Harxon showcased high-precision positioning GNSS antennas and its latest wireless data-transmission technologies for UAV applications at AUVSI Xponential, which was held April 30-May 4 in Denver.

The Harxon D-Helix Antenna.

Harxon’s D-Helix is a patented D-QHA (dual-quadrifilar helix antenna) multi-constellation antenna supports excellent reception of GPS, Galileo, BeiDou and GLONASS, as well as L-band signals. Harxon D-QHA technology ensures the ability of low elevation satellites tracking while maintaining 4-dBi high gain, which makes the D-Helix antenna an excellent choice for any applications where the sky is partially visible, the company said.

The antenna’s low noise amplifier (LNA) with out-of-band rejection performance can suppress electromagnetic interference. Moreover, the D-Helix features the latest low wind resistance design with ruggedized IP67 protection for UAV inspection and monitoring, survey and mapping or agricultural UAVs.

Photo: Harxon

The HX-DU2017D is a 5-gram frequency-hopping OEM transceiver supporting frequencies between 840 MHz and 900 MHz. It provides strong anti-jamming and signal receiving capability for complex data intensive applications. Its full duplex mode ensures data secure transmission, more stable long-range communication and short latency of data transmission.

Other showcased Harxon GNSS products, such as Helix Antenna HX-CH7603A, HX-CH4601A and HX-CH6601A, are all featured with patented D-QHA technology. Moreover, the showcased Survey Antenna GPS 500, OEM Modem HX-DU1018D and Smart Antenna are also appropriate for surveying and mapping, as well as precision agriculture.

Photo: Harxon

Harxon has introduced the smart eRadio, a member of its radio modem series. The eRadio is a long-range and power-efficient solution designed to support high-precision GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) applications in surveying and precision agriculture.

Harxon eRadio is enabled with intelligent serial baud rate identification for different RTK devices. It can automatically identify RTK serial baud rate with a radio data cable and provide a plug-and-play form for easy connection between the eRadio and RTK, the company said.

Photo: Harxon

Due to its high transmitting power (5-35 Watts), transmission data can be up to 19200 bps/s over a connection distance of 50-80 kilometers, depending on the environment.

The eRadio offers surveyors an easy-to-use radio modem that provides dependable performance as either a base or repeater working with other Harxon radio modems in challenging environments. In the store and forward operating mode, eRadio receives messages, buffers the received data and transmits further to another substation.

The user programmable eRadio also supports the Bluetooth of APP to configure data and update radio status. Its diagnostic reporting software can realize the built-in reliability monitoring, such as internal temperature, environment status and battery level and channel inspection. According to the company, these features allow users to both anticipate and deal with potential issues efficiently.

In addition to compatibility with radio protocols by Trimble and Satel, eRadio is equipped with its unique ETALK communication protocol, which uses Harxon’s exclusive algorithms and advanced processors. Under the same conditions, ETALK protocol can significantly reduce the bit error rate of weak signals and the communication distance can be increased by 20 percent.

The compact, rugged eRadio is particularly well suited for heavy-duty outdoor use. It is designed for easy mobile use with an organic light-emitting diode display screen for demanding field conditions. The IP67 full metal cover provides dust and water resistance that keeps surveyors working with confidence and efficiency.

Real-time kinematic (RTK) integration usually uses separate antennas, which can lead to reduced efficiency because of electro-magnetic interference (EMI).

Image: Harxon

Image: Harxon

Also, conventional antenna installation can result in unstable machine performance because of the problems of system compatibility between different antennas.

Harxon has overcome those difficulties with its integrated X-Survey antenna, a 4-in-1 OEM antenna for both navigation and communication in surveying applications.

It provides standard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G, plus multiple constellation signal reception for GNSS positioning.

The high-gain and wide-beamwidth GNSS antenna features a multi-point feeding technology, ensuring a high phase-center stability and positioning accuracy, the company said. Moreover, the array-arranged 4G antennas enables more stable signals and longer communication distance at 360-degree direction, increasing the overall machine efficiency over conventional antennas.

The X-Survey antenna provides high isolation among each antenna to prevent self-interference, improving RTK system compatibility. RF coaxial connectors are designed for plug-and-use, keeping high efficiency and lowering the impact of EMI.

The antenna low-noise amplifier features excellent out-of-band rejection performance, which can also suppress the EMI, providing reliable GNSS signals.

The unique structure design simplifies RTK integration, and minimizes the overall machine dimension. Harxon aims to bring system integrators high-efficiency performance of navigation and communication in surveying and precision agriculture applications.

4G bands can be customized according to different countries and regions, the company added.

Photo: Harxon

Harxon is showcasing high-precision positioning GNSS antennas and its latest wireless data transmission technologies for surveying applications at Intergeo, Oct. 16-18, in Frankfurt, Germany.

Image: Harxon

X-Survey is an 4-in-1 OEM antenna for both navigation and communication in the real-time kinematic (RTK) surveying applications. It provides standard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, and multiple-constellation signal reception for GNSS positioning.

Its 3D design ensures a higher phase center stability and longer communication distance at a 360-degree direction, while lowering the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI), hence increasing the overall machine efficiency and simplifying the RTK integration, the company said.

Photo: Harxon

The smart eRadio is a long-range and highly efficient radio modem designed to support RTK applications in surveying and precision agriculture. It can automatically identify RTK serial baud rate and provide a plug-and-play form for easy connection between eRadio and RTK.

According to Harxon, the eRadio’s diagnostic reporting software can configure data and update radio status, allowing users to effectively deal with potential issues. In addition, it is equipped with the unique ETALK communication protocol that increases the communication distance by 20 percent.

Other Harxon GNSS products showcased at Intergeo are for UAVs and precision agriculture, as well as surveying.

The D-Helix antenna HX-CHX600A is featured with its patented D-QHA technology.

Both 3D structured and mini-designed choke-ring antennas HX-CGX601A and HX-CGX611A can be used for base-station communication.

The multi-constellation survey antenna GPS 1000, frequency hopping modem HX-DU2017D and external radio modem HX-DU8608D are also popular products for high-precision performance.

Harxon Corporation’s William Zhang discusses the company’s eRadio series and X-Survey antenna at Intergeo 2018 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Harxon’s Winnie Yang and Skycatch’s Jackie Guilbault discuss the companies’ partnership, which has resulted in a high-precision package offering, at Xponential 2019.

The Harxon team at AUVSI Xponential. (Photo: Harxon)

Harxon showcased its full range of UAV antennas and technologies for various UAV applications —  especially for UAV base stations — at AUVSI Xponential, which took place April 30-May 2 in Chicago.

Harxon’s newly launched X-Survey antenna offers a 4-in-1 design for multi-constellation GNSS signal reception. It integrates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G modules for easy integration into real-time kinematic (RTK) systems.

It also ensures centimeter accuracy for precision positioning of UAVs, and stability of signal transmission, which provides the navigation and communication performance required by UAV base stations.

Additional UAV antenna products and technologies on display at booth #2218 include the HX-CH7011A and HX-CU7001A, new OEM antennas with small size and low weight, but with high gain and a stable phase center. Other available antennas include HX-CH7603A, HX-CH6601A, HX-CH7603A and HX-CSX601A for UAV and surveying applications.

Image: Harxon

Skycatch collaboration. Harxon has established strategic relationships with many industrial enterprises, such as Skycatch. Skycatch is an industrial data-collection and analytics company that focuses on indexing and extracting critical information. It provides combination GNSS base station and drone data-processing solutions that deliver high accuracy maps and point clouds in the 30 minutes or less.

Harxon — which specializes in GNSS positioning and navigation — is collaborating with Skycatch to give customers the opportunity to improve their UAV base station mapping solutions, and to maximize UAV operation efficiency and reliability.

High-precision GNSS solutions. The UAV industry, driven by new technologies, is one of the most dynamic growth sectors in the construction industry. The next phase of the drone revolution is flying towards standardization with precision solutions.

Harxon’s high-precision GNSS positioning technologies have been widely used in UAV-related applications, including UAV base stations, UAV power patrols, plant protection and machine control.

