacturers, as well as users needing a low-Earth-orbit-capable simulation system. Skydel contains a feature that includes multi-constellation and multi-frequency signal generation, remote control from user-defined scripts, and integrated interference generation. In addition to generating a high channel and satellite count, Skydel also can produce navigation warfare signals without any additional hardware.
    Orolia, orolia.com

    Image: Mikroe
    Image: Mikroe

    Compact Add-On Board
    Provides access to L-band GNSS corrections

    LBand RTK Click is a compact add-on featuring the NEO-D9S-00B, a professional-grade, satellite data receiver for L-band corrections from u-blox. Operating in a frequency range from 1,525 MHz to 1,559 MHz, the NEO-D9S-00B decodes the satellite transmission and outputs a correction stream. This enables a high-precision GNSS receiver to reach accuracies down to centimeter-level. An independent stream of correction data, delivered over L-band signals, ensures high availability of position output. LBand RTK Click also uses several mikroBUS pins. In addition, LBand RTK Click contains an SMA antenna for connecting a Mikroe-brand antenna. This antenna easily allows positioning in space, supporting GNSS L-band frequencies. LBand RTK Click implements advanced security features such as signature and anti-jamming mechanisms. It also can be integrated with other GNSS receivers from the u-blox F9 platform.
    Mikroe, mikroe.com

  • Brandywine and ADVA partner to provide defense M-code device

    Brandywine and ADVA partner to provide defense M-code device

    Image: ADVA
    Image: ADVA

    ADVA and Brandywine Communications have partnered to provide a defense-grade M-code device with advanced timing, the OSA 5422 grandmaster clock, for military applications. ADVA’s OSA 5422 meets key requirements of military networks by providing advanced positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities and improved resilience.

    ADVA’s OSA 5422 grandmaster clock is integrated with a highly reliable M-code receiver, which meets stringent frequency and phase synchronization needs. The device is equipped with multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receivers for when M-code is not available. OSA 5422 also has long holdover and precision time protocol backup, which enables it to maintain accurate timing even in the event of M-code disruption.

    The OSA 5422 supports legacy interfaces such as BITS and IRIG and features eight field-upgradable 10G bit/s ports and 1G bit/s interfaces. The device is suitable for most demanding military edge applications.

  • Can smart grids be protected from PNT cyberattacks?

    Can smart grids be protected from PNT cyberattacks?

    Nino De Falcis
    Nino De Falcis

    By Nino De Falcis, Senior Director of Business Development, ADVA

    Today’s critical network infrastructure is heavily reliant on positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services. Power grids, financial markets, transportation, data centers, communications — all have become more complex and interconnected, while the threats to the PNT on which they depend have grown in frequency and sophistication. PNT systems are so vulnerable to the activities of cybercriminals that attacks may soon become global in scale and significance, with potential costs of billions of dollars.

    Utilities are a key example of infrastructure at risk. In the past, power networks were passive systems with everything simple and centralized, and with energy flowing in one direction only as AC power was provided to consumers. However, the growth in renewables and distributed energy resources has spurred diversification of the market, and a new paradigm of bidirectional AD and DC energy production and distribution has emerged: the smart grid.

    Timing Challenges

    Today, many smaller producers are generating power from multiple sources. The power grid has become a decentralized system and the flow of energy is now bidirectional. Energy from solar panels (microgrids), for example, can be generated by private individuals and either stored or fed back into the grid. Electric vehicles (EVs) are also becoming more common, and like all other nodes across the smart grid, charging points require precise timestamping of the massive amount of data they generate to balance power demand and supply.

    Precise timing is also key to rerouting power flows away from transmission outages, to locating power line faults, and for synchronizing distributed control and protection systems. Without highly accurate timing and synchronization, power grids are vulnerable to partial outages and even complete blackouts.

    That is why accuracy requirements of data timestamping are tighter than ever. In fact, they are shifting from legacy Network Timing Protocol (NTP) timestamping, which has millisecond accuracy needs, to Precision Timing Protocol (PTP) timestamping, requiring sub-microsecond accuracy. The syncrophaser now demands accuracy better than 1 microsecond.

    For fault location, we’re now at 100 nanoseconds. The micro-phasor measurement unit (PMU) is at less than 1 microsecond and substation LAN communication protocols have to be time-stamped at as low as 100 microseconds for GOOSE IEC 61850 and at 1 microsecond for IEC 61850 sample values. This is a big change from just five years ago when accuracy in all these categories was firmly in the millisecond range, and it’s a high bar that needs to be maintained by next-generation redundant systems, should GPS or ground-based timing become compromised.

    Photo: solarseven/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Photo: solarseven/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    New Standards

    Guidelines for making PNT infrastructure fully redundant are being pushed by governments across the world. In the United States, regulations are being driven by Executive Order 13905 with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) providing a framework for how assured PNT (aPNT) should operate. It states that PNT infrastructure must perform three core functions: prevent, respond and recover. Infrastructure must have the ability to prevent atypical PNT errors and corruption of PNT sources. If prevention fails, networks must be able to respond to detected errors or anomalies and then recover from those errors.

