GPS World

Tag: OEM

  • SparkFun launches compact multi-band GNSS timing breakout 

    SparkFun launches compact multi-band GNSS timing breakout 

    Sparkfun Electronics has released the SparkFun Timing GNSS Breakout – mosaic-T, a compact, multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS timing receiver designed for precise time synchronization applications. At its core is the Septentrio mosaic-T module, which offers timing precision of 5 ns and can achieve accuracy better than 1 ns with an optional Fugro AtomiChron L-band timing service subscription. Event timing accuracy is better than 20 ns.

    The mosaic-T module is engineered for ultra-low power consumption and supports multiple satellite constellations. It features AIM+ technology for interference mitigation and anti-spoofing, designed to improve reliability and accuracy in challenging environments.

    The breakout board is designed for integration into projects requiring high-precision timing. It provides standard interfaces for connectivity and is suitable for applications in telecommunications, data centers, and scientific research that demand precise time references.

  • Quantum magnetometer could solve GNSS-denied navigation problems

    Quantum magnetometer could solve GNSS-denied navigation problems

    Fraunhofer IAF presented the latest version of its compact integrated quantum magnetometer at World of Quantum in Munich. The diamond-based system is characterized by its robustness, high integration density, and measurement sensitivity. It offers new measurement possibilities for a wide range of applications, including navigation.

    The highly integrated vector magnetometer developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF is based on nitrogen vacancies (NV) in diamond and provides access to the smallest magnetic fields with a previously unattainable degree of flexibility and precision. The miniaturized measuring system offers new possibilities in applications that require precise measurement with minimal interference, such as in biochemical measurements of nerve pathways or in microelectronics.

    “What makes the diamond-based NV vector magnetometer so special is its native and intuitive functionality, which enables it to precisely measure the vector components of the Earth’s magnetic field under most operating conditions,” explained Michael Stoebe, Business Unit Manager for Quantum Devices at Fraunhofer IAF. “This makes the sensor not only a technical innovation, but also a significant advance in sensor technology,”

    The unique properties of the NV center on the diamond lattice, which is arranged along the four crystal axes, enable all vector components of the magnetic field to be detected with a single sensor chip using <100> diamond. This reduces the calibration effort and opens up new possibilities for applications that were previously limited by the restrictions of conventional magnetometers. This sensor represents a significant step toward more precise and efficient measurement techniques, according to Fraunhofer.

    Safe navigation without GNSS

    Despite their high precision and coverage, today’s navigation systems are often prone to interference and are not available everywhere. Alternative navigation methods that function independently of GNSS are therefore gaining in importance. The Earth’s magnetic field is a promising basis for this, as it exhibits regional differences that can be used as an invisible map for autonomous navigation, especially in areas where GNSS signals are disrupted or difficult to receive.

    The quantum sensor developed at Fraunhofer IAF makes it possible to create comprehensive magnetic field maps and provide reliable navigation based on them. The vector magnetometer offers an autonomous, interference-free method for global positioning and navigation. It complements satellite-based navigation and also works without satellite signals, for example underwater, in canyons, underground, in buildings, or in tunnels.

    Increased integration density and sensitivity

    Researchers at Fraunhofer IAF have succeeded in reducing the size of their integrated quantum magnetometer by a factor of 30 in just one year. The sensor head now has a compact size comparable to conventional and industrially used optically pumped gas cell magnetometers (OPMs) with high sensitivity in the picotesla range. The diamond-based system stands out from competing technologies thanks to its high robustness and wide measuring range, which allows it to be used flexibly in a wide variety of measurement scenarios with extremely low calibration requirements.

    “We are striving for even greater integration density, while increasing sensitivity. Our goal for the coming year is to reduce the size of the sensor by a factor of 5 again, while further increasing sensitivity to enable measurements in the sub-picotesla range,” emphasizes Dr. Michael Stoebe.

    The special feature of the integrated quantum magnetometers developed by Fraunhofer IAF is their optional water cooling, which ensures robust and reliable measurement of magnetic fields even under the difficult operating conditions. This flexibility in design and integration is what sets the latest sensor prototypes from the Freiburg-based institute apart.

    “We take an application-oriented approach to the continuous development of our sensor systems and respond to the individual requirements placed on our systems,” said Michael Kunzer, project manager at Fraunhofer IAF.