Architecture of the X-Survey antenna. (Image: Harxon)

Blocking interference

Interference can be blocked at the data-collection stage, using an advanced antenna.

Harxon’s X-Survey is a compact high-precision GNSS antenna. It provides superior navigation and communication performance in surveying applications. A frontal band-pass filter setting effectively rejects out-of-band signals before they enter the low-noise amplifier of the antenna for signal augmentation.

Meanwhile, the filter itself has insertion loss, making a low insertion loss filter a prerequisite for optimal system noise reduction. To avoid this situation, X-Survey employs ceramic filter with low signal loss and in-band flatness to significantly improve system anti-interference capability and ensure reliable signal receiving.

The mosaic module provides AIM+ mitigation technology. (Image: Septentrio)

See also:

How resilient PNT protects global networks from attack or failure

Is internet time good enough for cybersecurity?

Resilient receivers

Septentrio began to tackle the interference problem more than 20 years go, designing and manufacturing high-precision GNSS receiver technology with emphasis on reliability and robustness. The result is Advanced Interference Monitoring and Mitigation (AIM+) technology which secures the company’s GNSS receivers against jamming and spoofing interference. AIM+ has recently been upgraded with an extended anti-spoofing functionality.

Building on its existing spoofing detection, Septentrio has developed a new anti-spoofing algorithm for its commercial receivers. The algorithm leverages Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) for spoofing resistance. It was developed in the framework of the GSA FANTASTIC project with the goal of improving the security of timing in critical infrastructure.

Mobile devices and cloud applications increasingly rely on GNSS technology used by telecom companies. Having secure and robust GNSS receivers in telecom infrastructure is key to reliable mobile and positioning services.

Alternative signals

Prototype design of the PNT-5500. (Image: Jackson Labs)

A new reference receiver, Jackson Labs’ PNT-5500, includes a custom Satelles/Iridium (STL) and GPS receiver, and an optional Edge Grandmaster/PTP1588 capability.

Using STL signals received directly through a small antenna mounted on the device, the PNT-5500 provides nanosecond timing synchronization in GPS-challenged environments, including deep indoors (no rooftop antenna required). It provides secure timing during GPS jamming and spoofing events. The unit is designed for high-volume, low-cost telecom small-cell synchronization, and is optionally available with holdover oscillators such as DOCXO and CSAC atomic clocks.

While GPS is vulnerable to jamming and spoofing, the PNT-5500 uses the Iridium infrastructure to provide assured timing that is impervious to spoofing and provides 1,000X higher signal strength compared to GPS, producing jamming resilience and deep-indoor reception. The system is designed to be fully interoperable with legacy equipment, for a low-cost, fully-deployed Assured PNT capability alternative to GNSS today.

Assessing vulnerability

Image: Qascom

Qascom offers several robust PNT services and products, including vulnerability assessment, robust navigation and interference localization.

Vulnerability assessment is the key proactive measure, using cutting-edge signal generators to design and test tomorrow’s receivers. For example, Qascom’s QA707 GNSS simulator tests receivers against emerging jamming and spoofing threats, allowing OEMs to discover in advance any potential vulnerability that may affect the availability and the integrity of the signal.

Robust navigation is supported by advanced mitigation algorithms, equipped with pre and post-correlation algorithms, as well as the inclusion of sensor fusion and dead-reckoning features.

Qascom’s attack detection products include external monitoring networks that support GNSS receivers. These networks provide an accurate perception of the operational environment, allowing threat characterization, classification and forecast. For instance, Qascom’s QB100 enables the simultaneous threat detection and localization by means of a monitoring cluster that delivers 24/7 situational awareness to a set of target receivers within the protection area.

Reliable timing

Meinberg provides GNSS timing solutions for nearly every application type. Its reliable systems are based on firmware built from the ground up by an in-house team of expert engineers. All Meinberg firmware is constantly checked and updated to ensure it adapts to evolving industry standards.

The company’s synchronization systems use a built-in Meinberg GPS receiver or combined GPS/GLONASS clock. They also support a broad range of reference time sources, including 1 PPS, 10 MHz, inter-range instrumentation group time codes (both direct current level shift and amplitude modulated), or network time protocol (NTP) servers. This redundancy in synchronization sources means Meinberg’s systems are protected against a loss of signal. Furthermore, to ensure the correctness of the reference time and date, an intuitive Secure Hybrid System (SHS) feature includes an independent secondary clock for enhanced plausibility checks.

For superior holdover performance, the Meinberg XHERB (with one or two Rubidium modules from Stanford Research) can be added to the Meinberg Intelligent Modular Synchronization (IMS) time and frequency systems. If the reference clock loses its sync source, the XHE chassis will provide the sync reference for the IMS chassis based on its holdover performance.

While often an underestimated component of a positioning and navigation system, a GNSS antenna is critical to a receiver’s success in acquiring all available GNSS signals while rejecting unintentional interference, jamming, multipath and spoofing. GNSS antennas come in as many flavors as receivers, to address the challenges posed by different market sectors, applications, environments and threats to signal integrity.

Each solution reflects a different balance among performance, cost, size and other variables. For example, antennas for handheld devices must be small and lightweight, while those for excavators and dozers can be much larger and heavier but must be able to operate for years while subjected to severe vibrations and harsh environmental conditions. Antennas for military and safety-critical applications must be especially impervious to jamming and spoofing.

Most applications, however, require antennas, like receivers, to have the smallest possible size, weight, power and cost (SWAP-C). Some applications, such as in the automotive market, must also take aesthetics into account.

We asked Javad GNSS, NovAtel, Trimble, Topcon and Harxon about their key markets and the challenges their antennas are designed to address. We also asked them to look back at the past three years and forward at the next three to discuss key innovations. Finally, they discuss technical challenges and industry trends.

See part 1 and part 2 of our GNSS receiver manufacturer overviews.

Javad GNSS

The GrAnt-G2T antenna. (Photo: Javad GNSS)

Key Markets. “The unmistakable lime-green Javad GNSS receivers and antennas are known to surveyors the world over, and we also support reference station, machine control, precise timing and any other market requiring high-performance / high-precision GNSS antennas,” said Javad Ashjaee, founder and CEO.

Specific Challenges. “A good GNSS receiver should bring in all wideband GNSS signals and reject all other unwanted signals,” Ashjaee said. “J-Shield, a robust filter in our antennas, blocks out-of-band interference — in particular, signals near the GNSS bands, such as the LightSquared signals — making the precious near-band spectrum available for other usages.”

Key Innovations. “To support our users in ever more challenging environments,” Ashjaee said, “such as denied environments where electronic warfare takes place, we have developed a new GrAnt-G2T antenna variant with even stronger J-Shield filtering: improved P1dB (the 1-dB compression point, > –30 dBm) and additional upper and lower out-of-band filtering.”

Harxon

The HX-CSX100. (Photo: Harxon)

Key Markets. Harxon is dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-precision GNSS antennas and solutions for industries such as surveying, UAVs and precision agriculture, said Wang Xiaohui, R&D manager.

Specific Challenges. “Harxon’s GNSS antennas primarily address issues related to the reliability of phase center, multi-constellation full-frequency coverage,” Xiaohui said, “tracing unstable satellite signals at low elevations, multipath signal interference, and how to integrate high-precision GNSS antennas and mobile communication antennas into a single design.”

Key Innovations. Over the past three years, Harxon has made “great breakthroughs” in GNSS antenna innovation, Xiaohui said. First, it greatly reduced the size and weight of choke ring antennas. As an example, Xiaohui cited the company’s mini choke ring antenna HX-CGX611A. Second, it optimized accuracy to the millimeter level and expanded to full frequency its quadrifilar helix antenna, such as with the D-Helix antenna. Third, Harxon upgraded the surveying industry to 4G communication by developing a four-in-one antenna that supports multi-constellation with full frequencies and integrates GNSS antennas, Bluetooth and 4G modules with high compatibility and outstanding performance, Xiaohui said, such as with the HX-CSX100. “For the next three years, Harxon will continue its research and investment in antenna technology breakthroughs, especially with regard to further miniaturization and improved performance.”

