GPS World

Tag: OEM

  • Launchpad: Lidar scanners, OEMs and anti-jamming receivers

    Launchpad: Lidar scanners, OEMs and anti-jamming receivers

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the January 2024 issue of GPS World magazine.

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Image: ComNav

    Laser Scanning Measurement System
    Compatible with specialized kits

    The LS300 3D laser scanning measurement system utilizes simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology and advanced real-time mapping techniques. The LS300 3D operates autonomously, independent of GNSS positioning, making it ideal for harsh conditions in both indoor and outdoor environments.
    LS300 includes a 120-meter working range and a sampling rate of 0.32 million points per second. Its point cloud accuracy is designed to perform in low reflectivity extended-range mode. The system is compatible with specialized kits, including the handheld form, back kit, car mount, and UAV kit.
    By using data processing software specifically designed and developed for the LS series, users can handle large volumes of point cloud data and simplify complex tasks, including point cloud denoising, point cloud splicing, shadow rendering, coordinate transformation, automatic horizontal plane fitting, automatic point cloud data report generation, forward photography, and point cloud encapsulation.

    During data post-processing, users can input absolute coordinates of control points, allowing these control points to adjust the data and improve scanning data accuracy. The LS300 incorporates a redundant battery design with two hot-swappable batteries, designed to prolong operation without frequent charging or interruptions.
    ComNav Technology, comnavtech.com

    Image: Kosminis Vytis

    Anti-jamming receiver
    A jamming protector for legacy receivers

    The KV-AJ3 tri-band anti-jamming receiver combines a digital antenna control unit (DACU) and a GNSS receiver. KV-AJ3 can be used as a jamming protector for legacy receivers or as a stand-alone GNSS receiver solution.
    The tri-band solution decreases interferences from up to three directions in three frequency bands, including S-band. This approach is designed to provide significantly higher protection against interference compared to single-frequency devices.
    The receiver has a digital port for navigation data output. Jamming-free RF signals can also be delivered to external non-protected GNSS receivers to obtain position, velocity, and time.

    KV-AJ3 contains a MEMS inertial sensor, which allows for GNSS-aided INS solutions where coordinates and attitude angles are required.
    Kosminis Vytis, kosminis-vytis.lt

    Image: RIEGL

    Lidar sensor
    Designed for high-speed airborne missions

    The VUX-180-24 offers a field of view of 75º and a pulse repetition rate of up to 2.4 MHz. These features – in combination with an increased scan speed of up to 800 lines per second – which makes the VUX-180-24 suitable for high-speed surveying missions and applications where an optimal line and point distribution is required.
    Typical applications include mapping and monitoring of critical infrastructure such as power lines, railway tracks, pipelines, and runways. The VUX-180-24 provides mechanical and electrical interfaces for IMU/GNSS integration and up to five external cameras.
    This sensor can be coupled with RIEGL’s VUX-120, VU-160, and VUX-240 series UAVs. The system is available as a stand-alone sensor or in various fully integrated laser scanning system configurations with IMU/GNSS systems and optional cameras.
    RIEGL, riegl.com

    Image: DroneShield

    UAV detection technology
    A 3D data fusion engine for complex environments

    SensorFusionAI (SFAI) is a sensor-agnostic, 3D data fusion engine for complex environments. It accommodates all common UAV detection modalities, including radiofrequency, radar, acoustics, and cameras.

    SFAI allows third-party C2 manufacturers to integrate SFAI into its C2 systems. This integration can be achieved through a subscription-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, enhancing system performance.

