Trimble has introduced a compact, high-precision GNSS board designed for unmanned aerial systems (UAS): the Trimble UAS1. The board’s simple connectivity and configuration allow UAS system integrators to easily add satellite-based positioning using rugged connectors and Trimble’s software interface, with the ability to upgrade capabilities later.
The UAS1 incorporates Trimble Maxwell technology with advances in high-precision GNSS positioning. The 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 UAS1 board includes a broad range of receiver capabilities, from high-accuracy GPS-only to full-GNSS features. 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 can also detect interference with the RF Spectrum Monitoring and Analysis tool embedded in the receiver.
The board has a Remote Network Driver Interface Specification (RNDIS) that enables manufacturers to access the web user interface with the USB connector. As with similar Trimble embedded boards and modules, 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 post-processing format.
UAS1 Front. Photo: Trimble
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.
Using a full metal shield (71mm x 46mm x 13mm form factor), 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.
Power: 7-60VDC
Weight: 45g
Connectors: I/O: Harwin Gecko 26-pin Latched. GNSS Antenna: MMCX Male receptacle
Antenna LNA Power Input: Input voltage: 3.3VDC to 5VDC. Maximum current: 400mA. Minimum required LNA Gain: +32.0dB