Technical Challenges. “The first interesting challenge is how to guarantee the performance of the antenna while miniaturizing it per our customers’ demands,” Xiaohui said. The second is reducing the size and weight of antennas with anti-multipath technology, “so as to boost the applications of high-precision positioning GNSS technology.”

Trimble

An external Trimble antenna helps the GeoXR handheld achieve survey-grade accuracy. (Photo: Trimble)

Key Markets. “Trimble’s core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics enable customers to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability,” said Stuart Riley, vice president, GNSS Technology. “From purpose-built products to enterprise lifecycle solutions, Trimble software, hardware and services are transforming industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial, transportation and logistics, rail, forestry, utilities and autonomous applications.”

Specific Challenges. Each application has different requirements, Riley said. “For applications that require the highest position accuracy, the stability of the phase center, multipath mitigation, and the unit-to-unit production consistency are critical,” he said. Some customers require high performance in challenging environments — such as the high vibration experienced on construction equipment — while others require smaller, lower-cost antennas and can tolerate a slight reduction in accuracy. “The antenna is typically a combination of a passive antenna element with an active low noise amplifier (LNA),” he said. “The LNA needs to be carefully designed to remain linear in the presence of in-band jamming while rejecting out-of-band signals. There are size and cost trade-off challenges to the filter roll-off at the band edge that need to be managed.”

Key Innovations. For high-precision applications, Trimble first released the Zephyr series of antennas in the late 1990s. “It provides excellent phase center stability and unit-to-unit production repeatability, and has exceptional multipath mitigation performance, which is enhanced in the geodetic version,” Riley said. Since first introducing the antenna, Trimble has added support for additional GNSS systems and RF bands (L1/E1, L2, L5/E5 and L6/E6), transitioned to a RoHS-compliant manufacturing process, improved the LNA performance, developed rugged versions for construction vehicle mounting, and produced a smaller version used in the Trimble R10, R12 and SPS986 GNSS receivers.

“More recently,” Riley said, “we developed a lower-cost high-performance antenna for the Trimble Catalyst software-defined GNSS receiver for Android phones and tablets, as well as an antenna in the Nav-900 guidance controller for agriculture that implements a metamaterial design. Looking forward, we expect to continue to innovate by providing antennas that meet the needs of the different markets we serve. Each application has unique requirements, which require us to balance the cost, performance and size to develop the appropriately optimized product. Enhancements will include novel antenna architectures, production technique improvements, and careful material selection.”

Technical Challenges. Trimble users have a wide variety of requirements, Riley said. “The challenges come in balancing the seemingly conflicting needs for performance, size, weight and cost. Because Trimble focuses on specific user segments, we can provide antenna solutions that are the best fit for the various applications. For example, an antenna in a handheld device must be small and lightweight; however, on a construction machine, durability takes precedence over size and weight.”

Topcon Positioning Group

The Sokkia GCX2 receiver integrates a helical antenna. (Photo: Topcon)

Key Markets. Topcon Positioning Group is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of precision measurement and workflow solutions for the global construction, geospatial and agricultural markets, according to Alok Srivastava, director, product management. “By integrating high-precision measurement technology, software, services and data, Topcon has a vision to improve productivity to meet global demand for sustainable infrastructure and agriculture,” Srivastava said.

Specific Challenges. The physical challenges when designing an antenna for geomatics applications have been multipath and interference mitigation, Srivastava explained. “Topcon has an advanced research and development team that focuses solely on antenna designs. The team dedicates its efforts to providing state-of-the-art antennas for all positioning needs.”

Key Innovations. “Topcon was very early in realizing the growing needs for radio spectrum and the challenges it may bring to GNSS technology,” Srivastava said. “It has innovated and used filters to mitigate interference from Japan LTE signals for a long time.”

Topcon’s antenna team is “among the most innovative in the industry,” Srivastava said, and “has brought many unique designs of antennas over the years. The antenna is a key element of an integrated receiver in dictating the design of the whole receiver.” With the release of the Sokkia GCX2 receiver, he explained, his company introduced to the industry the integration of a helical antenna into a high-performing integrated receiver.

Its infrastructure antennas, the CR-G5 and PN-A5, are available with options including cavity filter technology. “The cavity filter has the superior ability to minimize near-band interference,” Srivastava said. Topcon’s antenna farm at the Concordia test site in Italy contains an absolute calibration robot, a large format antenna (BigAnt) for a high-quality geodetic ground station, and patented technology for controlled testing of GNSS technology in artificial obstructions.

“Vibration mitigation is the key when an antenna is mounted to a piece of machinery,” Srivastava said. “Topcon antennas are an integral component of our Quartz Lock Loop (QLL) technology for robust GNSS operation in high-vibration environments.”

Technical Challenges. The importance of antennas can be underestimated, Srivastava pointed out, especially with rapidly growing interest in GNSS technology in consumer applications. “The antenna is one of the most critical technologies when it comes to reliable and robust GNSS positioning. Designers and manufacturers of antenna technology with years of experience understand the seriousness of this task, and are fully equipped to deliver results without compromising quality and performance.”

NovAtel

The VEXXIS family of GNSS antennas. (Photo: NovAtel)

Key Markets. Key antenna markets for Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division are split into three areas, according to Dean Foster, director of hardware engineering. His area includes the company’s anti-jamming antenna technology (GAJT) and robust SWAP-C antennas. The other two are precision and SMART antennas for agriculture, mining, survey and autonomous vehicles (Vexxis, SMART7, and GNSS 1500), and reference GNSS antennas (GNSS750 and ANT-C2GA).

Specific Challenges. NovAtel’s antennas address three main challenges. First, jamming and interference, whether intentional or unintentional, are becoming increasingly commonplace and seriously impact GNSS reception. “These issues are addressed by our GAJT product line of high-precision anti-jamming antennas, which can mitigate multiple jammers simultaneously,” Foster said. Second, “the stability and precision of the antenna’s phase center is critical to deliver robust and precise GNSS position even in challenging environments, which is addressed by our Vexxis GNSS-800 antennas.” Finally, more frequent use of GNSS in environments with reflection issues is making multipath rejection critical. “The entire line of NovAtel antennas, including Vexxis, SMART and GAJT, ensures use of the most direct signals.”

Key Innovations. Driverless vehicles require sub-meter-level positioning for lane-level resolution. “Multi-constellation/multi-frequency GNSS with protection limits and correction services are necessary to move forward safely,” Foster said. “This technology does not work with the smallest size, single-frequency, narrow-band antennas that cars currently utilize, so we’re building on our deep experience and knowledge to develop production-grade automotive antenna technologies.” An emerging requirement is reducing size, weight, power and cost (SWAP-C). “In the defense market, we first offered jamming and interference mitigation with the GAJT-710, which progressed to the GAJT-AE, and most recently we launched the GAJT-410.”

Technical Challenges. All markets want the smallest, most robust and cost-effective antenna to meet their needs, Foster said, adding that NovAtel is helping customers work through how to select, place and integrate antennas into their platforms to address real-world problems.

Cobham Aerospace Connectivity

The 20-2041 Fixed Reception Pattern Array (FRPA) GPS antenna. (Photo: Cobham Aerospace)

The prevalence of intentional and unintentional GNSS interference has sparked quick evolution in antenna technology, including the emergence of breakthrough technology in 2019 and new advancements in development, said Imtiaz Bahadur, product line manager.

Specifically, the drive to advance antenna technology is due to “an increased demand for broader coverage, stringent industry compliance, and a need for robust capabilities.”

Key Innovations. Among recent innovations in antenna technology, Bahadur cited GPS antennas with support for dual-frequency multi-constellation compliance with Global Aircraft Traffic Management (GATM) mandates to enable military aircraft to operate in controlled airspace, and antennas that offer broader band coverage.

In 2019, Cobham introduced the 20-2041 Fixed Reception Pattern Array (FRPA) GPS antenna, which addresses all three of these priorities, said Darren Windust, product manager – air. The L1/L2 dual-frequency GPS antenna is certified to both ETSO-C190 and MSO-C144. “In conjunction with a certified receiver, the 20-2041 offers a single solution to comply with GATM regulations to access controlled airspace and undertake GPS precision approach and landings, in a standard 3.5-inch form factor.”

