LabSat distributor Sampson Technology Ltd. successfully employed Calian’s Tallysman series of lightweight, full-band antennas to evaluate the precision of the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS).
This case study highlights the challenges encountered, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved in ensuring real-time precise point positioning corrections.
Key attributes of the SSL990XF antenna include:
- Dimensions: 63 mm in diameter and 28 mm in height
- Weight: Under 50 grams
- Full-band precision GNSS capabilities
The Challenge
LabSat, through distributor Sampson Technology Ltd., needed to evaluate the precision and reliability of the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) using their Wideband Record and Replay System. Existing antennas lacked the capabilities required to deliver consistent, real-time positioning corrections across various GNSS and GPS devices.
The Solution
Sampson Technology selected Calian’s Tallysman SSL990XF antenna featuring innovative extended filtering (XF) technology. This compact antenna (63mm diameter, 28mm height, under 50g) mitigates out-of-band signals and prevents GNSS antenna saturation. It incorporates a derivative of Calian’s patented VeroStar antenna element, providing excellent hemispherical coverage of GNSS frequencies and corrections from the L-band geostationary satellites.
The Significance
As radio frequency spectrum becomes increasingly crowded with new LTE bands impacting GNSS performance, traditional antennas struggle with interference issues that compromise signal integrity. The SSL990XF antenna demonstrates the importance of performance features in maintaining high-quality GNSS signals for precision applications.
The Results
During testing, Sampson Technology recorded a test drive using the LabSat 3 Wideband across L1, L5, and E6 frequencies. The recorded data was replayed into two HAS-capable receivers (EOS Arrow Gold Plus and Hemisphere OEM Atlas), showing only a three-centimeter precision between them.
The SSL990XF antenna significantly outperformed a receiver manufacturer’s antenna in terms of signal convergence time, with Mark Sampson owner of Sampson Technology noting, “The difference in the reduction in convergence with the Tallysman antenna was significant. I sat for three quarters of an hour with the other antenna, and it wouldn’t converge.”
The Conclusion
Calian’s SSL990XF antenna proved vital in verifying the accuracy and reliability of the Galileo High Accuracy Service. Its filtering technology and compact design make it ideal for applications requiring precise GNSS functionality. The case study confirms that optimal receiver performance fundamentally depends on a high-quality antenna, reinforcing LabSat’s 12-year history of successful deployment of Calian’s Tallysman antennas.
