Tag: product showcase

Launchpad: GNSS chipsets, GIS software

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the January 2021 issue of GPS World magazine.

OEM

Receiver board

Enhanced with corrections

Photo: Septentrio

The AsteRx-m3 Sx OEM board dual-antenna receiver combines Septentrio’s latest core GNSS technology with the SECORX-S sub-decimeter correction service to enable plug-and-play positioning. High-accuracy positioning is available directly out of the box, GNSS corrections automatically streamed to the receiver. This significantly simplifies the set-up process and eliminates the need for corrections service subscription and maintenance. Corrections are delivered via internet or L-band satellites, ensuring sub-decimeter service even in remote locations where there is no easy internet access.

Septentrio, septentrio.com

GNSS antenna

Smart antenna for 5G timing

Photo: Tallysman

The new TW5382 smart GNSS antenna is designed for high-accuracy 5G timing. The TW5382 is a multi-band, multi-constellation 5G smart GNSS antenna/receiver that provides 5 ns (1-sigma, clear sky view) timing accuracy. It consists of two components: a Tallysman GNSS Accutenna technology antenna and a professional-grade GNSS timing receiver module. Accutenna supports the full bandwidth of the TW5382 receiver, strong multipath mitigation and deep filtering in a compact IP69K enclosure. These features enable the antenna to provide a strong, pure, in-band, right-hand circular polarized signal to the receiver. The TW5382’s professional-grade multi-constellation and multi-signal timing receiver tracks GPS/QZSS (L1/L2), GLONASS (G1/G2), Galileo (E1/E5b), and BeiDou (B1/B2) signals.

Tallymatics, tallymatics.com

IoT GNSS module

For quick integration of precise positioning

Photo: Swift Navigation

The new Precision GNSS Module (PGM) is designed to offer fast evaluation and a quick path to production for those requiring a precise positioning solution. It is available in a simple-to-use, industry-standard mPCIe (mini peripheral component interconnect express) format and is designed specifically for Swift’s Starling positioning engine running on a host application processor to deliver real-time precision navigation. The PGM utilizes STMicroelectronics’ TeseoV chipset in Quectel’s multi-constellation, dual-band LG69T-AP receiver to create an affordable, easy-to-use solution for customers building industrial, last-mile and internet of things (IoT) platforms. This solution operates with the highest accuracy when used with Swift’s Skylark positioning service.

Swift Navigation, swiftnav.com

Inertial navigation system

Success in ultra-high-altitude flight simulation

Photo: Systron Donner

CAST Navigation tested Emcore’s SDN500 inertial navigation system (INS) in an ultra-high-altitude flight simulation and achieved success. The test required simulating performance at an altitude of more than 24,000 meters and velocities over 600 m/s. Only a few aircraft in the world have such capabilities, including the SR-71 Blackbird, but it is not practical to participate in a test flight on the SR-71. Simulating the SDN500 INS test flight to specific customer profiles on a CAST system is straightforward and cost-effective. Emcore relies on GNSS/INS simulators for hardware-in-the-loop testing to verify the expected performance of algorithms. Emcore sought to validate the velocity and altitude limits of a new GNSS receiver along with the algorithm performance in a tactical-grade SDN500 system.

Emcore, emcore.com
CAST Navigation, castnav.com

5G chipset

Ready for mass-market 5G phones

Photo: MediaTek

The Dimensity 700 5G smartphone chipset is a system on chip (SoC) designed to bring advanced 5G capabilities and experiences to the mass market. MediaTek’s Dimensity family of 5G chips is designed to give device makers a suite of options for 5G smartphone models. The chips range from flagship and premium to mid-range and mass market devices to make 5G more accessible for consumers everywhere. GNSS signals received include GPS L1CA and L5, BeiDou B1I and B2, GLONASS L1OF, Galileo E1 and E5, QZSS L1C and L5, and NavIC.