Technical Challenges. “It’s clear that moving from one GPS signal to eight signals from four constellations in support of performance-based navigation is going to be the next major disruptor because of the significantly expanded signal power and highly efficient design,” Bahadur said. The quest to make antennas smaller also continues. “Today, there are physical limitations on how far one can miniaturize the antenna while ensuring sufficient gain is received. Research and development efforts are underway to build ‘smart antenna’ concepts for the future. Moving into the next few years, robust antenna capabilities will arrive in smaller, more efficient form factors.”

Harxon CEO Jason Yao gives GPS World an overview of the company’s latest developments, including the X-Survey Pro antenna, at Intergeo 2019, which took place Sept. 17-19 in Stuttgart, Germany. According to the company, the X-Survey Pro is a 5-in-1 antenna designed with GNSS antenna, WIFI, BT, 4G and 2.4G, plus 5.8G antennas.

Ruggedized GNSS antenna HX-CVX600A. (Photo: Harxon)

Harxon has launched a ruggedized GNSS antenna for applications subject to high shock and vibration environments such as i-construction machining applications. Integrated with reliable signal tracking and strong anti-interference performance, the IP69K ruggedized HX-CVX600A antenna provides end users with millimeter accuracy, durability and productivity, the company said.

I-construction promotes the use of automated machines on construction sites to improve productivity and provide support to workers.

The Harxon HX-CVX600A offers full support for reliable and consistent satellite signals tracking, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Beidou, QZSS, IRNSS and SBAS, as well as L-band correction services.

By exhibiting a very stable phase center that adopts multipoint feeding technology, exceptional low elevation satellite tracking with symmetric radiation patterns, high gain with ultra-low signal loss, as well as outstanding wide-angle circular polarization (WACP),  the Harxon HX-CVX600A performs with remarkable positioning accuracy and provides end users with full control of the job site, performing tasks more productively, meeting tighter positioning specifications, and avoiding rework caused by inaccurate positioning.

The HX-CVX600A GNSS antenna of Harxon also provides superior anti-interference performance. Its advanced low noise amplifier (LNA) excels in improved signal filtering and out-of-band rejection and restrains electromagnetic interference. It also provides strong multipath reduction capacity over all GNSS frequency bands for consistent and reliable GNSS signals, even under complicated environments such as congested urban areas or communication base stations.

The Harxon HX-CVX600A compact and low-profile antenna is Harxon’s first antenna with exceptionally firmness for hash operation environment as construction industry. The upper cover of the antenna is made of material with excellent chemical and high heat resistance. Its aerodynamic enclosure withstands exposure against dust, rain, splash or sunlight. Screws and pole mounts are both available, offering flexible installation.

The Harxon HX-CVX600A ruggedized antenna is now open for pre-sale; contact sales@harxon.com.

OEM

Geodetic antenna

Designed for GNSS networks and monitoring applications

Photo: CHC Navigation

The AT661 geodetic antenna for GNSS networks or monitoring applications supports all current and future GNSS signals, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, IRNSS, SBAS and L-band. The antenna features both high-gain LNA and wide beamwidth to provide excellent flexibility in applications requiring low-elevation satellite reception and high availability of GNSS signals, especially in obstructed situations. The accuracy of the antenna’s phase center reaches the millimeter level with extremely high stability and repeatability to ensure perfect processing of GNSS data regardless of the length of the baselines. The AT661 withstands all types of weather, including large temperature fluctuations, and is protected by a waterproof radome.

CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

Spectrum Analyzer

Portability for signal analysis

Photo: ThinkRF

The ThinkRF R5750 Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer with GPS offers high spectral performance, low power consumption, and portability. The R5750 analyzer is built for outdoor, mobile and distributed deployment scenarios, including regulatory and intelligence monitoring, telecom deployment optimization, and RF application development. Users can deploy units in a variety of network architectures, analyze signals in real-time or later, and easily integrate with leading software applications to conduct demodulation or deeper analysis of signals up to 27 GHz. The R5750 analyzer includes embedded GPS for time and location data, and comes with an optional IP66 rating for increased durability and ruggedness in difficult environments.

ThinkRF, thinkrf.com

Phase noise analyzer

For precision oscillator characterization

Photo: Microchip Technology

The 53100A Phase Noise Analyzer takes precise and accurate measurements of frequency signals, including those generated by atomic clocks and other high-performance frequency reference modules and subsystems. It combines timing technologies in a small, high-performance measurement instrument designed for engineers and scientists who rely on precise and accurate measurement of frequency signals generated for 5G networks, data centers, commercial and military aircraft systems, space vehicles, communication satellites and metrology applications. Up to three separate devices can be tested simultaneously using a single reference, enabling higher capacity for stability measurements.

Microchip Technology, microchip.com

Rugged antenna

For construction and machine control

Ruggedized GNSS antenna HX-CVX600A. (Photo: Harxon)

The IP69K ruggedized HX-CVX600A antenna provides end users with millimeter accuracy, durability and productivity. The antenna is designed for applications subject to high shock and vibration environments such as machine control. Integrated with reliable signal tracking and strong anti-interference performance, the Harxon HX-CVX600A offers full support for reliable and consistent satellite signal tracking, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, IRNSS and SBAS, as well as L-band correction services. Its stable phase center adopts multipoint feeding technology, exceptional low-elevation satellite tracking with symmetric radiation patterns, high gain with ultra-low signal loss, as well as outstanding wide-angle circular polarization. The aerodynamic enclosure withstands exposure against dust, rain, splash or sunlight.

Harxon, harxon.com

TRANSPORTATION

Marine receiver

Quad-band GNSS for marine environments

Photo: Veripos

The LD900 is a quad-band GNSS receiver capable of tracking GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations to provide reliable and accurate positioning. The LD900 also receives L-band signals on multiple channels, providing access to Veripos’ worldwide independent correction services. Using the independent L-band RF input on the LD900 allows the connection of a dedicated L-band antenna ensuring optimal reception of correction services, especially at high latitudes. Veripos provides accurate and reliable positioning for all marine applications via their redundant positioning and multi-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) Apex and Ultra services. The Apex5 correction service utilizes all GNSS constellations delivering 5cm positioning accuracy for use in the most demanding offshore applications. Real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections can be utilized by the LD900 for applications where this service is required. The intuitive color display and navigation menu makes setup, configuration and system status monitoring simple. The display also helps troubleshoot issues with the LD900, allowing faults to be quickly diagnosed and resolved. The LD900 can also be configured remotely through the Veripos Quantum software.

Veripos, veripos.com

Tracking system

Supports internet-of-things (IoT) deployments

Photo: Particle

The edge-to-cloud IoT platform Particle is offering a new tracking system that allows organizations to track the locations of a wide variety of mobile assets. Particle’s Tracker system-on-module (SoM) provides a powerful GNSS, microcontroller and advanced peripherals in a compact form factor. Tracker SoM serves as a starting point for organizations that require a tailored tracking solution for sophisticated applications, as well as a fully certified foundation for OEMs developing commercial products. All of the company’s tracking solutions come with a high-gain GNSS antenna accurate to 1.8 meters. The field-ready solution is configurable and can track the real-time location of critical assets and capture additional intelligence via sensor data including temperature and acceleration as well as remotely controlled mobile equipment and vehicles.

Particle, particle.io

Telematics platform

Designed in Europe, now available in North America

Photo: Ruptela

The Trace 5 plug-and-play GPS-based automatic vehicle location (AVL) tracker and multifunctional fleet management platform TrustTrack provide a ready-to-use telematics solution. The Trace 5 GPS tracker has LTE Cat M1 (4G) connectivity and an integrated battery. TrustTrack is an advanced telematics platform for businesses to manage transport resources. It connects dispatchers and drivers and enables real-time monitoring and drivers’ management. It also generates trip reports.

