The module was introduced at the Electronica 2018 show, held Nov. 13-16 in Munich, Germany.
As the latest addition to Quectel’s GNSS portfolio, L26-DR is a concurrent multi-GNSS receiver module embedded with dead-reckoning solution, which greatly improves the positioning accuracy and speed while simplifying customer designs, the company said.
The dead-reckoning capability ensures the module delivers the highest performance positioning solution available, even when GNSS signal is absent or compromised, the company said.
Equipped with six-axis sensor MEMs and a powerful GNSS core, the module provides high sensitivity, fast GNSS signal acquisition and tracking with low system integration effort.
Moreover, the built-in low-noise amplifier offers the module with improved RF sensitivity and exceptional acquisition and tracking performances even in weak signal areas.
L26-DR is able to acquire and track any mix of GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS signals, which allows accurate navigation in harsh environments such as urban canyons, the company added. Compared with using GPS only, enabling multiple GNSS systems generally increases the number of visible satellites, reduces the time to first fix and improves positioning accuracy, especially when driving in rough urban environments.
Designed for automotive and industrial applications, the L26-DR comes in an ultra-compact size of 12.2 × 16.0 × 2.3 millimeters. The compact GNSS module also supports other precise positioning technologies, including differential GPS (RTCM) and SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS/GAGAN).
According to the company, engineering samples of Quectel L26-DR will be available in December.
Quectel Wireless Solutions has launched the automotive-grade C-V2X module AG15, which features the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset solution from Qualcomm Technologies, a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated.
Image: Quectel
The module is now sampling to the automotive industry for the development of commercial C-V2X products.
The AG15 C-V2X module is manufactured in accordance to IATF 16949:2016 quality management system standard for the automotive sector, and it fully complies with the automotive product quality processes, including APQP and PPAP.
Pairing with the Quectel automotive-grade LTE module AG35, Quectel’s AG15 is designed to meet the telematics and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) connectivity requirements of the next-generation automotive applications, such as autonomous driving and road safety.
Also known as LTE-V2X, C-V2X is the V2X communication technology based on the globally recognized Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 14 specifications. The PC5-based direct communication mode of C-V2X supports vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communications on the 5.9-GHz intelligent transport system (ITS) spectrum.
In addition, C-V2X paves a strong evolution path toward 5G new radio (5G NR) and plays an essential part of the future of safe autonomous driving with its capabilities including non-line-of-sight (NLOS) sensing to support high-speed mobility and high vehicular density deployments, the company said.
For positioning function, the AG15 features a built-in multi-constellation high-precision GNSS (GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo/QZSS) receiver, with additional support from satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) and Qualcomm 3D dead-reckoning technology, which greatly improves the positioning accuracy and speed while simplifying customer designs.
Based on C-V2X technology, the Quectel AG15 module adopts the 3GPP Release 14 C-V2X PC5 protocol. It is designed to allow low-latency, highly reliable and highly dense data exchange between vehicles and their surroundings, enabling effective information sharing among road users in avoidance of collisions, thus improving automotive safety, automated driving and traffic efficiency.
Without the need for a subscriber identity module (SIM), cellular subscription or network assistance, the C-V2X direct communication mode helps reduce complexity and cost for customers.
Additionally, the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset solution has a built in A7 application processor (1.5 GHz), which could be potentially utilized to run ITS stack and associated C-V2X applications.
“We are very pleased to introduce our first batch of automotive grade C-V2X modules based on the Qualcomm 9150 chipset solution. Automated driving has unique requirements for V2X connectivity, such as lower latency, higher reliability and wider bandwidth, all of which could be addressed by C-V2X technology,” said Patrick Qian, CEO of Quectel. “Built upon Quectel’s expertise in connected vehicles and Qualcomm Technologies’ high-performance C-V2X chipset solution, the AG15 module is expected to help automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to effectively accelerate their efforts towards automated driving.”
“Quectel is a global leader in cellular modules with rich experience in commercial automotive products,” said Nakul Duggal, vice president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies. “We are pleased to work closely with Quectel again to support its modules with our 9150 C-V2X chipset solution to help create safer and more efficient V2X solutions and to help empower road safety and autonomous driving. We look forward to working with Quectel in delivering the solutions required to address the needs of the next generation automobiles.”
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the October 2018 issue of GPS World magazine.