MediaTek, mediatek.com

UAV

Inspection software

For transmission towers

Photo: Cyberhawk

IHawk allows users to inspect sites remotely and then download and view the analysis anywhere in the world. It eliminates the need for engineers to climb towers for inspections or work in hazardous environments. The imagery and information gathered provides a detailed and highly accurate analysis of the condition of power transmission towers.

Cyberhawk, thecyberhawk.com

Heavy-lift UAV

System designed for Turkish rescue and security

Photo: UAVOS

The Alpin UAS is a long-range, heavy-lift unmanned helicopter capable of carrying up to 160 kg with a range of up to 840 km. The UAS includes a wideband satellite communication channel from its command-and-control station — a valuable feature, particularly for operations in remote areas. The Alpin unmanned helicopter is able to withstand severe weather conditions, carry multiple payloads, and transmit real-time information to defense forces and decision-makers in the field. Its system autopilot has features and advantages such as fully autonomous take-off and landing, remote ground-control network capability, auto-rotation landing capability and high efficiency flight control based on a total energy control system (TECS).

UAVOS, uavos.com

Metadata mapping

Secure web application enhanced for dji drones

Photo: Remote GeoSystems

LineVision Online now provides enhanced support for visualizing and mapping DJI drone video camera metadata and field-of-view projections. The secure web application is designed for immersive mapping, analysis, search, sharing and archive of geo-referenced videos, full-motion video, photos and other survey, inspection and surveillance datasets. With enhanced camera metadata mapping in LineVision Online, DJI drone videos can now display a dynamic, field-of-view outline representing where the gimbal camera was looking on the Earth as the video plays in the web-based map interface. Users can select any point along the UAV’s flight track on the map to immediately cue the video to play what was recorded at that location click point.

Remote GeoSystems, remotegeo.com

Agriculture drone

Comprehensive spraying system

Photo: DJI

The Agras T20 drone can conduct autonomous operations over a variety of terrains, such as broad-acre farmlands, terraces and orchards. As a comprehensive spraying system, the T20 allows users to easily set flight and operation parameters. With a built-in real-time kinematic (RTK) centimeter-level positioning system and RTK dongles, centimeter-level waypoint recording is enabled, strengthening operations and ensuring precision spraying.The T20 is equipped with eight nozzles and high-volume pumps that can spray at a rate of up to 6 liters per minute. A highly optimized wind field produces droplets of the correct size and consistency. The T20 is also equipped with a new four-channel electromagnetic flow meter, which monitors and controls four hoses individually, ensuring an efficient flow rate for each nozzle.

DJI, dji.com

SURVEYING AND MAPPING

Virtual base station

New feature in post-processing software

Photo: SBG Systems

A new virtual base station (VBS) feature is available in Qinertia, GNSS and inertial navigation system (INS) post-processing software. Trajectory and orientation are greatly improved by processing inertial data and raw GNSS observables in forward and backward directions. The VBS computes a virtual network around a project in which position accuracy is maximized, homogeneous and robust, such as a PPK short baseline. Once surveyors collect data, Qinertia chooses the most relevant reference stations, builds a virtual network and brings the project to centimeter-level accuracy with no convergence effects, even in urban areas.

SBG Systems, sbg-systems.com

3d data processing

Designed to decipher unstructured data

Photo: Enview

Enview Explore is a powerful web application that leverages artificial intelligence and cloud computing to automatically process 3D data at a high speed and scale. Enview performs a variety of geospatial operations, including object recognition, feature extraction, feature-based change detection, and 2D/3D measurement. Enview’s technology has been deployed on thousands of square miles worldwide to protect vital infrastructure and support mission-critical operations. Its unique method for classifying 3D data reduces time to action by focusing on finding meaningful insights.