Ruptela, ruptela.com

Vehicle Management

Uses Iridium, GPS, LTE

Photo: Blue Sky Network

The HawkEye 5500 is the a dual-mode real-time tracking and vehicle management system that supports Iridium, GPS and 2G/3G/LTE. A GNSS/Iridium antenna is included in the kit. The HawkEye 5500 offers full integration of on-board systems, support for both light and heavy-duty vehicles, two-way messaging, a remote emergency switch, collision detection, audible alerts, RFID and Bluetooth driver identification and customizable application integration. It provides global always-on coverage with high-resolution tracking and communication. Users can customize reporting rates based on movement or location and provide driver feedback when safety violations occur. All operations are tracked via Blue Sky Network’s portal, SkyRouter, which allows for effective high-security command and control of fleets anywhere on the planet.

Blue Sky Network, blueskynetwork.com

MAPPING

Mobile Mapper

For infrastructure, mining, forestry, construction

Photo: Kaarta

The Stencil Pro, now in beta testing, is a professional-grade mobile mapping platform with dimensional and visual fidelity. The all-in-one system can scan, process and view captured data in real time. It offers panoramic high-definition 4K imagery and colorized point clouds, and is optimized for both indoor and outdoor lighting. Its simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) capabilities enable it to operate in GNSS-denied areas such as indoor, underground, under thick canopy, or in urban canyons. However, it is also fully geo-enabled with an integrated Trimble BD-990 receiver, AV-28 antenna and a range of other third-party GNSS antennas. It supports accuracy enhancements through live RTK/NTRIP processing as well as PPK corrections. GNSS positioning data is used to align and geo-register data for accuracy. The onboard GNSS and color cameras are fully integrated into real-time capture. If a colorized point cloud is not required, or GNSS is not available, reliance on other sensors is seamless.

Kaarta, kaarta.com

Mobile app

With tool for geologists

Photo: Touch GIS

Touch GIS is a powerful mobile app for field data collection and visualization. Version 1.3 features a digital clinometer to assist field geologists in recording strike and dip readings as well as a new attitude attribute type, which makes it easy to record and display these readings on the map. Touch GIS has powerful file support for industry-standard types, offline mapping capabilities, and accurate drawing tools for points, lines and polygons.

Touch GIS, touchgis.app

UAV

Drone platform

For precise aerial inspections and data collection

The Matrice 300 RTK UAV. (Photo: DJI)

The Matrice 300 RTK is DJI’s most advanced commercial drone platform to date. It integrates modern aviation features, advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, a six-directional sensing and positioning system and a UAV health management system. It has 55 minutes of flight time. The drone platform has AES-256 encryption and an IP45 weather-resistant enclosure. A built-in all-new OcuSync Enterprise transmission system provides a triple-channel 1080p video transmission signal reaching up to 15 kilometers away. The M300 RTK can support up to three payloads simultaneously and up to a total payload capability of 2.7 kg.

DJI, dji.com

GNSS/INS Board

Robust positioning in demanding industrial environments

Photo: Septentrio

The AsteRx-i D UAS combines centimeter-level positioning with 3D orientation, enabling automated navigation of aerial drones and robots. It is compact and lightweight, with a high-performance inertial measurement unit from Analog Devices integrated directly into the receiver board. Its small form-factor combined with exceptionally low power consumption results in extended battery life and longer flight times. Both single-antenna and dual-antenna versions are available. The single-antenna version provides a lightweight solution optimizing the system size, weight and power (SWaP). The dual-antenna version is designed for machines that need reliable heading from the start.

Septentrio, shop.septentrio.com

Harxon TS112 smart antenna family. (Photo: Harxon)

Harxon has introduced its TS112 family of smart antennas for demanding applications such as agricultural machine autosteering systems that require high positioning-accuracy. Harxon made the introduction in a virtual meeting on Jan. 13 from Shenzhen.

The TS112 family features Harxon’s latest GNSS positioning technology and offers scalable positioning solutions with increased GNSS availability, reliability and accuracy.

Each of the three models embed Harxon X-Survey four-in-one technology. The high-gain and wide beamwidth multi-constellation GNSS antenna integrates 4G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in one compact unit. They feature multi-point feeding technology, ensuring high phase-center stability and real-time kinematic (RTK) centimeter-level positioning accuracy.

TS112 Smart Antenna Family Specifications. (Chart: Harxon)

The TS112SE, as the most affordable solution of the three, provides flexible positioning solutions via standalone positioning or dual-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) with accuracy from sub-meter to centimeter level while using Sapcorda’s SAPA (Safe and Precise Augmentation Service). Its comprehensive support and L-band augmentation service ensure solid satellite tracking without signal outage even in difficult terrains or problematic environmental conditions.

SAPA works as a reliable alternative economical positioning option with wide service coverage in the application environment that has poor LTE network coverage.

The TS112 integrates a high-precision GNSS module with multi-band GNSS receiver and Harxon’s four-in-one multifunctional GNSS antenna in a compact housing. It supports dual-frequency multi-constellations for consistent and robust satellite signal tracking and delivers RTK-level positioning accuracy for precision agriculture equipment and machine control. It offers a 4G and UHF radio modem for flexible correction transmission as well as wireless Bluetooth technology for easy connectivity in the field.

The TS112 PRO employs a future-ready Hexagon OEM GNSS module, offering precise positioning and advanced interference mitigation for space constrained applications and challenging environments.

With centimeter-level positioning utilizing TerraStar satellite-delivered correction services, Harxon’s TS112 PRO ensures globally available, high performance positioning without the need for network infrastructure. Harxon’s TS112 PRO also support NTRIP service, so in application environments where using a base station is not feasible, the NTRIP differential corrections could be transmitted to a rover using 4G networks and enable users reaching ultimate centimeter level positioning accuracy.

The TS112 PRO also features Hexagon’s Glide smooth positioning that offers superior pass-to-pass accuracy down to 20 centimeters for applications where relative positioning is critical.

All models in the TS112 family support Harxon Slide technology to provide smooth positioning and exceptional linear accuracy so that the guiding system can continue to guide during satellite signal outages or in challenging environments.

The newly released family also support Harxon terrain compensation algorithm that is capable of correcting deviations that caused by vehicle’s roll and pitch while working on uneven grounds or slopes. It helps users increase operational efficiency and saving cost in the field.

Adopting ruggedized and IP67 standard housing, the TS112 family equip NMEA0183 and NMEA2000 CAN ports, RS-232 serial ports for easy connectivity.

Photo: Trimble

Antenna development, going all the way back to the first antennas, has been one of continuous innovation,” Richard Langley wrote in our September issue. Even after more than 30 years of GNSS technology development, he pointed out, GNSS antenna development continues.

His statement is borne out by the responses submitted by manufacturers of GNSS antennas to four questions we posed to them:

• What specific challenges are your antennas designed to address?
• Over the past three years and the next three years, what have been/will be your key innovations?
• How are advances in real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP) changing requirements for GNSS antennas?
• What technical challenges or industry trends do you find most interesting or noteworthy?

The responses display a wide range of antenna designs for a wide range of applications. They show how manufacturers must constantly balance requirements for positioning accuracy, form factor, interference management and cost. For the GNSS user segment, antennas are the first link in the processing chain and the first line of defense against jamming, spoofing, multipath  and, increasingly, adjacent band interference. Antenna designers are also challenged by the growing adoption and sophistication of RTK, PPP and similar technologies. All these variables, challenges and scenarios are reasons for the constant evolution of GNSS antennas.

Finally, it is not always obvious whether a device should be classified as a receiver or an antenna. For example, what Harxon calls a “smart antenna” others might call a receiver.

NovAtel

With Sandy Kennedy, VP of Innovation

Specific challenges
NovAtel antennas enable exceptional tracking for multi-constellation precision and are packaged for practical use in the field. Our antennas are designed to be the first link in the processing chain to deliver centimeter-level precision in harsh operating environments and applications, including contested or crowded RF environments through our CRPA antennas.

