The BroadSim Advanced GNSS Simulator (Photo: Orolia)
Orolia Defense & Security offers a range of solutions that support critical positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems for Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) domains. Orolia is approved to work on the full spectrum of U.S. government classified and unclassified projects and is positioned to support strategic partnerships in the development of key positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technologies for the defense market.
BroadSim Advanced GNSS Simulator. Powered by the Skydel software engine, BroadSim provides software-defined features and benefits, with additional capabilities and specifications for applications requiring maximum security and compliance. With 100+ units fielded, BroadSim is trusted by the U.S. government, military and industry.
Broadsim supports encrypted signals (Y-code, M-AES, and M-MNSA) and provides advanced jamming and spoofing simulation. Scalable configurations for testing CRPA/antenna electronics systems (anechoic and wavefront) are available. BroadSim has four independent RF outputs and runs on a custom Linux operating system.
Interference Detection & Mitigation (IDM). Orolia’s IDM technology is patented, rigorously tested and field proven for more than a decade, while regularly updated to conform to new and emerging threats. BroadShield provides embedded GPS jamming and spoofing detection, serving as a kill switch. BroadSense offers mobile detection for situational awareness, and ThreatBlocker provides protection with in-line detection and suppression.
Resilient PNT. Orolia’s resilient PNT solutions improve the reliability, performance and safety of customers’ mission-critical operations for air, land, sea and space applications.
The 8230 AJ GPS/GNSS anti-jam outdoor antenna is a high-gain (40-dB) GNSS outdoor antenna with a unique conical pattern that rejects interference from the horizon. IP67-rated, it is designed for harsh environments.
The VersaPNT provides a rugged and resilient PNT source. The all-in-one customizable system delivers accurate, software-configurable PNT signals and high-performance for mobile applications in GNSS-degraded and denied environments.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is hosting the 2020 GPS Equipment Testing for Critical Infrastructure (GET-CI) event. This event will take place during the summer of 2020.
The revised the due date for responses is May 8, 2020. Visit this site for more information.
S&T’s GET-CI events are a series of annual evaluation events intended for manufacturers of commercial GPS equipment used in critical infrastructure as well as critical infrastructure owners and operators.
DHS S&T recognizes the importance of accurate and precise position, navigation and timing (PNT) information to critical infrastructure and has a dedicated multi-year program to address GPS vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, with a multi-pronged approach of conducting vulnerability and impact assessments, developing mitigations, exploring complementary timing technologies, and engaging with industry through outreach events and meetings.
Through these sustained efforts, the goal of the program is to increase the resiliency of critical infrastructure to GPS vulnerabilities in the near-term future.
Examples of measures that can be taken to enhance resiliency can be found in a DHS issued set of best practices released via ICS-CERT, titled “Improving the Operation and Development of Global Positioning System (GPS) Equipment Used by Critical Infrastructure.”
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the May 2020 issue of GPS World magazine.
SURVEYING & MAPPING
RTK thermal mapper
Asphalt paving with RTK positioning
Photo: Topcon
The Thermal Mapper is designed to monitor temperature segregation to prevent future problems and measure performance, as well as provide accurate compliance reporting, using real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning accuracy. It records temperature readings behind an asphalt paver during paving and provides a visualization to operators in real time of whether the mix falls within a predefined temperature range. If the readings are unacceptable, operators can make adjustments. The system also creates data reporting files to download for applications such as U.S. Department of Energy compliance through the interactive Pavelink module, the Topcon cloud-based logistics application for asphalt paving.
The Z-Boat 1800-T unmanned survey vessel is equipped with Trimble’s high-precision GNSS heading receiver and compatible with Trimble Marine Construction (TMC) software. The Z-Boat 1800-T enables marine construction and dredging projects to run efficiently and be monitored in real time anywhere in the world. The Z-Boat 1800-T is a high-resolution shallow-water hydrographic unmanned survey vehicle with the newly released Odom Hydrographic Echotrac E20 Singlebeam Echosounder and dual-antenna Trimble BX992 GNSS heading receiver. Each sensor is integrated into a compact, portable package for marine construction and allows data collection under harsh conditions. Both sensors can be removed and mounted on other watercraft and barges.
The 280MP Aerial Solution has an image coverage width of more than 20,000 pixels. The large format enables high-quality aerial surveys. Compact and lightweight, the aerial mapping solution consists of an iXM-RS 280F large-format camera, Applanix GNSS/inertial measurement unit (IMU) POS-AV receiver, DSM 400 Somag gyro-stabilized mount, Phase One iX Controller and iX Flight Management software. It is designed for use in a wide range of aircraft.