OEM
Anti-spoofing
Provides mitigation and reporting
Photo: Regulus
The Pyramid GNSS allows detection, mitigation and reporting of spoofing of the GNSS system, while still providing accurate positioning (jamming protection will be available in a future version). Version 2 of the Pyramid GNSS adds a software-only version, making it available to numerous applications and enabling GNSS to perform seamlessly under spoofing and jamming conditions. The device is designed for any system depending on GNSS navigation or precise timing, including cars, drones, ships, robots, financial institutions and stationary infrastructure, such as power plants and power grids. The Pyramid GNSS connects externally and integrates seamlessly with existing GNSS receivers, adding reliability and protection to the system. It offers full GNSS support including for BeiDou, Galileo and GLONASS.
Swift Navigation has upgraded the firmware of its flagship product — the Piksi Multi GNSS receiver. This marks the sixth major release to Piksi Multi since it was launched in February 2017. The upgrade is available free of charge to Swift customers. The firmware release also enhances Duro, the ruggedized version of the Piksi Multi receiver housed in a military-grade, weatherproof enclosure for long-term outdoor deployments. Firmware Release 2.0 for Piksi Multi and Duro supports two additional major satellite constellations — Chinese BeiDou (B1/B2) which, once completed, will contain 37 satellites, and Europe’s Galileo (E1/E5b), which will eventually consist of 30 satellites. Piksi Multi’s performance will further improve for future satellites. The addition of BeiDou and Galileo creates more robust positioning in a variety of challenging sky-view environments.
The G300D gyro is a three-axis, inertial rate system gyroscope. Measuring 0.67 cubic inches, it features low power and high speed, making it suitable for image stabilization applications. The G300D has message timing under 150 microseconds and output data rates up to 8 kHz with external sync. A micro-electro-mechanical gyroscope, it has an ARW of <0.0028 degrees/sec/√Hz and an option for both 24 and 32-bit LSB for exceptional resolution. Users can configure the G300D using a software development kit or through software protocols to simplify the integration process. The G300D gyro is non-ITAR.
Two new GNSS low-noise amplifier (LNA) front-end modules, the SKY65933-11 and SKY65943-11, integrate Skyworks’ proprietary TC-SAW filters. The modules are designed specifically for internet of things (IoT) applications including smartwatches, action cameras, drones, asset trackers and personal navigation devices. They are designed for wireless module and IoT device manufacturers, providing a turnkey GNSS connectivity solution in a compact form factor. Both solutions offer integrated pre- and post-filter LNA and matching to reduce printed circuit board (PCB) area versus a discrete implementation; single DC supply for design flexibility and simplicity; multi-GNSS compatibility to cover GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS receiver applications in the 1559–1606 MHz frequency range; extremely low leakage current (1 uA max) benefitting battery-powered IoT devices; and highly manufacturable and low-cost surface-mount technology in a 2.5 x 2.5-millimeter multi-chip module package.
The Net20 Pro provides high-quality data for users interested in the proximity and reliability of a reference station while eliminating real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections service charges. It uses multi-frequency, 555-channel technologies in a rugged casing to deliver accurate and effective positioning data even in harsh environments. It can be configured for correction data reception in client mode to calculate a fixed RTK position and to monitor the antenna position while continuing to work as a GNSS reference server. With NTRIP Caster software, the Net20 Pro provides superior connectivity with an unlimited number of mount points. Users can have permanent transmission of RTK corrections with a local internet connection. Its 32-GB internal and 32-GB external memory is enough for permanent recording even at a 100-Hz high data sampling rate. Its web user interface features upgrade, status and settings management as well as data downloading via smartphone, tablet or other internet-enabled device.
The J-Mate measurement module combines conventional measurement via laser scanning and photographic imagery with the multi-constellation location accuracy of the Triumph-LS receiver. It utilizes precision horizontal and vertical encoders for angular measurement, while the high-definition camera and laser module combine to locate the USB-powered target for accurate measurements. The target rests on top of the receiver and lights up for better visibility to the camera and sensor. The lighting power comes through the USB cord connected to the receiver. Coupled with the onboard data collector screen of the Triumph-LS, operation of the module is done visually with the LS mounted on top of the module or remotely on the J-Pod pole used for GNSS data collection. The module and software is also designed to be an efficient staking application.
