OEM7 SPAN Overview

NovAtel's SPAN GNSS+INS technology brings together two very different but complementary positioning and navigation systems namely Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and an Inertial Navigation System (INS). By combining the best aspects of GNSS and INS into one system, SPAN technology is able to offer a solution that is more accurate and reliable than either GNSS or INS could provide alone. The combined GNSS+INS solution has the advantage of the absolute accuracy available from GNSS and the continuity of INS through traditionally difficult GNSS conditions.

The SPAN system consists of the following components:

  • NovAtel OEM7 receiver
    These receivers are capable of receiving and tracking different combinations of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC and QZSS signals. OEM7 receivers can also allocate channels for the reception of correction service signals from SBAS (standard) and TerraStar PPP (optional). OEM7 adaptability offers multi-system, frequency, and size configurations for any application requirement. Patented Pulsed Aperture Correlator (PAC) technology combined with a powerful microprocessor enable multipath-resistant processing. Excellent acquisition and re-acquisition times allow this receiver to operate in environments where very high dynamics and frequent interruption of signals can be expected. The OEM7 receiver also supports the timing requirements of the IMU and runs the real-time INS filter.

  • IMU
    The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) consists of three accelerometers and three gyroscopes (gyros) so that accelerations along specific axes and angular rotations can be measured. Several IMU types are supported and are listed in Table: SPAN-Compatible IMUs.

  • GNSS antenna

The GNSS receiver is connected to the IMU with an RS-232, RS-422 or SPI link. A NovAtel GNSS antenna must also be connected to the receiver to track GNSS signals. After the IMU enclosure, GNSS antenna and appropriate power supplies are attached, and a few simple configuration commands are entered, the SPAN system will be ready to navigate.