INDUSTRY

New version of labsat satgen V3 of GNSS simulation software

An updated version of SatGen v3 is now available to download. Along with a number of optimisations and fixes, this is a major update to the capabilities of the software as it now allows for the simulation of new satellite signals such as L2, L2C, and L5 – making the use of SatGen with the LabSat 3 Wideband significantly more powerful.

This latest version also allows for the creation of complex (multi-frequency, multi-constellation) scenarios, enabling development and test of dual frequency GNSS receivers in a highly dependable and repeatable manner.

With L2C likely to be fully operational within the next two to three years once twenty-four satellites are transmitting the signal (currently at nineteen), the emergence of dual frequency devices is set to rapidly accelerate. Taking advantage of the robust simulation capacity of LabSat 3 Wideband hardware in conjunction with SatGen V3 software will give a competitive edge to those manufacturers leading the way in dual frequency design.

SatGen can now be used to create a single scenario containing all the upper and lower L Band signals for GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou, and will take advantage of the LabSat 3 Wideband’s ability to read RF data at up to 80 MB/s.

Utraq: India’s own GPS module launched

India-based semiconductor distribution company has launched country’s first ever ‘desi’ GPS module. Ramakrishna Electro Component Pvt Ltd announced a new kind of Vehicle Tracking System, under ‘Utraq’ brand that will run on Indian Satellites.

Utraq launched two models L100 and L110. These are GPS receivers Modules based on IRNSS supported by GAGAN/NaviC signals, designed using L5 and S bands. It is owned by Ramakrishna Electro Component & manufactured by Shanghai Mobiletek.

This module is IRNSS compliant for VTS application. IRNSS is Govt of India initiative under ISRO. IRNSS User Receiver module is integrated with front-end chipset and embedded high performance ARM9 processor from leading chipset manufacturer. It has internal S RAM, UART, USB, CAN and 10 Bit ADCs. www.bgr.in

Teledyne Significantly Increases Bottom-tracking Range

Teledyne RD Instruments (TRDI) has released a new proprietary Extended Range Tracking (XRT) option which, according to the company, is capable of extending the bottom-tracking range of its Pathfinder and Pioneer doppler velocity logs (DVL) by 60%. This latest development allows users to attain bottom lock faster and more efficiently than ever before, further increasing user control and confidence during subsea missions. Extensive in-house and customer testing has proven this extended range in a wide array of conditions and terrains and has in fact exceeded design expectations.

CGG Conducts Rich-azimuth Multiclient Survey North-west of Shetland

CGG has commenced acquisition of a high-density, rich-azimuth, towedstreamer multi-client survey in the UK West Shetland Basin. The 3,600-squarekilometre survey has received strong industry support and has been designed in collaboration with major international oil companies. It focuses on delivering highresolution seismic data in a prospective but underexplored area north-west of the Shetland Isles over the northern part of the Rona Ridge. A fast-track PreSDM dataset will be available in Q1 2019.

The innovative acquisition geometry is designed to image multiple targets from shallow Tertiary and Cretaceous plays to complex fractured Devono-Carboniferous reservoirs by undershooting the volcanic intrusions and shallow unconformities present in the area. Two vessels, the Oceanic Vega and the Geo Caribbean, are being deployed. Each vessel operates triple sources using simultaneous source technology.

Satcom Direct and Iridium Partner to deliver Iridium CertusSMTerminals

Iridium Communications Inc. has announced that Satcom Direct, Inc. (SD) is the newest Value Added Manufacturer (VAM) and service provider for Iridium Certus aviation products. SD will be designing and manufacturing new terminals for compatibility with the Iridium Certus service, while also providing the service direct to the business aviation community. SD’s mission is to synchronize the aircraft with flight operations. Iridium Certus will integrate with existing SD hardware and software, including the already popular SDR® Series and SD Hub Series of cabin routers, as well as the SD Pro® platform, to provide customers with features and capabilities like realtime data analytics, cyber security, account management and more. www.iridium.com

Rugged LNA for RF and microwave applications like GPS introduced by NuWaves

NuWaves Engineering in Middletown, Ohio have introduced the HILNA GPS C034 ruggedized, high-performance lownoise amplifier (LNA) for GPS systems that an LNA that will work in harsh environments like launch applications.

The HILNA GPS C034 is a broadband low-noise amplifier designed to achieve high gain while maintaining low noise and a high third order intercept point, and is specifically targeted for the L1 (1575.43 MHz) and L2 (1227.6 MHz) GPS signals.