The Atlans Series of FOG-based inertial navigation systems (INS) is designed for land and air mobile-mapping applications. Based on iXBlue’s fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) technology, the Atlans Series is a scalable range of north-seeking and north-keeping INS. They provide FOG performance to the full spectrum of land and air mobile-mapping applications and offer highly accurate positioning up to 0.01 meter in all conditions, including within GNSS-denied environments such as urban canyons, mountainous or forested areas.
The Maptitude 2020 U.S. Census Blocks Groups data is now available for the United States. The small-area Census Summary Level is packed with neighborhood information for making accurate geography-based decisions. Users can explore locations by income, income growth, daytime population, age, race, gender, ethnicity, occupation, housing characteristics and more. The data can be leveraged by data scientists and market research analysts using the Maptitude application. The files are also available as shapefile, KML, KMZ or GeoJSON.
The high-performance LandMark 60 INS/GPS and compact LandMark 005 INS/GPS both feature advanced sensor-fusion technology, combining a 72-channel GNSS receiver with low-noise, high-output inertial sensors as well as barometric pressure and magnetometers. Both products use proprietary Velox processing technology and an extended Kalman filter (EKF), enabling precision position information during short-term GPS outages. The units provide accuracy of less than 2 nautical miles per hour during short-term GPS outages. The LandMark 60 provides +/– 0.3° heading accuracy and pitch/roll angle measurements of 0.1°. It is also available with an option for a real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS receiver. The LandMark 005 is less than 35 square centimeters, suitable for space-constrained applications that require a high standard of performance. Applications include flight control, navigation and stabilization for imaging, platforms and antennas. A development kit is available for set-up, configuration and data collection.
The IQCM-112 series of GNSS-disciplined oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs) incorporates an internal GNSS receiver with a 1-PPS output, which is compatible with an external GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo source. It is housed in a 14-pin 60-millimeter-square package. When coupled to an external aerial antenna via the incorporated SMA connector, in the event of the loss of the GNSS signal the highly specified 10-MHz OCXO will switch in with a holdover capability of 1.5 µseconds for a 24-hour period, thereby maintaining lock until restoration of the reference signal. The standard operating temperature range of the module is –20° to 75° C, but it is also available with a –40° to 85° C operating temperature range. Other holdover specifications can be considered upon request.
The HC977 covers GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a, IRNSS-L5 and L-Band correction services, as well as GLONASS-G2. Tallysman helical antennas are designed for high-accuracy applications where precision and light weight matter, such as unmanned aerial vehicles. The antennas are available in either a robust IP67 enclosure or an embedded format. The HC977 features a low current, low noise amplifier (LNA) that includes an integrated low-loss pre-filter to protect against harmonic interference from high amplitude interfering signals, such as 700-MHz band LTE and other near in-band cellular signals.
The RG500Q is a series of 5G sub-6-GHz modules optimized for internet of things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. It supports the Qualcomm IZat location technology Gen9C Lite (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou/Compass, Galileo and QZSS). The integrated GNSS receiver greatly simplifies product design and provides quick, accurate and dependable positioning capability. The RG500Q is provided in two variants: RG500Q-EA and RG500Q-NA. The RG500Q-EA 5G NR module has achieved commercial readiness and is now available to support global customers with mass deployment.
The V-150 is optimized for use from small naval vessels. It can be employed to support the homeland security, oil and gas and energy sectors. The UAV, which is free from International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions, incorporates two payload bays: up to 30 kilograms (kg) in the main bay and up to 12 kg in the nose. Within these, it provides a variety of payload options, including powerful electro optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, hyperspectral and multispectral cameras for airborne remote sensing, lidar and a variety of small tactical synthetic aperture radars (SAR) for delivering real-time intelligence in all weather conditions.
The SP-56 series is a family of small two-cylinder engines for UAVs. It can be integrated into small helicopters, which require smoother engine operation than single cylinders can provide. The SP-56 series provides 3.35 KW at 7,000 rpm; total weight of the carbureted version is 2.6 kilograms. The engine can be equipped with a generator or a starter generator on the rear output shaft. Hybrid applications are possible in which the engines are used only to generate electricity.
Two new small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) are available to U.S. government defense and security markets. Vector and Scorpion form a 2-in-1 rucksack-portable system with an open source operating system, Auterion OS. The Scorpion tricopter can be used for dynamic urban environments and missions that require maneuverability and hover to collect intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data. A tethering system enables 24/7 operations. By configuring the base fuselage with fixed wings and tail section, Scorpion transforms into Vector, a fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV for long-range, long-endurance ISR missions.