Key innovations
Over the past three years, we have focused on multi-frequency support and simultaneous L-band reception (seen in the NovAtel GNSS-850) to provide exceptional positioning solutions and support future technology like RTK From the Sky. Optimized to work with OEM7 receivers, NovAtel antennas leverage patented multi-point feeding networks to providΩe symmetric radiation patterns across all frequencies for excellent multipath rejection and minimal phase-center variation and offset. In the next three years, we expect to further reduce the size of antennas needed in a resilient high-precision solution. At the same time, we are continuing to improve robustness to adjacent band interference. We work to optimize the full GNSS ecosystem, from the signal in space reaching the antenna, to the final position, velocity and time (PVT) solution exiting the receiver.

Anechoic chamber testing. (Photo: NovAtel)

Advances in RTK and PPP
Advances in corrections expose measurements from low-quality antennas. You need an antenna with sub-millimeter phase-center variation (PCV) accuracy and stability on par with the algorithms delivering centimeter-level solutions. When the processing chain eliminates errors down to the centimeter level (or less), you must avoid adding errors from unstable phase centers, for example.

Technical challenges and industry trends
A difficult challenge facing the antenna industry is the commercial demand to reduce the size and weight of antennas while maintaining functionality and performance. The industry will need to continue balancing between size and performance while producing innovative GNSS antenna solutions integrated with other technologies, for example with anti-jam capabilities.

Harxon

With Leo Wang, Product Technical Director

Specific challenges
The design of Harxon’s GNSS antennas aims to achieve a perfect balance between easy integration with RTK solutions and the ultimate product performance by meticulously dealing with wideband, positioning accuracy, form factor, and interference management.

Key innovations
Over the past three years, our signature antenna innovation is our 4-in-1 X-Survey HX-CSX100A multifunctional GNSS antenna, which integrates a GNSS antenna, 4G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in one compact enclosure. This multifunctional antenna simplifies receiver integration into an RTK solution and facilitates industry development. In the next three years, Harxon looks forward to more breakthroughs in positioning technology and delivering pragmatic innovations.

Photo: Harxon

Advances in RTK and PPP
The development and maturity of these technologies require a higher standard for more delicate GNSS antenna structure design that takes product form factor into consideration while upgrading performance via wideband, high gain and positioning accuracy.

Technical challenges and industry trends
The 5G era has arrived, and the application of 5G technology for the internet of things (IoT) is extensive. China has also proposed the integration of 5G technology and BeiDou. We believe that, in the next few decades, GNSS positioning and 5G technology will be widely applied in the IoT industry and create huge benefits.

Tallysman Wireless

With Gyles Panther, President and CTO

Specific challenges
The challenge faced by Tallysman was manufacturing a full-band GNSS and L-band correction antenna, with high efficiency, tight PCV, low-gain roll-off and low axial ratio down to the horizon, and minimized multipath. Plus, a narrowly filtered low noise amplifier (LNA) to mitigate interference, all in the smallest possible package.

Key innovations
Over the past three years, Tallysman has released the VeraChoke, helical and VeroStar lines. The VeraChoke serves the geodetic and survey reference station markets with PCV and full-band GNSS coverage.

Our helical GNSS and Iridium antennas are lightweight, compact and robust. They provide a precise phase center and radically reduced dependence on a ground plane because of their differential mode of operation. Their exceptional low weight makes them an excellent choice for copter-style UAVs.

Photo: Tallysman

The patented VeroStar element combines full coverage of the upper and lower GNSS bands, plus L-band corrections service, with reception of L-band downlink Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) signals and exceptional low elevation angle reception. It is rugged, compact and lightweight — ideal for land and marine rover applications. It also provides minimal and symmetric PCV with outstanding all-around performance.

Advances in RTK and PPP
Both correction systems require rover receivers to phase-lock on low-amplitude GNSS satellite signal carriers, and both are hugely dependent upon the GNSS antenna. The corrections are critical for precision agriculture and land survey applications. Our precision antennas are specifically designed to minimize phase-lock loop (PLL) cycle slips.

Technical challenges and industry trends
Interference, accidental or intentional, is a major challenge and threat to GNSS, particularly from encroaching L-band 5G cellular systems. Tallysman offers tightly filtered LNAs and single-band omnidirectional anti-jam antennas with a deep null at low elevations. We plan to introduce a new multiband omnidirectional antijam antenna in the second quarter of 2021.

Taoglas

With Dave Ghilarducci, VP of Worldwide Engineering

Specific challenges
Our antennas are designed for key internet of things (IoT) verticals. Our high-precision, multi-band GNSS antennas offer centimeter-level positioning and timing accuracy for applications where small size and high performance are required. We address the industry’s most compact form factors with out-of-band rejection for operation near transmitters.

Key innovations
Over the past three years, we have focused development on a portfolio of GNSS antennas with centimeter-level positioning accuracy in different form factors:

• EDGE Locate GNSS with RTK. (Photo: Taoglas)

  lighter, more robust antennas through our patent-pending Terrablast-based products (the GGBTP.35); which are impact resistant and 35% lighter than traditional ceramic patches

• developing low-cost, compact, high-performance, multi-band antennas for OEM integrations (XAHP.50, AA.200, GPDF5012).
• high-rejection internal patch modules for rejection for OEM integrations (AGGBP.SL and AGGBP.SLS series)
• surface-mount active patch antennas with embedded active circuitry for easier integration (ASGGB Simplicity series)
• off-the-shelf module with an integrated multi-band RTK antenna, electronics and receiver technology for ease of integration.

Over the next three years, we expect to expand our portfolio and support additional bands like E6, L6 and the L-band correction band. Plus, we are working with the European Space Agency to design IoT devices with integrated high-precision RTK and GNSS technologies.

Advances in RTK and PPP
Expansion of RTK, PPP and similar technologies into new domains has demanded better performance from mainline and OEM antennas. These correction technologies stress antenna gain and polarization purity to maximize signal strength. We address these issues in our integrated designs to mitigate multipath errors and maximize ease of integration.

Technical challenges and industry trends
The release of lower-cost multi-band receivers and modules could be the most significant shift the GNSS industry has seen in the last decade. This innovation is already expanding applications and challenging suppliers to provide better performance for size, weight and cost.

Topcon

With Alok Srivastava, Senior Director, Product Management, Topcon Positioning Group

Specific challenges
Topcon is a proven provider of GNSS antennas for innovative products. Our GNSS product portfolio offers antennas with excellent multipath mitigation, near-band interference rejection, and quality signal tracking from zenith to the horizon. We strive to provide affordable solutions for our geodetic, machine control and agricultural customers.

Key innovations
Topcon antenna technology is applied within standalone antennas along with integrated GNSS receivers. Antennas inside our integrated receivers, such as the HiPer HR, are distinctive in supporting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in a common antenna stack without sacrificing GNSS tracking and positioning performance. These offerings also support compact designs of integrated receivers.

As the number of GNSS constellations expands and new communication methods become available, potential inference from neighboring signals grows with congestion of the RF spectrum. Our standalone antennas, PN-A5 and CR-G5 with cavity filter option, uniquely address these challenges.

Topcon’s PN-A5 semi-hemispherical ground plane GNSS antenna. (Photo: Topcon)

In the coming years, antenna technology will need to stay strongly focused on interference rejection and mitigation, lower cost and smaller size. These demands challenge antenna providers to make technical advancements while investing in cost-sensitive manufacturing along with higher testing standards. In this regard, our new antenna test facility in Concordia sulla Secchia, Italy, will soon be offering robotic calibration services.

Advances in RTK and PPP
With increased demand and services available for PPP, Topcon antennas support both GNSS and L-band frequencies, such as in the HiPer VR/HR receivers, and standalone antennas (PG-F1, G5-A1, PN-A5 and CR-G5). As data communications continue to expand beyond L-band and RTK/network RTK, Topcon systems will support them without compromising positioning performance.

Technical challenges and industry trends
As GNSS antennas are one of the integral items within the GNSS system, the significance of delivering a cost-effective and miniaturized solution that provides robust positioning is critical to meeting needs in ever-growing precise positioning markets and applications. Topcon will continue to emphasize innovative antenna products through our research.

