GPS World, January 2012

ADVERTORIAL What if any correction sources the receiver can accept The highest end of receivers accept locally generated as well as network RTK corrections to achieve accuracy levels in the cm range Also make sure to check inter operability of your selected receiver to make sure it operates with corrections from other manufacturers Not everyone will make the same receiver selection as you so make sure your selected receiver is as inter operable as possible Manufacturers like NovAtel offer convenient upgrade of functionality in the field so that users can upgrade their position accuracy when needed by changing the receiver firmware How important is being future proof JH There are many exciting developments coming in the future for GNSS navigation Modernized signals for GPS the increased investment in GLONASS the upcoming deployment of new constellations like GALILEO and COMPASS and new localized satellite positioning systems will dramatically increase the options for receiver manufacturers and increase capability for users New signals broadcast from space will result in signal combinations that will provide more robust positioning More satellites to track at one time will improve the availability of precise GNSS positioning in challenging conditions where satellite signal blockage occurs You should ensure that your receiver choice is field software upgradeable as is NovAtels OEM6 series of receivers for example so new signals can be used as they launch This will allow your customers the opportunity to take advantage of new signals without interruption of operation Many manufacturers are working toward receivers that The number of channels is a comparison point but its not the complete story track all frequencies and signals planned for the coming years but there are differences among the manufacturers and trade offs to be considered For example the number of channels is a comparison point but its not the complete story Its more crucial to find out how configurable the receivers channels are because that defines how many satellites can be tracked simultaneously and how suitable a receiver will be to operate in the upcoming complex mix of satellite constellations The number of simultaneously tracked satellites will improve solution availability so it should also be considered Some manufacturers have channels that can be dynamically configured for increased flexibility to handle evolving satellite constellations For example the channels on NovAtels OEM615 and OEM628 receivers are highly configurable so that they can adapt as new global and local satellites systems emerge in the future In the future products will need to have this flexibility to adapt to whatever satellites are available in the part of the world in which the receiver is being used Another point to consider An increased number of channels can increase power consumption and physical size so if you have a power sensitive or size constrained application this trade off should be examined carefully between products Choosing the right vendor Just as there are technical considerations for choosing the right receiver there are factors that should influence whom you choose as your GNSS partner Some questions to consider include 1 Does your vendor compete with you in your market A true OEM supplier will support you in winning market share in your market and not show up at your customer with their product 2 Does your vendor have a track record for GNSS innovation and leading edge technology 3 Integrating a receiver into your system can be a complex activity Is your vendor set up to support you with the integration effort Is the product well documented and designed for integration Does the company have a support structure of application engineers capable with assisting with integration challenges 4 Is your vendor a reliable and recognized manufacturer As receivers become more complex only proven manufacturers will succeed in offering high product quality and reliability 5 Is your vendor a cooperative part of your supply chain Your vendor should support your needs with quick lead times and flexible order fulfillment NovAtels field upgradeable products allow customers to keep their inventory costs low and offer product flexibility 6 Is your vendor financially stable The recent recession has been difficult for the GNSS industry Make sure your vendor is likely to be around to support you with your current product and to develop innovative next generation technology www gpsworld com January 2012 GPS World 3