Insta360 ONE R is an interchangeable-lens action camera designed with three swappable Lens Mods for capturing different kinds of content. It has a Dual-Lens 360 Mod and a 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica Camera AG. Advanced stabilization with Insta360’s FlowState algorithm achieves gimbal-like stabilization when shooting 360 degrees or with a standard wide angle lens. The 5.3K wide-angle lens can be swapped for a dual-lens setup that captures action in all directions at once. It captures brilliant 5.3K video and 19-megapixel photos even in complex lighting conditions. The ONE R is waterproof to 5 meters.
New sensor provides easy-to-integrate, cost-effective, triple-redundant IMU hardware and software for guidance and navigation solutions in autonomous machines and vehicles
Photo: Aceinna
Aceinna has launched a new high-accuracy inertial measurement unit (IMU), the IMU383ZA. The sensor integrates triple-redundant, 3-axis micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer and gyroscope sensors.
The IMU383ZA is an improved, pin-compatible version of Aceinna’s IMU381ZA. It offers high performance (1.3 deg/hr, 0.08 deg/root-hr) and a triple-redundant sensor architecture for ultra-high reliability.
The miniature module is factory-calibrated over the -40° C to +85° C industrial temperature range to provide consistent performance through extreme operating environments for a wide variety of applications.
Applications include automotive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous systems, drones, robotics, agricultural, construction and other industrial machines.
The IMU383ZA provides a standard SPI bus for cost-effective board-to-board communications. Other features include advanced synchronization and a bootloader for field upgradeability.
Measuring 24 x 37 x 9.5 millimeters, the IMU383ZA integrates a triple-redundant architecture that — combined with the small, low-cost packaging — meet the challenging performance, reliability and cost requirements of the automotive market including the areas of autonomous vehicles, self-driving taxis/delivery vehicles, ADAS systems, electronic stability control and lane-keep assist applications.
The triple-redundant sensor architecture consists of three independent, 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyros for excellent accuracy and reliability. By embedding a triple-redundant sensor array, the IMU383ZA uses Aceinna’s proprietary voting scheme to utilize only valid sensor data. Any defective sensor output or errant dataset will be ignored or de-rated in importance.
Kolmostar’s ultra-low power, instant cold boot GNSS module JEDI-200 and its evaluation kit are now fully released and available for purchase.
The JEDI-200 was recognized by IoT World — one of the largest internet of things (IoT) conferences — as one of the most innovative consumer internet of things solutions earlier this year.
JEDI-200 specification highlights include:
Low energy consumption of 25 mJ/position fix
Short cold-boot TTFF of 1 second
5.0 meter CEP positioning accuracy
Supports GPS and BeiDou constellations
50 Byte/12-hour compressed ephemeris (EPH) for speedy download, enabling A-GPS via LPWAN while significantly reducing EPH download power consumption overhead
High-performance cloud computing for minimum end device power consumption and seamless integration with customers’ backend data analytics platforms and dashboard applications
Integrated SAW filter, stand-alone LNA and TCXO
12mm x 16mm industry-proven standard form factor for easy wireless connectivity integration
Specially designed for IoT applications such as pet and personal object tracking, livestock tracking, fixed and nomadic logistics, infrastructure tracking and shared economy, JEDI-200’s reduced level of power consumption and optimized efficiency with LPWAN solve IoT endpoint deployment’s pain-point of needing frequent recharges or a large battery.
“Kolmostar’s JEDI-200 is a breakthrough in the IoT asset and personnel tracking application domain,” said Lucy Fan, VP of marketing and sales at Kolmostar. “JEDI-200 is well suited for battery-powered IoT applications which have stringent requirements on product size, weight, response time, battery life and GPS reporting frequency.”
Worldwide customers have started developing based on JEDI-200, and field deployments are expected in the second half of 2020.
“We have seen unparalleled advantages of the JEDI-200, enabling unique features and use cases which cannot be achieved before with traditional GNSS solutions,” Fan said. “With the latest developments in cellular and non-cellular low-power wide-area network technologies, such as NB-IoT, LTE-M, LoRaWAN and Sigfox, JEDI-200 is well positioned to enable more rapid deployment of IoT asset tracking use cases for our customers worldwide.”
Quectel Wireless Solutions‘ RG500Q-EA 5G NR module has achieved commercial readiness and is now available to support global customers with mass deployment.
The module features the Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G modem. It is designed for a variety of industrial and consumer internet of things (IoT) applications, including business routers, home gateways, customer premises equipment (CPE), MiFi, industrial IoT (IIoT), industrial laptops, PDAs, video surveillance, digital signage, 4K/8K live streaming and many other bandwidth-intensive use cases.
The Quectel RG500Q-EA supports major sub-6GHz frequency bands as well as worldwide LTE-A and WCDMA network coverage, allowing customers to deploy their IoT solutions flexibly in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
Quectel RG500Q is a series of 5G Sub-6GHz modules optimized specially for IoT and M2M applications. Adopting the 3GPP Rel. 15 technology, it supports both 5G NSA and SA modes.