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

OEM

STL receiver

For Satellite Timing and Location service

Photo: JLT

The STL-2600 Satellite Timing and Location (STL) commercial receiver was designed in partnership with Satelles Inc., the STL service provider. The STL-2600 provides a GNSS-independent, low-cost capability to generate UTC nanosecond timing and meters-accurate positioning anywhere in the world. The STL signal has 30-db (1,000 times) higher power compared to GPS signals, allowing the receiver to operate deep indoors independent of any GPS/GNSS signal. It is also useful in marine applications where GNSS signals are regularly denied or manipulated and for stationary high-accuracy timing applications such as 5G. It can be directly connected to JLT’s GPS Transcoder products for glueless retrofit capability of existing customer legacy GPS-only receiver systems to Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS as well as adding the STL and optional atomic holdover capability to these legacy systems.

Jackson Labs Technologies, jackson-labs.com

Autosteering antennas

Provide high-precision accuracy

Photo: Harxon

The TS112 family of smart antennas is designed for demanding applications such as agricultural machine autosteering systems that require high positioning accuracy. They offer scalable positioning solutions with increased GNSS availability, reliability and accuracy. Each of the three models embeds Harxon X-Survey four-in-one technology. The high-gain and wide beamwidth multi-constellation GNSS antennas integrate 4G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in a compact unit. They feature multi-point feeding technology, ensuring high phase-center stability and real-time kinematic (RTK) centimeter-level positioning accuracy. They integrate a high-precision GNSS module with multi-band GNSS receiver and Harxon’s four-in-one multifunctional GNSS antenna in a compact housing.

Harxon, harxon.com

Tactical INS

With photonic integrated chip technology

Photo: KVH Industries

The TACNAV 3D tactical navigation system is now available with the P-1775 inertial measurement unit (IMU) featuring KVH’s new photonic integrated chip (PIC) technology. PIC technology features an integrated planar optical chip that replaces individual fiber-optic components to simplify production while maintaining or improving accuracy and performance. KVH’s IMUs with PIC technology are designed to deliver improved bias stability and greater accuracy. The fiber-optic gyro (FOG)-based TACNAV 3D tactical navigation system provides an assured positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) solution with an embedded GNSS and optional chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC).

KVH Industries, kvh.com

Asset tracker

Offers security features

Photo: Nordic Semiconductor

IoTeX has selected Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9160 low-power System-in-Package (SiP) with integrated LTE-M/NB-IoT modem and GPS receiver to provide the cellular internet of things (IoT) connectivity for its Pebble Tracker. The Pebble Tracker provides trusted location, environment and motion-tracking data for global asset tracking and industrial supply chain applications. Critical features strengthen security from hacking and data corruption, meeting the demand of applications that require strong data security and integrity protection throughout the supply chain. There are two versions of Pebble Tracker. The first targets blockchain and IoT developers, while a second commercial version is designed for the asset tracking and industrial supply chain markets. The product combines an environmental sensor, a motion sensor (gyroscope and accelerometer), and an ambient light sensor. It enables cellular network connectivity and integrated GPS support in a global version supporting precise, long-range tracking of asset data using established cellular infrastructure.

IoTeX, iotex.io

Nordic Semiconductor, nordicsemi.com

SURVEYING & MAPPING

Photo: Emlid

NTRIP caster

Enables transmission of corrections via the internet

Emlid Caster is an easy way to transmit corrections between real-time kinematic (RTK)-capable devices via the internet. Emlid Caster has a simple interface. Users can create their personal mount point and connect one base and up to five rovers. It works not only with Emlid products but any other device supporting NTRIP. For example, users can pass RTK corrections to the DJI Phantom 4 RTK drone from the Reach RS2 receiver as a base station. Emlid Caster is free and available worldwide. Once signed up, personal NTRIP credentials are generated automatically for a base and a rover.

Emlid, caster.emlid.com

Entry-level software

For construction surveying

The Trimble Siteworks SE Starter Edition. (Screenshot: Trimble)

The Trimble Siteworks SE Starter Edition is an entry-level construction surveying software program. With the program and a construction GNSS receiver, a supervisor, foreman, grade checker or site engineer can easily check a grade, slope or alignment and navigate the project more accurately and in less time than with traditional survey methods. It also can give more personnel on the jobsite access to survey technology, enabling more productive and efficient field crews. Trimble Siteworks SE Software is a simplified version of Trimble Siteworks Software, intended for users who do not require a full feature set and are interested in a lower-cost version to connect to GNSS only. Contractors can easily upgrade to the full version.

Trimble, trimble.com

Low-altitude mapping

Flexibility for all flying parameters

Photo: Leica

The Leica CityMapper-2L configuration is designed for airborne urban mapping projects at low altitude operation. Lower flying heights can be required by air traffic control (ATC) restrictions and in areas with low cloud cover. It features a 71-mm focal length at nadir, suitable for 5-cm ground sample distance (GSD) data acquisition at flying heights of 940-m above ground level. The new lenses offer similar coverage and productivity for a specific GSD as existing configurations for standard and high-flying heights, while significantly expanding the operation envelope. The CityMapper-2 hybrid airborne sensor combines oblique imaging and a lidar in one system. The sensor efficiently creates digital twins of cities. The system includes two 150 MP nadir cameras (RGB and NIR), four 150 MP oblique cameras and a 2-MHz linear-mode lidar sensor.

Leica Geosystems, leica-geosystems.com

Lidar dataset

Full-waveform flash data for autonomous vehicle development

Photo: LeddarTech

Leddar PixSet is a publicly available sensor dataset for advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving research and development. The dataset includes full-waveform data from LeddarTech’s Leddar Pixell, a 3D solid-state flash lidar sensor. LeddarTech is offering these datasets free of charge for academic and research purposes. It allows academic and engineering research teams specializing in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technology to use existing sets of sensor data to test and develop advanced software and to run simulations without having to assemble new sensor suites and collect their own dataset. An instrumented vehicle was utilized in the development of the dataset. The various scenes were recorded in high-density urban and suburban environments as well as on the highway.

LeddarTech, leddartech.com

UAV

Lidar surveying

High-resolution scanning

Photo: Microdrones

The mdLiDAR1000HR aaS drone lidar survey package is designed for professionals responsible for geospatial data collection, such as corridor mapping, mining (volume calculation), construction site monitoring, recording environmental changes over time, forestry, contour mapping, archaeology and cultural heritage, and more. The drone lidar system has a 90° field of view for both scanned points and imagery. It repeatedly provides a precision of 1.6 cm (.052 feet) when flown at 40 m (130 ft) at a speed of 8 m/s (18 mph). It integrates the Velodyne Puck Lite lidar sensor.

Microdrones, microdrones.com

Agriculture drone

Helps assess crop health

Photo: SenseFly

The fixed-wing eBee Ag drone can provide a complete assessment of a farm and crops faster than traditional field scouting. With its dual-purpose Duet M camera, eBee Ag captures accurate RGB and multispectral data that enable farmers to effectively assess crop health and help catch early indicators of pests, diseases and weed infestations that threaten crop yields. It features real-time kinematic (RTK) functionality for greater mapping precision. With its available RTK, the drone can achieve absolute accuracy down to 2.5 cm (1.0 inches) with RGB. Highly accurate index maps allow farmers to understand each acre while managing problematic areas field-wide.

SenseFly, sensefly.com

Lidar products

Include new terrain software module

Photo: YellowScan

The Vx15-300 and Vx20-300 UAV lidar solutions are new additions to Yellowscan’s Vx product series. A new terrain software module allows users to automatically classify grounds from off-ground, as well as export various digital elevation models. Both integrate the Riegl Mini-VUX 3 airborne laser scanner (1.55 kg / 3.4 lbs), designed specifically for integration with UAVs. The scanner offers a selectable 100-kHz, 200-kHz and 300-kHz laser-pulse repetition rate (PRR). At 300-kHz PRR, the sensor provides up to 100,000 measurements per second at 120° field of view, and thus a dense point pattern on the ground for UAV-based applications that require the acquisition of small objects.