    The DHS framework outlines four resiliency levels. Level 1 has only one source providing PNT, while level 4 is a next-generation system leveraging multiple sources to derive and distribute PNT data. At Level 4, systems need to be self-survivable. This means they must function for long periods in the absence of a GPS timing source, or when ground-based timing sources have been otherwise compromised. There is even an IEEE P1952 resilient PNT standard in progress that will use this DHS framework.

    Rising Threats

    There are two categories of threat to PNT: external and internal. External threats include jamming (equipment that can block GPS is available off the shelf for as little as $20) and spoofing, which is the act of transmitting false GPS signals that trick receivers into calculating an erroneous position. Sophisticated cyberattacks can be in the form of either of these and spoofing (especially synchronous) is the most complex to detect.

    The two main internal PNT threats come from attacks on NTP and PTP network timing as well as active GPS receivers connected to the network.

    Legacy power grids have traditionally used NTP to distribute timing to substations, including IRIG, and this has already shown itself to be vulnerable to attack because it can be hacked by a process called NTP amplification.

    Today, power grids are increasingly migrating to PTP because it provides the sub-microsecond accuracy needed for modern applications. PTP also has not yet been hacked, but that does not mean it soon will not be. If an attack did occur on ill-prepared critical infrastructure, the results could be catastrophic.

    Secure Smart Grid Timing Components

    There are two components in the smart grid: telecom connectivity to transport data, and grid protection that has different level generation grid control, transmission and management. On the telecom side, there is the edge telecom network and sometimes there are data centers. There are either core or edge data centers and these are also equipped with very good timing. A key concept in the data center is time as a service and GPS backup as a service when GPS goes down. The smart grid can also leverage this service as it gives even more robust protection and security against threats to PNT. See Diagram 1.

    Diagram 1. A key concept in the data center is time as a service. (Image: ADVA)
    Diagram 1. A key concept in the data center is time as a service. (Image: ADVA)

    A Resilient and Assured PNT Solution

    As with other aspects of cybersecurity strategy, smart grids must employ a zero-trust framework of PNT sources. This approach never assumes that any one PNT source can be trusted. Instead, it uses a multi-source approach, verifying sources and comparing them to each other in real time to get the most accurate timing possible.
    To prevent and mitigate interruptions to GPS, smart grid operators should deploy a resilient and assured PNT solution. This means it’s based around three integrated technologies: multi-layer detection, multi-source backup and multi-level fault-tolerant mitigation.

    Multi-layer detection is performed through timing devices – either single or redundant – that have jamming and spoofing detection and monitoring capabilities. GNSS devices are also capable of comparing sources such as network PTP timing and they can be equipped with standalone, GNSS-backup clocks that leverage rubidium or cesium oscillators to obtain the most reliable timing information from other timing sources in the network.

    Multi-source backup comes in the form of a cesium or rubidium oscillator that can provide extended holdover. Backup can be further bolstered with other sources such as eLORAN, NIST and LEO.

    A neural network management system is an intelligent platform that ties everything together, from self-actionable recovery and assurance software to alerting users of issues in the network-wide timing infrastructure. It provides visibility and control of all aspects of prevention, mitigation and backup. The management system gives detailed operational data on the smart grid, showing the locations of the faults, the types of faults, and how PTP backup assurance is performing. Through capabilities powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, the management and control system provides the end-to-end control, visibility, and trusted, assured PNT. It has all the intelligence to reveal threats and also take action against them, quickly recovering the network’s timing distribution capability, while keeping the network timing self-survivable. See Diagram 2.

    Diagram 2. Defending against PNT cyberthreats requires integrating multiple PNT technologies. (Diagram: ADVA)
    Diagram 2. Defending against PNT cyberthreats requires integrating multiple PNT technologies. (Image: ADVA)

    Mitigating Cyberattacks with a Defense-in-Depth Approach

    So, let us imagine there is a major attack on a smart grid. A jamming device has been used to block GPS reception on an edge grandmaster being used at a substation, while at the core of the network an ePRTC’s ability to receive GNSS signals has also been compromised. GPS is no longer viable as a source for timing in the smart grid.

    The intelligent software monitoring and management system is the first line of defense, detecting and alerting operators to the two or more attacks on GPS: one at the core of the network and one at the substation. The network timing capability of the whole smart grid has been compromised.

    Upstream from the substation, the core enhanced PRTC (ePRTC) has become an unreliable source of timing. However, it is equipped with a cesium clock that steps in to propagate trusted PNT backup into the substation and throughout the rest of the network. The cesium clock has no antenna, no RH signal, and is a stratum 1 clock that can propagate highly accurate timing (accurate to 1 microsecond over four months) throughout the network. It has now become the trusted source of timing until GPS can be re-established.