The RG500Q is provided in two variants: RG500Q-EA and RG500Q-NA. The module supports Qualcomm IZat location technology Gen9C Lite (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou/Compass, Galileo and QZSS). The integrated GNSS receiver greatly simplifies product design and provides quicker, more accurate and more dependable positioning capability.
Tallysman Wireless Inc. has added the HC977 triple-band GNSS antenna to its helical antenna family.
HC977 GNSS antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)
The HC977 includes all signals covered by the HC975: GPS/QZSS-L1/L2/L5, GLONASS-G1/G3, Galileo-E1/E5a/E5b, BeiDou-B1/B2/B2a, IRNSS-L5 and L-Band correction services, and also provides reception of GLONASS-G2.
Tallysman helical antennas are designed for high-accuracy applications where precision and light weight matter, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The antennas are available in either a robust IP67 enclosure or an embedded format.
HC977E GNSS antenna. (Photo: Tallysman)
The HC977 features a low current, low noise amplifier (LNA) that includes an integrated low-loss pre-filter to protect against harmonic interference from high amplitude interfering signals, such as 700-MHz band LTE and other near in-band cellular signals.
The antenna is protected by a robust, military-grade plastic enclosure with an integrated SMA connector for screw-on mounting that securely seals the unit with an O-ring, complying with IP67 standards. The enclosure also provides three threaded holes in the base for secure attachment of the unit.
For the embedded version, HC977, Tallysman provides an embedded helical antenna mounting ring that traps the outer edge of the circuit board to another circuit board or to any flat surface. To facilitate a successful installation and optimum antenna performance, Tallysman also provides an Embedded Helical Antenna Installation Guide.
Raytheon Technologies Corporation announced the successful completion of the all-stock merger of equals transaction between Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation on April 3, following the completion by United Technologies of its previously announced spin-offs of its Carrier and Otis businesses.
Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Raytheon Technologies is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world with approximately $74 billion in pro forma 2019 net sales and a global team of 195,000 employees, including 60,000 engineers and scientists.
Raytheon Company shares ceased trading prior to the market open on April 3, and each share of Raytheon common stock has been converted in the merger into the right to receive 2.3348 shares of United Technologies common stock (previously traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “UTX”).
Upon closing of the merger, United Technologies’ name has changed to “Raytheon Technologies Corporation,” and its shares of common stock will begin trading today on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “RTX.” United Technologies shareowners will continue to hold their shares of United Technologies common stock, which now constitute shares of common stock of Raytheon Technologies Corporation.
Raytheon Technologies has a large, talented workforce to address the rapidly evolving needs of customers globally. The combined company expects to introduce breakthrough technologies at an accelerated pace across high-value areas such as hypersonics, directed energy, avionics and cybersecurity.
In addition, Raytheon Technologies has a strong balance sheet and cash flows to support critical business initiatives, including company and customer-funded R&D.
“Raytheon Technologies brings together two companies with combined strengths and capabilities that make us uniquely equipped to support our customers and partners during this unprecedented time. We will also play our part in the war on the COVID-19 pandemic, including doing everything we can to keep our employees around the globe safe and well,” said Greg Hayes, CEO of Raytheon Technologies. “As we move forward, Raytheon Technologies will define the future of aerospace and defense through our focus on innovation, our world-class people and our financial and operational strength to create long-term value for our customers and shareowners.”
“Today, we introduce Raytheon Technologies as an innovation powerhouse that will deliver advanced technologies that push the boundaries of known science,” said Tom Kennedy, executive chairman of Raytheon Technologies. “Our platform-agnostic, diversified portfolio brings together the best of commercial and military technology, enabling the creation of new opportunities across aerospace and defense for decades to come.”
Structure and Leadership
Raytheon Technologies has four market-leading segments focused on high-priority areas for
customers. (Note: 2019 net sales are prior to intercompany eliminations.)
Collins Aerospace Systems specializes in aerostructures, avionics, interiors, mechanical systems, mission systems and power controls that serve customers across the commercial, regional, business aviation and military sectors. The segment is led by President Stephen Timm, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with approximately $26 billion in 2019 net sales.
Pratt & Whitney designs, manufactures and services the world’s most advanced aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems for commercial, military and business aircraft. The segment is led by President Chris Calio, headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut, with approximately $21 billion in 2019 net sales.
