GPS World

Tag: AIM+

  • Septentrio unveils mosaic-G5 P8, ultra-resilient GNSS module

    Septentrio unveils mosaic-G5 P8, ultra-resilient GNSS module

    Septentrio, part of Hexagon, has announced the launch of the mosaic-G5 P8 receiver. The multi-frequency module, measuring 23 mm by 16 mm and weighing 2.2 grams, enables accurate and resilient positioning without any performance compromises for mission-critical devices, UAVs, marine vessels, and rail applications.

    Built for reliable operation in contested GNSS environments,  AIM+ Ultimate technology protects the receiver from powerful and sophisticated GNSS jamming and spoofing attacks. It delivers comprehensive situational awareness, combining timely interference and spoofing indicators with detailed power and frequency data, which can help localize jammers.  

    “The mosaic-G5 P8 is in a class of its own: uncompromised GNSS resilience in a secure, ultra‑compact, all‑in‑one design,” said Yasmine Hunter, product manager at Septentrio.

    The newly released module features an integrity-focused design that ensures truthful positioning and reporting, enabling the system to quickly switch to other sensors during GNSS disruptions in heavily compromised environments. Secure communication with input and output authentication prevents unauthorized access and data interception. mosaic-G5 P8 also offers high update rate with low latency, supporting reliable navigation and control in highly dynamic applications.

    The module is compatible with widely used, open-source autopilots like PX4 and ArduPilot, simplifying drone integration. The mosaic-G5 P8 evaluation kit, featuring direct autopilot connections, is available for testing and prototyping, and the RxTools user interface streamlines setup and evaluation.

    Meet Septentrio’s GNSS experts and mosaic-G5 P8 during SOF Week in Tampa, Florida, May 18–21, in booth #609.

  • Septentrio extends GNSS module family with mosaic-G5 P6

    Septentrio extends GNSS module family with mosaic-G5 P6

    Septentrio, part of Hexagon, has launched the mosaic-G5 P6 multi-frequency precise positioning module. The receiver, measuring 23 mm by 16 mm and weighing 2.2 grams, enables reliable positioning without performance compromises for commercial UAVs, robots and other size and power-constrained applications.

    AIM+ Premium technology protects the receiver from sophisticated intentional or unintentional GNSS jamming or malicious spoofing attacks.

    “By extending the mosaic family with mosaic-G5 P6, we are bringing an all-in-one module offering accuracy, resilience, and flexibility for demanding industrial applications,” said Yasmine Hunter, product manager at Septentrio. 

    The newly released module offers one of the highest update rates on the market, combined with low latency, essential for efficient and accurate control systems and navigation. In addition to high-accuracy positioning, raw measurements are also available for high-performance sensor fusion. 

    The mosaic-G5 P6 also offers users the flexibility to balance accuracy and availability and is compatible with Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) for decimeter-level positioning out of the box. Users can choose single- or dual-antenna configuration for accurate GNSS heading enabling robust orientation and motion control in industrial automation applications such as autonomous machinery, robotics and precision guidance systems.

    The new module is compatible with widely used, open-source autopilots like PX4 and ArduPilot as well as ROS, simplifying integration into robotic and drone systems. Its evaluation kitsimplifies testing with direct autopilot connections, while the free RxTools user interface assists with the setup and evaluation process.

    Meet our GNSS experts and see mosaic-G5 P6 during Xponential in Detroit, Michigan, May 11–14, at booth #37030. For more information about mosaic-G5 P6 or other Septentrio products, contact the Septentrio team.

  • Septentrio extends its boxed receiver range with AsteRx EB

    Septentrio extends its boxed receiver range with AsteRx EB

    Septentrio, part of Hexagon, offers a new enclosed multi-frequency GNSS receiver: AsteRx EB.

    The cost-effective product offers uncompromised high-accuracy positioning and GNSS heading for industrial robots, port logistics, marine, and scalable automation applications. Its IP67 enclosure protects the receiver from harsh weather conditions, while built-in advanced GNSS+ algorithms ensure reliable operation in environments that are challenging for GNSS, such as areas with foliage or near GNSS interference sources.

    The RAIM+ integrity monitoring system ensures truthful positioning, which is essential for autonomous navigation. The compact enclosure of AsteRx EB enables easy installation, reducing time-to-market.

    “AsteRx EB is an ideal boxed receiver for customers who need reliable, resilient, and highly accurate positioning in a compact form factor and at a price point that makes rapid scale-up possible,” said Danilo Sabbatini, Product Manager at Septentrio, part of Hexagon.

