The Ellipse connectors are all placed on the front panel. The connectors are referenced and identified by laser marking on the enclosure.

SBG Systems has selected high quality connectors designed for harsh environments. They offer an IP-68 protection when the plug is properly mounted.

The Ellipse development kit cables are not designed to offer an IP-68 protection. Contact SBG Systems to get further support about IP-68 protection.

Overview of the connectors

Ellipse-A: AHRS without GNSS aiding

Ellipse AHRS


Ellipse-E: INS with external GNSS aiding only

Ellipse INS without GPS (E version)


Ellipse-N: INS with embedded single antenna GNSS receiver

Ellipse INS with GNSS receiver (N version)


Ellipse-D: INS with embedded dual antenna GNSS receiver

Ellipse INS with dual antenna GNSS receiver (D version)

Main connector (Ellipse-A / Ellipse-E / Ellipse-N / Ellipse-D)

The main connector provides access to most Ellipse features in a modular way. It provides:

  • The main serial port (PORT A) that supports full-duplex communication. It operates in RS-232, or alternatively in RS-422 on B1 devices by pulling down to GND the pin 5.
  • An optional RS-232 port (PORT E) that can be enabled on non-CAN versions of the Ellipse, when PORT A is configured in RS-232 mode.
  • One CAN 2.0A/B connection that supports up to 1 Mbit/s data rate used to output data – only avaiable on CAN versions on the Ellipse.
  • Two multi-function input pins that can be used for:
    • Clock synchronization or event marker input pins.
    • Single or dual channel Odometer input.
    • Miscellaneous RS-232 input (PORT B) for RTCM data input on Ellipse-N and Ellipse-D.
  • A Synchronization output signal for time stamping and to trigger some equipment.

Connector specifications

The connector on Ellipse box units is placed on the front panel. The connector is referenced and identified by laser marking on the enclosure.
SBG Systems has selected high quality connectors designed for harsh environments. They offer an IP-68 protection rating when the plug is properly mounted.

ConnectorManufacturerPart numberDescription
ELLIPSE Box I/O connectorsFischer ConnectorsUR02W07 F010P BK1 E2AAConnector, UltiMate Serie, Receptacle, Sockets, 10 cts
Mating connectorFischer ConnectorsUP01L07 M010S BK1 Z2ZAConnector, UltiMate Serie, Plug, Pins, 10 cts

The mating connector doesn't include the cable clamp sets. Other plugs with right angle or other options may be found if required.

Receptacle front view for Box units

Connector pin out for Ellipse B1 (non-CAN) versions

The following pinout is applicable for all non-CAN versions of the Ellipse.

Pin #Signal NameDescription
1SYNC IN A - ODO BMulti function input. May be used as clock/event, or odometer input
2SYNC IN B – PORT B RX - ODO A

Multi function input. May be used as clock/event, odometer input, or RS-232 Rx line

3VINPower supply input
4GNDGround return signal
5PORT A RS-232/ RS-422Port A RS-232 or RS-422 selector. Tie to GND to select RS-422
6SYNC OUT ASynchronization output signal.
7PORT E TX – PORT A RS422 TX+Port E Tx line, or Port A Tx+ in RS-422 mode
8PORT A RS232 TX – PORT A RS422 TX-Port A RS-422 Tx- or RS-232 Tx line
9PORT A RS232 RX – PORT A RS422 RX+Port A RS-422 Rx+ or RS-232 Rx line
10PORT E RX – PORT A RS422 RX-Port E Rx line, or Port A Rx- in RS-422 mode

By default, if you leave the RS-232/RS-422 signal unconnected, the Port A will operate in RS-232 mode.

Connector pin out for Ellipse B2 (CAN) versions

The following pinout is applicable for all CAN versions of the Ellipse.

Pin #Signal NameDescription
1SYNC IN A - ODO BMulti function input. May be used as clock/event, or odometer input
2SYNC IN B – PORT B RX - ODO A

Multi function input. May be used as clock/event, odometer input, or RS-232 Rx line for RTCM correction input

3VINPower supply input
4GNDGround return signal
5NCNot used. Leave unconnected.
6SYNC OUT ASynchronization output signal.
7CAN LCAN Low
8PORT A RS232 TXPort A RS-232 Tx line
9PORT A RS232 RXPort A RS-232 Rx line
10CAN HCAN High

CAN versions and RS422

Keep in mind that CAN versions of the Ellipse do not support RS422 on the main connector.

If you need RS422 connectivity, you can either: use an Ellipse-E CAN ; or use an Ellipse-A/N/D without CAN.

