High-precision GPS/INS receiver is now available with a single-antenna option for faster integration, lighter weight and lower power consumption.

Photo: Septentrio

Septentrio’s GPS/INS receiver is now available with a single-antenna option. The single-antenna receiver brings the possibility of robust centimeter positioning and 3D attitude (heading, roll, pitch), while keeping weight and power consumption to a minimum. For Septentrio customers, this means simplified integration as well as increased operation time and productivity.

Septentrio centimeter-level positioning is based on multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS) technology. AsteRx-i S combines GNSS and an industry-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) to deliver precise positioning together with 3D attitude and coasting functionality.

Septentrio’s unique GNSS/IMU integration algorithm enables continuous positioning in difficult environments such as near high structures, under foliage or during short GNSS outages (this is referred to as coasting or dead reckoning).

This makes AsteRx-i S a suitable positioning solution for robotics, autonomous vehicles and logistics. Previously available only as a dual-antenna product, AsteRx-i S is now available with either a single- or a dual-antenna option.

“By strengthening our GPS/INS integration portfolio we continue building upon our strategy of bringing reliable precise positioning together with 3D attitude to challenging industrial environments such as container parks or tree plantations,” said Danilo Sabbatini, product manager at Septentrio.

“AsteRx-i S has now become even more versatile with the support of both single and dual antenna operations on the same hardware platform,” Sabbatini said. “With the single-antenna AsteRx-i S delivers accurate 3D attitude in small-size applications where weight and power consumption are critical, while the dual antenna option is still the best solution for applications requiring short initialization time.”

Small, light, low power. The single-antenna AsteRx-i S requires minimal space which makes it suitable for robotic devices looking for small and light precise positioning solutions. Since only one antenna is required, there is less weight and lower power consumption, resulting in extended battery life. The dual antenna AsteRx-i S, on the other hand, is the best solution for devices requiring quick heading initialization and devices with prolonged static operation.

Advanced Interference Mitigation. AsteRx-i S comes with built-in Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) technology. In robotic devices neighboring electronics can emit electromagnetic radiation which interfere with GNSS signals. AIM+ offers protection against such interference resulting in faster set-up times and robust continuous operation. A built-in power spectrum plot allows users to analyze interference, helping locate its source and mitigating it.

By offering both single and dual antenna options, Septentrio is now able to better accommodate specific needs of their customers interested in a GNSS/INS solution.