This ruggedized high-performance module delivers 32 dB of gain across the frequency range of 1200 MHz to 1600 MHz with an OIP3 of +30 dBm and less than 1 dB of noise figure. www.nuwaves.com

Rx Networks announces assistance GNSS data tailored for IoT devices

Rx Networks Inc. has announced an update of its location.io platform to provide GNSS assistance data to enable better positioning in IoT devices. It has updated its location.io HTTP interface to provide Real-Time GNSS ephemeris data with a reduced payload, a smaller Predicted GNSS ephemeris client while maintaining full featured accuracy. The location.io HTTP interface is now leaner and requires fewer requests and less data. www.rxnetworks.com

Integrated Navigation Systems by Polynesian Exploration Inc.

Polynesian Exploration Inc. has introduced PolyNav 2000P, a high accuracy navigation solution for emerging applications such as autonomous driving and UAVs. It is designed to fully utilize the advantages of both GNSS and INS to provide centimeter level position and velocity accuracy with dual frequency Real Time Kinematic (RTK) technology, with simultaneously accurate attitude information (roll, pitch and heading). The system is ultrastable in terms of short time satellite signal outages and capable of providing highly accurate heading information no matter whether the system is static or moving. www.polyexplore.com

GPS L5 and Galileo E5 simulation capabilities to the R&S SMW200A GNSS simulator

The Rohde & Schwarz R&S SMW200A GNSS simulator is the ideal tool for efficient test and characterization of multi-constellation and multi-frequency GNSS receivers. With its recently added simulation capabilities for GPS L5 and Galileo E5, the R&S SMW200A makes it easy to generate complex and highly realistic test scenarios with up to 144 channels in the GNSS frequency bands L1, L2 and L5. In addition to GPS (L1/ L2/L5), GLONASS (L1/L2), Galileo (E1/E5) and BeiDou (L1/L2), the R&S SMW200A also supports signal generation for QZSS and SBAS on L1. The available channels can be routed to up to four RF outputs, so that even multi-antenna systems can be tested. Apart from its new GNSS simulation capabilities, the R&S SMW200A remains the first and only vector signal generator that can generate complex coexistence and interference scenarios with multiple interferers. GNSS signals, noise and all interference signals are generated directly in the instrument. Additional signal sources for external generation of interference signals are not required, resulting in small, compact and simple test setups. www.rohde-schwarz.com

Spirent, Fraunhofer and LZE partnership

Spirent Communications plc has announced a partnership with Fraunhofer lIS and LZE GmbH that will ensure continuity of supply of Spirent’s leading Galileo Public Regulated Service (PRS) Radio Frequency Constellation Simulator (RFCS) product extension after the UK leaves the European Union. The new partnership will see sales and order processing hosted by LZE GmbH of Erlangen, Germany, with Munich-based Fraunhofer lIS taking on responsibility for the future development, fulfilment and support of Galileo PRS in the Spirent GSS9000 GNSS test solution. Fraunhofer will become the sole owner of the SimPRS software/firmware, which will no longer be accessible to Spirent after the UK leaves the EU. www.spirent.com

GNSS Module Exploits Teseo III Chip

STMicroelectronics’ Teseo-LIV3F module integrates essential features to speed application development and includes up to 16 Mb of flash memory for firmware updating or data logging without a backup battery. The module enables engineering teams without extensive in-house RF expertise to leverage Teseo III advantages in creating new products in the industrial and consumer market segments like vehicle trackers, drones, anti-theft devices, pet locators, and systems for services such as fleet-management, tolling, vehicle sharing, or public transportation.

NovAtel launches Smart7 GNSS Antenna Series

NovAtel has launched its new SMART7 family of SMART antennas, adding SPAN technology, GNSS, Wi-Fi and Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, tracking performance and TerraStar-C PRO corrections to the availability, accuracy, and reliability used by major equipment manufacturers for demanding applications like precision agriculture and machine control.

The SMART7-S includes NovAtel’s tightly-coupled GNSS+Inertial Navigation System (INS) SPAN technology, the most advanced GNSS+INS integration in the market. SPAN provides accurate attitude information that can simplify the development of vehicle guidance systems and bridge GNSS signal outages.

For easier connection to mobile devices and cellular gateways, the SMART7-W includes Wi-Fi and an integrated NTRIP client, and the SMART7-I model also incorporates Ethernet. A new advanced ISOBUS-compatible CAN interface also supports NovAtel logs, commands and firmware upgrades.

DT Research’s newest tablet provides scientific-grade GNSS

DT Research has launched the DT372APTR rugged real-time kinematic (RTK) tablet, a lightweight military-grade tablet that offers RTK to enhance the precision of position data derived from satellite-based positioning systems.

The tablet enables 3D point cloud creation with centimeter-level accuracy to meet the high standards required for scientificgrade evidence in court, the company said.