    Key features of SFAI include behavior analysis to track an object to determine classification and predict trajectory; threat assessment that determines threat level based on a range of data types; and an edge processing device called SmartHub for reduced network load and high scalability.
    DroneShield, droneshield.com

    Image: Topodrone

    Thermal mapping solution
    Designed for UAVs

    The PT61 camera is a thermal mapping solution for UAVs. The camera system provides detailed thermal orthomosaic maps and accurate 3D models. Developed in partnership with Agrowing, the PT61 is a versatile tool designed for multispectral data collection in renewable energy and other domains.
    The PT61 combines a 61-megapixel camera with integrated thermal imaging capability. It can also switch between RGB and multispectral modes, which aims to increase its versatility and address the increasing need for comprehensive data acquisition in various industrial and environmental applications.
    Integrated with Agrowing’s multispectral lenses, the camera offers detail across 10 spectral bands and an infrared band, making it ideal for solar plant inspection and dam management.
    The enhanced Topodrone post-processing software complements the hardware by streamlining remote sensing tasks, ensuring surveyors and researchers can achieve high levels of efficiency.
    Topodrone, topodrone.com

    OEM

    PhotImage: Furuno

    Dual-band GNSS receiver
    Achieves 50cm position accuracy without correction data

    eRideOPUS 9 is a dual-band GNSS receiver chip that achieves 50cm position accuracy without correction data. eRideOPUS 9 is designed to provide absolute position information and can be used as a reference for lane identification, which is essential for services such as autonomous driving. It also serves as a reference for determining the final self-position through cameras, lidar, and HD maps.

    The eRideOPUS 9 supports all navigation satellite systems currently in operation, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and NavIC. It can also receive L1 and L5 signals. The L5 band signals are transmitted at a chipping rate 10 times higher than L1 signals, which improves positioning accuracy in environments where radio waves are reflected or diffracted by structures, such as in urban areas — a phenomenon known as multipath.
    A dual-band GNSS module incorporating eRideOPUS 9 is being jointly developed with Alps Alpine Co. and is scheduled for future release as the UMSZ6 series.
    Furuno Electric Co., Furunousa.com

    Image: RIEGL

    Lidar scanning module
    Designed for OEM integration

    The VQ-680 compact airborne lidar scanner OEM is designed to be integrated with large-format cameras or other sensors in complex hybrid system solutions.
    It can be mounted inside a camera system connected to the IMU/GNSS system and various camera modules through a sturdy mechanical interface. The VQ-680 has laser pulse repetition rates of up to 2.4 MHz and 2 million measurements per second.
    The VQ-680 is ideal for large-scale applications in urban mapping, forestry, and power line surveying. With a field view of 60º and RIEGL’s nadir/forward/backward (NFB) scanning, the system offers five scan directions up to ± 20º.
    RIEGL, riegl.com

    Image: Inertial Labs

    INS
    A product for avionic applications

    The ADC inertial navigation system (INS) is designed to calculate and provide air data parameters, including altitude, air speed, air density, outside air temperature, and windspeed for avionic applications.
    ADC’s compact form simplifies integration into existing UAV systems with strict size and weight requirements. The INS calculates the air data parameters using information received from the integrated pitot and static pressure sensors, along with an outside air temperature probe.
    This compact device consumes less than one watt of power. It is designed for demanding environments, has an IP67 rating, and integrates total and static pressure sensors to calculate indicated airspeed accurately. ADC supports aiding data from external GNSS receivers and ambient air data, enhancing its precision in a variety of flight conditions.
    Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

    Image: VectorNav

    Two tactical-grade IMU
    With L5 capabilities

    The VN-210-S GNSS/INS combines a tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) comprised of a 3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer with a triple-frequency GNSS receiver. The integrated 448-channel GNSS receiver from Septentrio adds several capabilities, including L5 frequencies, moving baseline real-time kinematics with centimeter-level accuracy, support for Galileo OSNMA, and robust interference mitigation.

    These capabilities and high-quality hardware offer improved positioning performance in radio frequency-congested and GNSS-denied environments.
    The VN-310-S dual GNSS/INS leverages VectorNav’s tactical-grade IMU and integrates two 448-channel GNSS receivers to enable GNSS-compassing for accurate heading estimations in stationary and low-dynamic operations. The VN-310-S also gains support for OSNMA and robust interference mitigation, offering reliable position data across a variety of applications and environments.