    In addition to further developing the system, the core element of the sensor — its nitrogen-vacancy (NV)-doped diamond sensor head — is also being improved at Fraunhofer IAF. The synthetic diamond is grown at the institute in special reactors and further processed into quantum devices through the controlled exchange of carbon atoms with nitrogen atoms. The wafer sizes of the ultra-pure diamond are to be further developed next year from the current two inches to industrially scalable four-inch wafers.

    Geological measurements quickly and contact-free

    The quantum magnetometer developed by Fraunhofer IAF enables precise, contact-free localization of underground mineral deposits, thereby providing access to valuable resources. It can also detect unexploded ordnance over large areas, significantly reducing the risk to people in affected areas. Using the same principle as in navigation, the composition of the Earth’s crust and its magnetic field can be used to draw conclusions about geological formations. Magnetic anomalies such as ore deposits or metallic objects such as unexploded ordnance can thus be detected.

    The collected data can be converted into magnetic maps that show the locations of suspicious objects and provide information about their depth, shape, and size. This method enables comprehensive and non-invasive exploration of affected areas and the location of even deep-lying objects.

    World of Quantum 2025

    At the World of Quantum 2025 June 24-27 in Munich, Fraunhofer IAF presentsthe latest prototype of its NV vector magnetometer n Hall A1, Booth 439-3, on the Quantum Future Boulevard.

  • TDK expands MEMS sensor portfolio 

    TDK expands MEMS sensor portfolio 

    TDK Corporation has introduced the Tronics AXO315T0, a high-temperature MEMS accelerometer designed for measurement while drilling (MWD) applications in the energy sector. The new sensor features a ±14 g input range and a digital interface, expanding TDK’s MEMS inertial sensor portfolio.

    The AXO315T0 uses TDK’s closed-loop architecture, which delivers advanced vibration rectification and resistance to operational shocks. The device maintains a bias residual error of 0.8 mg across its operating temperature range of minus 30°C to 150°C, enabling precise and continuous inclination measurements for directional drilling tools exposed to high temperatures.

    To meet the demanding reliability requirements of complex drilling operations in harsh environments, TDK qualified the AXO315T0 through more than 1,000 hours of powered life testing at 165 degrees Celsius, temperature cycling from minus 55 degrees Celsius to 165 degrees Celsius, and high-temperature vibration tests at 20 g RMS random vibration combined with a 50 g sine sweep.

    The AXO315T0 offers a typical bias drift of less than 1 mg without recalibration after 1,000 hours at high temperature, providing a digital, low size, weight and power (SWaP) alternative to traditional quartz accelerometers. This advancement supports a new generation of MWD tools capable of long-term operation at elevated temperatures without compromising performance.

    AXO315T0 sensors and evaluation boards are available for sampling and customer evaluation. TDK plans to further expand its MEMS portfolio for the energy market with a new accelerometer capable of operating at temperatures up to 175 °C.

    Main applications:

    • Measurement while drilling (MWD)
    • Logging while drilling (LWD)
    • Directional drilling
    • Wireline

    Key features and benefits:

    • ±14 g input range, single-axis accelerometer
    • Operating temperature range: minus 30 °C to 150 °C
    • Bias residual error: 0.8 mg
    • Powered lifetime: more than 1,000 hours at 150 °C
    • Vibration rejection: 20 μg/g²
    • Noise density: 10 μg/√Hz
  • The rise of precision timing for aerospace and defense applications

    The rise of precision timing for aerospace and defense applications

    In the mission-critical world of aerospace and defense, where reliability and resilience can mean the difference between success and failure, precision timing is an essential technology for increasingly sophisticated and connected systems. Every nanosecond matters, whether ensuring UAVs operate safely or enabling secure real-time communication in high-threat environments. At the heart of these systems is precision timing technology, which ensures precise synchronization within and between systems, enabling high data throughput with minimal latency.

    Aerospace and defense systems operate in some of the harshest environments on the planet, where extreme temperatures, shock and vibration and electromagnetic interference (EMI) are commonplace. While quartz technology has historically been used to deliver timing references in aerospace and defense applications, precision timing based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology has recently proven to be a superior alternative due to its better performance, resilience and reliability.