    In a dual-antenna configuration, AsteRx EB delivers sub-degree GNSS heading for systems that require orientation in addition to RTK positioning. The built-in  AIM+ anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology protects the receiver from intentional or unintentional GNSS interference.

    AsteRx EB extends Septentrio’s lineup of enclosed GNSS receivers. Like mosaic-go, it can be used for quick and easy testing or evaluation of Septentrio’s reliable positioning technology. Thanks to its robust housing, it can be deployed in a wide range of industrial applications. For systems exposed to very harsh weather conditions or intense mechanical stress, the AsteRx RB3 ultra-rugged receiver provides the highest level of protection.

  • OSNMA anti-spoofing tech now on PolaRx5 GNSS reference receivers

    OSNMA anti-spoofing tech now on PolaRx5 GNSS reference receivers

    The Septentrio PolaRX5. (Photo: Septentrio)
    The PolaRX5 GNSS reference receiver. (Photo: Septentrio)

    Septentrio, a leader in high-precision GNSS positioning solutions, has launched Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) on its high-end PolaRx5 reference receiver series.

    OSNMA offers end-to-end authentication on Galileo’s civilian signals, protecting receivers from GNSS spoofing attacks. OSNMA adds another layer of security to Septentrio’s existing AIM+ anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology.

    This high level of resilience is especially important for reference receivers in applications that require assured PNT as well as in stationary critical infrastructure, which is especially vulnerable to GPS spoofing.

    The Septentrio PolaRx5 receiver with OSNMA technology will be showcased in booth 220 at the ION Joint Navigation Conference, taking place June 6-9 in San Diego.

    “We are excited to offer OSNMA anti-spoofing technology now in our scientific and reference GNSS receivers,” said François Freulon, head of product management at Septentrio. “The addition of OSNMA to Septentrio’s already strong anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology takes our receivers to a new level as resilient positioning and timing solutions for industrial applications and critical infrastructure.”

    Septentrio has also updated the PolaRx5 product range with the latest RINEX format to support version 3.05 as well as version 4.0. With these updates, PolaRx5 becomes a leading scientific and reference receiver family supporting all of the new GNSS technologies introduced in 2022, Freulon said.

    The OSNMA authentication mechanism is also available on the mosaic GNSS module family and on Septentrio’s latest OEM boards.

  • Septentrio showcases solutions for GPS jamming and spoofing

    Septentrio showcases solutions for GPS jamming and spoofing

    Septentrio will demonstrate how simple it is to spoof or jam unprotected GPS receivers at the upcoming ION Joint Navigation Conference, which takes place June 6-9 in San Diego. The company will showcase how its resilient technology makes a difference for overall security and availability of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) .

    Photo: Septentrio
    The AsteRx-U3 receiver. (Photo: Septentrio)

    Septentrio will hold a GPS spoofing demonstration, as well as a detailed comparison of jamming solutions from various high-end receivers. The integration of the latest anti-spoofing authentication mechanism, Galileo’s Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA), will also be shown.

    “With our growing dependence on GPS technology, resilience of PNT is an important point of attention, especially for mission-critical applications, tactical ground or aerial vehicles as well as autonomous systems,” said Gustavo Lopez, market access manager, Septentrio. “Since the number of malicious jamming and spoofing attacks is on the rise, it is crucial to understand how various GPS receivers can be affected. We are pleased to explain and display this with specific examples at JNC this year.”

    Advance Interference Mitigation (AIM+) is an interconnected set of sophisticated anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology components, securing GPS/GNSS receivers against various forms of interference.

    AIM+ is an interconnected set of anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology components comprising a robust defense system against various forms of GPS/GNSS interference. Such resilience to jamming combined with anti-spoofing measures ensures the safety of autonomous machines, improves the security of GNSS-based infrastructure, and increases efficiency with extended PNT availability.

    OSNMA anti-spoofing authentication from Galileo is available on Septentrio receivers such as the mosaic module as well as the recently released AsteRx-U3 boxed receiver. Other products such as AsteRx-SBi3 also add inertial sensors for increased protection against spoofing.

    Septentrio will be at booth 220 in the ION JNC exhibit hall.

  • Septentrio brings OSNMA anti-spoofing security to market

    Septentrio brings OSNMA anti-spoofing security to market

    Photo:Septentrio has released Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) functionality on its mosaic GNSS receiver modules. OSNMA offers end-to-end authentication on Galileo’s civilian signals, protecting receivers from OSNMA attacks.

