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54 Report | CUAV Expo Americas 2020 augmentation too, all within the default packaging. “To enable centimetre-level precision within a 15 g package, we of course had to programme our software and filtering to support RTK and PPK, but it was absolutely critical to find a GNSS manufacturer who could enable all of that on-chip. Only a couple could integrate them in the form factors we needed. “UGVs in particular integrate RTK- aiding more and more, as users increasingly need them to navigate tight corridors with bare centimetres of free space. “And UAV direct geo-referencing will benefit most from having this capability in such a small package. Having centimetre-level positioning and mrad- level attitude performance in a package lighter than 15 g is unique in Lidar mapping and photogrammetry.” VectorNav can also integrate whichever external GNSS receiver end-users might prefer to use with the Tactical Embedded systems, bypassing their own onboard GNSS receivers on the VN-210E and VN-310E. The new series can also be configured to accept signals from the GLONASS, BeiDou and QZSS constellations. “Something else that’s beneficial, especially for defence-facing end-users, is the capability to support external SAASM [Selective Availability Anti- Spoofing Module] units through our products,” Maslikowski noted. “SAASM is a GPS signal that’s securely keyed for – and used exclusively by – the US and its allies in military and security applications.” VectorNav’s INS filtering has been designed to accept and process SAASM data inputs, to output position, velocity and attitude readings that have been safeguarded against spoofing and other forms of deliberate interference, through satellite authentication, over-the-air rekeying and contingency recovery. These are critical for military UASs and other overseas unmanned operations where GPS is subject to jamming and spoofing. “Supporting external SAASM GPS on our tactical embedded systems allows system integrators in the defence markets to design a tactical-grade INS using SAASM GPS directly into their electronics. The market has never had access to this level of capability in such a form factor, and we expect it to open up a myriad of applications and uses,” Maslikowski said. In addition to the new products and capabilities discussed above (all of which are now production-ready), VectorNav has also compiled an extensive resource library. Intended for current and prospective end-users seeking a closer understanding of inertial systems engineering, it includes educational articles on MEMS scientific principles, IMU calibration processes, different Kalman filters and comms interfacing particulars. UAvionix has submitted its Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification applications to the FAA for two of its products: the ping200X transponder and the truFYX GPS receiver. The approvals are expected soon. The ping200X product will be certified to the FAA’s TSO-C112e standard for Mode S transponders, the TSO-C166b standard for ADS-B Out systems, and the TSO-C88b standard for integrated barometric altimeters. Also, the truFYX GPS – which is the same GPS that has already been certified as a component of the company’s skyBeacon and tailBeacon products, and which is also a component of its tailBeaconX transponder – is being re- certified to TSO-C145e, Class Beta 1. That is largely because it has been released in a new standalone form factor designed for sUAS applications. “TSO-C145e certifies that you have an acceptable aviation GPS with integrity that meets the requirements for ADS-B Out systems,” said Christian Ramsey. “Part of obtaining a TSO is indeed about proving how the device performs against a standard. Device performance is broken down into sub-categories such as operating performance, environmental performance, and electrical and EMI performance, with hundreds of tests conducted internally and some externally. “But you also have to prove your design assurance level [DAL] to the specified standard, which is DAL C for these products. “A common way to do that is to follow the development, documentation and testing procedures outlined in RTCA DO-178C, ‘Software Considerations October/November 2020 | Unmanned Systems Technology FAA approval for the ping200X transponder is expected soon