Tag: Septentrio

Septentrio announces Peter Fairhurst as new VP of sales

Peter Fairhurst, VP Sales, Septentrio

Septentrio, a leader in high-precision GNSS positioning solutions, has appointed Peter Fairhurst as new vice president of Sales. In this role, Fairhurst will lead the sales and application support teams at Septentrio globally.

Fairhurst succeeds Neil Vancans, who is retiring at the end of June, and who has led Septentrio sales for the last five years.

Fairhurst joins Septentrio with 15 years of experience in the GNSS industry. He most recently was head of Product Strategy at ublox. Before that, he worked many years at Leica Geosystems.

“Peter is an experienced business leader with a proven track record of creating value for customers and fits perfectly in our vision to help our customers be successful in their markets,” said Antoon De Proft, CEO of Septentrio. ”Peter will play a crucial role in implementing our growth strategy and empowering our sales teams to solve our customers’ mission-critical positioning challenges.”

“I am thrilled to join Septentrio and to bring their world-class GNSS solutions to industrial customers around the globe,” Fairhurst said. “Septentrio has unique capabilities and products and is an ideal partner for industrial OEMs for whom reliable and accurate positioning is crucial for their success.”

June 21, 2022
OSNMA anti-spoofing tech now on PolaRx5 GNSS reference receivers

The PolaRX5 GNSS reference receiver. (Photo: Septentrio)

Septentrio, a leader in high-precision GNSS positioning solutions, has launched Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) on its high-end PolaRx5 reference receiver series.

OSNMA offers end-to-end authentication on Galileo’s civilian signals, protecting receivers from GNSS spoofing attacks. OSNMA adds another layer of security to Septentrio’s existing AIM+ anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology.

This high level of resilience is especially important for reference receivers in applications that require assured PNT as well as in stationary critical infrastructure, which is especially vulnerable to GPS spoofing.

The Septentrio PolaRx5 receiver with OSNMA technology will be showcased in booth 220 at the ION Joint Navigation Conference, taking place June 6-9 in San Diego.

“We are excited to offer OSNMA anti-spoofing technology now in our scientific and reference GNSS receivers,” said François Freulon, head of product management at Septentrio. “The addition of OSNMA to Septentrio’s already strong anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology takes our receivers to a new level as resilient positioning and timing solutions for industrial applications and critical infrastructure.”

Septentrio has also updated the PolaRx5 product range with the latest RINEX format to support version 3.05 as well as version 4.0. With these updates, PolaRx5 becomes a leading scientific and reference receiver family supporting all of the new GNSS technologies introduced in 2022, Freulon said.

The OSNMA authentication mechanism is also available on the mosaic GNSS module family and on Septentrio’s latest OEM boards.

June 6, 2022
Septentrio showcases solutions for GPS jamming and spoofing

Septentrio will demonstrate how simple it is to spoof or jam unprotected GPS receivers at the upcoming ION Joint Navigation Conference, which takes place June 6-9 in San Diego. The company will showcase how its resilient technology makes a difference for overall security and availability of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) .

The AsteRx-U3 receiver. (Photo: Septentrio)

Septentrio will hold a GPS spoofing demonstration, as well as a detailed comparison of jamming solutions from various high-end receivers. The integration of the latest anti-spoofing authentication mechanism, Galileo’s Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA), will also be shown.

“With our growing dependence on GPS technology, resilience of PNT is an important point of attention, especially for mission-critical applications, tactical ground or aerial vehicles as well as autonomous systems,” said Gustavo Lopez, market access manager, Septentrio. “Since the number of malicious jamming and spoofing attacks is on the rise, it is crucial to understand how various GPS receivers can be affected. We are pleased to explain and display this with specific examples at JNC this year.”

Advance Interference Mitigation (AIM+) is an interconnected set of sophisticated anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology components, securing GPS/GNSS receivers against various forms of interference.

