Trimble GNSS-Inertial OEM Modules Offer Continuous Mobile Positioning
August 11, 2009Trimble today introduced the Trimble AP Series of embedded GNSS-Inertial OEM boards plus an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in a compact form factor. The combined technology allows system integrators to add precise multi-frequency GNSS positioning and inertial data capabilities to their systems to provide continuous mobile positioning and high-accuracy orientation in poor signal environments, the company said. The AP Series is designed for mobile positioning applications such as airborne, terrestrial, and marine mapping and guidance for unmanned vehicles.
The Trimble AP Series features high-performance precision GNSS receivers with advanced Maxwell technology and Applanix IN-Fusion GNSS-Inertial integration technology running on a powerful, dedicated Inertial Engine (IE) board, Trimble said. The advanced inertial technology provides uninterrupted position, roll, pitch and true heading measurements of moving platforms.
In obstructed GNSS environments, the IMU data are used to continuously compute position and retain memory of the GNSS phase ambiguities with low drift, enabling ultrafast re-establishment of RTK accuracy when the GNSS signals are re-acquired. In terrestrial applications, Distance Measurement Instrument (DMI)-aiding provides additional suppression of position error drift during the outages. As a result, the Applanix IN-Fusion technology significantly reduces limitations associated with standard GNSS and GNSS-Aided Inertial technology. The technology enables high-accuracy mobile mapping and positioning to be performed in demanding environments, such as in dense urban areas, under bridges, through tunnels, and during high banked turns of a survey aircraft, the company said.
The AP Series supports a wide range of satellite signals, including GPS L1/L2/L2C/L5 and GLONASS L1/L2 signals. With four additional channels, the modules also support Satellite-Based Augmentation Service (SBAS) corrections, including the U.S. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geostationary Overlay Service (EGNOS) and Japan's Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS). The AP Series can also access OmniStar VBS, HP and XP corrections.
The Trimble AP series includes three modules:
- the AP20 for close range direct georeferencing and Geographic Information System (GIS)-level continuous positioning over shorter outages;
- the AP40 for low altitude direct georeferencing and Real Time Kinematic (RTK)-level continuous positioning over short outages and GIS positioning over long outages; and
- the AP50 for high altitude direct georeferencing and RTK positioning over the longest outages.
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