Trimble’s compact GNSS board gives high-precision positioning to UAVs

The UAS1 GNSS receiver module has been designed for UAV/UAS applications requiring centimeter accuracy in a small package.  (Photo: Trimble)

Trimble has introduced a compact, high-precision GNSS board specifically designed for unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The Trimble UAS1 has a simple connectivity and configuration to allow UAS system integrators to easily add satellite-based positioning — with the ability to upgrade its capabilities — using rugged connectors and Trimble’s easy-to-use software interface.

The new UAS1 incorporates the latest Trimble Maxwell technology with advances in high-precision GNSS positioning. Its GNSS engine with 336 channels is capable of tracking L1/L2 frequencies from the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou constellations for robust centimeter-level, real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning.

The compact board includes a broad range of receiver capabilities — from high-accuracy GPS-only to full GNSS features for positioning. Firmware options and features are password upgradeable, allowing functionality to be added as requirements change.

The receiver also supports fault detection and exclusion (FDE) and receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM). System integrators also have the ability to detect interference with the RF Spectrum Monitoring and Analysis tool embedded in the receiver.

“UAS manufacturers demand high performance, reliability and high-quality customized support for their positioning solutions,” said Thomas Utzmeier, general manager of Trimble’s Integrated Technologies Division. “The new UAS1 board delivers the latest GNSS technology in an easy-to-integrate form factor for UAV/UAS applications.”

Designed for easy integration and rugged dependability, the Trimble UAS1 has a Remote Network Driver Interface Specification (RNDIS) that enables manufacturers to access the web UI with the USB connector. As with similar Trimble embedded boards and modules, easy-to-use software commands can simplify integration and reduce development times.

Features also include integrated Trimble RTX technology, an industry-standard camera hot-shoe interface to geo-position photographs, and LED indicators for status checks. The Trimble UAS1 can also output to RINEX, a common postprocessing format.

The Trimble UAS1 supports Trimble CenterPoint RTX GNSS corrections, which enable precise and robust positioning without the use of a base station via a subscription service. CenterPoint RTX allows users to achieve better than 2-centimeter horizontal and 5-centimeter vertical accuracy.

Trimble’s UAS1 is suitable for UAS applications requiring centimeter accuracy in a small package. Manufactured and tested to Trimble’s highest quality standards, the compact design allows for easy setup, configuration and installation in a customers’
system.

Using a full metal shield (the form factor is 71 x 46 x 13 millimeters), the board’s design enables high-precision GNSS signal protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the host UAS platform. In addition, the receiver is FCC- and CE-certified, which speeds compliance for the customer’s overall system and can reduce time to market.