AIM+ is an interconnected set of anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology components comprising a robust defense system against various forms of GPS/GNSS interference. Such resilience to jamming combined with anti-spoofing measures ensures the safety of autonomous machines, improves the security of GNSS-based infrastructure, and increases efficiency with extended PNT availability.

OSNMA anti-spoofing authentication from Galileo is available on Septentrio receivers such as the mosaic module as well as the recently released AsteRx-U3 boxed receiver. Other products such as AsteRx-SBi3 also add inertial sensors for increased protection against spoofing.

Septentrio will be at booth 220 in the ION JNC exhibit hall.

June 4, 2022
GNSS companies aid drones in upcoming tournament

The Drone Tournament has relaunched following the COVID pandemic, and will take place June 8-10 in Helsinki, Finland.

In the competition, drones will compete to prove precision-control drones over land and sea. GNSS companies Septentrio, Spirent and u-blox will take part.

Sponsored by Ultrahack, the competition seeks to boost use of drone technology, including for 5G networks and satellites. The challenges are especially related to landing and precision flight in demanding and changing environments. Contestant drones will use a wide spectrum of navigation and sensor technology, including GNSS.

U-blox, Spirent and Septentrio are offering their GNSS technology for the participants.

Septentrio and u-blox will provide GNSS services that teams can use to increase performance as they land their drones on a moving boat. To help improve performance, Septentrio and u-blox will provide access to data streams from a base station on the shore and on the boat.

The streams will provide raw observations in RTCM3 format via NTRIP (which can be used to compute a real-time kinematic, or RTK, position of the drone). The stream from the boat will also provide position, heading and speed of the boat over an IP connection in NMEA or binary format.

Using these streams can help to obtain an RTK solution on the drone or to know the relative position between the drone and the boat.

The winners will receive monetary prizes and the possibility of negotiating commercial agreements for further development of their solutions.

Feature photo: PhonlamaiPhoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

June 1, 2022
Septentrio rides for climate data on Nanok Arctic expedition

Two Belgian adventurers are crossing Greenland on a triathlon including ski, kayak and a vertical rock climb. On the ride, they are using Septentrio’s AsteRx-SB receiver, collecting valuable data for climate research in collaboration with the Royal Observatory of Belgium.

The data will help build a precise elevation profile of the Greenland Ice Sheet as well as to calibrate existing elevation models, which are based on satellite altimetry. In addition, the multi-frequency capability of the AsteRx-SB receiver will enable monitoring of ionospheric activity as well as Galileo signals at high latitudes.

“The AsteRx-SB receiver provides accurate and reliable positioning data even in the world’s harshest environments,” said Nicolas Bergeot of the Time-Ionosphere section, Royal Observatory. Data collected will help research of arctic ice caps, ionospheric activity and other topics.

The expedition is called Nanok, which is an Inuit word for polar bear. Adventurers Gilles Denis and Nathan Goffart started the triathlon with a 600-km ski with a pulk sled along the Arctic Circle. The second part of the triathlon is a 1,000-km sea kayak along the Greenland east coast, and finally a 1-km vertical rock climb.

Gilles Denis shows the AsteRx-SB receiver and the PolaNt-x MF antenna that are accompanying the explorers for the entire journey, so that data can be collected at various locations along the way. The receiver is powered by solar panels. (Photo: Nanok Expedition)

May 27, 2022
Septentrio adds RxLeverArm to RxTools for ease of GNSS/INS installation

Septentrio has taken a step toward simplifying the integration process of its GNSS receivers that include inertial navigation systems (GNSS/INS). Its new RxLeverArm software tool aids GNSS/INS installation and improves accuracy, with automatic optimization of lever-arm settings.

RxLeverArm is now part of Septentrio’s RxTools software package included with every Septentrio GNSS/INS receiver. This new tool visualizes, validates and automatically calibrates the exact distance between the INS sensor and the antenna, removing the need for accurate distance measurements with complex instruments.