Raytheon Intelligence & Space specializes in developing advanced sensors, training, and cyber and software solutions — delivering the disruptive technologies its customers need to succeed in any domain, against any challenge. The segment is led by President Roy Azevedo, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with approximately $15 billion in pro forma 2019 net sales.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense provides the industry’s most advanced end-to-end solutions to detect, track and engage threats. The segment is led by President Wes Kremer, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with approximately $16 billion in pro forma 2019 net sales.
Raytheon Technologies’ executive leadership team is comprised of Tom Kennedy, executive chairman, Greg Hayes, chief executive officer, and Toby O’Brien, chief financial officer. Additional leadership biographies are available on the company’s website.
Raytheon Technologies Investor Call
Raytheon Technologies will hold an investor call to discuss United Technologies and Raytheon Q1 results on May 7 at 8:30 a,m. The call details will be provided prior to the results announcement, and the call will be webcast on the Raytheon Technologies investor relations website.
New hardware-in-the-loop application programming interface (API) for GNSS simulators enables greater accuracy, integrity and control for growing sensor fusion testing needs
Spirent Communications plc has released SimHIL, an integrated hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing software API for Spirent GNSS simulators.
SimHIL brings high-fidelity GNSS signal simulation with low latency to automotive industry HIL testbeds, the company said.
Image: Spirent
Spirent’s SimHIL software has been developed to meet the automotive industry’s growing need for realistic positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) testing for sensor fusion. As customers apply increasing pressure on car manufacturers for more advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features and advanced infotainment systems, test labs need to be able to combine Wi-Fi, camera, lidar, radar, inertial and GNSS data that power these advanced automotive systems.
SimHIL helps test engineers bring accurate, controlled and coherent data from GNSS and inertial sensors to their sensor-fusion algorithms within HIL test environments. Facilitating the ultra-low latency, complete control, enhanced realism, and ease of use and setup of Spirent GSS7000 and GSS9000 GNSS simulators, SimHIL is suitable for OEMs and tier-one suppliers developing ADAS, V2X and sensor-fusion engines.
The new SimHIL API enables:
external motion input – real-time direct motion and trajectory data input from simulators
sensor fusion – introducing GNSS signals into sensor-fusion engines
V2X testing – validation and performance benchmarking of V2X applications
infotainment system testing – real-time scenario feedback to system and driver responses
vehicle-in-the-loop (VIL) – final production form product testing
accurate testing – reliable results supported by ultra-low latency simulation. Criticality of ADAS features, such as lane assist and automatic braking, mean that 3+ metres of uncertainty introduced by higher latency systems is not sufficient.
“With our SimHIL software and GNSS simulators, test engineers can bring realistic, controlled GNSS simulation to their HIL testing environments – a vital requirement in a world where ADAS features are relying more heavily and critically on accurate positioning,” said Martin Foulger, general manager of Spirent’s PNT business.
Spirent has worked with leading suppliers to ensure SimHIL is compatible with their HIL platforms, and because of its open API, there’s broad scope for additional custom third-party integrations.
“When used with our GSS7000, SimHIL latency is less than 40 ms from motion command to RF output and supports all GNSS and SBAS signals,” said Ricardo Verdeguer Moreno, product manager for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles at Spirent. “SimHIL is also compatible with all the options and features available in Spirent’s GNSS simulators, including ionospheric and tropospheric modeling, antenna patterns, date and time settings, and obscuration and multipath effects via Sim3D.”
Users can easily configure and control both the GNSS scenarios, and signal generation and vehicle motion from within the HIL simulator graphical user interface — saving time and the possibility of error.
Spirent is also offering three service packages alongside SimHIL to help customers mitigate project risk and reduce the time from delivery to useful deployment.
For more information about Spirent’s SimHIL integrated testing for Spirent GNSS simulators, visit the SimHIL information page.
IQD has launched a new series of GNSS-disciplined oven controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), the IQCM-112 series.
The new design incorporates an internal GNSS receiver with a 1PPS output, which is compatible with an external GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo source. It is housed in a 14-pin 60-millimeter-square package.
When coupled to an external aerial antenna via the incorporated SMA connector, in the event of the loss of the GNSS signal the highly specified 10-MHz OCXO will switch-in with a holdover capability of 1.5 µSeconds for a 24-hour period, thereby maintaining lock until restoration of the reference signal.
The standard operating temperature range of the module is -20° to 75° C but is also available with a -40° to 85° C operating temperature range. Other holdover specifications can be considered upon request.
The required power supply is 5V with a standard HCMOS output. Current consumption is 2A maximum during warm-up with this reducing to 1A once the steady-state condition is reached.
The design incorporates an internal adaptive algorithm that enables the module to “learn” the parameters of the GNSS signal after a period of three days of lock, so that the holdover function can start in the event of signal failure.
A built-in internal alarm indicates lock failure and subsequent restoration of signal. The unit incorporates a serial connection for more detailed interrogation of the device’s performance.
