External Novatel GNSS integration

This brief document guides you in the process of connecting an external Novatel GNSS receiver to your SBG High Performance products.

Use this document in complement of the “Operations” Operating Handbooks.

Step 1 : GNSS and sensor connections

Two physical communication layers can be used for feeding the aiding data frames to the INS : serial communications (recommanded) or Ethernet (not in the scope of that document).
In both case, connect GNSS PPS signal to an available Sync Input.
In case of serial communications, connect GNSS Tx signal(s) to one of the available serial ports Rx pin.

Step 2 : GNSS module configuration

Basic operation

In addition to set a proper baudrate according to the INS configuration, the following messages configuration should be done. Any other message should be disabled as the INS expects only binary protocol as input. In the following commands, replace COM1 by the specific COM port which is wired on your Novatel receiver.

• LOG COM1 BESTPOSB ONTIME 0.2
• LOG COM1 PSRXYZB ONTIME 0.2
• LOG COM1 HEADINGB ONNEW
• LOG COM1 TIMEB ONTIME 1.0
• SAVECONFIG

Adding post-processing capability

The following message configuration is required for post-processing when available.

• LOG COM1 RANGECMPB ONTIME 1
• LOG COM1 RAWEPHEMB ONCHANGED
• LOG COM1 GLOEPHEMERISB ONCHANGED
• SAVECONFIG

The Novatel Binary protocol must be used as it provides the fastest transfer rate and lowest CPU consumption for data handling.

Step 3 : Sensor configuration

In order to configure the Sensor, you need to connect to the Web interface and open the configuration window. Simply follow those instructions:

Set aiding assignment

In this window, you just indicate where you connected your GNSS receiver.

Both communication port and Sync In pin must be set.

If you have two connected GNSS receivers, only the primary GNSS receiver should provide a PPS source to accurately time stamp the data.

Set correct baudrate and mode for serial port

In our example we configured the GNSS to be connected on PORT D in RS‑232 mode using a baudrate of 460800 bauds.

Post Processing messages contain a lot of packets, sufficient baudrate speed should be then selected. We recommend a speed of 460800 bauds in that case.

Set logic input configuration for PPS signal

In order to use correctly PPS signal information, you must enable the corresponding logic input. Here we configured PPS on Sync In  D.

Polarity should be set accordingly with the actual PPS signal which is provided by your GNSS receiver.

Set correct GNSS model and configuration

1. GNSS model should be set to Novatel.

2. GNSS Primary lever arm has to be entered within a 1 cm accuracy FROM the IMU reference point, TO the antenna reference point (ARP), in the vehicle frame.

3. In Dual Antenna (known lever arm) mode, offset for the secondary antenna (providing heading) must also be entered, FROM the IMU reference point, TO each antenna reference point. It is also possible to select Dual Antenna (auto lever arm) if a calibration is planned for the antennas lever arms.

4. Finally, each available measurement (position/velocity and true heading if available) should be configured to be used or not. Auto rejection mode is recommended.

In order to increase the precision of the measurements it is recommended to select the actual Antenna model from the droplist. If you don't know what model to choose, you can select "Generic". In that case, the measured lever arms should refer to your antenna phase center (APC).
When using an external GNSS receiver, it is highly recommended to have the same antenna model selected on the GNSS receiver and the INS settings.

If you cannot measure the lever arms to 1 cm accuracy, a calibration can be performed. See Lever Arms Calibration Procedure.

Step 4 : Checking status

Once fully configured, the global status must be checked :

1. Corresponding COM port must be opened and Rx flag OK. Baudrate should be the same in the GNSS and the SBG unit configuration.
2. GNSS 1 or 2 line in “Aiding Inputs” section must show valid data.
3. GNSS solution is reported in that section. Check if there is a good GNSS fix here.
4. Then you can check at the Clock section. Input clock must be OK and UTC time should be set to valid after a few minutes in alignment mode.