    Photo: Thossaphol/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
    Photo: Thossaphol/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

    Time for Multi-Source Protection

    The most crucial element of PNT is timing. Without timing there is no positioning or navigation — it is the enabler of both — and so the distribution of accurate timing must be our top concern when we build systems.

    For smart grids and all other critical infrastructure dependent on PNT to function, the cornerstone for secure and self-survivable timing networks is the concept of zero-trust. A multi-source approach to building timing networks will allow operators of critical infrastructure to leverage a combination of intelligent management software and timing devices equipped with adequate PTP holdover to respond to all threats to PNT.

    To see a real-world example of this approach in action, check out the DOE DarkNet program.

  • ADVA unveils high-performance optical cesium clock

    ADVA unveils high-performance optical cesium clock

    Service providers harnessing the solution can now offer GNSS/GPS- backup-as-a-service (GBaaS) with enhanced precision and availability

    OSA 3300-HP. (Photo: ADVA)
    OSA 3300-HP. (Photo: ADVA)

    ADVA has introduced its Oscilloquartz high-performance optical cesium atomic clock. The coreSync OSA 3300-HP is ADVA’s latest innovation in assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT).

    Following ADVA’s launch of an optical pumping timing solution two years ago, the OSA 3350 ePRC+, the OSA 3300-HP takes the technology to new levels. It has a 10-year lifetime compared to the five years offered by currently available high-performance magnetic clocks.

    As a high-performance optical cesium clock, the OSA 3300-HP sets a new benchmark for precision and availability, ADVA claimed, providing the resilience required for PNT assurance in critical infrastructure and empowering service providers to deliver differentiated service-level-agreement timing offerings with integrated GNSS backup.

    The feature-rich device has embedded Ethernet- and IP-based management as well as a user-friendly touchscreen graphical user interface.

    “The launch of our coreSync OSA 3300-HP marks a key milestone in the design of atomic frequency and phase standards,” said Gil Biran, GM of Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “After many years of extensive work in our Swiss laboratories supported by the European Space Agency, we now have a mature, state-of-the-art technology that enables a major leap in the accuracy and stability of network timing while providing a substantially longer lifetime.”

    Atomic clocks offer synchronization backup for networks that rely on GNSS-based timing, combining high accuracy with outstanding availability. The OSA 3300-HP commercial high-performance optical cesium atomic clock features an all-digital design and leverages optical-pumping techniques using laser diodes. This enables it to measure 100 times the number of atoms, making it more efficient compared to existing primary reference clock (PRC) technologies.

  • ADVA launches GPS backup service to help combat cyberattacks

    ADVA launches GPS backup service to help combat cyberattacks

    ADVA logoADVA is enabling service providers to offer GPS/GNSS-backup-as-a-service (GBaaS) to answer the need for operators to safeguard services that rely on positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) information.

    Along with spoofing and jamming of GNSS, in-network timing based on network time protocols (NTP) and precision time protocols (PTP) are also increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.

    As a response, ADVA is now empowering service providers to offer GBaaS and enable end users to address new guidelines and standards for redundant PNT architectures. GBaaS meets the latest recommendations for PNT homeland security, including U.S Executive Order 13905. Leveraging ADVA’s aPNT+ technology, GBaaS eliminates the risks and costs associated with GNSS dependence.

    “Threats to hamper PNT capabilities are growing, and much of the world’s critical infrastructure is still without adequate protection from GNSS vulnerabilities,” said Gil Biran, general manager of Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “All of that can change when service providers are able to offer GBaaS.”

    GBaas is based on ADVA’s aPNT+ platform, which leverages a suite of technologies, including multi-band GNSS receivers and management software based on artificial intelligence and machine-learning.

    Service providers can offer ADVA’s aPNT+ protection as a subscription-based service as part of their service-level agreements.

    ADVA’s GBaaS solution employs a combination of multi-layer detection, multi-source backup and fault-tolerant mitigation to render timing networks more secure. Embedded in all timing devices, ADVA’s Syncjack technology provides comprehensive and precise synchronization performance monitoring and analytics, enabling the Ensemble Sync Director network management suite to intelligently operate and prioritize multi-source timing feeds across the network.

    Onboard multi-band GNSS receivers boost timing accuracy and also protect against attacks like jamming and spoofing. When GNSS is either unavailable or compromised, a dispersed network of autonomous cesium atomic clocks and network backup timing feeds is ready to deliver highly accurate network timing over long periods of GNSS unavailability.

  • ADVA software now protects third-party GNSS receivers from cyberattacks

    ADVA software now protects third-party GNSS receivers from cyberattacks

    Photo: ADVA
    Photo: ADVA

    GNSS assurance software Ensemble Sync Director now detects jamming and spoofing cyberattacks on third-party GNSS receivers

    ADVA has extended its Ensemble Sync Director GNSS assurance software to integrate any third-party vendor’s GNSS receiver observables at scale.