Enview, enview.com

Pile installation

Machine-guidance system ready for solar

Photo: Carlson

PDGrade — a machine guidance and positioning system that uses GNSS for pile driving applications — is now optimized for the solar industry with an increased capability in pile installation and navigation accuracy. It removes the need for surveying piles and reviewing as-built information by centralizing all relevant information and providing necessary details to operators and site supervisors.The system features both software and hardware applications to provide operators with detailed information such as pile navigation, pile location, positioning and height information, project progression tracking, and detailed accuracy. The PD machine is fitted with Carlson sensors and a ruggedized Windows-based MC10 tablet. The entire system is then calibrated within PDGrade.

Carlson Software, carlsonsw.com

February 1, 2021
New GNSS receiver front-end integrates, simplifies

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.

January 26, 2021
Wetlands software integrated with Esri ArcGIS

Photo: Ecobot

Ecobot, developer of environmental data reporting software, is now integrating enhanced Esri ArcGIS mapping and data capabilities via a partnership begun in 2019 through Esri’s Emerging Partner with the Startup Program.

The partnership enabled the addition of familiar geospatial modeling, mapping, georeferencing and data-collection capabilities within the wetland delineation app.

The new capabilities will further automate and speed the process of wetland delineations, allowing Ecobot customers to support paperless mapping of wetlands — scientists and engineers can walk the perimeter of a wetland, dropping virtual flags with a tap on the screen.

The Ecobot natural resources platform includes comprehensive reference materials, automated calculations, and instant generation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wetland Determination forms, along with Esri-ready shapefiles.

The addition of Esri ArcGIS technology is expected to slash project time and costs by an additional 5%-8%.

“Ecobot has been used to prepare more than 6,000 USACE forms for jurisdictional determinations,” said Lee Lance, Ecobot co-founder and CEO.

“Accurate and efficient wetland mapping and data collection by scientists is critical to sound construction practices, especially in an era of climate change, when sea rise and heavy precipitation events are predicted to increase across the country,” said Dawn Wright, chief scientist at Esri.

“We are thrilled to see one of our Emerging Business Partners taking advantage of our larger partner network to deliver Esri technology inside of a critical tool.”

January 11, 2021
SkyTraq offers multi-band GNSS receiver with 1-cm position accuracy

Photo: SkyTraq

SkyTraq is offering a 12 x 16 millimeter multi-band real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver for centimeter-level accuracy positioning applications. The PX1122R works with all the four GNSS, using GPS L1/L2C, Galileo E1/E5b, GLONASS L1/L2 and Beidou B1I/B2I signals concurrently to maximize positioning availability even in difficult urban environments.

A single-chip system-on-chip, the PX1122R is designed to deliver reliable, centimeter-level accuracy positioning for autonomous unmanned ground or aerial vehicles, the internet of things, and traditional land surveying and precision farming applications.

The PX1122R has an RTK initialization time under 10 seconds and a maximum update rate of 10 Hz. Its update rate provides in-time positioning with a fast response time and improved guidance for fast-moving applications, the company said.

Moving-base RTK for GNSS precise heading is also supported. By using two PX1122R and two antennas with 1-meter separation, highly accurate 1-sigma heading accuracy of 0.13 degree can be obtained; such heading accuracy is immune to magnetic interference and unaffected by the receiver’s speed.

The PX1122R can serve as a key component to provide precise position and heading information for autonomous applications. PX1122R sample, data sheet and evaluation boards are available now.

Founded in 2005, SkyTraq Technology Inc. develops high-performance chipset and module solutions for the consumer market. Its initial product is L1-GPS-centric, and now its products cover L1, L2, L5, L6 band GPS/GLONASS /Beidou/Galileo/QZSS/NavIC/SBAS applications.

January 11, 2021
Tallysman’s new antennas designed for Iridium STL signals

Photo: Tallysman

Tallysman Wireless has introduced two lightweight and compact active Iridium helical antennas designed to receive Iridium Satellite Time and Location (STL) signals.

The signals are used by STL terminals to provide worldwide position, navigation and timing independent of GPS/GNSS via an encrypted satellite broadcast signal that is strong and secure and can also be received indoors.