Auxiliary connector (Ellipse-E)

The Ellipse-E includes an additional connector. It is mainly used to connect aiding equipment to the Ellipse-E. It features the following connections:

  • A full duplex RS-232 / RS-422 port for GNSS aiding connection (PORT C).
  • An additional RS-232 input for upward compatibility (PORT D).
  • Two synchronization input signals used for internal clock synchronization, data time stamping and/or event markers.
  • A Synchronization output signal for time stamping and to trigger some equipment.

Connector specifications

Please refer to the section above (Main connector) for more details, as the same connector type is used for Main and Aux connectors.

Connector pin-out

Pin #Signal NameDescription
1SYNC IN CMay be used as clock/event input
2SYNC IN DMay be used as clock/event input
3PORT D RXRS-232 input for miscellaneous applications
4GNDGround return signal
5NCNot internally connected
6SYNC OUT BSynchronization output signal
7PORT C RS422 TX+Port C RS-422 Tx+. Not used in RS-232 connection
8PORT C RS232 TX – PORT C RS422 TX-Port C RS-422 Tx- or RS-232 Tx line
9PORT C RS232 RX – PORT C RS422 RX+Port C RS-422 Rx+ or RS-232 Rx line
10PORT C RS422 RX-Port C RS-422 Rx-. Not used in RS-232 connection.

Electrical specifications for BOX units

Recommended electrical specifications from -40°C to 85°C.

ItemConditionsMinTypicalMaxUnit
Power supply
Input voltage range
5
36V
Power consumptionModel A – @12V
300
mW
Model E – @12V
325
mW
Model N – @12V without GNSS antenna
600
mW
Model N – @12V with GNSS antenna
750
mW
Model D – @ 12V, without GNSS antennas
900
mW
Model D – @ 12V, with GNSS antennas
1050
mW
RS-232 Receivers, Sync In pins
Input range
-15
15V
Low level threshold
0.6

V
High level threshold


2.0V
Input resistance
357kΩ
RS-422 Receivers
Input differential threshold
-200-125-50mV
Input hysteresis

25
mV
Input resistance
96

kΩ
RS-232 Transmitters
Output range
+/- 5+/- 5.5
V
RS-422 transmitters
Differential output voltage
2

V
Common mode output voltage


3V
Sync Out pins
High Level Output voltage

ILoad < 100μA

ILoad < 16mA

3.2

2.6



V

V

Low Level Output voltage

ILoad < 100μA

ILoad < 16mA



0.1

0.4

V

V

CAN bus
Recessive Bus Voltage
22.53V
CAN H Output Voltagedominant2.753.54.5V
CAN L Output Voltagedominant0.51.252.25V
Absolute input voltageCANH, CANL-58
58V
Differential input voltageCANH, CANL0.50.70.9V

Absolute maximum ratings for BOX units

ItemRating
VDD - GND-36 to 36 V
Rx+, Rx-, Logic inputs pins input voltage to signal GND±18V
Logic output Max current50 mA
CANH, CANL±80 V
ESD protection (Tx, Rx, Input & Output pins, CANH, CANL)15 kV

GNSS antennas connectors for BOX units (Ellipse-N and D)

To connect an external GNSS antenna the Ellipse-D includes two IP-68 rated SMA connectors. The internal GNSS receiver only supports active GNSS antennas.


SMA antenna connector

Please be advised that the Ellipse doesn't implement any lightning protection. The GNSS antenna and cable are very sensitive to strikes and a proper installation with lightning protection devices may be required.

For best performance, the antenna(s) should be connected before the power is applied. The Ellipse GNSS estimates the noise floor of the antenna during the startup sequence.

GNSS antenna advice

The Ellipse-N and Ellipse-D embed a high performance GNSS receiver that supports GPS L1/L2, GLONASS G1/G2, Beidou B1/B2, Galileo E1/E5b signals. For best performance and robustness, please follow these recommendations.

ParameterSpecificationsRemark, conditions
Antenna connectorSMA femaleIP-68 when connected
Input impedance50 Ω
LNA supply voltage3.0 VDC
LNA supply current< 30 mA
Maximum Power Input10 dBmContinuous wave, under 50 Ω
Minimum antenna gain17 dB
Maximum antenna gain50 dB

In order to enable proper measurements, L1/L2 GPS antennas are required, and tracking other constellations is recommended for optimal performance.

SBG Systems has selected some GNSS antennas for different applications. Please refer to the GNSS antennas section to get more details on available antennas.


As a rule of thumb, true heading and/or RTK measurements require high quality GNSS antennas to achieve the stated accuracy.