    A key pillar of ADVA’s aPNT+ technology, Ensemble Sync Director is now vendor-agnostic, providing resilient and assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) for more customers than before.

    Ensemble Sync Director can now transparently show and analyze GNSS observables from third-party receivers in large deployments.

    Synchronization based on satellite signals is vulnerable to failure, interference and cyberthreats, meaning network operators need to protect their critical timing with continuous monitoring and assurance. With the Adva software, network operators can remotely detect issues with GNSS receivers from any vendor, helping to maintain high-quality timing performance, avoid disruptions and reduce operating costs.

    “By extending our GNSS assurance application capabilities beyond our own timing equipment, we’re empowering many more customers to protect their mission-critical synchronization in new or deployed infrastructure,” said Gil Biran, GM of Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “Our Ensemble Sync Director, with comprehensive GNSS assurance for both resilient and assured PNT, provides a simple, scalable and highly cost-efficient way to harness our unique experience and expertise in managing a huge number of GNSS-dependent network elements.”

    ADVA’s Oscilloquartz GNSS assurance solution for integrating third-party receiver data is an extension of its Sync Director application, part of the Ensemble Controller network management platform. It offers centralized in-service monitoring and analysis of GNSS status and reliability as well as artificial-intelligence and machine-learning-based prediction and prevention of obstruction, jamming and spoofing.

    Using topology and timing chain mapping, Ensemble Sync Director displays the entire timing network infrastructure in a user-intuitive graphical format.

    ADVA’s GNSS assurance capabilities are aligned with the goals of the DHS Resilient PNT Conformance Framework and future IEEE P1952 Resilient PNT Standard to protect critical infrastructure.

    Available from ADVA Professional Services, the new solution is suitable for network operators in telecoms, power utilities, financial trading, data centers and more, who need to ensure robust, reliable and resilient GNSS timing. It also offers  value to system-integrator vendors looking to add vital GNSS protection capabilities to their synchronization portfolios.

    Further information is available in an ADVA presentation.

  • ADVA releases software to boost timing resiliency

    ADVA releases software to boost timing resiliency

    Screenshot: ADVA
    Screenshot: ADVA

    ADVA has released new software that extends its Oscilloquartz timing assurance technology to synchronization networks using Network Time Protocol (NTP).

    ADVA’s Ensemble Sync Director management system provides assurance control, helping mission-critical services across many industries that depend on reliable and accurate NTP timing.

    The new NTP capabilities are extended from ADVA’s robust Oscilloquartz Precision Time Protocol (PTP) product range and supported by Syncjack GNSS monitoring. They also leverage multiple form factors with redundant synchronization devices, multiple holdover options and versatile multi-technology gateways between GNSS, PTP and NTP, ensuring robust, scalable and highly resilient NTP timing architectures.

    “Despite the availability of PTP, NTP remains the most widely used time synchronization protocol,” said Gil Biran, GM of Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “It’s applied in many legacy networks as well as new IoT (internet of things) applications. What’s more, the sophistication of NTP timing is increasing, while the NTP protocol itself remains unchanged. Now we’re enabling our customer to deploy robust, reliable and secure NTP implementations built on our unique expertise and experience in delivering assured synchronization.”

    ADVA uses a combination of NTP architecture and highly accurate GNSS timing backed up with PTP timing domains.

    Because ADVA’s products now support assured NTP technology, they offer customers virtually unlimited scale, Biran said. “With hardware-implemented NTP functionality, even the smallest SFP (small-form factor pluggable) NTP server can support up to 500,000 transactions per second.”

    To ensure NTP delivery is able to withstand a broad range of risk scenarios, ADVA’s resilient synchronization solution is engineered for both device and network redundancy. It features multiple backup options such as PTP- and GNSS-delivered time, as well as a variety of oscillator solutions that allow different levels of holdover.

    Comprehensive monitoring by ADVA’s Ensemble Sync Director management system helps guarantee the levels of performance required for time-critical network applications. Designed from the bottom up to support continuous assessment and assured timing precision, it automatically responds to any issues before applications can be disturbed by timing inaccuracies.

    ADVA’s solutions also offer centralized GNSS monitoring and assurance, protecting timing networks from vulnerabilities, including jamming and spoofing attacks.

    Customers can build NTP-based networks today and switch to PTP with one click, commented Nir Laufer, vice president of product line management at Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “Our customers no longer need to hope for the best from their NTP servers,” Laufer said. “With real-time GNSS monitoring and comprehensive probing and analysis of timing quality, they can rest assured that their synchronization services have the highest levels of accuracy, integrity, availability and scale.”