The IQCM-112 series is intended for a range of applications including land-based telecommunications systems and marine-based navigation systems.
The IQCM-112 forms part of a range of highly specified modules and Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillators available from IQD.
The Aceinna OPENRTK330L integrates a triple-band RTK/GNSS receiver and a triple-redundant inertial sensor to enhance the safety of autonomous systems.
Photo: Aceinna
Aceinna is now shipping its OPENRTK330L, a cost-effective module designed for developers creating mission-critical guidance and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles, including robots, drones, industrial, construction and agricultural machinery.
Aceinna designed the OPENRTK330L to replace expensive and bulky precision RTK/INS systems used in today’s autonomous systems.
The OPENRTK precise positioning engine optimizes satellite tracking and high RTK fixes rates while integrating seamlessly with Aceinna’s open-source Open Navigation Platform.
ACEINNA’s OPENRTK330L includes a triple-band RTK/GNSS receiver coupled with redundant inertial sensor arrays to provide centimeter-level accuracy, enhanced reliability and superior performance during GNSS outages. It integrates a precise 1.5-degree/hour inertial measurement unit (IMU) to offer 10 to 30 seconds of high accuracy localization during full GNSS denial.
The OPENRTK330L’s embedded Ethernet interface allows easy and direct connection to GNSS correction networks around the world. OPENRTK330L’s CAN bus interface allows simple integration into existing vehicle architectures.
The multi-band GNSS receiver can monitor all global constellations (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, NAVIC, SBAS) and simultaneously track up to 80 channels. The module has RF and baseband support for the L1, L2 and L5 GPS bands and their international constellation signal equivalents.
By integrating a triple-redundant IMU array, the OPENRTK330L is able to recognize and utilize only valid sensor data, ensuring high-accuracy protection limits and certifiability under ISO26262 standards. ACEINNA’s triple redundant 6-Axis IMU array uses a total of 9 accelerometer and 9 rate gyro channels.
The OPENRTK330L is supported by ACEINNA’s Open Navigation Platform, allowing custom-embedded application development on top of the positioning engine and dead-reckoning algorithms.
OPENRTK330L hardware also includes Ethernet, UART, SPI and CAN interfaces for versatile integration into a host system. Additional specifications include operating temperature range of -40C to +85C, and qualification to standard automotive shock and vibration levels.
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the April 2020 issue of GPS World magazine.
OEM
LPWA module
Collaborative IoT solution
Photo: Quectel
Quectel Wireless Solutions’ LPWA module BG95 is being integrated with Microsoft’s Azure Device software development kit (SDK). The BG95 cellular module is based on the Qualcomm 9205 LTE modem. The integration will provide direct and secure connections to the Azure IoT Hub and provide full support for Azure device management. Customers can connect their BG95 devices to the Microsoft Azure cloud where they can build, manage and deploy internet of things (IoT) solutions at scale, significantly accelerating time to market. The BG95 module is a highly integrated variant supporting integrated GNSS, Cat M1, Cat NB2 and EGPRS (also called edge). The module complies with 3GPP Release 14 and delivers improved capabilities in power consumption, data rates and hardware-based security.
The SARA-R422 product series of LTE-M/NB-IoT and EGPRS cellular modules now include GNSS variants for internet of things (IoT) data, devices and ecosystems. The SARA-R422M8S module is pre-integrated with the u-blox M8 GNSS receiver and a separate GNSS antenna interface. This provides highly reliable, accurate positioning data simultaneously with LTE communications. The module also supports hybrid positioning strategies, in which positioning data provided by satellite constellations is enhanced with data from the u-blox CellLocate service, ensuring that location data is always available everywhere. The SARA-R4 series is designed for a wide range of mission-critical IoT solutions such as connected healthcare, industrial monitoring, point of sale and vending terminals, tracking and telematics devices, as well as smart lighting solutions and building automation.
The new line of Sarbe search and rescue beacons. (Photo: Orolia)
Orolia has improved its Sarbe Evo search-and-rescue (SAR) beacon range line to deliver upgraded operational capabilities. The line offers new operational improvements to meet revised Cospas-Sarsat requirements in operating lifetime, location accuracy, voice signal management, integrated protocols, testability and maintenance. Also a focus of the upgrade was more robust and frequent GPS/GNSS position acquisition with the GPS, Galileo and GLONASS satellite constellations.