The Trimble R10 Model 2 GNSS System is designed to help surveyors work more effectively by enabling reliable, fast and accurate data collection in the field. Enhancements in Model 2 include a custom Trimble survey GNSS ASIC with 672 GNSS channels including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS and IRNSS as well as the full range of SBAS. It also will support planned GNSS signals. It has improved reliability against interference and spoofed signals, improved power management by 33 percent, and increased internal memory (6 GB) to store more than 10 years of raw observations. Support for Android and iOS platforms allow field crews to use their own mobile devices. The Trimble R10 Model 2 supports the recently released Trimble TSC7 controller and Trimble Access 2018 field software.
The TerraStar-C PRO correction service provides multi-constellation support, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. Combined with NovAtel’s OEM7 positioning technology, TerraStar-C PRO cuts initial convergence times by nearly 60 percent and offers 40 percent better horizontal accuracy than the current TerraStar-C service. In challenging signal conditions, it offers multipath, shading, interference and scintillation. High-rate TerraStar-C PRO corrections provide reconvergence in less than 60 seconds following brief GNSS signal interruptions. Corrections are generated using TerraStar’s proprietary global network of more than 100 GNSS reference stations. The data is delivered worldwide through overlapping geostationary satellites directly to a NovAtel receiver or via cellular IP network.
The C3UBE Command Center enables unmanned beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) data collection and near real-time data streaming from almost any point within any critical infrastructure network. The mobile command and distribution center allows for the flight of unmanned aerial systems and is designed to not only allow AviSight to reach the maximum BVLOS distances permitted today, but also to expand its range for UAS operations as limits increase in the national airspace. In addition, it enables near-real-time transmission of data and imagery, which can be disseminated live to anywhere in the world via its proprietary distribution network located at Switch’s Tier 4 data center. It is aimed at the oil, gas, power, transportation and telecommunications sectors.
SimActive has updated its Correlator3D end-to-end photogrammetry software to include tools for users to generate precise statistics on mining activities, with improved volumetric calculation. The integrated tools allow users to generate precise statistics on mining activities. The Correlator3D software performs aerial triangulation and produces dense digital surface models, digital terrain models, point clouds, orthomosaics and vectorized 3D features. Applications like mineral extraction monitoring can be done seamlessly within the software. Users can process raw drone data, produce point clouds and DSMs, and perform volumetric calculations in the same Correlator3D workflow.
The improved TruPulse 360 laser features LTI’s TruVector 360° Compass Technology. The rangefinder measures slope distance, inclination and azimuth; instantly calculates horizontal and vertical distances; and calculates 3D missing line values. The enhanced device offers 33 percent increased distance accuracy, 25 percent better target acquisition and a higher azimuth accuracy of 0.5° root mean squared (RMS). Other features include reflectorless technology that enables data capture to any surface type; advanced targeting modes to achieve accurate, repeatable results of the intended target; seven-power superior optics technology that displays all measured and calculated solutions; and smart technology that recognizes adverse measurement conditions and prompts recalibration. Uses include forestry, utilities, construction and GIS mapping.
Synthetic aperture radar imagery from Maxar’s MDA RADARSAT-2 satellite is now available to SecureWatch subscribers. SecureWatch is DigitalGlobe’s powerful, cloud-based geospatial intelligence platform. The service has added the radar imagery to its high-resolution optical imagery, enabling defense and intelligence analysts to deliver actionable insights to decision makers regardless of weather and light conditions. The satellite will refresh hundreds of global sites on a weekly basis using a wide-ultra-fine format (3-meter resolution, 50-kilometer scene width). RADARSAT-2 imagery allows users to observe features and changes that go undetected using other imaging techniques, and provides day and night coverage regardless of weather. SecureWatch users can access timely RADARSAT-2 imagery using current subscription plans. When combined with 30-cm optical imagery, analysts will have a powerful and reliable toolset to make decisions with confidence.