    The VN-210-S and VN-310-S are packaged in a precision-milled, anodized aluminum enclosure designed to MIL standards and are IP68-rated. For ultra-low SWaP applications, VectorNav has introduced L5 capabilities to the VN-210E (embedded) when using an externally integrated L5-band GNSS receiver.
    VectorNav, vectornav.com

    Image: Point One Navigation

    Real-time INS
    Used in large fleets

    The Atlas inertial navigation system (INS) is designed for autonomous vehicles, mapping, and other applications. Atlas provides users with ground-truth level accuracy in real-time, which can streamline engineering workflows, significantly reduce project costs, and improve operational efficiency.
    Atlas is designed to be used in large fleets. It integrates a highly accurate, low-cost GNSS receiver and IMU with the Polaris RTK corrections network and sensor fusion algorithms. The company aims to make it easier for businesses to equip their entire autonomous fleets with high-accuracy INS.
    The system features a user-friendly interface, on-device data storage, and both ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. Field engineers can easily configure and operate Atlas using smartphones, tablets, and in-car displays.

    Atlas can be used in a variety of sectors, including autonomous vehicles, robotics, mapping, and photogrammetry. Its real-time capabilities and affordability can enhance the widespread deployment of ground truth-level location in fleet operations.
    Point One Navigation, pointonenav.com

    UAVImage: CHCNAV

    USV
    For autonomous bathymetric surveys

    The Apache 3 Pro is an advanced compact hydrographic unmanned surface vehicle (USV) designed for autonomous bathymetric surveys in shallow waters. With its lightweight carbon fiber hull, IP67 rating, and semi-recessed motor, the Apache 3 Pro offers exceptional durability and maneuverability.

    The Apache 3 Pro uses CHCNAV’s proprietary GNSS RTK + inertial navigation sensor to provide consistent, high-precision positioning and heading data even when navigating under bridges or in areas with obstructed satellite signals. The built-in CHCNAV D270 echosounder enables reliable depth measurement from 0.2 m to 40 m.
    The USV is equipped with a millimeter-wave radar system that detects obstacles within a 110° field of view. When an obstacle is encountered, the USV autonomously charts a new course to safely navigate around it. The vessel uses both 4G and 2.4GHz networks to facilitate effective data transfer.

    Even with a fully integrated payload, the USV can be easily deployed and controlled by a single operator in a variety of environmental conditions.
    The Apache 3 Pro ensures reliable communications through its integrated SIM and network bridge with automatic switching. It also features seamless cloud-based remote monitoring that offers real-time status updates to enhance control and security. Its semi-recessed brushless internal rotor motors minimize drafts, which can improve the USV’s maneuverability in varying water depths.
    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Image: Kosminis Vytis

    Anti-jamming receiver
    Provides stable navigation in three frequency bands

    KV-AJ3-A provides a stable navigation signal in three frequency bands, including S-band, even in the presence of jamming and other harsh conditions. The technology is MIL-STD compliant and meets the EMI/EMC requirements for avionics.

    The direction of interfering signals is determined using a phased array antenna, which can then remove jamming signals from up to three directions. The original signal is either restored and delivered to external GNSS receivers or processed by the internal receiver to obtain position data.
    The key components of this anti-jamming device are based on custom ASICs that allow users to achieve high jamming suppression and SWaP. KV-AJ3-A can be used for fixed installations and land, sea, and air platforms, including UAVs.
    Kosminis Vytis, kosminis-vytis.lt

    Image: Kosminis Vytis

    Development kit
    With anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities

    This eight-channel, CRPA, anti-jamming development kit is a set of instruments designed to help users add anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities to their receivers.
    The main development tool is NT1069x8_FMC — an eight-channel receiver board. The eight coherent channels are based on NT1069, the RF application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that supports a high dynamic range of input signals.

    Each channel performs amplification, down-conversion of GNSS signal to intermediate frequency (IF) and subsequent filtering and digitization by 14-bit ADC at 100 MSPS.