    To understand the key differences between MEMS and quartz technologies for timing devices used in aerospace and defense applications, let’s focus on size, weight and power consumption (SWaP), as well as the ability of these two distinct types of timing technologies to perform reliably and accurately in harsh, demanding operating environments.

    The Rise of MEMS Oscillators in Aerospace and Defense

    MEMS-based precision timing technology is proven and highly reliable, designed to perform reliably in the harsh environments in which aerospace and defense applications operate. Unlike quartz timing devices, MEMS-based timing devices such as resonators, oscillators and clock generators are manufactured using semiconductor processes. This silicon MEMS technology enables unparalleled miniaturization, better resilience, and higher performance across a variety of environmental conditions. By encapsulating a MEMS resonator in a vacuum-sealed cavity, these timing devices are protected from contamination, aging, and environmental disruptions such as shock and vibration.

    SiTime, a leader in MEMS-based precision timing technology, has developed a variety of MEMS-based oscillators and clocks that outperform quartz counterparts in key areas like stability, ruggedness, and SWaP. (See Figure 1.) These include popular devices such as temperature-compensated oscillators (TCXOs) and oven-controlled oscillators (OCXOs). The company’s MEMS-based Endura family of ruggedized Super-TCXOs and OCXOs, for example, is specifically designed for demanding aerospace and defense applications.

    Figure 1. MEMS OCXOs surpass vibration-rated quartz OCXOs in performance, offering superior functionality with reduced SWaP. (Credit: all photos and tables provided by author)
    Figure 1. MEMS OCXOs surpass vibration-rated quartz OCXOs in performance, offering superior functionality with reduced SWaP. (Credit: all photos and tables provided by author)

    Key Advantages of MEMS Precision Timing Devices

    • Low Phase Noise: MEMS Super-TCXOs deliver ultra-low phase noise, even in the presence of environmental stressors such as shock, vibration, and rapid temperature changes, which is essential for high-frequency RF systems such as tactical radios and satellite communication terminals. With low phase noise at 10 MHz output frequency of -165 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and -175 dBc/Hz noise floor, these MEMS oscillators outperform typical quartz-based devices, ensuring cleaner signal transmission and better system performance.
    • Shock and Vibration Resistance: MEMS oscillators are qualified by SiTime to the highest MIL-STD-883 shock stress level of 30,000 g and customers have reported they can operate at 100,000 g shock levels. This extreme shock resistance in conjunction with ultra-low acceleration sensitivity, as low as 0.009 ppb/g total gamma, make them ideal for rugged environments including space missions, aircraft and military vehicles. In contrast, quartz oscillators are prone to failure or frequency jumps under similar conditions.
    • Temperature Stability: Super-TCXOs exhibit excellent temperature stability, with frequency stability of ±10 ppb across a temperature range of -40 °C to +105 °C. This stability is critical for aerospace and defense applications subject to rapid temperature changes, which cause traditional quartz oscillators to fail or experience frequency jumps. (See Figure 2.)
    • SWaP Efficiency: MEMS oscillators are significantly smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient than quartz devices, meeting the stringent SWaP requirements of modern aerospace systems. For example, OCXO-grade TCXOs (Elite-X) come in a compact 7.0 x 5.0 mm2 surface-mount package and consume less than 115 mW of power while delivering ±5ppb frequency stability over temperature performance. This makes them ideal for space-constrained, low-power applications like small satellites (SmallSats) and tactical communication systems.
    • Reliability: MEMS oscillators offer superior long-term reliability, with a mean time between failures (MTBF) of more than 1 billion hours – about 30 times greater than quartz-based oscillators. Additionally, MEMS devices exhibit lower aging rates than quartz, ensuring consistent performance over extended missions.
    Figure 2. Endura Epoch OCXOs are unaffected by rapid temperature changes, as simulated by air flow that is turned on and off repeatedly.
    Figure 2. Endura Epoch OCXOs are unaffected by rapid temperature changes, as simulated by air flow that is turned on and off repeatedly.