Because GNSS signals may be jammed (intentionally or accidentally) and spoofed, STL signals are a reliable alternative to augment and authenticate time for applications, such as electrical grids, wireless communications networks and financial systems, as well as position for private and public infrastructure.

The housed HC610 and embedded HC610E active Iridium antennas operate in receive-only mode and enable Iridium terminals to be installed tens of meters away from the antenna.

Photo: Tallysman

Both antennas are light and compact and feature a precision-tuned helical element that provides an excellent axial ratio and operates without a ground plane. They also feature a low-current, low-noise amplifier (LNA) and pre-filter to prevent harmonic interference from high-amplitude signals, such as 700-MHz band LTE and other nearby in-band cellular signals.

The housed HC610 weighs 23 grams, is 33 x 54.2 mm, and features an IP67 robust, military-grade plastic enclosure, with a base-mounted male SMA connector and two screw holes for surface attachment.

At 10 grams, the embedded HC610E is 27.5 x 38.7 mm and can be installed in a custom enclosure. It provides a base-mounted female MCX connector. An optional embedded helical mounting ring is available to attach the antenna to a flat surface.

Tallysman also provides support for the installation and integration of embedded helical antennas to enable successful implementation and to ensure optimal antenna performance.

January 4, 2021
Launchpad: Inertial sensors, ground control targets

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the December 2020 issue of GPS World magazine.

OEM

Inertial system

Ready for UAVs, robotics

Photo: Inertial Labs

The INS-DU is a high-performance strapdown inertial navigation system (INS) that determines position, velocity and absolute orientation of a platform it is mounted to. Its dual-antenna u-blox receiver provides 1-cm real-time kinematic (RTK) position from RTCM 3 RTK corrections and supports multiple GNSS constellations. Designed for UAVs, land vehicles and marine vessels, the INS-DU uses a range of aiding data to deliver a highly accurate solution for GNSS-denied environments. It uses a miniAHRS with 3-axes each of precision magnetometers, accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide orientation. It contains algorithms for the motion of robots, autonomous vehicles and antennas.

Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

Space modules

Hardened for extremes

Photo: Sensonor

The high-accuracy tactical-grade STIM277H gyro module and STIM377H inertial measurement unit (IMU) were designed to meet space segment needs. Both have hermetic aluminum enclosures, and all parts are tested for fine and gross leak to conform to MIL-STD-883J, Class H. While a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product, Sensonor has carried out extensive radiation characterizations. The design is tested for a 20+ years operating life through high-temperature operating life (HTOL) testing. Backwardly compatible with Sensonor’s other IMU and gyro modules, STIM277H and STIM377H are designed for satellite attitude and orbit control systems (AOCS), launchers, portable target acquisition systems, UAV payloads, land navigation systems, turret stabilization, missile stability and GNSS-supported navigation systems.

Sensonor, sensonor.com

OEM boards

Optimized for low-power consumption

Photo: Septentrio

The AsteRx-m3 family features GPS/GNSS OEM boards optimized for power consumption and ease of integration. An easy-to-integrate design enables short set-up times and faster time-to-market. The AsteRx-m3 offers multi-frequency, multi-constellation positioning combined with Septentrio’s GNSS+ technology while optimizing power. The AsteRx-m3 Pro rover receiver tracks signals from all available GNSS constellations on three frequencies, and operates both in single- and dual-antenna modes. The AsteRx-m3 ProBase is designed to operate as a reference station for RTK and PPP-RTK networks. The AsteRx-m3 Pro+ is a full-feature OEM receiver board flexible enough to fit into any application and to be used either as a rover or a base station in a single- or dual-antenna mode.

Septentrio, septentrio.com

GNSS anti-jam units

Fight RF interference

Photo:

New anti-jamming antennas available are the QR200 GPS dual-frequency L1/L2 anti-jamming antenna, the QR201 GNSS multi-frequency band anti-jamming antenna, and the QR202 GNSS multi-frequency band anti-jamming antenna with additional L-band reception (1520–1560 MHz). All models provide robust GPS or GNSS navigation and block intentional jamming and unintentional RF interference timing or 3D positioning. All three are lightweight (230 grams for the QR1xx series and 500 grams for the QR2xx series) with low power consumption (1–1.5W typically, depending on configuration), and can be mounted on any platform (cars, poles, drones, etc.).