Yellowscan, yellowscan-lidar.com

TRANSPORTATION

Vaccine container

GPS tracking ensures custody chain remains intact

Photo: FrankyDeMeyer/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Cryo-Vacc containers use helium — a fraction of the weight of nitrogen — to provide safe transportation of vaccines at the required extremely low temperatures and for periods of up to 30 days, without the need for any power supply. Now in prototype, the containers work with both air and ground transportation. A temperature range of -150°C to 8°C, makes it versatile for a range of vaccines — including those for COVID-19 — that need to be transported for up to 25 days or longer in transit, where access to an external power source is not possible. Combined with cold-chain monitoring and asset tracking technology from Beyond Wireless (a World Health Organization-certified provider), Cryo-Vacc can provide accurate temperature readings of vaccines in transit, as well as GPS-based tracking to ensure the custody chain can be audited.

Renergen, renergen.co.za

Data logger

Multiple parameter sensing for transportation

Photo: MSR Electronics

The tamper-proof MSR175plus GPS data logger records potentially damaging shock events as well as the associated ambient conditions with the exact geographic position via its GPS/GNSS receiver. It contains two 3-axis-acceleration sensors (±15 g/±200 g), a temperature sensor (-20 to +65° C), a humidity sensor (0 to 100% relative humidity), air pressure sensing (0 to 2000 mbar), and an ambient light sensor (0 to 65,000 lux). It helps ensure compliance with transport specifications and provides irrefutable data for identifying damage liability for help with insurance claims. An external connector is ready for a cable-connected antenna. The removable, rechargeable 2400 mAh LiPo-battery enables recording for up to 8 weeks (at least one year without GPS-based tracking).

MSR Electronics, www.msr.ch

Harxon is offering two new GNSS antennas for intelligent connected vehicles (ICV). ICVs are equipped with advanced sensors, controllers, actuators and other devices. They are enabled for  intelligent information exchanges between the vehicle and everything (car, road, people, cloud), technology known as V2X.

The ICV antennas connect autos with GNSS, 5G, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband  and more. Both highly integrated high-performance multiband automotive antennas provide swift, reliable connectivity to meet the increasing demands of seamless communication experience for intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications.

The integrated antennas support dedicated short-range (DSRC) and cellar vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication. The antennas embed a premium GNSS antenna with high gain for consistent and reliable precise positioning service. They also allow for multiple input and output of data to achieve swift internet download speed in 5G networks.

HX-AULT002. (Photo: Harxon)

The Harxon HX-AUST002 is designed to connect unmanned passenger vehicles to networks, clouds, other vehicles, and ITS roadside infrastructure.

The Harxon HX-AULT002 is designed for unmanned commercial vehicles, including short-distance delivery vehicles, mainline logistic heavy-duty trucks, and intercity shuttle buses.

The versatile antennas are suitable for integration in on-board units (OBU), intelligent roadside units, chipsets and Tier 1 automobiles.

Photo: Harxon

Harxon has introduced the HX-CUX005A to its family of helix antennas.

The HX-CUX005A is an embedded helix antenna designed for high-precision positioning. It offers superior satellite signal tracking, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou as well as L-band correction service.

Upgraded with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tunable (BT) for better integration, the HX-CUX005A is designed to be an all-in-one solution for surveying, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), personnel and vehicle monitoring, and many more applications.

The powerful antenna has Harxon’s patented D-QHA technology and multi-point feeding technology. It is able to provide reliable and consistent signal tracking with centimeter-level accuracy by exhibiting a stable phase center, 2.5-dBi high gain with ultra-low signal loss, wide beam width and exceptional low-elevation satellite tracking.

In addition, the HX-CUX005A is optimized in circuit layout and equipped with robust pre-filtered low noise amplifier that guarantees excellent out-of-band rejection performance and strong multipath reduction capacity. In this way, unwanted electromagnetic interference is restrained for improved signal filtering over all GNSS frequency bands.

The integration of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (2.4 GHz/5.8 GHz) provides 1-dBi gain (typical value) to enable easy connection and configuration for mobile device users. Its highly integrated design simplifies development process and reduces costs for device engineers, Harxon said.

Key Features of the HX-CUX005A

• Comprehensive GNSS support: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and L-band correction service
• Centimeter phase-center repeatability, high gain at low elevation
• Improved signal filtering and excellent multipath rejection
• Weighs 10 grams in small form factor to facilitate integration
• Integrated with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tunable (2.4 GHz/5.8 GHz).

Photo: Harxon

Today, many field operations — sowing, tilling, planting, cultivating, weeding and harvesting — rely on satellite-based autonomous guidance technology for agricultural machines. Yet farmers are still challenged by poor signal tracking, signal interference, communication instability and heading inaccuracy in tough environments, such as on uneven ground or slopes or under dense tree canopy. Because of insufficiently advanced navigation technology, ordinary machines fail to achieve the high efficiency expected and might even cause safety hazards. Therefore, the market has been awaiting a high-performance smart antenna with centimeter-level accuracy.

Harxon’s Smart Antenna TS112 PRO provides scalable and reliable positioning solutions for tough agricultural environments, such as uneven ground or fields with underground cables, as well as complicated weather conditions, including rain, fog and dust clouds.

The TS112 PRO integrates in one compact enclosure Harxon’s four-in-one GNSS/4G/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi antenna and a Hexagon | NovAtel OEM GNSS module. The multi-constellation GNSS antenna is designed with Harxon X-Survey technology and features multi-point feeding with high gain and wide beam width, which ensures high phase-center stability for ultimate RTK centimeter-level positioning accuracy. This is realized by subscribing to the Ntrip service via the LTE network to receive corrections or by setting up a local base station to broadcast corrections by radio.

The Hexagon | NovAtel OEM GNSS module is default-enabled for RTK, offering precise positioning and advanced interference mitigation for space-constrained applications and challenging environments. Additionally, users can achieve globally available centimeter-level positioning accuracy by using TerraStar satellite-delivered L-band correction services, with no need to set up an expensive network infrastructure.

TS112 PRO guarantees pass-to-pass accuracy down to 20 centimeters, where relative positioning is critical. It can also provide smoother steering and straighter rows by reducing positioning jumps that might occur during RTK signal outages or when a smart antenna changes positioning modes. Its terrain compensation algorithm is capable of correcting deviations caused by a vehicle’s roll and pitch while working on uneven ground or slopes.

Harxon has launched a high-precision GNSS antenna, the HX-CSX633A. The HX-CSX633A has an upgraded architecture for more durable use and more flexible installations, making it suitable for agricultural vehicles, small robots and surveying applications.

Photo: Harxon

The HX-CSX633A features a durable, future-proof design with an IP67 waterproof housing. It meets MIL-STD-810-H for vibration and shock, increasing robustness for use under high-vibration conditions. The HX-CSX633A supports flexible installations including magnetic mount, screw mount and pole mount. Consequently, integrators can be confident this powerful antenna can be used in system designs for years to come, the company said.

The HX-CSX633A is fully functional, powerful and stable. The phase center remains constant with a multi-point feeding design. The ability to receive low-elevation signals with high gain and wide beamwidth makes it suitable for tracking visible satellites in tough environments, Harxon said.

The antenna’s low-noise amplification (LNA) features excellent out-of-band rejection, which can suppress electromagnetic interference and prevent disconnection when receivers are operated in complex electromagnetic environments.

Key Features of the HX-CSX633A:

• supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, QZSS, IRNSS and SBAS signal reception
• stable phase center guarantees positioning accuracy within the millimeter-level
• strong anti-interference ability to endure challenging operating environments
• ruggedized housing, flexible installation options, IP67 waterproof rating.

Image: Harxon

Antenna manufacturer Harxon has launched a new company website, which features eye-catching animations and dynamic illustrations.

“We’ve optimized the website in both the layout and the content,” the company stated in a news release. “You’ll find more detailed product pages, seven major industry applications, and more information about Harxon Corporation.”

New additions include Antenna Customization and Antenna Selection pages, designed to help customers determine which products meet their project needs.

Harxon’s latest products include the survey GNSS antenna HX-CSX633A, the ruggedized HX-CVX606A and the X-Survey OEM antenna HX-CSX179A.