    Real-World Applications of Precision Timing Technology

    • Tactical Radios: Precision Timing is critical for secure data transmission in military communication systems. Super-TCXOs, offering low phase noise and vibration resistance, ensure signal integrity even in the harshest battlefield conditions, improving the reliability of tactical radios used by defense forces.
    • Satellite Communication Systems: Reliability, component size and power efficiency are paramount in satellite communications. MEMS oscillators enable high-bandwidth data transmission with minimal signal degradation, and their robust design ensures uninterrupted performance during mission-critical operations. Their small size and energy efficiency also make them ideal for space- and power-constrained satellite systems.
    • UAVs: UAVs are often deployed in dynamic environments where they are exposed to extreme temperatures and vibrations. MEMS oscillators, with their superior shock and vibration resistance, are a preferred timing solution for maintaining stable navigation and communications, ensuring UAVs can carry out their missions without interruption.
    • Radar Systems: Advanced radar systems depend on precise timing to synchronize signal processing, reduce interference, and optimize target detection. MEMS-based Precision Timing devices, with their high vibration resistance and temperature stability, deliver reliable performance in high-intensity environments, such as on naval vessels or fighter jets, where traditional quartz oscillators may struggle to maintain accuracy.
    Photo: SiTime chart

    The Future of Precision Timing in Aerospace and Defense

    As aerospace and defense systems become more advanced, the need for reliable precision timing solutions will continue to grow. MEMS-based oscillators, with their superior SWaP efficiency, rugged design, and inherent reliability, represent the future of Precision Timing technology in these critical sectors.

    While quartz oscillators have served the aerospace and defense and industry for decades, MEMS technology is proving to be a more effective Precision Timing solution for next-generation systems. MEMS-based TCXOs and OCXOs are setting new benchmarks for Precision Timing, offering unmatched resilience, reliability, and performance in the most demanding environments.

  • Leidos uses quantum technology to thwart GPS jamming

    Leidos uses quantum technology to thwart GPS jamming

    Susceptibility to jamming is a significant military vulnerability of the GPS signal. Through a Defense Innovation Unit contract, Leidos is developing an alternative navigation technology that measures variations in the Earth’s magnetic field and harnesses the quantum properties of nitrogen in diamonds. 

    “With magnetic navigation (MagNav) there’s no signal to jam,” said Aaron Canciani, manager of the Leidos Transition of Quantum Sensing (TQS) team and a former U.S. Air Force scientist who is a pioneer of the technology. “The one thing MagNav does need is a very sensitive magnetometer, which is where quantum comes in.”

    Quantum sensing uses microscopic particles that can simultaneously exist in multiple states to more accurately detect aspects of geophysical properties like magnetic fields. Leidos has been doing quantum work for years, applying it to a variety of cyber security and sensing applications. 

    “Quantum magnetometers have the potential to greatly increase position and attitude accuracies in magnetic navigation systems,” Canciani said. “Nitrogen vacancy-diamond magnetometers use the crystal structure of a diamond to define a sensing axis in which quantum measurements of the complete vector field can be known to exquisite accuracies.”

    The sensor is being developed by Frequency Electronics Inc. under subcontract to Leidos and in collaboration with MIT Lincoln Lab.

    Compared to classic magnetometers, which tend to drift due to reliance on relative measurements, Canciani added, “These quantum measurements are linked to the magnetic field through fundamental physics-based constants.” 

    Ultimately, Leidos intends to fly a MagNav system with the new magnetometer. If successful, the technology has the potential to significantly advance navigation technology for military use.  

  • Silicon Sensing and Kongsberg Discovery partner to develop MEMS gyro technology

    Silicon Sensing and Kongsberg Discovery partner to develop MEMS gyro technology

    Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd and Kongsberg Discovery AS have joined forces to develop next-generation inertial technology. The companies signed the formal agreement June 2 during EXPO in Osaka, Japan.

    The agreement will merge the engineering skills of both companies to speed the evolution of products within each company. Kongsberg will use developments to enhance their next generation of high-performance systems – including attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS) and inertial navigation systems (INS). Silicon Sensing will use these outcomes to benefit its precision micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial measurement units (IMUs), gyros and accelerometers.

    The companies are aiming to achieve navigation-grade performance from a MEMS-based gyro. Navigation-grade refers to a highly accurate and stable gyroscope used in inertial navigation systems (INS) to precisely measure angular velocity and rotational motion. 

    Gyro sensors measure changes in rotation angle over time, enabling detection of direction, angle, and vibration. They are used in smartphones, game consoles, car navigation systems, industrial equipment and devices requiring vibration detection, camera shake correction and attitude control.

