NovAtel recently introduced several new precision positioning solutions for space-constrained applications. With enhanced positioning accuracy in a compact form, the PwrPak7D, PwrPak7D-E1, and OEM7600 are well suited for automotive, airborne and other smaller unmanned systems. The PwrPak7D and PwrPak7D-E1 dual antenna, multi-frequency enclosures, OEM7600 receiver board, plus NovAtel’s new Waypoint Inertial Explorer Express post-processing software, were first featured at Xponential 2018.

“We are very excited to be introducing our new OEM7-based and Inertial Explorer solutions. These systems provide robust positioning and accuracy in a compact footprint for UAVs and smaller autonomous projects,” said Neil Gerein, Director of Product Management at NovAtel. “An advanced range of software options, including NovAtel’s tightly coupled GNSS+Inertial SPAN technology and Interference Toolkit, provide assured positioning anywhere.“

Dual Antenna, Multi-Frequency Enclosures
The new PwrPak7D and PwrPak7D-E1 enclosures provide space efficiency without sacrificing position accuracy and heading stability, even in stationary, slow-moving or hovering dynamics, according to the company. The PwrPak7D-E1 enclosure integrates an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with NovAtel’s OEM7720 dual antenna receiver board to deliver GNSS and Inertial Navigation System (INS) capabilities. When combined with NovAtel’s SPAN technology, positioning and attitude performance is optimized during extended GNSS outages.

Both the PwrPak7D and PwrPak7D-E1 include NovAtel’s Interference Toolkit with advanced interference detection and mitigation features applicable to all stages of integration. A web user interface, accessible through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, allows for quick and easy system configuration and control.

OEM7600 Receiver Board for Smaller Autonomous Systems
The OEM7600 receiver board features NovAtel’s high-performance positioning solutions in an extremely small form factor, wrapped with protective shielding to isolate emissions from surrounding electronics in confined spaces. This new receiver integrates easily with NovAtel’s SPAN technology to optimize performance during extended GNSS outages.

New Post-Processing Software for UAVs and Small Project Areas
The company has also introduced Inertial Explorer Xpress (IEX), a cost effective, post-processing software for GNSS+INS datasets. Inertial Explorer Express provides the same core processing and utilities as the Waypoint Inertial Explorer software for applications including UAVs and smaller projects. Inertial Explorer Express will produce centimeter-level position and attitude solutions compatible for LiDAR, camera and other sensor data with faster processing times and reduced complexity.