GNSS/INS receiver setup is significantly simplified with RxLeverArm functionality, which enables users to start testing minutes after receiver installation. (Image: Septentrio)

“We are focusing our design around easy, efficient and effective INS installations ensuring short time-to-market and accurate deployment for our customers,” said Danilo Sabbatini, product manager at Septentrio.

“The RxLeverArm tool in combination with the intuitive web user interface, as well as the support material available in our knowledge base, enables customers to start testing within minutes after the physical installation of their receiver,” Sabbatini said.

For lever-arm compensation, users now only need to measure the rough distance between the inertial measurement unit (IMU) and the main GNSS antenna reference points on the vehicle. Data is then logged under open-sky conditions, which allows the RxLeverArm tool to optimize the initial rough distance measurement and prevent common errors such as sign inversion.

The result is simplification of the installation process and better accuracy of the lever-arm measurement.

May 23, 2022
Septentrio expands product portfolio for marine market

The housed AsteRx-U3 Marine and the OEM board AsteRx-m3 Fg are the two new GNSS receivers for dredging, marine construction and offshore applications

Photo: CharlieChesvick/E+/Getty Images

Septentrio, a leader in high-precision GNSS positioning solutions, has launched two new GNSS products for marine applications: AsteRx-U3 Marine and AsteRx-m3 Fg.

Both products offer accurate positioning near shore and offshore via centimeter-level real-time kinematic (RTK) or the built-in Fugro precise point positioning (PPP) sub-decimeter subscription service, delivered either over NTRIP internet or over L-band satellite.

Corrections delivered over L-band allow dredging, bathymetry or marine construction projects even in areas where there is no internet service. The AsteRx-U3 Marine receiver, enclosed in an IP68-rated housing, offers a unique feature of a dedicated L-band demodulator with a separate L-band RF input, which allows for the use of dedicated antennas for excellent reception of L-band signals even at high latitudes.

“The new products are designed around our most powerful GNSS core, bringing the latest evolution in GNSS technology to the demanding marine construction and dredging markets,” said Silviu Taujan, product manager at Septentrio. “They build on the success of the field-proven AsteRx-U Marine Fg and AsteRx4-Fg, with more processing power to allow tracking of all visible satellite signals while enabling higher update rates. AsteRx-U3 Marine and AsteRx-m3 Fg are both feature-rich receivers, combining the best-in-class RTK base and rover functionality with an option of sub-decimeter PPP positioning.”

Orders for both products can be placed immediately. Deliveries for AsteRx-m3 Fg will follow the company’s standard lead times, while deliveries for AsteRx-U3 Marine will start from July.

Septentrio GNSS technology is resilient to RF interference, which on vessels can come from satellite uplinks such as Iridium modems or from other radio antennas. Having robust GNSS technology means accurate and uninterrupted positioning on any vessel, even in challenging marine environments. Both AsteRx-U3 Marine and AsteRx-m3 Fg receivers offer accurate heading and pitch or heading and roll orientation information with the dual GNSS antenna configuration.

May 6, 2022
Septentrio to provide GNSS positioning to MicroPilot UAV autopilots

Image: Septentrio

The collaboration ensures smooth and easy integration of high-accuracy GPS/GNSS positioning and professional-level autopilots into control systems where safety and reliability matter

Septentrio is collaborating with MicroPilot, maker of professional UAV autopilots.

Septentrio receivers, including the small form factor mosaic modules, as well as the OEM board AsteRx-m3, will support seamless integration of positioning and orientation into MicroPilot’s autopilot ecosystem.

MicroPilot chose Septentrio GNSS receivers for their resilience to radio interference such as jamming and spoofing, as well as security and robustness with high-accuracy real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning.

Self-interference or self-jamming is a common occurrence in UAVs, where devices such as cameras, servos or antennas, which emit electromagnetic radiation, are located close to the GPS receiver. Incorporating GNSS technology that is resilient to jamming and spoofing, in combination with reliable professional-level autopilots, is key to safe and secure flight navigation, according to Septentrio.