  • ADVA boosts PNT resilience with new software release

    ADVA boosts PNT resilience with new software release

    Photo: ADVA
    Photo: ADVA

    Upgraded range of synchronization solutions now includes enhanced PNT resiliency against jamming and spoofing attacks and cyberthreats

    ADVA has announced a new software release of its core and edge timing technology, to provide higher levels of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) security and resilience to synchronization networks. The new release follows the Resilient PNT Conformance Framework issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

    The upgraded series of PTP grandmaster clock solutions now enables operators to automatically harness public key infrastructure. Along with enhanced certificate management, this delivers more robust security and removes complexity, the company said.

    ADVA’s core and mid-sized PTP grandmaster devices now also integrate enhanced aPNT+ technology, providing advanced jamming and spoofing detection as well as mitigation with automatic switchover in the event of cyberattacks.

    The software replaces costly hardware devices previously used for PNT protection and achieves enhanced DHS Level 4 Resiliency in PNT self-survivability, the highest in the industry. The new software release also supports 100 Mbit/s over fiber for interconnectivity with optical timing channels from third-party vendors as well as support for PTP profiles for a wide range of industries.

    “Today’s timing networks require greater accuracy than ever before. But mission-critical national networks need improved resilience and security as defined by the latest standards. With our trusted PNT assurance solutions, we’re providing the GNSS protection and cybersecurity that today’s operators need to meet current and future challenges,” said Gil Biran, GM of Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “From phase synchronization in critical national infrastructure to traceable timestamping in financial networks, highly precise and protected timing is key to successful operations. This upgrade sets a new standard for secure synchronization and delivers it to more networks than ever before.”

    The new 11.1.1 software release features upgrades to ADVA’s comprehensive range of Oscilloquartz edge timing products, the OSA 5412/22 series, as well as its core synchronization devices, the OSA 5430/40 series. The solutions now provide multi-layered security for synchronization infrastructure through improved certification management and PKI.

    As part of ADVA’s intelligent and scalable assured PNT platform, the ADVA aPNT+, the solutions also feature innovation for detection of spoofing and jamming as well as countermeasures to prevent service disruption. With PTP capabilities for new verticals, including the PTP broadcast profiles (SMPTE ST-2059-2/AES67), the new release will bring precise, reliable synchronization to many new customers.

    Further information is available in these slides.

  • ADVA offers embedded timing for third-party hardware

    ADVA offers embedded timing for third-party hardware

    ADVA has introduced its OSA 5400 SyncModule embedded timing solution, designed to enable technology suppliers to integrate precise synchronization into their hardware. Its M.2 form factor can add crucial timing capabilities to switches, routers, open compute servers and other IT devices.

    The OSA 5400 SyncModule provides GNSS, precision time protocol (PTP) and network time protocol (NTP) engines as well as comprehensive PTP and GNSS monitoring and assurance functionality. According to ADVA, the module can enable assured sub-microsecond timing in public and private networks as well as critical infrastructure.

    “Our OSA 5400 SyncModule brings something completely new and very valuable to the market,” said Gil Biran, general manager, Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “For the first time, third-party technology manufacturers will be able to embed the most advanced synchronization capabilities into their designs and easily control them with our Ensemble Sync Director or their own management system.”

    Featuring multiple interface options for easy integration, the OSA 5400 SyncModule comes with an open API. It can also be managed by ADVA’s proven Ensemble Sync Director management system.

    Image: ADVA
    Image: ADVA
  • Launchpad: OEM, Surveying & Mapping, UAV, and Transportation

    Launchpad: OEM, Surveying & Mapping, UAV, and Transportation

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the July 2021 issue of GPS World magazine.

    OEM

    GNSS/INS Sensors

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    Five receivers in new product line

    The AsteRx-i3 product family provides an array of next-generation receivers, from plug-and-play navigation solutions to feature-rich receivers with raw measurement access. Included are OEM boards and ruggedized receivers enclosed in a waterproof IP68 housing. The Pro receivers offer high accuracy positioning with 3D orientation and dead-reckoning for plug-and-play integrations. Pro+ receivers provide integrated positioning and orientation along with raw measurements, in single- or dual-antenna configurations, suitable for applications with sensor fusion. One of the receivers offers an off-board inertial measurement unit (IMU), which can be mounted exactly at the alignment point of interest.

    Septentrio, septentrio.com

    Timing Module

    Photo: Trimble
    Photo: Trimble

    Designed for 5G networks

    The RES 720 GNSS dual-frequency embedded timing module provides next-generation networks with 5-nanosecond accuracy. It uses L1 and L5 GNSS signals to provide superior protection to jamming and spoofing, mitigates multipath in harsh environments, and adds security features to make it suitable for resilient networks. At 19 x 19 millimeters, the RES 720 is suitable for 5G Open Radio Access Networks (RAN)/XHaul, smart grids, data centers, industrial automation and satellite communication networks, as well as calibration services and perimeter monitoring applications.

