Pendulum Instruments, an Orolia Group company, offers the GPS-12RG, a combined GPS and GLONASS controlled frequency standard. This portable (weight, 3.1 kilograms) reference clock is designed for laboratory and telecommunications applications and can trace its operation to both GPS and GLONASS satellites. An internal rubidium oscillator provides stability of a few parts in 10^-12, also in hold-over operation in cases when satellite contact is lost, according to the company. The instrument is a further development of the company’s GPS-12R, which uses only GPS satellites to control its output frequency. Measuring 210 x 108 x 395 millimeters (8.25 x 3.6 x 15.6 inches), the GPS-12RG operates on line voltage of 100V to 240Vrms (±10%), 50 to 400 Hz, and can optionally use an external 12VDC supply or internal NiMH batteries. Pendulum Instruments, Bromma, Sweden.

Spirent's new GSS8000 series GNSS Constellation Simulator enable users to integrate up to three GNSS constellations in a single simulator, including combinations of GPS (L1, L2, L5), Galileo (E1, E5ab, E6), GLONASS (L1, L2), and satellite-based augmentation systems or SBAS (L1, L5). In the future, GSS8000 architecture will also support QZSS, Compass/Beidou, and GLONASS L3, according to the company. The simulator provides up to 48 channels in a chassis plus up to 192 additional programmable multipath channels (for a total of 240 channels per chassis), with each chassis providing one or two RF outputs. The GSS8000 operates with Spirent options and system extensions, such as SimINERTIAL, which emulates inertial sensors, or SimAUTO, which can generate wheel-tick sensors and VSS signals are reproduced by SimAUTO. Noise and channel interference can be reproduced by the GSS7765. LAAS VDB broadcasts are produced by the GSS4150. In all cases, coherent control is achieved via Spirent’s SimGEN software suite. Spirent Communications, Paignton, Devonshire, United Kingdom.

KDS Daishinku Corporation offers a new version of temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) for GPS-related applications — the DSB321SDA/DSB221SDA. KDS Daishinku currently produces a high-precision surface mount device (SMD) TCXO, DSB321SD. With the new TCXO, phase noise performance of the output signal has improved to a typical figure of 94dBc/Hz at10Hz and -117dBc/Hz at100Hz with an output frequency 16.369MHz while retaining the DSB321SD’s frequency temperature stability of ±0.5ppm at -30C to +85C, according to the company. At the same time, the available supply voltage range has also been lowered down to 1.7 volts to enable GPS receivers to use the TCXO at 1.8V. (The available supply voltage range of the existing product is 2.3–5.5V). In addition to these features, a built-in standby function (also called an “on-off” or “enable-disable” function) is also integrated into the new TCXO as an option. The standby function controls the switching of the TCXO by external standby signals, reportedly eliminating the need for external power management ICs or external LDOs (low dropout regulators) in the system, reducing board space needs, and significantly simplifying the design around the TCXO. KDS Daishinku Corporation, Kakogawa, Hyogo, Japan.

Designed for automated high-volume production processes, Copernicus II is a complete 12-channel GPS receiver in a 19x19x2.5-millimeter shielded module. The single-sided receiver is packaged in tape and reel for pick-and-place manufacturing processes and features a 28 reflow-solderable edge castellation interface so that the module can be incorporated into a product design without costly I/O and RF connectors. The Copernicus II is a direct drop-in replacement for the earlier version of the Copernicus receiver and outputs NMEA, TSIP, and TAIP protocols. With version 3.0 firmware, the Copernicus II GPS receiver can generate position fixes in challenging environments and under poor signal conditions (down to -160dBm), according to the company. It is available with either active or passive antenna. The receiver typically consumes 120 milliwatts at full power with continuous tracking. A starter kit includes the reference interface board, which provides a visual layout of the Copernicus II module on a printed circuit board including the RF signal trace and RF connector, as well as the I/O and power connections of the 28 signal pins. Also included are a power converter, power adapter, GPS antenna, and software. Trimble, Sunnyvale, California, USA.