    “The diverse range of applications for this technology is expected to grow significantly in the future,” said Anders Rønningen, executive vice president, Kongsberg Discovery. “This agreement will foster growth for both companies, as well as for Norway, Japan and the UK. We have established a strong presence in the maritime market and are now venturing into new markets.”

    “For over a year we have been working with Kongsberg Discovery, exploring how best to bring our engineering teams together to move us towards performance goals that will extend the capabilities of our entire product portfolio – bringing real operational benefits across many industrial sectors. This important agreement details how we will achieve those ambitions,” said Satoru Miyamoto, general manager, Silicon Sensing (Japan).

    David Somerville, General Manager at Silicon Sensing (UK), concludes, “This endeavor will fast-track development activities in key areas for both companies, bringing critical performance gains for customers in fields as diverse as satellite control, subsea mapping, industrial robotics, aviation and maritime.”

  • u-blox launches triple-band GNSS module for fast-scaling robotics

    u-blox launches triple-band GNSS module for fast-scaling robotics

    u-blox has expanded its ZED form-factor portfolio with the ZED-F20P, a L1/L2/L5 triple-band GNSS module designed for high precision applications in ground and air robotics.

    The ZED-F20P provides OEMs deploying fleets of ground robots, drone light shows, and other dynamic autonomous platforms with centimeter-level RTK and PPP-RTK positioning, fast convergence times, and integrated security features.

    Within the u-blox high precision receiver family, the ZED-F20P is a dedicated L1/L2/L5 triple-band specialist. It delivers deterministic, centimeter-level RTK and PPP-RTK accuracy tailored to the needs of lightweight and dynamic platforms. Its end-to-end silicon-to-firmware architecture supports 25 Hz update rates, robust security features, and low power consumption in a streamlined design.

    These capabilities combine to deliver industrial-grade reliability and enable smooth scaling from proof-of-concept to high-volume deployment without increasing system cost, power consumption, or integration complexity.

    Compatible with the established ZED footprint and UBX protocol, the ZED-F20P fits directly into existing layouts. The expanded ZED portfolio now covers dual-, triple- and all-band GNSS options, giving developers the flexibility to select the best fit while reusing the same board layout. This enables both flexible design choices and a straightforward upgrade from earlier products.

    The ZED-F20P pairs with the u-blox ANN-MB2 all-band high precision antenna to ensure optimal RF performance, offering a one-stop solution for streamlined evaluation and integration. This consistent design approach accelerates time to market while preserving hardware and software continuity.

    PointPerfect Flex and Live native support:

    When combined with u-blox PointPerfect Flex and Live GNSS correction services, the ZED-F20P becomes a complete, production-ready GNSS solution that delivers centimeter-level accuracy in seconds, without the need for a local base station. The triple-band L1/L2/L5 architecture ensures rapid convergence and resilience in challenging environments, while PointPerfect provides reliable corrections across key regions. This tight integration simplifies development and accelerates time-to-market for mass-market autonomous platforms. 

    “The ZED-F20P delivers the precision and reliability required for today’s ground and air robotics,” said Mårten Ström, director of product management at u-blox. “It strikes a rare balance between performance, integration simplicity, and application-specific focus, enabling engineering teams to move from prototype to fleet deployment with confidence. We’re already seeing strong interest from robotic lawnmower markets preparing for large-scale rollout.”

    Engineering samples of the ZED-F20P are available now. Developers can evaluate the module using the EVK-X20P evaluation kit, with a simple configuration.

  • PEAK System offers inertial measurement unit

    PEAK System offers inertial measurement unit

    PEAK System has introduced the PCAN-GPS Pro FD, a configurable sensor module for measuring the position, attitude and acceleration of objects. It has a robust aluminum housing suited for measurement in harsh environments.

    The device is equipped with a powerful microcontroller (M7/M4 dual-core), a magnetic field sensor, a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer, and the u-blox NEO-M9N satellite receiver for GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS, SBAS and QZSS. It delivers satellite navigation measurement data with update rates of up to 25 Hz.