    Trimble, trimble.com

    Rugged IMUs

    Photo: Honeywell
    Photo: Honeywell

    Ready for commercial, defense

    The new HG1125 and HG1126 IMUs are low-cost inertial measurement units that serve both commercial and military applications. They use sensors based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to precisely measure motion. They can survive shocks up to 40,000 G-force. The HG1125 and HG1126 can be used for a variety of defense and commercial applications, such as tactical military needs, drilling, unmanned aerial vehicles or navigation systems for general aviation aircraft.

    Honeywell, honeywell.com

    Replacement IMU

    Photo: Emcore
    Photo: Emcore

    Plug-compatible with HG1700-AG58

    The SDI170 quartz MEMS tactical-grade IMU is designed as a form-, fit- and function-compatible replacement for the HG1700-AG58 ring-laser gyroscope (RLG) IMU, but with superior overall performance, versatility and a significantly higher mean time between failures (MTBF) rating over ruggedized environments. The SDI170 IMU delivers highly linear accelerometer performance and longer life compared to the HG1700 IMU.

    Emcore, emcore.com

    Grandmaster Clock

    Photo: Adva
    Photo: Adva

    Timing for edge deployments

    The OSA 5405-MB is a compact outdoor precision time protocol (PTP) grandmaster clock with a multi-band GNSS receiver and an integrated antenna. It ensures timing accuracy by eliminating the impact of ionospheric delay variation, enabling communication service providers and enterprises to deliver the nanosecond precision needed for 5G fronthaul and other time-sensitive applications. A multi-constellation GNSS receiver and antenna enable the OSA 5405-MB to meet PRTC-B accuracy requirements (+/–40 nanoseconds) even in challenging conditions. It receives GNSS signals in two frequency bands, using the differences between them to calculate and compensate for ionospheric delay variation. The OSA 5405-MB is resilient against jamming and spoofing, considered critical for 5G synchronization. It can work with up to four GNSS constellations concurrently (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou).

    Adva, adva.com

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Android Tablet

    Photo: Panasonic
    Photo: Panasonic

    For field workers

    The Toughbook S1 is a fully rugged 7-inch Android tablet for capturing and accessing critical information in the field. GPS and LTE come optionally. The tablet is supported by Productivity+, a comprehensive Android ecosystem that enables customers to develop, deploy and sustain the Android OS environment in the enterprise. The Toughbook S1 tablet’s compact, rugged and lightweight body is made for portability and reliability for field workers. It has a 14-hour battery life and warm swap battery. Features include a sleek outdoor-readable anti-reflection screen, patented rain mode and multi-touch performance whether using a stylus, finger or glove.

    Panasonic, toughbook.com

    AG Receivers

    Photo: Topcon Agriculture
    Photo: Topcon Agriculture

    Combine steering and networks

    The AGS-2 and AGM-1 are manual guidance and autosteering receivers. Location data enable crop optimization, including soil preparation, seeding, crop care and harvesting. Designed to suit virtually any agricultural machine type, make and model, the AGS-2 receiver and steering controller combines steering with network reception and tracking. It comes standard with DGNSS correction services and is upgradeable using NTRIP and an optional RTK radio in the Topcon CL-55 cloud connectivity device. The AGM-1 is offered as an economical entry-level manual-guidance receiver.

    Topcon Agriculture, topconpositioning.com

    Rugged Tablet

    Photo: Trimble
    Photo: Trimble

    Provides fast data processing for construction and surveying

    The Trimble T100 high-performance tablet is suitable for both experienced and novice users. It is optimized for Trimble Siteworks Software and supporting office applications such as Trimble Business Center. Its accessories are designed to complement user workflows, enabling users to complete quality assurance and quality control before leaving the field. The tablet is designed to be flexible and usable in a variety of configurations and job sites. It is engineered to be ergonomic and portable on and off the pole. Features include a 10-inch (25.4 cm) sunlight-readable touchscreen display, a directional keypad with programmable function keys and a 92-Wh internal battery.

    Trimble, trimble.com

    GIS Software

    Photo: Golden Software
    Photo: Golden Software

    Scientific modeling package

    Surfer has new gridding, contouring and surface mapping software to make it easier for users to visualize, display and analyze complex 3D data. Surfer enables users to model data sets, apply an array of advanced analytics tools, and graphically communicate the results. The scientific modeling package is used in oil and gas exploration, environmental consulting, mining, engineering and geospatial projects. Enhancements have been made to 3D Base Maps, Contour Volume/Area Calculation, 3D PDF Exporting Options and automated features for creation of scripts and workflows.

    Golden Software, goldensoftware.com

    Cloud Resource

    Photo: Catalyst
    Photo: Catalyst

    Provides geospatial insights

    A Catalyst-AWS collaboration delivers actionable geoscience analytics to users, providing satellite-based Earth observation intelligence. The data and analytics are delivered via Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud. Catalyst is a PCI Geomatics brand. The initial solution, available through AWS Data Exchange, is an infrastructure risk-assessment service that uses satellite data to continuously monitor millimeter-level ground displacement over a subscriber’s area of interest anywhere on Earth. Catalyst is exploring additional risk mitigation solutions and monitoring services using AWS. Having image processing science and imagery on the cloud reduces latency and costly data transfers.