ADVA’s GNSS assurance solution could help companies dependent on satellite-based timing. (Photo: Business Wire)
ADVA’s GNSS assurance solution helps companies dependent on satellite-based timing. The centralized GNSS monitoring and assurance tool uses artificial intelligence and machine learning for comprehensive predictive maintenance. The customer-owned tool enables users to collect and analyze huge amounts of information from across the network to remotely identify issues and protect networks from GNSS vulnerabilities, including jamming and spoofing attacks. It also helps to identify GNSS obstruction issues, detect blind/poor spots that appear over time, and enable optimal antenna positioning. Built into ADVA’s Ensemble Controller network management suite with Sync Director, the solution enables customers to detect potential problems in advance and maintain the highest quality of network synchronization. It complements the limited distributed approach to GNSS assurance with a centralized global system, providing a boost to critical infrastructure now dependent on satellite-based timing.
The Locosys MC-1612-DG is a single-band multi-system with an ARM-based processor that supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS. The embedded micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensor is equipped with dead-reckoning software and provides six-axis accelerometer and gyroscope data. The extended Kalman filter algorithm combines GNSS and MEMS sensor data with a weighting function that relies on GNSS signal quality. In adverse GNSS conditions such as urban canyons, tunnels or parking garages, the dead-reckoning features boost accuracy with the software filling the gaps. It supports three-dimensional dead-reckoning and standard NMEA output, and has Flash memory, TCXO, RTC crystal, LNA and SAW filter.
The automotive-grade solid-state RS-LiDAR-M1 family has the performance advantages of traditional mechanical lidar, while meeting requirements for mass-produced vehicles. The RS-LiDAR-M1Smart is embedded with an artificial intelligence perception algorithm that transforms conventional 3D lidar sensors into a full data analysis and comprehension system, outputting semantic-level structured environment information in real time for autonomous vehicle decision making. The RS-LiDAR-M1Smart outputs two redundant channels of data: the original point cloud and the object list. The redundacy provides vehicles with a range of sensing results — dynamic, static, inside and outside the road. Also available is the RS-LiDAR-M1Simple.
The Vsx7 multi-frequency position and heading receiver is designed specifically for machine control and can be mounted by bolts or with magnets on heavy equipment. Paired with the Carlson A45 antennas, the Vsx7 features high-precision positioning in Athena RTK, Atlas L-band and SBAS and heading accuracy of up to .01 degrees. The whole Vsx7 system is designed to operate in harsh conditions from –40° F to +158° F. The Vsx7 is primarily used in the mining and construction industries, but can be used in similar industries with companion software, Carlson Grade. Field data can be collected and viewed in real time both at the machine with either the MC8 or MC10 control box as well as in the office with Carlson Command.
Trimble WorksOS is a new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) operating system. The cloud-based system will integrate data from Trimble and third-party providers across the entire civil construction project lifecycle, including estimating, scheduling, designs and the field. Currently, site supervisors and project managers jump between multiple systems to keep track of daily production quantities, labor/equipment hours and equipment maintenance schedules. Works OS is designed to bring real-time visibility into jobsite progress, schedule and cost. Users will be able to log into a single application to view real-time visibility of cut, fill, volume and compaction data to maximize jobsite productivity. Site supervisors will see daily volume calculations and compaction quality metrics, and be able to monitor progress and schedules.
Komatsu’s Smart Construction dashboard includes the 3D visualization power and geospatial accuracy of Cesium, a platform to visualize, analyze and share 3D data. The dashboard enables users to monitor a construction site from anywhere in the world, see how it changes over time, and compare architectural plans with real-world data. It is compatible with data from sensors on construction machines, drone surveys, or computer-generated files like BIM/CAD models . It allows users to visualize projects in a single scene within a web browser, as well as calculate precise measurements for cut and fill, slope, contours and more.
Cesium, cesium.com
The TopoGrafi app has been updated to allow for display of 3D data in real-world models. With enhanced 3D data-processing capabilities, TopoGrafi is an end-to-end platform for capturing buried asset data and processing it for augmented reality visualizations. Designed to be used alongside apps such as Esri Collector for ArcGIS, the TopoGrafi platform uses GNSS data. It applies near-real-time conversions, transforming the recorded positions to local reference systems and aligning it with high-accuracy mapping including Ordnance Survey MasterMap. The TopoGrafi toolkit also includes functionality to snap 3D features to each other and to other spatially referenced data to create a 3D model that can then be used to create augmented reality visualizations accessible from the desktop or in the field.
WingtraOne drone data can now be directly imported into the Trimble Business Center (TBC). The new integration combines WingtraOne high-accuracy drone data within TBC, optimizing drone mapping workflows for survey and construction projects within a single software platform. After dragging and dropping the JobXML data file, automated point cloud tools, such as classification and feature extraction, can quickly generate surface models, topographic plans and as-built deliverables. Also new: high-altitude flight capabilities, longer flight times and more intuitive battery-level readings in-flight.