U-blox has introduced a toolset comprising the u-track software and the C030-R410M application board. The toolset is a rapid-prototyping platform that lets product designers test and optimize the position accuracy and power consumption of wireless location tracking applications that use LTE-M and NB-IoT cellular networks, as well as GNSS technology. The toolset targets product engineers working on battery-powered applications such as sport, people and asset trackers. An increasing number of battery-powered consumer and industrial products feature integrated GNSS receivers. These products include virtual reality headsets, smartwatches and devices to track elderly people, containers or parcels. With the ongoing roll-out of low power wide-area cellular networks (LPWAN) such as LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies around the world and the extremely low power consumption they enable, the range of use cases for wireless location trackers is expected to expand further. The u-track software runs from embedded firmware on the new u-blox C030-R410M application board. The board, specifically designed to rapidly prototype applications for the internet of things (IoT), includes an ultra-small, low-power u-blox ZOE-M8B GNSS receiver and a size-optimized SARA-R410M LTE-M/NB-IoT cellular communication module, and u-track includes a PC software application that lets users log, retrieve, and visualize power consumption, accuracy, and other important values, such as the GNSS time to first fix.
Add-on to AT&T Fleet Complete platform or for separate use
Photo: AT&T
The new GPS Asset Tracker One (AT1) from AT&T and Fleet Complete can track transportation as well as agriculture, food services, pharmaceuticals and emergency services. Users can monitor their assets through the Fleet Complete mobile app. Besides tracking location in near real-time, it also captures humidity, temperature, light exposure and more. AT&T’s nationwide LTE-M network is designed for devices that require low-cost, extended battery life, coverage underground and inside buildings, and carrier-grade security. Two high-capacity Lithium AA batteries power the AT1. They can last up to five years with a once-a-day use.
The MC90 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS/GNSS/Wi-Fi module that supports hybrid positioning technologies including GNSS, Cell ID and Wi-Fi aided positioning. It integrates the multi-GNSS system, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS, which makes it suitable for urban areas with high-rise buildings and complex environments. The MC90 also adopts Wi-Fi hotspot positioning technology for blind spots and satellite coverage. It integrates multi-aiding positioning technologies to offer customers with optimized GNSS performance. It also supports EPO technology, which provides predicted Extended Prediction Orbit to speed up TTFF without the need of an extra server. The MC90 features a compact design and lower power consumption, and supports dual SIM single standby function.
TomTom will offer free maps and traffic tiles on its mobile software developer kit (SDK) in both Android and iOS. With global coverage, the Mobile Maps SDKs and its free map tiles will guide developers of mobility and ride-sharing apps. The TomTom Maps APIs (application programming interfaces) also play a role in the internet of things, where traffic data is needed to enable self-driving cars and smart city planning.
MAGNET Inspect is designed for UAV data collection. (Photo: Topcon)
MAGNET Inspect software is designed to facilitate the data-processing workflow for UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) infrastructure inspection by efficiently managing large UAV data sets to create inspection reports. It allows operators to visually navigate UAV photos, aligning 3D reality meshes with raw georeferenced images in one location and filtering them based on selected criteria including field of view. When combined with Intel Falcon 8+ Drone – Topcon Edition and Topcon ContextCapture, powered by Bentley Systems, the software enables operators to navigate, annotate and create reports with inspection photos, creating a strong end-to-end inspection workflow.
Site Scan Esri Edition is a custom version of the Site Scan iOS app for drone flight planning and data capture that works seamlessly with Esri’s ArcGIS Online and Drone2Map for ArcGIS. The Site Scan Esri Edition app complements Esri’s Drone2Map for ArcGIS software by providing full drone project mission planning and a simple workflow for transferring drone captured data into Esri ArcGIS. Users will be able to connect to ArcGIS Online with an Esri sign-in. The app will allow users to directly use Esri data layers from ArcGIS Online as base and reference data for their drone flight planning mission. Esri customers can use any drone supported by Site Scan, including a variety of DJI drones. Site Scan also supports a custom version of the new Yuneec H520 commercial drone by 3D, which is based on the Dronecode PX4 software and designed to be an open and secure drone option for use on U.S. government projects.
UAS mission-planning software company UgCS has joined with disaster response expert Airborne Response to develop a comprehensive search capability for drones. The search-pattern software, a new feature of the UgCS platform, allows remote pilots to more effectively conduct search-and-rescue operations. Customizable search patterns such as the “expanding square” and “creeping line” can be deployed. Based on the flight altitude input by the operator, the UgCS software will automatically calculate the course heading and track spacing necessary to provide the prescribed coverage area for a search target. UgCS software allows central management of all types and manufacturers of unmanned vehicles, enabling a user to control one or a fleet of drones on a single mission in multi-operator mode and multi-platform environments. Airborne Response will offer the UgCS mission planning software and associated training to public safety and emergency response professionals throughout the U.S.