    Catalyst, catalyst.earth/aws

    UAV

    GPS-Aided INS

    Photo: Inertial Labs
    Photo: Inertial Labs

    For UAV, helipcopters, and lidar surveys

    The GPS-aided INS-U is a fully integrated attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), IMU and air-data computer high-performance strapdown system that determines position, navigation and timing information for any device on which it is mounted. The INS-U uses a single antenna, multi-constellation u-blox GNSS receiver. With access to GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and BeiDou, the INS-U can be used in a variety of GPS-enabled environments and is protected against spoofing and jamming. The INS-U has two barometers, a miniature gyro-compensated fluxgate compass, and tri-axis temperature-calibrated advanced MEMS accelerometers and gyroscopes. These high-performance sensors, along with Inertial Labs’ new on-board sensor-fusion filter, and state-of-the-art guidance and navigation algorithms, provide accurate position, velocity and orientation of the device under measurement.

    Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

    PPK Modules

    Photo: Emlid
    Photo: Emlid

    For CM-accurate drone mapping

    The Reach M+ and Reach M2 positioning modules for UAV mapping provide centimeter-level accuracy in real-time kinematic (RTK) and post-processed kinematic (PPK) modes, enabling precise UAV mapping with fewer ground control points. The Reach M+ single-band receiver has a baseline up to 20 kilometers in PPK. The Reach M2 is a multi-band receiver with a baseline up to 100 kilometers in PPK. Reach connects directly to a camera’s hot-shoe port and is synced with the shutter. Time and coordinates of each photo are logged with a resolution of less than a microsecond. Reach captures flash sync pulses with sub-microsecond resolution and stores them in a raw data RINEX log in the internal memory. This method allows ground control points to be used only to check accuracy.

    Emlid, emlid.com

    Drone-In-A-Box

    Photo: DroneHub
    Photo: DroneHub

    System simplifies drone inspection missions, deliveries

    The Dronehub is an automated solution that can provide undisturbed drone service 24/7 in nearly any weather condition. With the integration of IBM artificial intelligence technology, Dronehub solutions can operate and automatically provide information with little human interaction. The system includes the drone and a docking station with automatic battery replacement. It can fly for 45 minutes in +/–45° C weather, up to 35 km in winds up to 15 m/s. It can carry a payload up to 5 kg as far as 15 km. It can be used for monitoring, inspection and measurement; cargo transport and parcel deliveries; and mobile ground infrastructure; and security.

    Dronehub, dronehub.ai

    Survey Platform

    Photo: WIngrta
    Photo: Wingrta

    For construction and earthworks

    The Propeller Platform and WingtraOne drone package enable construction professionals to collect survey-grade data across the worksite consistently and accurately. To operate, surveyors place Propeller AeroPoints (smart ground-control points) on their worksite, and then fly the WingtraOne drone to collect worksite survey data. Survey images are uploaded to Propeller’s cloud-based platform, where the fully automated geotagging and photogrammetry processing is completed within 24 hours of submission on the platform. Uses include mines, road and railway projects, highways and industrial complexes. Data collection with AeroPoints and Propeller PPK can serve as a reliable, single source for survey data and progress. Teams across the entire worksite can view geographically accurate and realistic 3D site models and track, inspect and report on job progress and productivity safely and accurately.

    Propeller, propelleraero.com

    Wingtra, wingtra.com

    TRANSPORTATION

    Receiver

    Photo: SkyTraq
    Photo: SkyTraq

    Stamp-sized module provides RTK positioning and heading 

    The PX1122R is a high-performance multi-band quad-GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver featuring 1 cm + 1 ppm position accuracy and under 10-second RTK convergence. It has a 12 x 16 millimeter form factor, about the size of a postage stamp. It can be configured for a base or a rover, and supports a moving base RTK for precision heading applications. The PX1122R has a maximum quad-GNSS RTK update rate of 10 Hz, providing a quick response time and more stable performance for fast-moving precision guidance applications.

    SkyTraq, skytraq.com.tw

    Marine Compass

    Photo: Garmin
    Photo: Garmin

    GPS-based navigation tool with multi-band GNSS

    Utilizing both L1 and L5 GPS frequencies, along with multi-constellation support (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou), the MSC 10 marine satellite compass provides precise positioning and heading accuracy within 2 degrees. Its 10-Hz position update rate delivers detailed tracking information. It eliminates magnetic interference, which can degrade heading accuracy. The MSC 10 is easy to install and can be used as the primary position and heading sensor across multiple systems, including autopilots. If the satellite signal is lost, it will transition from GPS-based to a backup magnetometer-based heading.