NovAtel Inc. offers its new EuroPak-15ab receiver, which can track the Galileo E1/L1, E5a, and E5b signals from the GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B test satellites as well as GPS and satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) L1 and L5 signals. The receiver is purpose-designed for agencies and academic institutions performing testing and signal evaluation, as well as for commercial Galileo evaluation and demonstration projects. NovAtel developed the EuroPak-15ab receiver in cooperation with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) as part of the Galileo Test Receiver (GTR) program. The data provided by the EuroPak-15a and EuroPak-15ab receivers includes satellite range information, raw frame data with parity checks, automatic gain control (AGC) data, and receiver configuration and status details. An ASCII or binary interface provides access to data over two high speed RS-232 serial ports capable of 230,400 bits/second. NovAtel Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The HNRRKIT is a complete re-radiating system from GPS Networking that enables users to re-transmit the GPS L1 carrier signal indoors. The kit includes a roof antenna (38db Gain, 50 ohm), plug-in re-radiating amplifier, and re-radiating antenna. The re-radiating amplifier has a 110V/220V/240V plug-in transformer that powers the amplifier and the roof antenna. If a HNRRKIT user’s GPS receiver has line of sight with the re-radiating antenna, it will receive the signal up to 100 feet away, according to the company. The antenna voltage is standard set at 5VDC; otherwise the user must designate the source voltage and power supply preferred. GPS re-radiation Kits are subject to current U.S. federal regulations. Purchase for use in the United States needs to be accompanied by the proper federal authorizations. GPS Networking, Pueblo, Colorado, USA.

Forsberg Services Ltd. (FSL) offers its ruggedized, waterproof MICROpod GNSS enclosure with user-programmable microprocessor. The unit can incorporate NovAtel’s OEMV GNSS cards providing GPS, GLONASS, and inertial positioning and Rockwell’s MPE GPS cards with SAASM P/Y-code and anti-jamming capabilities. MICROpod has 10 switchable RS2332/422 ports and 3 USB ports as well as 6 A/D and 2 D/A channels (12- or 24-bit). The EDGE microprocessor enables optional FSL firmware or firmware plus hardware upgrades including: CAN 2.0 capability via two ports at up to 1Mbit per second, a dual-antenna system that uses two OEMV receivers to provide accurate attitude measurements, and an external inertial measurement unit (IMU) to aid operation during GNSS signal outages. Forsberg Services Ltd., White Cross, Lancaster, United Kingdom.

NXP Semiconductors has introduced its first assisted-GPS (A-GPS) chip, the GNS7560, targeting mobile phones and standalone personal navigation devices (PNDs) with the product’s package size of less than nine square millimeters. The NXP GNS7560 is implemented on a 90 nanometer (nm) architecture and features a CMOS RF front end plus correlator engine with power management modes that reduce power consumption to less than 13mW for one-second updates, according to the company. The GNS7560 automatically alters sensitivity and tracking based on signal strength, multipath and velocity. The host software for the product is structured to facilitate OS integration with Microsoft Windows CE, Windows Mobile, and Linux standard drivers, as well as a variety of real-time kernels in support of “smartphone” designs.The single-chip GNS7560 is integrated with NXP’s Nexperia UMTS/EDGE Cellular System Solution 7210, which supports multimedia applications and connectivity options for 2G and 3G mobile handsets. NXP Semiconductors, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

NovAtel’s Waypoint Products Group offers the GrafNav/GrafNet Version 8.10 software, a high-precision GNSS post-processing package that supports raw data from most available GNSS receivers. Using data from both a roving station and as many as eight base stations, centimeter-level positions can be computed, according to the company. For applications in which base station setup is difficult or not desired, precise point positioning (PPP) is offered, which uses downloadable GPS clock and orbital corrections to compute solutions accurate to between 5 and 40 centimeters. GrafNet software is a baseline network adjustment package for processing of multiple static GNSS observation files. Major new features in the 8.10 release include support for NovAtel’s proprietary on-the-fly (OTF) AdVance RTK (ARTK) engine, PPP filter improvements, and tropospheric bias correction. NovAtel Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

NavSync Ltd. offers the TrineX CW27, a self-contained GPS receiver module based on the NemeriX NX3 assisted-GPS single chip receiver with the NemeriX Extended Ephemeris feature. The TrineX occupies 24 × 24 millimeters of printed circuit board space and connects directly to the host system through a UART using NMEA protocols. It incorporates an ARM7-based application processor. According to the company, the device has been specifically developed for mobile hardware platforms running off batteries, where power consumption and small size are crucial. The unit has a reported signal-tracking capability down to –159 dBm and operates on a single 3.3VDC power supply. NavSync Ltd., Aurora, Illinois USA.