The Mavic 2 Pro is designed for professionals, aerial photographers and content creators. With a folding design, the Mavic 2 is a powerful platform with new gimbal-stabilized cameras and advanced intelligent features like Hyperlapse and ActiveTrack for easier and more dynamic storytelling. Flight time is 31 minutes. Co-engineered in partnership with Hasselblad, the Mavic 2 Pro houses a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile. It can capture 20-megapixel aerial shots with utmost color accuracy using the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology, while an adjustable aperture from f/2.8-f/11 provides control across a wide variety of lighting conditions.
This announced version of Qualcomm Technologies’ precise positioning framework supports single-frequency GNSS utilizing real-time kinematic (RTK) technology based on the GNSS receiver built into Qualcomm Snapdragon LTE modems and Qianxun SI’s precise positioning technology — all integrated in an automotive-grade LTE module provided by Quectel.
Using Qualcomm 3D dead-reckoning technology, the precise-positioning framework will enable automakers with a comprehensive 3D navigation solution combining multi-constellation GNSS precise positioning, inertial measurement units and other sensors to support next-generation vehicle capabilities, the companies said.
Capabilities include high-performance connected navigation as well as LTE-V2X vehicle-to-everything communications (also referred to as C-V2X PC5 across the globe) for enhanced road safety, improved traffic efficiency and autonomous driving.
Qualcomm Technologies’ precise positioning framework is designed to facilitate open-sky positioning performance from up to 3 meters to less than 1 meter, supporting lane-level positioning and potentially achieving accurate locations from a centimeter to a few decimeters when combined with select third-party GNSS correction services.
This framework is also designed to support a safer and convenient automated driving experiences (level 2 and above), as well as LTE-V2X applications based on positioning, velocity and heading information. Integrated into telematics modules based on the Snapdragon LTE modems, the precise positioning framework supports a cost-effective solution for automakers already including cellular connectivity into their vehicles.
“The efforts with Qualcomm Technologies and Quectel not only assists automakers in addressing the cost and complexities of integrated precision positioning services, but it also aids in creating hardware and service standards for the industry to promote this capability as a public service in the field of connected cars,” said Jinpei Chen, CEO of Qianxun SI. “We look forward to working with Qualcomm Technologies and Quectel to help deliver a solution for higher accuracy and positioning, particularly in dense environments such as in China.”
“In efforts to meet the positioning service requirements of mainstream automakers and Tier 1 suppliers, we felt that working with technology leaders like Qualcomm Technologies and Qianxun SI would be the best to deliver an intelligent, cost-effective and high-quality telematics module,” said Penghe Qian, CEO of Quectel. “The AG35 is our newest generation of automotive-grade modules that enables 4G connectivity and lane level positioning simultaneously, allowing the adoption of LTE-V2X and HD Map technologies on a broad scale.”
“The automotive industry is becoming increasingly dependent on high performance positioning technologies to support connected navigation, safety services and vehicle autonomy,” said Nakul Duggal, vice president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “At Qualcomm Technologies, our proven positioning and system integration capabilities, along with Quectel and Qianxun SI’s solutions, can provide customers with cost-effective precise positioning solutions. We are pleased to be working with China’s leading technology companies like Quectel and Qianxun SI to advance next-generation automotive capabilities that will drive the automotive industry forward.”
According to the company, the module supports hybrid positioning technologies including GNSS, Cell ID and Wi-Fi aided positioning, and enables position tracking in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Quectel’s MC90 integrates the multi-GNSS system, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS, which makes it suitable for urban areas with high-rise buildings and complex environments, the company added.
The MC90 also adopts Wi-Fi hotspot positioning technology for blind spots and satellite coverage. It integrates multi-aiding positioning technologies to offer customers with optimized GNSS performance. It also supports EPO technology, which provides predicted Extended Prediction Orbit to speed up TTFF without the need of any extra server.
The MC90 features a compact design, low power consumption and supports dual SIM single standby function. According to Quectel, it can be used for a wide range of internet of things applications, including bicycle sharing, student ID card, vehicle tracker, wearable device, pet tracker, asset tracker, driving recorder and more.