    Garmin International, garmin.com

  • PGE selects assured PNT clocks for smart-grid infrastructure

    PGE selects assured PNT clocks for smart-grid infrastructure

    ADVA’s aPNT platform is key for the development of PGE’s critical network infrastructure (Photo: Business Wire)
    ADVA’s aPNT platform is key for the development of PGE’s critical network infrastructure (Photo: Business Wire)

    Portland General Electric (PGE) is deploying Oscilloquartz PTP grandmaster clock technology as it upgrades to packet-based synchronization and protects its network against GNSS vulnerabilities and cyberattacks. The upgrades also conform to PNT Executive Order 13905.

    PGE, one of the largest power utilities in the Western United States, is using the ADVA scalable timing solution to enable a smooth transition from legacy synchronization and ensure new levels of accuracy, reliability and resiliency. The new system will  timestamp data and control grid substations at the edge.

    With multi-band GNSS receivers and artificial-intelligence (AI) threat detection, ADVA’s assured PNT (A-PNT) platform helps maintain resilient timing, even in challenging circumstances such as deliberate jamming and spoofing attacks. It also provides multi-source backup, including PTP network timing and in-device holdover oscillators for when GNSS signals are unavailable or disrupted.

    The solution is built on the OSA 5410 and OSA OSA 5420 series of edgeSync+ grandmaster clocks. It features multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receivers and supports multiple PTP profiles, including substation power and core telecom backup sync, while also allowing conversion between them and supporting legacy interfaces.

    The products are part of ADVA’s new aPNT platform, integrating threat detection, multi-source backup and ADVA’s intelligent Ensemble Sync Director.

  • UrsaNav trials eLoran as GNSS backup with ADVA grandmaster clock

    UrsaNav trials eLoran as GNSS backup with ADVA grandmaster clock

    Successful eLoran field trial using ADVA’s OSA 5420 Series demonstrates same accuracy and stability as GPS with much-improved resilience

    UrsaNav and ADVA have conducted an enhanced long-range navigation (eLoran) field trial using UrsaNav’s eLoran receiver and ADVA’s Oscilloquartz grandmaster clock technology. The successful demonstration shows that eLoran offers a robust and reliable backup for GPS and other GNSS, and could be used to provide an assured position, navigation and timing (PNT) service.

    The trial follows U.S. PNT Executive Order 13905 aimed at strengthening national resilience through PNT services, including protecting critical infrastructure such as electrical power grid and communication networks from rising cyber threats. By harnessing ADVA’s flexible OSA 5420 series, designed with assured PNT (A-PNT) technology, UrsaNav has shown that eLoran can provide a new layer of protection and significantly boost timing resilience and security.

    “The success of this field trial demonstrates how eLoran, as part of ADVA’s assured PNT solution, can serve as a crucial backup for GPS,” said Charles Schue, CEO, UrsaNav. “We have shown how our technology enables ADVA’s grandmaster clock to receive UTC timing from the eLoran system for a period of several days with the same accuracy and stability as GPS. Of course, this capability is extensible to other GNSS as well. eLoran is far less vulnerable to unintentional jamming and spoofing disruptions or intentional attacks, thereby delivering nanosecond precision with even more resilience.”

    “By partnering with ADVA, we’ve been able to show that our eLoran receiver interoperates with the best network timing toolkit available,” Schue said. “The OSA 5420 Series is a great product — highly efficient and easy to operate. Together with ADVA, we’re paving the way for tomorrow’s more robust assured PNT synchronization architecture. Now that UrsaNav has demonstrated the power of our OSA 5420 Series to utilize eLoran in the event of outages, we have another very important tool to ensure the quality and availability of time-sensitive services.”

    UrsaNav’s latest trial used the OSA 5420 series grandmaster clock with built-in GNSS receiver. Timing stability from GPS was measured for several days. This was then replaced with eLoran for the same period with no loss of stability.

    The test was conducted indoors where GNSS signals are not usually available, potentially extending the availability of precise UTC timing to many more environments.

    “Commercially available GNSS jammers and spoofers are easy and cheap for attackers to acquire,” explained Nir Laufer, VP, product line management, Oscilloquartz, ADVA. “That’s part of the reason why we’re seeing a growing number of incidents across the world of blocked or misleading signals. If power utilities, enterprises, service providers and governments continue to rely on GNSS alone, it’s only a matter of time before the consequences become very serious. That’s why we’re committed to tackling GNSS vulnerabilities with advanced technologies like our ePRTC offering, cesium atomic clocks and our optical timing channel solution. Now that UrsaNav has demonstrated the power of our OSA 5420 series to utilize eLoran in the event of outages, we have another very important tool to ensure the quality and availability of time-sensitive services.”

    A demo showed how ADVA’s synchronization technology enables protection for critical infrastructure that needs ultra-reliable aPNT solutions. (Photo: Business Wire)
    The demo showed how ADVA’s synchronization technology enables protection for critical infrastructure that needs ultra-reliable aPNT solutions. (Photo: Business Wire)