The Snoopy CL-360 lidar scanner. (Photo: Lidar USA)
The Snoopy CL-360 has been meticulously designed for integration on backpack, vehicle and UAV applications. Weighing 5 kilograms fully assembled, the Snoopy CL-360 is capable of delivering highly accurate results, up to +/-0.01 feet on paved surfaces from a vehicle. The system has a scan line rate of 250 Hz with a 500-kHz data rate, giving a uniform result along and across track. The system is easily configurable with multiple scanners (similar to internet of things applications) to avoid occlusions. A UAV deployment achieves scans with usable data as much as 60 degrees off nadir (widths of more than 1,100 feet while scanning at the 400-foot ceiling). The small beam size of 0.3 mrad allows the CL-series to reliably collect ground points (such as on or near the dirt through vegetation) while also providing better detection of fine linear features such as power lines and railroad tracks.
The E300 Pro receiver tracks GNSS with 700 channels and fully supports BDS-3 signals. It supports 31 frequency points, using all GNSS constellations and frequency bands. The E300 interface has a concealed design for better protection. USB type-C charging and transmitting is a two-in-one function. The magnesium-alloy body is rugged, and the battery level can be checked with a unique LED power indicator. The weight of the whole receiver is 940 grams. The E300 Pro supports satellite station differential and satellite chain life, quick connection, intelligent voice and tilt compensation. It integrates multiple sensors including GNSS, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a magnetometer and a thermometer. With the help of a Kalman filter algorithm, the device can dynamically output position, speed and attitude information. It can measure and make real-time dynamic sampling without the need for leveling. For better radio signal quality, the E300 Pro integrates GNSS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G main and auxiliary antennas on the top of the receiver to ensure the best reception in all directions. An RF connector improves connection reliability while reducing loss of gain.
The Nova MS60 MultiStation combines upgraded, fast 3D laser-scanning capabilities, GNSS connectivity and digital imaging with a high-end total station. It features a fast laser-scanning speed of up to 30,000 points per second, optimized scan area definitions, adapted scan managements, and an improved scanning path for zenith scans. Professionals can perform point-cloud analysis in the field. Scan data is combined with traditionally measured points from GNSS receivers to graphically show locations the same day it is collected.
CP Aeronautics, a new division of CP Technologies, has launched integrated turn-key solutions based on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms, payloads, data links, ground control stations (GCS) and communications for defense and civil applications. The systems offer operationally proven solutions for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems requirements. Its broad product portfolio has demonstrated excellent performance and operability in demanding environments, the company stated in a press release. Backed by continuous research and development, the systems are built on three decades of technological and operational experience. Systems include Orbiter 2 Small UAS, Orbiter 3 Small Tactical UAS, Orbiter 4 Small Tactical UAS (pictured), Aerostar Tactical UAS, Dominator XP (medium-altitude long-endurance) and Pegasus 120 (vertical takeoff and landing).
A new flight control system (FCS) fits and leverages multi-mission, multi-domain UAV platforms. Using the FCS, the new Saker-1B Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV performs with fully autonomous online and offline operation, from takeoff to landing. Testing included more than 500 hours of day and night test missions under various weather conditions, including extremes of dust and heat. A total of 1,000 hours of take-off and landing test missions were successfully performed, with long-endurance flights lasting up to 19 hours. The Saker-1B is equipped with a satellite communication data link for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operation. The FCS provides sustainability to jamming attacks and advanced data security.
VigilAir is an RF-based system of deployed sensors able to accurately detect, geolocate and track commercial drones and their operators in different environments, including dense urban environments. VigilAir provides extremely sensitive detection and highly accurate geolocation and tracking over very large areas, with virtually zero false-alarms. Being a passive, receive-only system, VigilAir can easily be installed and operated without regulatory or legal limitations. The VigilAir version 2.0 C-UAS (counter unmanned aerial system) is certified by the United Kingdom Center for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) under the CPNI’s Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems Detect, Track and Identify (DTI) testing and evaluation standard. VigilAir generates a comprehensive drone situational awareness which enables users to proactively and intelligently match correct mitigation actions with actual drone threats, on time and with minimal collateral effects.
Xpeller Rapid — the mobile version of the counter UAV solution Xpeller — uses a combination of radar, electro-optical sensors, rangefinders and jammers to protect against threats posed by over-the-counter drones. Xpeller Rapid is either integrated into a vehicle (mast solution) or comes in transport boxes and can be easily set up on tripods. Based on the Xpeller toolkit, the components follow the detect, identify, control and act workflow, defeating hostile drones at ranges up to several kilometers. The system can locate and classify even small hobby drones at a range of several kilometers. High-resolution cameras make it possible to decide whether there is a serious threat so that it can be countered with appropriate countermeasures.
