VectorNav’s VN-300 Surface Mount Dual Antenna GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation System
VectorNav Technologies has unveiled a surface mount variant of its acclaimed VN-300 Dual Antenna GPS-aided Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS). This new VN-300 surface mount device (SMD) is a compact MEMS-based inertial navigation module that integrates both inertial navigation and GPS-compassing functionalities,delivering precise position,velocity,and attitude data whether stationary or in motion. Alongside the launch of this surface mount version, VectorNav is also enhancing the entire VN-300 product line with GNSS capabilities. The VN-300 SMD rounds out VectorNav’s portfolio of industrial-grade inertial sensors, complementing the VN-100 IMU/AHRS and VN-200 GPS/INS surface mount and rugged modules, and will be showcased at vectornav’s booth #942 during AUVSI in Atlanta, GA from May 5-7, 2015.
Utilizing cutting-edge MEMS sensor technology, the VN-300 integrates 3-axis accelerometers, 3-axis gyroscopes, 3-axis magnetometers, a barometric pressure sensor, dual GNSS receivers, and a low-power microprocessor into a single surface mount unit. While in motion, the VN-300 merges position and velocity data from the onboard GNSS receivers with readings from the inertial sensors, yielding superior position, velocity, and attitude estimates that outperform standalone GPS or GNSS receivers and Attitude Heading reference Systems (AHRS). The dual GNSS receivers also enhance the accuracy of True North heading measurements when stationary, employing GPS interferometry techniques.
With the introduction of the surface mount VN-300, VectorNav’s previous VN-300 Rugged model is now surpassed as the most compact and lightweight Dual Antenna GPS/INS available. The surface mount VN-300 maintains the same dimensions and design as VectorNav’s VN-100 IMU/AHRS and VN-200 GPS/INS surface mount models.
“The VN-300 surface mount chip represents a important milestone that merges our expertise in inertial navigation algorithms with our innovative approach to miniaturizing embedded navigation sensors. There is no comparable product on the market,” remarked VectorNav President,John Brashear. “The VN-300 SMD completes our Industrial Series of inertial navigation sensors and opens avenues for expanding our product lines into new markets and applications.”
The VN-300 is particularly suited for industrial and military applications where size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-C) are critical, or where an inertial navigation solution is needed in both static and dynamic environments. This is especially relevant in scenarios with unreliable magnetic heading, such as fixed-wing and multirotor UAVs, aerostats, gimbaled camera systems on helicopters and multirotors, antenna systems on ground vehicles and marine vessels, as well as in weapons training and warfare simulations, and direct surveying.
Enhanced GLONASS Functionality and Updated VN-300 Firmware
The integration of GNSS capabilities now allows the VN-300 product line to utilize measurements from the GLONASS satellite constellation in addition to GPS. This enhancement improves tracking reliability and overall VN-300 performance in urban canyons and low-visibility conditions.
VectorNav is also rolling out a new firmware update for the VN-300 that enhances the accuracy and speed of the GPS-compass feature. This update introduces logic that enables the VN-300 to transition smoothly and intelligently between magnetic heading (AHRS) mode (used during startup and in GPS-denied environments), to INS operation in dynamic conditions, and GPS-compass in static situations, all without user intervention.
Pricing and Availability
The VN-300 SMD,along with the new GNSS capabilities,is set to be available in the fourth quarter of 2015. for details on pricing, volume discounts, or to arrange a meeting during the AUVSI event, please reach out to VectorNav.
