Tag: Feature

Synaptics launches GNSS IC for IoT devices

Image: Synaptics

On Jan. 3, Synaptics released the SYN4778, a small, low power, accurate GNSS integrated circuit for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. SYN4778 is designed to extend battery life, reduce product size, and enhance performance of advanced location-based services for IoT devices, including wearables, mobile accessories, asset tagging and tracking systems, UAVS and transportation navigation.

SYN4778 includes advanced multi-path interference mitigation using L5 band signals from GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, NAVIC, SBAS, and Quasi Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). The chip also uses L1 satellite bands to reduce the time to first fix, as well as the power consumed, improving end-user experience, and enabling product developers to add additional functionality and features to their IoT devices.

This GNSS chip includes LTE jamming and signal filtering, and continuous — highly parallel — search and track of all GNSS channels for greater positioning accuracy for LBS applications, specifically in urban environments. Additionally, it offers support for multiple operating systems and third-party software to enable a broader range of application-optimized IoT devices.

SYN4778 is currently only available to select customers.

January 10, 2023
EUSPA releases updated OSNMA documents

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) along with the European Commission, have published guidelines that specify the baseline applicable to the Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) receiver service provision phase. The new documents include the OSNMA Signal-in-Space (SIS) Interface Control Document (ICD), and OSNMA Receiver Guidelines.

The OSNMA SIS ICD specifies, among other things, the interface between the Galileo Space Segment and the Galileo User Segment. This document is an addition to the Galileo Open Service (OS) SIS ICD.

The OSNMA Receiver Guidelines provide generic instructions for the user segment implementation of the OSNMA functionality and complement the OSNMA SIS ICD. Additionally, the guidelines explain user capabilities and steps to implement to verify the authenticity of the Galileo navigation message.

Both documents will be used for the upcoming OSNMA Service Provision Phase that will begin after the OSNMA Service Declaration. They have been developed as an evolution of the Galileo OSNMA User ICD for test phase (v1.0) and the Galileo OSNMA Receiver Guidelines for test phase (v1.1). Copies of the documents can be found here.

January 3, 2023
New California law targets OEMs of autonomous vehicles

California lawmakers have passed a bill prohibiting OEMs of autonomous vehicles from marketing their vehicles as ‘fully self-driving.’ This law went into effect Jan. 1.

This legislation was passed in mid-September of 2022 and states that manufacturers are prohibited from selling new passenger vehicles with autonomous driving features without fully disclosing their capabilities and limitations. Companies such as Tesla, and other OEMs in California, will no longer be able to market vehicles as ‘fully autonomous,’ as the new bill states that it is “considered a misleading advertisement.”

Any violation of the new legislation will be punished as an infraction. Based on this, it is unclear what the exact punishment will be for OEMs that violate this policy.

Senate Bill No. 1398 will be added to Section 24011.5 of California’s vehicle code. The full bill can be found here.

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January 3, 2023
Atwell acquires Dempsey Surveying Company

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On Dec. 28, Atwell, a Michigan-based, full-service consulting, engineering, and construction services firm, announced its agreement to acquire Dempsey Surveying Company, expanding business in the Midwest. The deal is expected to close on Dec. 31.

The acquisition of Dempsey Surveying Company, based in Cleveland, Ohio, broadens Atwell’s presence in the Midwest and expands surveying capabilities, as well as other services, to new and existing clients.

Dempsey Surveying Company’s services include topographic surveys, construction staking, boundary services, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood elevation certificates, surface model TINs, GPS services, aerial mapping, and UAV services. The company has a variety of clients across several industries and has maintained more than 50 years of survey records.

This is Atwell’s third acquisition this quarter. In November, Atwell acquired Cross Surveying, a Florida-based land surveying firm, and Ben Dyer Associates, a Maryland-based engineering firm.

January 3, 2023
ASENSING ready to expand positioning solutions to global partners

ASENSING, a Chinese positioning solutions company for autonomous vehicles, is ready to provide its navigation systems globally. The company already has more than 500,000 autonomous vehicles integrated with its navigation systems and is discussing global product expansion with major Western brands.

ASENSING is the first in series production of an automotive solution that combines IMU and GNSS, enabling it to develop an algorithm to maintain navigation accuracy at various temperatures. Its positioning solutions are designed for autonomous driving at L2 level and above and meet functional safety requirements.

ASENSING has received nominations from more than 20 OEMs to provide solutions for more than 70 vehicle models. Additionally, the company has partnerships with traditional brands such as SAIC, Geely, and Chery, as well as with new energy vehicle makers, including XPeng, Li Auto, and NIO.

The company has three global branches, in the United States, Germany, and Japan with plans to launch more smart plants in east and south China to accommodate for an influx of orders. ASENSING will exhibit its mass-produced positioning solutions at the Consumer Technology Association’s Consumer Electronics Show 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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December 27, 2022