    The module transmits the sensor data via two parallel LEMO circular connectors via CAN 2.0 A/B (40 kbit/s to 1 Mbps) or CAN FD (40 kbit/s to 10 Mbps). The PCAN-GPS Pro FD is configured via USB-C using Windows software (included in delivery), after which the module operates as a standalone CAN node. The aluminum profile housing (IP50/IP54 with sealing connectors) ensures high protection and easy integration.

  • Astradia star tracker designed to fill in for GNSS

    Astradia star tracker designed to fill in for GNSS

    Sodern announces the commercial launch of Astradia, a daytime star tracker which, when combined with an inertial navigation system, allows more precise and robust navigation under GNSS-denied environments.

    Specifically designed for civil and military aircraft, Astradia can operate day or night guided by stars. Astradia offers tracking capacity to within a few arc-seconds, equivalent to 1 meter at a distance of 70 km. This function, which is extremely useful for aligning inertial navigation systems or its registration during mission, opens the door to applications with demanding tracking requirements, including stealth missions.

    The sensor delivers measurements to the aircraft without interruption, providing operational capacity at any point on Earth, including over the oceans, with no need to update maps or charts in order to carry out the mission. This sensor effectively reduces navigation drift during long flights and more generally improves the security of in-flight positioning.

    Astradia is an endo-atmospheric star tracker that provides daytime and nighttime attitude measurement, for precise, robust and reliable onboard geopositioning data. It helps counter the natural drift in inertial navigation systems. It also offers the advantage of emitting no waves, which could otherwise expose an aircraft to detection.

    Astradia is compact (176 mm x 185 mm x 207 mm) and weighs less than 3 kg. It was specifically designed for easy integration on all types of aircraft. This optimized design makes Astradia ideal for a wide range of applications, including drones and surveillance aircraft.

    Several thousand of Sodern’s star trackers are already in service, along with a star catalogue and proven detection algorithms. This technology has also undergone conclusive in-flight testing.

    Astradia will be featured at the Sodern stand during the 2025 International Paris Air Show.

  • Calian GNSS launches anti-jamming antenna for critical infrastructure, marine and defense

    Calian GNSS launches anti-jamming antenna for critical infrastructure, marine and defense

    Calian GNSS has released its next-generation anti-jamming controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA), the CR8894SXF+.

    The CR8894SXF+ is an advanced CRPA, engineered to provide efficient interference protection and real-time situational awareness across critical infrastructure, marine, and defense environments where GNSS continuity is mission critical. The CRPA is specifically-designed to provide a low-power and lightweight solution in a compact size.

    It features advanced in-band null forming to protect GPS L1/L2 and Galileo E1/E5b signals, helping ensure resilient positioning, navigation and timing in environments with contested, congested or degraded radio frequency conditions. The antenna incorporates Calian’s eXtended Filtering interference mitigation technology to maintain performance and reliability when RF threats are present.

    The CRPA supports in-band null-forming of 20 dB to 40 dB and out-of-band rejection up to 80 dB across 700 MHz to 2,500 MHz. It includes two independent low-noise amplifier channels, allowing continued operation if one signal band is compromised.

    The antenna forms nulls in both upper (L1/E1) and lower (L2/E5b) GNSS bands to actively suppress jamming sources. A serial output interface provides real-time feedback, enabling users to monitor RF conditions and system status. Outputs include:

    • CRPA state: open (no jamming), protected (jamming mitigated), or closed (jammed but protected)
    • Jammer characterization: azimuth and elevation angles of detected interference sources
    • Summary of threat signals, offering rapid threat assessment for command and control

    The CRPA series aims to set a new benchmark in operational resilience, offering advanced protection and intelligence for mission-critical GNSS applications.

  • Inertial Labs unveils visual-aided inertial navigation system for GPS-denied environments

    Inertial Labs unveils visual-aided inertial navigation system for GPS-denied environments

    Inertial Labs, a VIAVI Solutions company, has introduced its Visual-Aided Inertial Navigation System (VINS), designed to help aircraft maintain accurate flight paths in environments where GPS/GNSS signals are unreliable.

    The launch follows a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation noting a rise in GPS jamming and spoofing incidents across North America and much of Western Europe. These disruptions, which now reach up to 700 cases worldwide each day, impact both commercial and military operations. War zones have seen the highest concentration of interference, with Lithuanian airspace alone recording more than 800 cases in the last three months of 2024. Communications and emergency services, which depend on precise timing and geolocation, are also affected.