Quantum Reversal, quantumreversal.com

Positioning sensor

Centimeter-accurate positioning

Photo: FixPosition

The Vision-RTK positioning sensor is a compact centimeter-accurate solution with high reliability and availability in challenging environments. The module integrates two real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receivers and visual inertial navigation. Its sensor-fusion algorithm is based on deep integration of GNSS, camera and inertial sensors. Real-time sensor fusion provides centimeter-accurate absolute positioning in any outdoor environment.

Fixposition, fixposition.com

SURVEYING

Ground control targets

Designed for UAV lidar surveys

Photo: RouteScene

Deploying ground control targets on accurately surveyed ground control points (GCP) assures that a UAV lidar survey has been properly executed. UAV lidar surveys are typically undertaken in remote, rural and sometimes hazardous locations where no fixed points are available, such as solid surfaces or concrete features. Routescene’s GCPs are raised from the ground using a mini tripod. A built-in bubble level enables accurate leveling and removes the need for a tribrach. Robustly engineered, the targets stay in position during adverse and windy conditions, reducing the risk of repositioning during a survey. They are covered with highly retro-reflective material to provide high-intensity returns. As a result, the targets are easily identifiable and can be automatically extracted from the geo-referenced point cloud.

Routescene, routescene.com

Rugged tablet

Handheld computing with GNSs

Photo: Panasonic

The Toughbook A3 Android tablet is aimed at the mobile workforce. It has an outdoor viewable screen and patented rain-touch functionality. With a 10.1-inch screen and 6-foot drop rating, the A3 enables users across industries to tackle tough jobs and critical applications. The Qualcomm SDM660 chipset, which supports BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, GPS, BeiDou QZSS and SBAS. 4G LTE Band 14 EM7511 multi carrier mobile broadband with GPS. The tablet has a powerful octa-core processor, an optional integrated barcode reader, an insertable smart card reader and an insertable stylus. The A3 has a 5-foot drop rating and IP65 certification for dust and water resistance.

Panasonic, panasonic.com

UAV

Autopilot

Avionics for advanced control of unmanned systems

Photo: Embention

Veronte Autopilot 1X is a miniaturized avionics system for advanced control of unmanned systems. The control system embeds a suite of sensors and processors with datalink radio, with reduced size and weight. The control system Veronte Autopilot 1X adds fully autonomous control capabilities to any unmanned system for complete operation. The Veronte control system is fully configurable for payload, platform layout, control phases and control channels. It uses real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and provides cloud connectivity, sense-and-avoid support, electromagnetic interference and vibration isolation.

Embention, embention.com

Commercial drone

Offers centimeter-level accuracy

Photo: Auterion

The Astro commercial drone platform is equipped with Freefly’s multi-band, real-time kinematic (RTK) system, which provides centimeter-level precision with a u-blox F9P GNSS module. The drone is equipped with a 60-megapixel Sony camera. A customized version of Skynode powers each Astro, providing LTE connectivity, an onboard Linux mission computer, and seamless connectivity to Auterion Mission Control and Cloud Suite. The Auterion ecosystem provides robust, secure and scalable drone planning, flight and compliance management solution.

Freefly, freeflysystems.com

TRANSPORTATION

Guidance system

For pilots in aerial applications

Photo: Insero

The guidance system AgPilotX for aerial applicators uses three wireless components: a GPS/GNSS lightbar, a hub and an Apple iPad. The smart components run off their own computer, communicating to each other wirelessly. The AgPilotX Smart Lightbar has onboard GPS+GLONASS as well as a GNSS antenna, so there is no need to run an antenna up to the aircraft canopy. The Lightbar logs the data, while a hub connects the switches (swath advance, swath decrement, spray on/off) and peripherals, and an iPad runs the interface software through an Apple App. All logs are saved as unique jobs and can be returned to at any time. The lightbar is not dependent upon the iPad to operate and will continue to work the active job even if you start using a different App or even shut the Apple device completely off.