A dual-frequency GNSS module is built into the tablet, which uses real-time reference points within 1- to 2-centimeter accuracy to position 3D point clouds created from aerial photogrammetry, using GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellites.

New BlueSky GNSS Firewall from Microsemi

The new BlueSky™ GNSS Firewall from Microsemi Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Microchip Technology Inc. enables critical infrastructure providers to harden the security of their operations from GPS threats and deliver a more reliable and secure service. The securityhardened system provides protection against GPS threats such as jamming, spoofing and complete outage. It also supports a range of precision timing technologies, including atomic clocks, to enable continuous operation when GPS may be completely denied for extended periods. www.microsemi.com

Antenova is shipping its ultrasmall GNSS active antenna module with LNA and SAW

Antenova Ltd, manufacturer of antennas and RF antenna modules for connected devices and the Internet of Things, is now shipping its latest module for tiny positioning devices – the RADIONOVA M20047-1. This is an active antenna module for GNSS applications in the 1559-1609 MHz satellite bands using GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO or BeiDou.

The M20047-1 antenna module comprises an SMD antenna with builtin active components: an LNA filter and SAW to boost antenna performance – so designers will not need to add these – all contained in a compact FR4 part with low power consumption, measuring just 7.0mm x 7.0mm x 0.9mm, and weighing less than 2g.

The on-board LNA and filter act to boost the signal to the GNSS processor in environments where there is a restricted view of the sky or where line-of-sight to the horizon is difficult. www.antenova.com

Airsight Australia choose advanced navigation for NextCore

Airsight Australia started in 2012 as one of the first entrants to the UAV operations market and swiftly developed a reputation for providing high quality and safe UAV operations for industrial asset inspection and surveying. The NextCore system really differentiates itself by using costeffective hardware to increase data quality in the post-processing system. This is made possible by the highly accurate Advanced Navigation Spatial Dual which allows a lower-spec laser unit to be used, considerably reducing costs.

Trimble adds Galileo and BeiDou to its VRS Now Service in North America

Trimble announced that Galileo and BeiDou observation data is now included with Trimble VRS Now™ subscriptions in North America. Powered by the Trimble Pivot™ Platform GNSS Real- Time Network software, Trimble VRS Now in North America fully supports GPS, GLONASS, QZSS and now, Galileo and BeiDou satellite systems. The addition of the Galileo and BeiDou constellations allow users to make use of more satellites, enabling more robust performance when working in harsh GNSS environments such as in urban canyons and under canopy. www.trimble.com

Trimble enhances its TruETA Solution

Trimble has announced the introduction of enhancements to its TruETA solution for improved route planning. While the estimated time of arrivals (ETAs) are not new to the trucking industry, the application adds a new dynamic to the solution—driver intent.

Most TMS systems allow for visibility of a route’s speed limits, traffic delays and weather factors, among other things. But, along with the enhancements to the solution, Trimble is offering two additional add-on modules for one of the most accurate ETAs—Driver Trip Planning and Out-of-Route/Out-of-Corridor.

Hexagon completes acquisition of AutonomouStuff

Hexagon’s Positioning Intelligence division has welcomed AutonomouStuff following the completion of the acquisition as announced by Hexagon AB. AutonomouStuff being part of Hexagon PI will boost collaboration between the organizations to provide superior solutions for autonomous vehicle development.

Hexagon PI has been an important technology provider to AutonomouStuff for several years, and the two organizations have worked closely together to serve common customers and collaborate on important industry events. As the division grows, AutonomouStuff will continue to function as an independent brand within Hexagon PI.

Leica Geosystems selects Getac’s ZX70 tablet

Getac has announced that Leica Geosystems has selected its fully rugged ZX70 Android tablet as hardware of choice for the new Leica Zeno GG04 plus Tablet Solution. The new partnership will allow Leica Geosystems to bring comprehensive geospatial data collection capabilities to its customers in all terrains and weather conditions such as utilities, public services, transportation and construction.

BeiDou AltBoc Signal is Being Tracked by JAVAD

New phase 3 satellites of Chinese BeiDou satellite system have several new signals. ICD for B1C and B2A signals are available, while for the other signal(call it B2B) is not. JAVAD was able to track the signal that is on 1207140000 MHz frequency on BeiDou’s satellites #32,33,34. Now we see that this signal is available on all recently launched BeiDou phase 3 satellites and we track it successfully.

This B2B signal plus B2A signal together form altBoc(10,15) signal on 1191795000 MHz (call it BaltBoc). Assuming, that BOC parameters of this signal are similar to Galileo’s, Javad managed to track it. Tracking of B2B and BaltBoc signal will be available on most of its receivers with 3.7.4 firmware or higher, which should be released by Mid October 2018.