    Spoofing is a malicious form of radio interference, where faulty positioning information is sent to a receiver. For the last two years Septentrio has been working closely with the European Space Agency (ESA) during the test phases of OSNMA deployment. The know-how gained during this period is what allowed Septentrio to be one of the first to market with this advanced security feature.

    OSNMA’s anti-spoofing capability complements Septentrio’s Advanced Interference Mitigation technology, AIM+, and further strengthens the overall security of Septentrio GNSS receivers, making them suitable for assured PNT solutions as well as critical infrastructure, such as 5G network synchronization.

    “We are excited to start offering the OSNMA anti-spoofing technology in our industrial GNSS receivers. Our close collaboration with ESA enabled us to get the expertise needed to implement and validate this functionality in a timely manner,” said François Freulon, head of Product Management at Septentrio. “The addition of OSNMA to Septentrio’s already strong anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology takes our receivers to a new level as the market leader of resilient positioning and timing solutions for industrial applications and critical infrastructure.”

    OSNMA is now supported by the complete mosaic receiver family including GNSS RTK positioning modules, timing modules and heading receiver modules. It will also be rolled out on Septentrio’s latest generation of OEM receiver boards, AsteRx-m3, and subsequently on the ruggedized boxed receivers. Read more here.

  • How could your tractor be so careful?

    How could your tractor be so careful?

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    On a French vineyard in the Loire Valley, a tractor is driving between the grape vines with no one behind the wheel. Meet TREKTOR, the autonomous hybrid robot that works tirelessly to weed the organic vineyard producing some of the finest Gamay wine, called Anjou Gamay Village.

    After TREKTOR worked the land for a month, its developer, a company called Sitia, reviewed the quality of their autonomous robot’s work. They counted grape vines damaged during operation — two in one month — and approached the farmer to reconcile the liability. To Sitia’s surprise, he responded, “When I use my manual tractor to get the same job done, I damage at least two vines a day! How did your tractor manage to be so careful?” Sitia’s developers thought for a while and then replied, “It’s thanks to the high quality and accuracy of the components that are inside.”

    “Despite the strong magnetic field emitted by the generator on the TREKTOR, the AsteRx SB ProDirect receiver did not have any issues,” said Clément Aubry-Tardif, Sitia’s R&D manager. “The spectrum analyzer in its web interface showed other small radio interferences aboard the robot, but everything was still working fine.”

    Integrated into the TREKTOR is an AsteRx SB ProDirect dual-antenna receiver, which provides the reliable high-accuracy positioning and heading needed for autonomous operation. Sitia chose the receiver for the following reasons.

    • It has centimeter-level accuracy with RTK, which reduces crop damage and increases yields.
    • Its heading helps point implements in the right direction. Unlike inertial systems, it’s reliable and accurate even in static or slow-moving applications.
    • Built-in advanced interference mitigation (AIM+) technology makes it resistant to radio interference, while its LOCK+ technology ensures robust satellite tracking even under intense vibrations or shocks.
    • It includes an intuitive web interface for fast prototyping and easy real-time testing.

    Sitia is a French company specializing in autonomous robots. Its TREKTOR helps compensate for the current farmer shortage, which is especially felt on organic farms, where weeding is seven times more labor intensive due to the use of few (if any) herbicides. TREKTOR is a flexible solution that can adjust its height and width on the fly, adapting to various working environments. It can also change implements to perform various functions. Depending on TREKTOR’s dimensions and implements, the distance from the crop to the robot changes, making high-accuracy positioning crucial to minimize damage to any of the crops.

  • Belgian company Seafar pioneers barge automation technology

    Belgian company Seafar pioneers barge automation technology

    An autonomous freight barge moves through a lock. The barge is equipped with Septentrio GNSS positioning via Seafar navigation. (Photo: Seafar)
    An autonomous freight barge moves through a lock. The barge is equipped with Septentrio GNSS positioning via Seafar navigation. (Photo: Seafar)

    Seafar has integrated Septentrio’s AsteRx-U dual-antenna, multi-frequency, multi-constellation receivers into its autonomous vessels to provide sub-meter positioning for navigation and control.

    AsteRx-U’s robust enclosure is equipped for harsh outdoor marine environments. The dual-antenna set-up provides precise heading information along with reliable positioning. A captain in a Remote Operating Center monitors several unmanned ships simultaneously, and can take over navigation control if the need arises.