Insero, inserosolutions.com

Antennas

High accuracy for autonomous vehicles, robotics

The Colosseum X XAHP.50 antenna. (Photo: Taoglas)

Two new active, multiband GNSS antennas are engineered for applications that require critical high-accuracy positioning and timing, including autonomous driving and precision agriculture. The MagmaX2 AA.200 is designed for space- and weight-constrained applications, such as robotic lawnmowers. Embedded versions are also available. It is a low-profile active multiband GNSS magnetic mount antenna for use across most major constellations including GPS (L1/L2/L5), GLONASS (G1/G2/G5), Galileo (E1/E5a/E5b) and BeiDou(B1/B2). The Colosseum X XAHP.50 is a geodetic-quality small-dome antenna suitable for a vehicle roof mount or pole mount. It is engineered to operate with high-precision capabilities on the full GNSS spectrum. Sub meter positional accuracy better than 55 cm is achievable, even without the use of RTK correctional services.

Taoglas, taoglas.com

January 4, 2021
Emlid launches Reach RS2 multi-band RTK receiver

Photo: Emlid

Emlid has debuted the Reach RS2, a fully-featured multi-band RTK receiver. All of its features are available out of the box, along with a survey app for iOS and Android.

The Reach RS2 tracks L1/L2 bands on GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou, and L1/L5 on Galileo, and acquires a fixed solution in seconds. It achieves centimeter-level precision for surveying, mapping and navigation and maintains robust performance even in challenging conditions. Centimeter accuracy can be achieved on distances up to 60 km in RTK and 100 km in PPK mode.

Up to 22 hours of autonomous work when logging data and up to 16 hours as a 3G rover, even in cold weather—no more need to carry spare batteries with you. Reach RS2 can charge from a USB wall charger or a power bank over USB-C.

Reach RS2 comes with a free app for iOS and Android called ReachView, which supports thousands of coordinate systems worldwide. With ReachView, users can fully configure their Reach receiver, enable RINEX data logging, and survey in RTK.

Reach RS2 also features a power-efficient 3.5G HSPA modem with 2G fallback and global coverage. Corrections can be accessed or broadcast over NTRIP independently, without relying on an internet connection on a smartphone.

Base for RTK Drone. The Reach RS2 can be used as a base station for drone mapping, using an RTK drone such as the DJI Phantom 4.

A new service offered by Emlid is Emlid Caster, a free way to pass corrections between receivers over the internet. Emlid Caster works with any NTRIP-capable device.

E38 Survey Solutions, an Emlid dealer in the United States, conducted a case study with the Reach RS2.

December 29, 2020
ADVA launches edge and access clocks for 5G network timing

Photo: ADVA

ADVA has launched a set of edge and access network synchronization devices with enhanced capabilities for next-generation applications such as 5G. These latest Oscilloquartz solutions address key challenges for a wide range of industries by bringing new levels of timing accuracy and resilience to edge networks.

The OSA 5412 and 5422 offer precise phase, frequency and time-of-day synchronization and can be used for time-as-a-service applications. Communication service providers, enterprises, broadcast networks and power utilities can deploy synchronization technology at the edge that features multi-band for nanosecond accuracy.

The OSA 5412 and 5422 utilize in-service sync probing and assurance as well as innovative GNSS assurance capabilities. The products also provide support for eight field-upgradeable 10Gbit/s ports, ensuring the scale and efficiency needed for next-generation smart grids, industrial IoT applications and 5G connectivity.

The OSA 5412 is a highly flexible access network synchronization solution that offers compact and cost-effective timing distribution and assurance. The OSA 5422 is engineered for the most extreme conditions. It meets stringent frequency and phase synchronization requirements, delivers the best holdover performance of any edge device on the market, and supports multiple legacy interfaces such BITS and IRIG.