“Adopting new and resilient technology in UAVs is vital, and we want to ensure a smooth integration process into professional drone systems,” said Gustavo Lopez, senior market access manager at Septentrio. “We are very excited about the strong collaboration between Septentrio and MicroPilot, which now provides new alternatives to drone companies looking for safe and reliable flight operations.”

In addition to developing autopilots, MicroPilot provides supporting software and services that enable customers to use development time more efficiently, reducing time to market.

“Working closely with Septentrio gives MicroPilot the ability to better leverage resilient and robust GNSS technologies strengthening our offering to the professional UAV market for safe and reliable flight control,” said Howard Loewen, president of MicroPilot.

April 25, 2022
Septentrio’s AsteRx-U3 receiver launched for machine control

Photo: Septentrio

Septentrio has launched the AsteRx-U3 ruggedized GNSS receiver, successor to the AsteRx-U for construction, mining and other machine control applications.

The new receiver combines Septentrio’s latest triple-band precise positioning GNSS core with extended wireless communication features including Wi-Fi, UHF and 4G LTE. The versatile connectivity features of this receiver make it easy to fit it into any control system and enable simple and cost-effective overall design.

“We are excited to introduce AsteRx-U3 to the market of industrial automation,” said Silviu Taujan, product manager at Septentrio. “Its advanced connectivity package offers manufacturers and integrators access to reliable high-accuracy positioning in a system which is versatile, easy to use and easy to integrate.”

The AsteRx-U3 offers a unique feature, a guaranteed low latency of under 10 msec with a high data rate, which allows machines to work with rapid as well as accurate movements. An IP68-rated housing with fixing brackets and robust M12 connectors ensures a quick and reliable installation.

April 19, 2022
Septentrio brings OSNMA anti-spoofing security to market

Septentrio has released Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) functionality on its mosaic GNSS receiver modules. OSNMA offers end-to-end authentication on Galileo’s civilian signals, protecting receivers from OSNMA attacks.

Spoofing is a malicious form of radio interference, where faulty positioning information is sent to a receiver. For the last two years Septentrio has been working closely with the European Space Agency (ESA) during the test phases of OSNMA deployment. The know-how gained during this period is what allowed Septentrio to be one of the first to market with this advanced security feature.

OSNMA’s anti-spoofing capability complements Septentrio’s Advanced Interference Mitigation technology, AIM+, and further strengthens the overall security of Septentrio GNSS receivers, making them suitable for assured PNT solutions as well as critical infrastructure, such as 5G network synchronization.

“We are excited to start offering the OSNMA anti-spoofing technology in our industrial GNSS receivers. Our close collaboration with ESA enabled us to get the expertise needed to implement and validate this functionality in a timely manner,” said François Freulon, head of Product Management at Septentrio. “The addition of OSNMA to Septentrio’s already strong anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology takes our receivers to a new level as the market leader of resilient positioning and timing solutions for industrial applications and critical infrastructure.”

OSNMA is now supported by the complete mosaic receiver family including GNSS RTK positioning modules, timing modules and heading receiver modules. It will also be rolled out on Septentrio’s latest generation of OEM receiver boards, AsteRx-m3, and subsequently on the ruggedized boxed receivers. Read more here.

April 13, 2022
New Septentrio receivers support Japan’s CLAS
The mosaic-CLAS GNSS module. (Photo: Septentrio)

Septentrio, a leader in high-precision GNSS positioning solutions, has launched three new products that support Japan’s high-accuracy Centimeter Level Augmentation Service (CLAS).