    The maritime industry is witnessing an emerging trend of navigation automation both in the open sea as well as inland. Lloyds Register predicts that the marine industry will undergo a shift toward full autonomy for seafaring as well as inland ships by 2035, a timeline similar to that of the automotive industry.

    And GNSS positioning plays a key role. Unlike open sea transport, inland barges navigate narrow waterways, passing through locks, under bridges and near urban areas. The distance between ships can be down to 1 meter in a tight lock. Septentrio’s AsteRx-U provides the accurate and continuous positioning that enables ships to navigate in ports, stay on their predetermined routes and dock at harbors. The receiver also provides Septentrio’s Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) to ensure reliable positioning in the face of jamming or spoofing.

    Currently, only 6% of inland transport travels on waterways, though water transport is more energy efficient and safer than rail and road. Optimized route and fuel efficiency, increased cargo space and savings on human resources are ways automation helps inland barge owners increase their margins and gain a competitive edge.

  • New Septentrio receiver integrates correction service

    New Septentrio receiver integrates correction service

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    Septentrio has unveiled the AsteRx-m2 Sx OEM board, which provides a GPS/GNSS receiver with always-on sub-decimeter accuracy without the need for additional correction service subscriptions.

    With the AsteRx-m2 Sx, Septentrio is pioneering a novel approach to high-accuracy positioning. Its latest core GNSS technology is integrated with a sub-decimeter correction service enabling simple plug-and-play positioning solutions.

    High-accuracy positioning is available directly out of the box as GNSS corrections are automatically streamed to the receiver. This significantly simplifies the receiver set-up process and eliminates the hassle of corrections service subscription and maintenance.

    “This product marks a new step for GNSS technology towards convenience and ease-of-use,” said Danilo Sabbatini, product manager at Septentrio. “By integrating the correction service directly into the GNSS receiver, we are removing the hassle of positioning service set-up and maintenance from the user. This means faster set-up times for our customers and worry-free, always-on high-accuracy positioning throughout the receiver lifetime.”

    The AsteRx-m2 Sx is an efficient positioning solution for small robots, aerial drones and automation applications. Its optimized size, weight and power (SWaP) means longer operation on a single battery charge and better value in the field, according to Septentrio.

    Advanced anti-jamming technology AIM+ ensures robust and reliable operation in challenging environments, even in the presence of RF interference.

    Septentrio is offering a free GNSS corrections webinar on July 8 at  5 p.m. CEST/ 8 p.m. PST.

  • Septentrio strengthens inertial GNSS portfolio with AsteRx-i D UAS

    Septentrio strengthens inertial GNSS portfolio with AsteRx-i D UAS

    A new high-performance compact GPS/GNSS receiver with an on-board IMU sensor, tailored to the needs of UAV applications

    Septentrio has released a new GNSS/INS receiver, the AsteRx-i D UAS. This multi-frequency receiver combines reliable centimeter-level positioning with 3D orientation, enabling automated navigation of aerial drones and robots.

    GNSS signals received include the American GPS, European Galileo, Russian GLONASS, Chinese BeiDou, Japan’s QZSS and India’s NavIC.

    With a high-performance IMU (inertial measurement unit) from Analog Devices integrated directly into the receiver board, AsteRx-i D UAS is compact and lightweight. Aboard the drone, its small form-factor combined with exceptionally low power consumption results in extended battery life and longer flight times.

    “With this product we introduce into our inertial-GNSS portfolio an IMU which allows us to reduce the weight and power consumption of our UAS boards while making them easier to integrate. These are all key elements for a successful UAV platform.”

    AsteRx-i D UAS is the first commercial product resulting from Septentrio’s collaboration with Analog Devices, delivering robust positioning and attitude (heading, pitch and roll) in demanding industrial environments. Both single-antenna and dual-antenna versions are available.

    The single-antenna version provides a lightweight solution optimizing the system SWaP (size, weight and power). The dual-antenna version is designed for machines that need reliable heading directly from the start.

    AsteRx-i D UAS comes with Septentrio’s Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) technology. In aerial drones, where many electronics are crammed into a small space, neighboring devices can emit electromagnetic radiation, interfering with GNSS signals. AIM+ offers protection against such interference resulting in faster set-up times and robust continuous operation.

    The on-board IMU from Analog Devices is exceptionally robust against mechanical vibrations. This IMU combined with Septentrio’s anti-shock LOCK+ technology makes AsteRx-i D UAS resilient against impact during takeoff and landing.

    The AsteRx-i D UAS evaluation kit is now available in Septentrio’s online shop, which offers direct access to the company’s latest GNSS technology. For more information, contact [email protected].