    The board is compatible with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, and QZSS signals in the L1, L2, L3, L5 and S bands. Each RF channel has an individual RF input with the option to feed power to an active antenna.

    The board also has an embedded GNSS receiver and an up-converter, or modulator, which can provide connection to an external GNSS receiver.
    Kosminis Vytis, kosminis-vytis.lt

  • Point One Navigation expands Polaris RTK location network to South Korea

    Point One Navigation expands Polaris RTK location network to South Korea

    Image: Point One Navigation
    Image: Point One Navigation

    Point One Navigation has expanded its Polaris real-time kinematic (RTK) location network to South Korea.

    The network is set to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the country. Existing Polaris customers can use the South Korean integration to enhance the precision and efficiency of their location-based projects.

    Polaris offers centimeter-level accurate GNSS positioning with accuracy ranging from 1 cm to 10 cm, which makes it ideal for challenging environments, such as urban areas with limited sky view. Unlike standard GNSS systems — which face position uncertainty due to atmospheric signal delay, satellite orbit variation, clock drift and signal multipath — the Polaris network counters these issues using additional information from compact base stations.

    Point One’s FusionEngine software further integrates inertial measurement, wheel odometry and additional sensors to achieve the desired level of precision in the complete absence of satellite signals.

    The Polaris network with FusionEngine software can be used as a precision location service for autonomy and robotics applications. Polaris supports all major GNSS constellations and has an extremely dense global network of base stations that cover the United States, Europe, New Zealand, South Korea, and parts of Canada and Australia.

    Developers can integrate the Polaris RTK network and FusionEngine software using GraphQL API. The network can be built into demanding applications such as industrial autonomy, precision agriculture, logistics and delivery, robots and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

  • OxTS introduces GNSS/IMU

    OxTS introduces GNSS/IMU

    Image: OxTS
    Image: OxTS

    OxTS has introduced the RT3000 v4 GNSS inertial measurement unit (IMU).

    By combining two survey-grade GNSS receivers with OxTS’ latest IMU10 inertial technology, the RT3000 v4 offers uninterrupted position, orientation and dynamics in challenging environments.

    The IMU will reach the desired specification within three minutes of low dynamic movements, which reduces the time and space required for high dynamic maneuvers before each data collection.

    Users can customize the INS with optional features and software integrations to create the ideal INS for individualized projects, including lidar surveying and mapping or positioning in GNSS-denied or challenged environments.

  • Septentrio launches smart antenna for machine control

    Septentrio launches smart antenna for machine control

    Image: Septentrio
    Image: Septentrio

    Septentrio has launched the AntaRx smart antenna designed for machine automation and control in construction, precision agriculture and logistics.

    The smart antenna is enclosed in a rugged and compact housing for simplified installation. It can handle high levels of shocks and vibrations which makes it ideal for harsh industrial environments such as construction and mining.

    The multi-frequency receiver offers centimeter-level real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and can be used in inertial navigation system (INS) integration, dual antenna mode and 4G cellular communication. It is available in several configurations, including as a GNSS smart antenna or a GNSS/INS smart antenna system and can be integrated as an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

    AntaRx is the latest addition to Septentrio’s machine control GNSS receiver portfolio. The receiver technology integrates the company’s GNSS+ algorithms, including advanced multipath mitigation, which offers uninterrupted operation in challenging conditions such as near high structures or machinery.

  • ANELLO launches 3-axis optical gyroscope IMU

    ANELLO launches 3-axis optical gyroscope IMU

    Image: ANELLO Photonics
    Image: ANELLO Photonics

    ANELLO Photonics has released the ANELLO X3, its 3-axis optical gyroscope inertial measurement unit (IMU) designed for GPS-denied and challenging environments.

    The IMU leverages ANELLO SiPhOG (Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope) technology and serves as a light, low-power tri-axial optical gyroscope offering high accuracy, performance and reliability for autonomous applications.

    The ANELLO X3 can be used in a variety of applications, including autonomous commercial and defense applications involving robots, UAVs, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and various maritime and land vehicle applications, including high-accuracy surveying and mapping.