    VINS is engineered for unmanned aerial vehicles to complete long-range missions in GNSS-challenged environments. The system leverages Maxar Raptor 3D vision-based positioning software, which estimates a vehicle’s absolute 3D position by comparing onboard camera imagery — day or infrared —with Maxar Precision3D satellite-derived maps using Perspective and Point principles.

    In GNSS-denied conditions, VINS can maintain a horizontal position within 35 m, a vertical position within 5 m, and velocity within 0.9 m per second of true values. It also holds heading accuracy within 1° and pitch/roll within 0.1°. With GNSS enabled, the system achieves a horizontal position of 1 meter, vertical position under 2 m, velocity accuracy of 0.03 m per second, heading within 0.1 °, and pitch/roll within 0.03°.

    The modular system is designed for low-altitude operation and includes processing and sensor modules, a GNSS or CRPA antenna, an air-data computer, and a digital windspeed sensor for use with both fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAVs. Optional features include a commercial off-the-shelf radio for data and absolute positioning in GPS-denied environments, as well as Iridium low-earth orbit (LEO) GNSS and M-Code/SAASM GNSS receivers.

    Inertial Labs and VIAVI will demonstrate VINS and the second-generation RSR Transcoder with GPS full constellation simulator at the 2025 Joint Navigation Conference (JNC), held June 2-5 in the Greater Cincinnati area. The products will be on display at the Inertial Labs (booth 430) and VIAVI (booth 406) stands.

    VIAVI and its Inertial Labs division will also present three sessions at the conference:

    • “3D Vision-Based Positioning for Autonomous Aerial Platform Navigation and Human-in-the-Loop Reconnaissance Mission,” presented with Maxar, Monday, June 2 at 1:50 p.m. ET.
    • “Anti-Jam/Spoof Phased Array Antenna,” Wednesday, June 4 at 10:50 a.m. ET.
    • “Retrofitting At-Risk GPS Defense Equipment with a Multi-Orbit LEO and GEO Clock System for Resilient PNT Services,” Wednesday, June 4 at 11:30 a.m. ET.
  • Taoglas Thunder enclosures simplify router installations

    Taoglas Thunder enclosures simplify router installations

    Taoglas has launched its new Thunder Series — a high-performance outdoor antenna enclosure platform engineered to support direct integration and installation of industrial routers within the antenna package. Designed for demanding outdoor environments, the series helps engineers optimize installations, reduce signal loss, and significantly lower deployment costs.

    Purpose-built for widely deployed routers from Digi, Ericsson and Semtech, the Thunder Series combines Taoglas’ wideband antenna technology with a rugged enclosure that allows the router to be installed directly inside the housing. This significantly reduces the need for long RF cables – cutting tens of meters per deployment – while minimizing signal loss, installation time, and the material and labor costs typically associated with separate device installations.

    Thunder is being deployed in number plate recognition systems, powered directly from streetlight DC infrastructure – reducing cabling requirements and enabling discreet, efficient installation in urban environments.

    Operating across a broad 600–6000 MHz frequency range, the Thunder Series supports 5G/4G, Wi-Fi, GNSS and Bluetooth. This wide coverage enables support for low-band cellular, mid-band 5G, and Wi-Fi 6/6E frequencies. The solution provides quality communication by locating the router and the antenna in the same enclosure to minimize cable loss and reduce installation costs while simplifying implementation and deployment. This ensures long-range performance and reliable high- or low-speed data connectivity. The addition of the POE splitter makes powering the router less complicated.

    The Thunder Series is available in directional and omnidirectional versions, with IP67-rated ABS enclosures protecting against water ingress, dust and vibration. It is well-suited for harsh outdoor conditions and mission-critical deployments across transportation, mining, agriculture, smart cities and industrial automation. In one such application, Thunder is being deployed in number plate recognition systems, powered directly from streetlight DC infrastructure – reducing cabling requirements and enabling discreet, efficient installation in urban environments.

    To support flexible deployment, the Thunder Series can be powered in several ways depending on the router in use. These include dedicated power inputs or Power over Ethernet (PoE), with Taoglas providing detailed guidance to ensure safe, standards-compliant installation.

    The Thunder Series is available now via the Taoglas website and through the company’s authorized distribution network.