The UC322 from Fastrax combines SiRF’s 20-channel GSC3LT single-chip GPS receiver with an on-board chip antenna in a package measuring 10.4x30x2.9 millimeters. According to the company, the UC322 has a tracking sensitivity of -159 dBm and power consumption of 90 mW and 3.3 volts. The antenna does not need a separate ground plane. Instead it utilizes the unit’s own printed circuit board (PCB) for gaining the best antenna signal. A new companion product, the IT321, is available without the integrated antennas. A Fastrax EV322 evaluation board provides a single chip USB to UART Bridge, a regulated +3.3V power supply, and three push buttons for re-set, on/off (normal mode/hibernate mode), and re-programming mode. The ground plane size of the evaluation board is 100x70 millimeters, typical of the PCB dimensions in personal navigation devices. Fastrax Ltd., Vantaa, Finland.

The Broadcom BCM4750 is a single-die CMOS GPS receiver used for tracking and navigation, primarily in mobile devices. Its massive parallel hardware correlators are designed to provide fast signal searches, accurate real-time navigation, improved tracking sensitivity, and low average power consumption with a reported tracking sensitivity of -162 dBm. Produced in a 90-nanometer CMOS process, the BCM4750 consumes less than 15 mW, according to the company. The BCM4750 includes software that is optimized for cellular integration and the requirements of international standards bodies, such as 3GPP, that promote high speed data in cellular systems. The software includes message handling protocols for user and control plane-assisted GPS standards, as well as native support for long-term orbit extended ephemeris service. Broadcom Corporation, Irvine, California USA.

Hemisphere GPS has released its Eclipse L1/L2 GPS OEM receiver module and evaluation kit. The 24-channel Eclipse technology delivers dual-frequency solutions (L1 (CA), L1 (P), L2 (P) with carrier phase signal tracking) with a 20 Hz maximum update rate. The unit incorporates Hemisphere GPS’s exclusive techniques for reducing code measurement noise and mitigating multipath signals. Designed for a wide range of applications, Eclipse technology supports a variety of differential GPS solutions — including real-time kinematic (RTK), OmniSTAR (HP and XP) and satellite-based augmentation systems (wuch as WAAS and EGNOS). Integration is simplified with multiple serial and USB ports and upgradeable firmware for establishing the desired configuration and quick access to new features. Hemisphere GPS, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Zupt offers B-PINS, a high-precision surveying system incorporating inertial sensors and optional RTK GPS/INS integration. Designed to provide positioning and navigation in GPS-denied areas, such as in dense vegetation or in urban canyons, B-PINS includes data fusion software, a handheld data collector (Recon PDA), Li Ion batteries, and a rugged backpack. Applications include land seismic surveys, military or tactical GPS operations, and emergency or disaster response. Zupt, LLC, Houston, Texas.

Honeywell Magnetic Sensors division has launched the HMC6343 Digital Compass Solution, a miniature, tilt compensated, chip-scale electronic compass designed to deliver performance advantages for commercial and industrial applications. According to Honeywell, the HMC6343 provides a new level of chip-scale integration and the ease-of-use required by circuit designers for drop-in circuit board solutions. The sensors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and a microprocessor are fully integrated and housed in a miniature package. With a better than three degrees heading accuracy, the HMC6343 compass solution is currently available in a ready-to-use, 9x9x1.9 mm LCC package. Honeywell Magnetic Sensors, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Synergy Systems offers the GSynQ MK-I OEM Smart Antenna, a 12-channel OEM timing product that integrates the i-Lotus 12-channel M12M receiver into Synergy’s Timing3000 GPS antenna. Providing accuracy to within 10 nanoseconds (1 sigma) of UTC, the unit typically is used to provide timing at CDMA cell sites and for scientific timing applications. The standard GSynQ Smart Antenna is delivered with 0.5 meter pendant cable with a Deutsch 12-pin mmp connector for RS-422 or 8 pin Switchcraft EN3 for RS-232 serial communications. Synergy Systems , LLC, San Diego, California USA.

