Smart GNSS antennas: a better way to design positioning, navigation and timing into your project
Given that GNSS signals are low in amplitude and easily disrupted, the most effective strategy is to design the system around a well- characterized set of physical and electrical parameters. This careful design approach helps preserve signal quality from antenna to receiver, enabling higher precision and stability.
and PPP-RTK, using u-blox’s F9x GNSS receivers and DSx satellite- based correction receivers. This configuration offers high-accuracy positioning with a streamlined integration process, tailored to meet the needs of precision- focused applications. TruPrecision testing TruPrecision and the accompanying SDKs were developed to simplify the evaluation of precision heading and positioning in autonomous applications. Each SDK and antenna combination is tailored to support specific testing scenarios, including PPP and PPP-RTK correction performance, as well as Base/Rover configurations for centimeter-level accuracy. Key SDK options include: ■ 33-TP5390SDK-0: required for testing PPP-RTK over L-Band and IP-based networks ■ 33-TP5384SDK-0: designed for use as the Base unit in Base/Rover configurations for precision heading ■ Antenna options: compatible antenna models for direct integration include the TW5384, TW5390, TW5790 , and TW5386 , each selected based on specific functional requirements Calian Smart Antennas with RS- 485 interfaces can be quickly connected to a PC using the USB converter supplied in the SDK. The
TruPrecision Windows application provides a straightforward interface for configuration, enabling streamlined testing and validation of high-precision GNSS capabilities.
Conclusion
Calian’s smart GNSS antennas were developed to address complex GNSS systems’ engineering challenges, allowing developers to concentrate on their core application requirements. Traditionally, designers need to pair a high-performance GNSS antenna with a suitable receiver module, such as the u-blox F9 series, which adds design and integration complexity. Calian streamlines this process by offering integrated antenna- receiver solutions, along with software development kits (SDKs) that support advanced testing capabilities. The SDKs make it straightforward to evaluate PPP and PPP-RTK correction and augmentation performance. To support this, the TruPrecision software provides an intuitive interface for configuring the system and simplifies RTK performance testing. It also enhances development workflows through user-friendly tools that support collaboration and system optimization.
Streamlining accuracy
The most effective GNSS solution minimizes the opportunity for signal degradation by limiting the variables between the analog GNSS signal and its digital geo-location output to a defined, controlled set. Calian addressed this by integrating high-performance antennas with leading commercial GNSS receivers within a single, native mechanical package. This integration reduces signal path complexity and ensures consistency in performance. The combined antenna-receiver system connects to the target application via a ‘fit for purpose’ interface, with options including: ■ RS422/485 ■ RS232 ■ USB2.0 Type A ■ USB2.0 Type A with BLE and Wi-Fi ■ CAN BusAutomotive Ethernet 100BaseT1 Calian’s augmented smart antenna solutions feature support for PPP (Precise Point Positioning)
Figure 2: An example application using the TruPrecision SDK for Windows. Image source: Calian
delivering accurate performance with minimal setup. The HCS885XF Smart GNSS Helical SDK is a lightweight, low-power L1/L5 antenna solution optimized for handheld devices, robotics, and drones. It leverages the L5 enhanced signal architecture to offer improved standard positioning accuracy and effective mitigation of multi-path errors. Operating within the ITU/ ARNS aviation band, it benefits from regulatory protection against interference. The TruPrecision SDK application (Figure 2), developed for Windows, allows automatic streaming of RTK corrections and decryption keys to both the TW5794 and HCS885XF Smart Antennas. The system connects via a USB cable, which provides a Virtual COM Port. This enables developers to link their existing applications directly to the high-precision, corrected
GNSS position data output from the Calian Tallysman Smart GNSS Antennas. Calian gives you the tools to manage these products, including configurator downloads, manuals, its full TruPrecision application, and complementary trials of the following corrections services: ■ u-blox PointPerfect Augmentation Service (60 days) ■ Swift Navigation Skylark Cx Precise Positioning Corrections (6 months) ■ Point One Navigation Polaris RTK Corrections (2 weeks) Maximizing GNSS signal clarity Antennas play a critical role in GNSS systems by reducing interference and preserving signal integrity – factors that are essential for achieving accurate positioning. The primary function of a GNSS
antenna is to deliver as clean a signal as possible to the receiver. However, the signal path from the antenna element to the receiver can introduce systematic errors, particularly in traditional setups where the antenna is positioned some distance away from the receiver. This separation exposes
the signal to local system impairments and potential degradation.
The transition to carrier-phase precise positioning systems, especially those using integrated L-Band augmentation, demands a more detailed and refined approach to GNSS system design. In such systems, maintaining the integrity of the GNSS signal throughout the signal chain is crucial for sustaining carrier phase lock, preventing cycle slips, and ensuring reliable convergence in difficult operating environments.
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