  • Antenova releases L1 GNSS ceramic antenna

    Antenova releases L1 GNSS ceramic antenna

    Image: Antenova
    Image: Antenova

    Antenova, a UK-based manufacturer of IoT (Internet of Things) antennas and GNSS modules, has released the Admotus antenna, the latest addition to its product line of ceramic antennas.

    The Admotus is a surface-mount ceramic antenna designed for connectivity on L1 GNSS signals on all constellations, including GPS-L1 at 1575.42 MHz; GLONASS L1, 1602MHz; Galileo L1, 1575.42 MHz; BeiDou (B1); and QZSS. The compact antenna offers comparable performance to a small patch antenna on a small ground plane.

    The ceramic antenna has an ultra-low profile measuring a mere 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.5mm, requires 7.0 x 15mm clearance area and offers improved performance on small PCB sizes.

    It offers a peak gain of 0.9dBi with an average gain of –2.6dB and offers maximum return loss of –11.5dB and a maximum VSWR 1.8:1. A companion evaluation PCB is also available for internal analysis.

    The Admotus ceramic antenna is suitable for all GNSS positioning applications in the L1 band (1559 – 1609 MHz) such as wearable devices for fitness and medical monitoring, small portable tracking devices used to track keys, pets, bikes, UAVs, agricultural robotics and telematics devices.

  • SiTime Corporation launches PNT platform

    SiTime Corporation launches PNT platform

    Image: SiTime Corporation
    Image: SiTime Corporation

    SiTime Corporation, a precision and timing company, has released its Endura Epoch Platform. The platform is designed to provide robust and resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services critical in defense operations.

    The MEMS oven-controlled oscillator (OCXO) can boost the resilience of PNT systems and other equipment, including radars, field and airborne radios, satcom terminals and avionics against spoofing, jamming and other disruptions in GPS signals.

    Building off of the Epoch Platform launched in September 2023, the Endura Epoch MEMS OCXOs are designed to meet the challenging shock and vibration conditions found in aerospace and defense. These devices are manufactured using proven semiconductor processes that deliver the reliability and quality expected from silicon devices that cannot be achieved by quartz crystal OCXOs, especially in extreme conditions.

    The Endura Epoch Platform MEMS OCXO greatly simplifies timing system design due to superior performance and delivers a significant improvement in size, weight and power (SWaP). Key features and benefits compared to quartz crystal OCXOs include:

    • Programmable frequencies from 10 to 220 MHz
    • Rated at 20,000 g shock survivability
    • Up to 20 times better frequency stability over temperature
    • Up to 3 times better Allan deviation, a measure of short-term frequency stability
    • Surface-mountable, small footprint and low height 9.0 mm x 7.0 mm x 3.6 mm
    • Low weight of 0.35 g
    • 420 mW steady state power
  • Qualcomm chipsets support NavIC L1 signals

    Qualcomm chipsets support NavIC L1 signals

    qualcomm technologiesQualcomm Technologies will now support India’s Navigation and Indian Constellation (NavIC) recently launched L1 signals in select chipset platforms.

    The company, which is working with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), said the collaboration will accelerate the adoption of NavIC and enhance geolocation capabilities for use in mobile, automotive and IoT applications.

    Qualcomm will offer a solution based on its Location Suite, which supports as many as seven satellite constellations simultaneously. These include all of NavIC’s L1 and L5 signals for location, faster time-to-first fix position collection and location-based service, the company said.

    Additional support for the NavIC L1 signals will be available in select chipset platforms starting in the second half of 2024, the company said. However, the company said that commercial devices that support NavIC L1 signals will not be available until the first half of 2025.

    The company plans to demonstrate its support for the NavIC L1 signals in the Snapdragon mobile platforms at its Qualcomm Innovation Forum event in December 2023.