The three multi-frequency GNSS receivers support CLAS on a single device, thanks to the latest GNSS technology which receives the L6 signal, which transmits high-accuracy corrections from Japan’s QZSS constellation. This technology was developed in close cooperation with CORE, a leading integrator of high-accuracy positioning technology and services in Japan.
- The mosaic-CLAS receiver is a GNSS module with a very small form-factor suitable for high-volume industrial applications.
- The AsteRx-m3 CLAS is Septentrio’s best-in-class OEM board combining PPP-RTK CLAS with dual-antenna heading functionality.
- The AsteRx SB3 CLAS features a ruggedized IP68 enclosure to protect it in harsh environments.
Septentrio is simultaneously offering various receiver types to the Japanese market ensuring an optimal match between products and customer needs in various applications including robotics, precision agriculture, construction, machine control and UAV.

“We are very pleased to jointly develop CLAS software on a new GNSS module, mosaic-CLAS,” emphasized Takahiro Yamamoto, director, GNSS Solution Business Center at CORE Corp. “This receiver puts CLAS GNSS technology on par with regular RTK receivers in terms of size as well as price. We believe that the realization of CLAS on the Septentrio mosaic platform will significantly promote the use of new QZSS services for industrial applications.”

“The launch of our new module and OEM board with CLAS support opens up new markets and use cases, which will benefit from centimeter-level positioning with fast acquisition time,” commented François Freulon, head of Product Management at Septentrio. “This launch demonstrates the technological leadership of Septentrio and our ability to provide dedicated solutions embedding L6 bands for the Japanese market.”

The CLAS PPP-RTK is the latest generation of GNSS correction services, combining near-RTK accuracy and quick initialization times with the broadcast nature of PPP. Receivers with built-in CLAS functionality offer sub-decimeter positioning accuracy right out of the box. Corrections for high-accuracy positioning are received directly from satellites, reducing the need for additional base stations or service subscriptions.

Find out more about PPP-RTK and other positioning correction methods in the insight article GNSS Correction Demystified.
March 31, 2022
Septentrio: Receivers guide drills despite ionosphere
Flanders uses Septentrio receivers to guide automated blasthole drills, such as at this South African mine run by AngloGold Ashanti. Photo: Anglogold Ashanti/Flanders

Flanders, a U.S.-based company with expertise in electrical machinery and control systems, has developed its proprietary ARDVARC advanced drill-rig control system to control mine-drilling machines, making them safer and more efficient. The drill rigs equipped with ARDVARC create holes with centimeter precision. This ensures optimal rock fragmentation, simplifying and expediting subsequent jobs such as stone extraction and removal.

Mines close to the poles or to the magnetic equator, such as those in the Amazon, are challenging for GNSS receivers because they tend to experience the most intense ionospheric scintillations, resulting from rapid fluctuations in the electron density in the ionosphere. These scintillations affect GNSS signals that travel from space to Earth, causing degradation of positioning accuracy or even positioning loss.

To address this challenge, ARDVARC uses Septentrio AsteRx-U GNSS receivers. They are housed in a tough IP67 enclosure and run Septentrio’s proprietary GNSS+ algorithms including IONO+, which ensures high-accuracy positioning even during ionospheric scintillations.

ARDVARC’s benefits include a faster drill cycle time, increased drill hole location precision, increased drill-rig component operating life, improved fragmentation and greater operator safety. The system is available in several levels.
- The Intelli-rig manual control system also delivers data on the position of each blast hole, the machine operation and the drilling conditions; it incorporates mine-planning functionality using the mine’s existing or Flanders’ optional GPS equipment.
- One-touch converts a manually operated machine to one operated with a single touch, increasing productivity. Once the machine operator positions the drill rig over the desired target, One-touch initiates the automated drilling process, which includes machine leveling, hole collaring, drilling to elevation and angle, rod handling, bit retraction and jack reset.
- The fully autonomous drilling solution removes the operator from the cab, allowing one operator to monitor multiple drilling operations from a safe distance. The solution increases productivity by enabling drilling during blasting and shift changes. It uses Flanders’ HazCam to monitor the surroundings, preventing the drill from operating in unsafe conditions.
March 31, 2022