Introducing the VN-300 Dual Antenna GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation System
vectornav Technologies, a frontrunner in advanced inertial navigation solutions, has unveiled the VN-300 Dual Antenna GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS). this innovative product builds upon the success of the VN-100 IMU/AHRS and VN-200 GPS/INS models. The compact and high-performance VN-300 broadens its submission potential by integrating GPS compassing techniques, making it suitable for a diverse array of industrial and military uses. It excels in scenarios where size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-C) are critical, such as in unmanned vehicle systems, stabilization of antennas and cameras, monitoring heavy machinery, robotics, and both primary and secondary flight navigation.
Utilizing cutting-edge MEMS sensor technology, the VN-300 integrates 3-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, a barometric pressure sensor, dual GPS receivers, and a low-power microprocessor, all housed in a robust aluminum casing comparable too a matchbox. While in operation, the VN-300 merges position and velocity data from its GPS receivers with inertial sensor readings, delivering superior position, velocity, and attitude estimates that outperform standalone GPS receivers or Attitude Heading Reference Systems (AHRS). The dual GPS receivers also enhance the system’s ability to provide precise True North heading measurements when stationary, leveraging GPS compassing techniques. This makes the VN-300 particularly effective in environments where magnetic heading is unreliable and GPS visibility is strong.
Key Features of the VN-300
- The VN-300 boasts the smallest size, lightest weight, and lowest power consumption of any dual antenna GPS/INS system currently available.
- With development kits priced around $5,000 USD, the VN-300 offers a cost-effective choice to similarly performing dual antenna GPS/INS systems, competing favorably with other MEMS-based solutions that lack dual antenna moving baseline RTK capabilities.
- The GPS compass feature, combined with GPS/INS functionality, allows for high-precision position, velocity, and attitude measurements in both static and dynamic conditions.
- Advanced algorithms enable the VN-300 to transition smoothly between static and dynamic operations without the need for prolonged stationary measurements or specific maneuvers for attitude alignment.
- The VN-300 features a “True INS Filter” that eliminates the need for sensor alignment with the platform’s velocity direction or specific orientation for initial setup.
“The VN-300 stands out by delivering a thorough,high-performance GPS-aided navigation solution for both stationary and moving scenarios,all within a compact and affordable design,” remarked John Brashear,President of VectorNav. “by tackling notable challenges faced by users integrating inertial navigation systems—such as high costs, bulkiness, power demands, unreliable magnetic environments, and stringent operational requirements—the VN-300 opens the door to a multitude of new applications.”
Visitors can explore the VN-300 at VectorNav’s booth #330 during the AUVSI event in Orlando from May 13-15, 2014.