  • Furuno introduces dual-band GNSS receiver chip

    Furuno introduces dual-band GNSS receiver chip

    PhotImage: Furuno
    Image: Furuno

    Furuno Electric Co. has released its dual-band GNSS receiver chip, eRideOPUS 9, which can achieve 50cm position accuracy without correction data.

    The product is designed to provide absolute position information and can be used as a reference for lane identification, which is essential for services such as autonomous driving. It also serves as a reference for determining the final self-position through cameras, lidar and HD maps.

    By using Furuno’s Extended Carrier Aiding technology, the product can achieve high-precision positioning, which eliminates the need for RTK reference stations, correction data usage and correction data reception components.

    The eRideOPUS 9 supports all navigation satellite systems currently in operation, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and NavIC. It can also receive L1 and L5 signals. The L5 band signals are transmitted at a chipping rate 10 times higher than L1 signals, which reduces the effects of multipath. The L5 signals also improve positioning accuracy in environments where radio waves are reflected or diffracted by structures, such as in urban areas.

    A dual-band GNSS module incorporating eRideOPUS 9 is being jointly developed with Alps Alpine Co. and is scheduled for future release as the UMSZ6 series.

  • From testing GPS to assuring PNT

    From testing GPS to assuring PNT

    A Spirent user employs a portable GSS6450 attached to an antenna to record GPS, other GNSS, and complementary signals for resilient PNT testing. (Image: Spirent)
    A Spirent user employs a portable GSS6450 attached to an antenna to record GPS, other GNSS, and complementary signals for resilient PNT testing. (Image: Spirent)

    What is Spirent’s GPS origin story?

    Spirent’s GPS genesis began on a rooftop in the middle of the night in the early 1980s. Engineers were attempting to acquire the new GPS signals with their receivers, scheduling their lives around the times when satellites would pass overhead, angling antennas off a roof in the dark, and hoping for favorable conditions. Those difficulties inspired an idea: since real-world conditions are never the same twice, simulating the signals in a lab would control variables and provide repeatable and trustworthy results.

    That idea grew to be Spirent’s positioning division — a team of experts whose sole focus is to partner with customers to accelerate the deployment of robust PNT technology. In 1985, one of the first groundbreaking simulators provided to a customer generated six GPS L1/L2 signals. Soon after, we developed the world’s first simulator with SA-A/S capability, establishing our reputation for innovation. Today, simulation is for much more than convenience. The further upstream testing starts, the better for R&D and investment decisions. Because of that, we work across the spectrum in close partnership with constellation developers, receiver manufacturers, and OEM application integrators.

    Can you share a recent breakthrough?

    GPS regional military protection (RMP) is a nascent anti-jamming capability that uses a steerable, narrow-beam M-code signal, allowing U.S. and allied forces to operate much closer to interference without losing connection. Spirent supports RMP, so modernized GPS user equipment (MGUE) can be tested and integrated with RMP long before live-sky signals are available.
    Another major breakthrough is in AltNav, a catch-all term that includes non-GNSS sources of RF and other complementary PNT, with recent attention focused on low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations. Spirent has developed LEO AltNav simulators for both the military and commercial sectors that seamlessly integrate with Spirent’s extensive testbed for GNSS, threat simulation, inertial navigation systems, and additional complementary PNT.

    How is your company preparing for the next 50 years of PNT with GPS and beyond?

    As a trusted industry test partner, one of Spirent’s guiding principles over the past five decades has been to support PNT developers and early adopters by being first-to-market with new signals and constellations. Enabled by our flexible solutions, our dedication to that tenet will continue across the next five decades.

    NAVWAR resilience testing is an area where emerging test needs will continue to demand more from the test environment. Layered PNT positioning engines — including GNSS, secure military signals, CRPA systems, multi-orbit architectures, and sensor fusion — are driving complexity in the test regimes that support them. Spirent’s purpose-built solutions are designed to meet these advancements, with deterministic simulation that delivers definitive validation and accurate test results.