    Related insight articles: Revolutionizing Precision Ag: drones with high-performance GPS+INS

    Featured image: Septentrio

  • Septentrio GPS/GNSS helps cars avoid collisions on a smart highway

    Septentrio GPS/GNSS helps cars avoid collisions on a smart highway

    Belgium has launched its first smart highway test environment. Septentrio GPS/GNSS receivers are integrated into vehicles and infrastructure to provide dependable, high-accuracy positioning and to aid sensor fusion in driverless navigation and truck platooning.

    Septentrio’s high-precision GPS/GNSS technology will be one of the key components in a Smart Highway system, which launched April 8 with a live demonstration in Antwerp, Belgium. A section of a highway will be dedicated as a test environment for technology which prepares Belgium for automated driving and truck platooning.

    When vehicles are aware of each other’s position and velocity, road efficiency and safety can be significantly improved by smoothing traffic flow and automatically breaking if slowing traffic is detected ahead.

    Roadside units along the highway will feature GNSS receivers acting as reference stations, sending out continuous positioning corrections. Onboard GNSS units will use these corrections together with built-in quality indicators to calculate trustworthy, sub-decimeter positioning. They will also provide precise timing for syncing the multitude of sensors onboard these “smart vehicles.”

    “We are excited to be a part of the Smart Highway testbed which is aimed at improving road safety and traffic flow,” said Jan Van Hees, business development director at Septentrio. “The automotive ecosystem is undergoing a shift towards automation enabled by the latest technology in communications, sensors and precise positioning. Our role in this project builds upon our strategy to continue providing high-accuracy, reliable positioning solutions aimed at the automotive industry.”

    The Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) technology shields Septentrio receivers from interference. On a highway, an increasing number of trucks are equipped with illegal jamming devices to avoid road tolling. These jamming devices can interfere with GPS signals used by other vehicles and infrastructure.

    Smart Highway is a project of the Flemish government coordinated by imec, a world-renowned research and innovation hub of nano-electronics and digital technology. Septentrio, Toyota, Ericsson and Telenet are contributing industry partners for the project, while UAntwerpen, UGent and others are research partners.

    On the European level, the CONCORDA project supports research and development of automated vehicle technology and infrastructure in Germany, Spain, France, Netherlands and Belgium.

    Featured image: Septentrio

  • Septentrio launches tiny Mosaic high-precision GNSS module

    Septentrio launches tiny Mosaic high-precision GNSS module

    Septentrio has launched the Mosaic high-precision GNSS receiver module.

    Despite its compact size (31 x 31 x 4 millimeters,  1.29 x 1.29 x 0.15 inches), the Mosaic module supports more than 30 signals from all six GNSS constellations, L-band and various satellite-based augmentation systems, the company said.

    As a multi-band module tracking all GNSS satellites in view, it is also designed to support future GNSS signals.

    It also supports correction services, and uses real-time kinematic (RTK) technology, together with Septentrio’s algorithms, to guarantee maximum accuracy and availability. The surface-mount design of Mosaic is optimized for automated assembly and ease of integration, with a full library of well-documented and flexible interfaces.

    “Our new Mosaic module represents the best-in-class option for reliable and scalable position accuracy, with integrity,” said Chris Lowet, product manager at Septentrio. According to Lowet, it provides RTK positioning with a power consumption of 0.6-1 W, and requires no or minimal additional components for the design-in. “These characteristics make it an ideal positioning cornerstone for a variety of mass market UAV, autonomous and robotics applications,” Lowet said.

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    Robustness to interference. Due to the natural weaknesses of distant GNSS signals and a crowded radio-frequency spectrum, GNSS-based services are vulnerable to unintentional radio-frequency interference (RFI). They are also vulnerable to intentional RFI, attacks intended to disrupt receivers by means of counterfeit GNSS-like signals (known as spoofing), and to intentional transmission of RF energy to mask GNSS signals with noise (known as jamming).

    To defend against these threats, Mosaic features Septentrio’s AIM+ technology. AIM+ can suppress the widest variety of interferers, from simple continuous narrowband signals to complex wideband and pulsed jammers, the company added. In addition, the integrated spectrum analyzer allows the RF environment around any Mosaic module to be viewed in real time in both time and frequency domains.

    Effective interference countermeasures against threats to GNSS signals also require constant knowledge of the changing RF environment. The Mosaic module helps analyze these threats by continuously and automatically monitoring the GNSS frequency spectrum to detect, characterize, log and mitigate interference events when needed.