Xsens Technologies has launched a GPS-enhanced IMU, the MTi-G. The device incorporates an integrated 16-channel GPS and MEMS inertial measurement unit with an internal ultra low-power attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) processor running a real-time Kalman filter, the unit provides accurate positioning (2.5 meters CEP, autonomous), velocity, acceleration, and orientation estimates, with a high update rate (4 Hz GPS, 512 Hz inertial). Also available is a development kit that facilitates integration in any system or (OEM) application, typically in the aerospace, automotive, robotics, and marine industries. Xsens Technologies, Enschede, The Netherlands.

Using an FPGA baseband chipset and low-power DSP of its own design, DataGrid Inc. offers an OEM GPS/GLONASS receiver board, the DGRx-GNSS. According to the company, the receiver is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 16 L1 GPS and GLONASS signals and 8 L2 GPS signals in its standard configuration. If SBAS signals are present, up to two channels are automatically redirected to tracking those. DataGrid has developed advanced signal processing algorithms and special software architecture to enable flexible reconfiguration of the receiver channels. The DGRx-GNSS provides up to 20 Hz navigation solutions and high-accuracy raw data. DataGrid’s OEM GNSS technology is also incorporated into its Toughman GNSS and Mk3-Chameleon-GNSS enclosure products, which also use dual-frequency geodetic survey grade antennas of the company’s own design. DataGrid Inc., Gainesville, Florida USA.

The Advanced System Improvement Program (ASIP) Embedded GPS Receiver (EGR) from ITT Corporation is a 12-channel Selective Availability-Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) GPS receiver using  3.3 volt technology. Designed for military surveying, navigation, and timing applications, the board features dual-frequency (L1/L2) all-in-view tracking with a reported Precise Positioning Service (PPS) accuracy of 10 meters, SEP (spherical error probability). It has RS422, RS232, and CMOS (2) serial ports, selectable 1 pps and 10 pps, time marks (UTC), and1 pps time-sync. According to the company, it meets the ICD-GPS-060 PTTI and Have Quick standards and supports key loading via standard KYK-13 and  KOI-18 protocols. ITT Corporation, Aerospace/Communications Division, Thousand Oaks, California USA.

NavCom Technology offers its new SF-2110M and SF-2110R modular L1 StarFire GPS receivers. The SF-2110M has an integrated, compact dual-band antenna capable of receiving GPS and StarFire signals from NavCom’s global satellite-based augmentation system. The SF-2110R includes a separate L-Band antenna for enhanced StarFire signal reception in challenging environments and at high latitudes, according to the company. NavCom Technology Inc., Torrance, California USA.

The LEA-4R from u-blox is a small dead reckoning GPS module powered by the 16-channel ANTARIS 4 engine. Dead reckoning works by combining GPS satellite position data, gyroscope data (that measures angle turns) and odometer data (that measures distance covered) to calculate a position. The module incorporates the Epson XV-8000-CB gyroscope with a 40 Hz calculation rate and provides a one-second (1 Hz) position update rate. The combination of technologies supports continuous navigation in locations with poor or absent GPS such as tunnels, indoor parking facilities, and deep urban canyons. According to the company, the LEA-4R signal sensitivity is -140 dBm for acquisition and -150 dBm in tracking mode. u-blox AG, Thalwil, Switzerland.

CellGuide Ltd. has launched the ACLYS GPS chip and host-based software. Designed to exploit the processors and other wireless components on mobile devices, ACLYS reportedly provides -160 dBm sensitivity and employs unique and proprietary navigation algorithms for accurate navigation even in demanding urban environments. Power management features reduce power consumption to less than 10mW in tracking mode, according to the company. ACLYS also operates with CellGuide’s long-term ephemeris technology to enable fast startups even when no cellular network is available. Using an advanced RFCMOS process, the ACLYS chip is available in a 5 x 5 x 0.9-mm QFN-32 package targeted for mobile devices. CellGuide Ltd., Rehovot, Israel.