Both solutions address new ITU-T specifications, including for class A and B PRTCs, ePRTCs with strict holdover requirements, and the newly improved class C and D boundary clocks. They also feature onboard multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receivers that overcome ionospheric delay variation far more cost-efficiently than rival solutions using high-end rubidium oscillators.

The OSA 5412 and 5422 support multiple PTP profiles, NTP and SyncE with a high number of 1/10GbE ports. Both devices are engineered with optional OLED display and with hot-swappable modules and power supplies to be easily upgraded in the field.

“Our latest solutions build on the great success we’ve had with our access synchronization product line. Now operators can harness the power of multi-band GNSS receivers to deliver highly accurate, UTC-traceable timing at the network edge. That enables the availability and precision that will be essential for tomorrow’s services,” said Nir Laufer, senior director, product line management, Oscilloquartz, ADVA.

“By extending the feature set of our edge technology, we’re empowering CSPs to smoothly transition to the reliability and accuracy required for 5G and, at the same time, enabling our unique innovation to be used across a wide range of verticals,” Laufer said. “With support for 10Gbit/s and 1Gbit/s interfaces as well as hardware timestamping, our access timing products are the ultimate in future-proof, space-efficient synchronization.”

“Access grandmaster clocks need to meet stricter demands for accuracy and reliability than ever before, and many industries have their own specific set of stringent timing requirements. That’s why we’ve evolved our portfolio of edge and access network synchronization solutions for the specific challenges of the 5G era,” said Gil Biran, general manager, Oscilloquartz, ADVA.

“Our OSA 5412 and 5422 answer the most urgent timing needs of mission-critical infrastructure in multiple verticals,” Biran said. “They provide nanosecond precision, an abundance of fan-out interface options and operational simplicity thanks to the management and monitoring capabilities of our Ensemble Controller with Sync Director. Operators of broadcast, healthcare, financial networks and more now have a straightforward and affordable path from legacy to next-generation timing.”

More information on the OSA 5412 and 5422 is available in these slides.

December 15, 2020
UAVOS releases Xservo-Series Actuators

Image: UAVOS

UAVOS has debuted its Xservo-Series Hollow Shaft Servo Actuators, which feature embedded CANopen/EtherCAT servo drive.

The actuators include a built-in motion controller, which allows users to skip the complex stage of mechanical and electrical integration of a passive servo actuator with an external servo drive controller, the company said.

In addition, the actuators, which are encased with rugged, IP65-rated anodized aluminum alloy casing, boast a hollow shaft that makes it easy to pass power supply cables, shafts or laser beams directly through the servo actuator.

According to UAVOS, the actuators are capable of nx360 degree proportional rotation and are ideal for a wide range of rotary applications within UAVs and robotic platforms. New actuators are immune to shock and vibration and designed for use in harsh conditions, the company added.

“This is just the beginning of a series of product releases we are planning for this year, and our customers can be excited about what is about to come,” said Aliaksei Stratsilatau, CEO and lead developer at UAVOS. “Our incentive is to meet most of our customers’ requirements, and this is why we constantly invest in our R&D capacities and keep an ear close to the market.”

UAVOS Xservo-Series are designed to be used in industrial applications where high accuracy, high torque and low weight are essential.

December 14, 2020
Plug-and-play compass selected for survey package

Photo: Advanced Navigation

Advanced Navigation’s plug-and-play GNSS Compass was selected by Nortek for its new survey package. Nortek’s scientific instruments apply the Doppler principle to underwater acoustics to measure water in motion, such as currents and waves. The instruments are used by scientists, researchers and engineers worldwide, employed in demanding environments that require state-of-the-art instrumentation that is reliable and easy to use.