    Spirent pioneered the use of software-defined radios for GNSS simulation with the GSS9000, which enabled the same architecture to support new signal types, higher motion rates, user-defined waveforms, and more than double the generated signals. The next generation will extend that flexibility, capacity, and ease of integration to future complementary PNT sources while maintaining system performance across physical and virtual realms.

  • RIEGL launches three airborne survey systems

    RIEGL launches three airborne survey systems

    RIEGL has released three airborne survey products. The three systems are designed to enhance sensor performances and capabilities in various segments, from terrestrial, to mobile and airborne applications.

    RIEGL VQX-2 – Helicopter pod for airborne surveying

    Image: RIEGL
    Image: RIEGL

    The VQX-2 helicopter pod is  designed for airborne data collection. It integrates a RIEGL laser scanner, a high-performance IMU/GNSS unit, and up to five cameras. It also can be easily mounted and dismounted onto UAVs.

    The VQX-2 can be used in a variety of applications such as corridor mapping, surveying large areas from high altitudes, monitoring glaciers and landslides and more. The solution includes the corresponding cabling; a “Minor Change Approval” is already available for Airbus Helicopters AS350 series helicopters.

    RIEGL VQ-680 OEM – Airborne lidar scanning module for OEM integration

    Image: RIEGL
    Image: RIEGL

    The VQ-680 compact airborne lidar scanner OEM is designed to be integrated with large-format cameras or other sensors in complex hybrid system solutions.

    The module can be mounted inside a camera system connected to the IMU/GNSS system and various camera modules through a sturdy mechanical interface. It also has laser pulse repetition rates of up to 2.4 MHz and 2 million measurements per second.

    The VQ-680 is ideal for large-scale applications in urban mapping, forestry and power line surveying, the company says. With a wide field view of 60º and RIEGL’s nadir/forward/backward (NFB) scanning, the system offers five scan directions up to ± 20º. This technology provides users exceptional coverage of vertical structures such as building facades or power poles at high accuracy.  

    The OEM’s sister type, the VQ-680, is offered as a high-end airborne lidar scanner that offers the full range of performance in a compact and lightweight scanner. This scanner can be coupled with up to six high-resolution RGB/NIR cameras and mounted onto appropriate aircraft hatches with or without using stabilized platforms. 

    RIEGL VUX-180-24 –UAV lidar sensor for high-speed surveying missions 

    Image: RIEGL
    Image: RIEGL

    The VUX-180-24 offers a wide field of view of 75º and a high pulse repetition rate of up to 2.4 MHz. These features – in combination with an increased scan speed of up to 800 lines per second – make it suitable for high-speed surveying missions and applications where an optimal line and point distribution is required.

    Typical applications include mapping and monitoring of critical infrastructure such as power lines, railway tracks, pipelines, and runways. The  VUX-180-24 provides mechanical and electrical interfaces for IMU/GNSS integration and up to five external cameras. For smooth and straight forward data storage, an internal SSD memory with 2 TByte storage capacity and a removable CFast memory card are available.

    This sensor can be coupled with RIEGL’s VUX-120, VU-160, and VUX-240 series UAVs. The system is available as a stand-alone sensor or in various fully integrated laser scanning system configurations with IMU/GNSS systems and optional cameras.

  • Inertial Labs launches INS for avionic applications

    Inertial Labs launches INS for avionic applications

    Image: Inertial Labs
    Image: Inertial Labs

    Inertial Labs has introduced its ADC inertial navigation system (INS) designed to calculate and provide air data parameters, including altitude, air speed, air density, outside air temperature (OAT) and windspeed for avionic applications.

    ADC’s compact form makes it easy for users to integrate into existing UAV systems with strict size and weight requirements. The INS calculates the air data parameters using information received from the integrated pitot and static pressure sensors, and an outside air temperature probe.

    This compact device consumes less than one watt of power. It is designed for the most demanding environments, has a IP67 rating, and integrates total and static pressure sensors to calculate indicated airspeed accurately. ADC also supports aiding data from external GNSS receivers and ambient air data, which enhances its precision in a variety of flight conditions.