GPS World

Tag: plug-and-play

  • Septentrio partners with ArduSimple for emerging GPS/GNSS applications

    Septentrio partners with ArduSimple for emerging GPS/GNSS applications

    The mosaic-X5 and mosaic-H modules are being integrated into ArduSimple’s new evaluation kits, making resilient cm-level positioning easily accessible for testing and prototyping

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    Septentrio’s compact GNSS module mosaic-X5 and heading module mosaic-H are being integrated into evaluation kits developed by ArduSimple.

    With these new kits, ArduSimple brings to market triple-band real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS/GNSS as a plug-and-play solution for the most popular development platforms such as Arduino, STM Nucleo, Raspberry Pi, Ardupilot and Nvidia Jetson.

    ArduSimple enables developers of robotics, UAVs and autonomous systems to easily try out mosaic, a unique module offering the latest high-performance GNSS positioning technology.

    “The mosaic module complements the ArduSimple RTK product portfolio with a higher-end solution for the most demanding applications,” said Marc Castillo, senior consultant at ArduSimple. “Triple-band GNSS brings extra reliability to the RTK solution and removes the headache of transitioning from L2 to L5 band. This, combined with its feature-rich software, will allow our customers to accelerate even more their time-to-market.”

    In addition to triple-band GNSS, mosaic module offers unmatched resilience to radio interference. This is especially important in robotic devices where electronic components, such as cameras and servos, are located close to the GPS/GNSS receiver, often interfering with GPS signals, which are weak, and causing positioning degradation. High-accuracy positioning is delivered at a uniquely high update-rate by mosaic-X5 in single antenna mode. Meanwhile, the board which mounts mosaic-H offers all-in functionality with dual-antenna mode for accurate GNSS heading.

    “By partnering with ArduSimple we are bringing mosaic to emerging markets where its outstanding performance makes a difference. Mosaic makes accurate positioning so much easier to integrate and use, while giving a competitive edge to new products,” said Gustavo Lopez, market access manager at Septentrio. “ArduSimple is a great partner because they are known in the industry for offering user-friendly and affordable evaluation kits for RTK positioning, complemented by software tools, making integration and rapid prototyping easy.”

    The SimpleRTK3B board, which allows evaluation of the mosaic GNSS module, is now available for purchase via the ArduSimple web shop. For more information about mosaic or other Septentrio products visit septentrio.com or contact Septentrio.

  • Septentrio’s AsteRx SB3 GNSS receiver launched in rugged enclosure

    Septentrio’s AsteRx SB3 GNSS receiver launched in rugged enclosure

    Septentrio, a leader in high-precision GNSS positioning solutions, has launched the AsteRx SB3 receiver family, enclosed in an IP68 housing. The receiver offers superior availability of RTK high-accuracy positioning because of its ability to track a wide variety of signals from all currently operating GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou).

    Even in dual-antenna mode, AsteRx SB3 uses triple-frequency tracking to maximize robustness and availability of its heading angles.

    “The AsteRx SB3 brings state-of-the-art GNSS positioning and heading performance in a very compact and rugged enclosure that is fully certified and ready to use,” said Silviu Taujan, product manager at Septentrio. “Its simplicity and ease of use make it a truly plug-and-play device, allowing customers to have a fully operational system within minutes.”

    The new line includes two types of receivers, both offering unique triple-band sub-degree GNSS heading.

    • AsteRx SB3 Pro is a high-performance rover receiver featuring the latest core GNSS+ algorithms for maximal reliability and availability in challenging environments, such as near high structures or under foliage.
    • AsteRx SB3 Pro+ adds value to the Pro version with base station functionality and internal logging. It also offers higher update rates and ultra-low latency, both important factors for fast-moving vehicles or mechanical components in automation or guidance systems.

    AsteRx SB3 products are pin-to-pin compatible with Septentrio’s AsteRx SB ProDirect receiver and with the recently released AsteRx SBi3 GNSS/INS system, making it simple to change receivers.

    The Septentrio AsteRx SB3 Pro is ruggedized for tough environments. (Image: Septentrio)
    The Septentrio AsteRx SB3 Pro is ruggedized for tough environments. (Image: Septentrio)
  • STMicroelectronics joins Startup Autobahn for auto innovation

    STMicroelectronics joins Startup Autobahn for auto innovation

    Autobahn program connects new companies with major brands for investment and development, ST is first semiconductor manufacturer to become Anchor Partner

    STMicroelectronics logoSTMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor company, has become an Anchor Partner of Startup Autobahn, which is powering innovation in the automotive sector by introducing selected dynamic new companies to established technology corporations.

    Startup Autobahn is based in Stuttgart, Germany. It was created by and is managed by Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley accelerator and investor that historically has introduced more than 35,000 startups to more than 400 corporations.

    Anchor Partners in Startup Autobahn include major car brands and vendors of diverse automotive technologies. ST’s support, with its strategic emphasis on smart mobility, boosts opportunities for new companies with innovative ideas for electrification, e-mobility and smart, connected driving to take part in the program.

    “We’re extremely pleased to welcome STMicroelectronics to our platform as a new strategic partner,” said Sascha Karimpour, managing director of Plug and Play Germany. “This partnership fits perfectly into our existing ecosystem, covering the automotive value chain. The semiconductor industry is enabling powerful innovations in automotive technology and will play a major role as software and IT become increasingly important in the car of the future.”

    Startup Autobahn organizes events throughout the year to bring corporate partners and selected startups together. The diverse platforms include deep-dive presentations, one-to-one introductions, cross-collaboration days, and private meetings between partners and shortlisted startups. Twice-yearly expos showcase the results of collaborations, combined with keynote speeches and presentations from various industry leaders and invited guests.

    The program has already successfully connected startups with established brands to activate powerful new concepts in areas such as battery charging, supply-chain and materials management, smart mobility, efficient manufacturing, recycling and enterprise CO2 reduction.

  • New GNSS receiver front-end integrates, simplifies

    New GNSS receiver front-end integrates, simplifies

    Photo: STMicroelectronics
    Photo: STMicroelectronics

    STMicroelectronics’ latest RF front-end for GNSS receivers offers a simplified design and smaller footprint. The BPF8089-01SC6 integrates the impedance-matching and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry typically implemented using discrete components.

    The BPF8089-01SC6 provides a 50-ohm matched interface between the receiver’s antenna and low-noise amplifier (LNA), and is ready for plug-and-play with the company’s STA8089 and STA8090 LNAs.

    The BPF8089-01SC6 is suitable for use in portable receivers for the GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou and QZSS constellations, which can be used in applications such as consumer satellite navigation, radio base stations, drones and tracking of assets or livestock.

    The BPF8089-01SC6’s compact, integrated front-end can replace a matching network containing up to five capacitors, resistors and inductors, as well as two discrete protection devices, resulting in a much smaller footprint. Designers can also leverage PCB-track specifications provided in the device datasheet to ease design challenges and ensure optimal performance.

    The ESD protection provided complies with IEC 61000-4-2 (C = 150 pF, R = 330 ohm) and exceeds level 4: 8 kV for contact discharge and 15 kV for air discharge. The device also withstands 2 kV pulse voltage in accordance with MIL-STD 883 C (C = 100 pF, R = 1.5k ohm).

    Part of ST’s Application Specific Integrated Passives (ASIP) product range, the BPF8089-01SC6 is housed in a SOT23-6L package compatible with automatic optical inspection.