A vessel-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) measures the velocity of currents beneath a moving vessel. To correct the measured values for vessel speed and direction, ADCP measurements require accurate velocity and heading information. Besides the use of bottom track within the ADCP itself, such information can be provided externally using a GNSS receiver and a non-magnetic heading source such as a gyro compass.

Nortek’s ADCP package — Signature VM — offers operational convenience and reduced complexity. As part of the package, Advanced Navigation’s GNSS Compass provides accurate dual-antenna GNSS-based heading that is not subject to magnetic interference. Its inertial navigation system (INS) can maintain accurate heading during GNSS outages of up to 20 minutes. “By making use of today’s modern Ethernet instruments, such as the Signature ADCP and the GNSS Compass, we can guarantee nanosecond time synchronization with Ethernet PTP protocol,” said Herman Huitema, VM product manager at Nortek. “Data from the ADCP can be exactly aligned with the GNSS Compass information.”

November 3, 2020
Quantum Reversal adds new GNSS anti-jam units to product offerings
The QR100 and QR201 anti-jamming devices. (Photo: Quantum Reversal)

Quantum Reversal has added several new models to its flagship anti-jamming line. The company introduced in February the QR100 L1/L2 GPS anti-jamming unit and the QR101 L1/L2 GPS anti-jamming antenna.

The current solution consists now of five products designed for the commercial market to solve the issue of unintentional RF interference or jamming:
- QR100 – GPS dual frequency L1/L2 anti-jamming unit
- QR200 – GPS dual frequency L1/L2 anti-jamming antenna
- QR101 – GNSS multi frequency bands anti-jamming unit
- QR201 – GNSS multi frequency bands anti-jamming antenna
- QR202 – GNSS multi frequency band anti-jamming antenna with additional L-band reception
  (1520-1560 MHz)
All models provide robust GPS or GNSS navigation solution, blocking intentional jamming and unintentional RF interference for services such as timing or 3D positioning.

All the products are lightweight (230 grams for QR1xx series and 500 grams for QR2xx series) with low power consumption (1-1.5 Watt typically, depending on the configuration), and can be mounted on any platform (cars, poles, drones, etc.).

Quantum Reversal operates in the information and wireless technology sector, developing innovative wireless and antenna technologies for various commercial markets. The QR team has experience designing products for applications in space, underwater, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the commercial and user end. Each application requires a specific solution to deal with specific environmental (pressure, temperature, vibration, etc.) and operational conditions.

The company sells stand alone products as well as OEM products that can be integrated within the customer products.
October 28, 2020
Inertial Labs launches Kernel-100 IMU with MEMS sensors

Photo: Inertial Labs

Inertial Labs is offering a new industrial-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) for aerospace and defense applications, among others.

The Kernel-100 is a compact, self-contained strapdown IMU that measures linear acceleration and angular rates with three-axis MEMS accelerometers and three-axis MEMS gyroscopes.

The Kernel-100 is fully calibrated, temperature compensated, mathematically aligned to an orthogonal coordinate system. It contains up to 2 deg/hr bias in-run stability gyroscopes and 10 μg bias in-run stability accelerometers with extremely low noise and high repeatability.

The Kernel-100 is a fully integrated inertial solution that includes the newest MEMS sensor technologies. With seamless integration, the Kernel-100 inertial system is a cost-effective high performance yet compact and low-power IMU, the company said. The Kernel-100 is easy to integrate in a wide range of higher order systems while consuming very little space and power.

With continuous built-in test (BIT), configurable communications protocols, electromagnetic interference protection, and flexible input power requirements, the Kernel-100 is built to be used in a wide variety of environments and integrated system applications.

Built for air, marine and land environments, the Kernel-100 can be integrated into motion reference units, attitude and heading reference systems, and GPS-aided inertial navigation systems. As a result, the Kernel-100 is suitable for a wide variety of applications such as autonomous vehicles, antenna and line-of-sight stabilizations systems, and buoy or boat motion monitoring.

Inertial Labs provides innovative solutions to commerce, industry and government for defense and aerospace.

October 28, 2020