LOCK+ robust GNSS signal tracking
Reliable and robust tracking under rapid signal changes
LOCK+ GNSS technology ensures optimal tracking even under rapid antenna displacement, maintaining high accuracy together with:
- Resilience to heavy vibrations and shocks
- Stable operation during high dynamics
Robust positioning with LOCK+
LOCK+ is a set of techniques to guarantee robust tracking under rapid signal changes such as those caused by mechanical vibrations or shocks, earthquakes or ionospheric scintillations. Traditionally, GNSS receivers need some time to react to changes in the GNSS signals. If, for example, the antenna position changes suddenly after a shock, it takes some time for the receiver to sense the change and report the new position. LOCK+ technology ensures that the true position is always accurately reported.
Handling heavy machinery
Large construction machines are often subject to strong shocks and heavy vibrations due to movement on tracks, rough terrain and heavy engines. An excavator boom can be jerky, with the GNSS antenna along for the ride. Not every receiver can handle such a rollercoaster where the signals are changing at such short intervals. LOCK+ technology has been designed and implemented on hardware and software level of Septentrio receivers to withstand mechanical vibrations, ensuring accurate positioning calculation at all times.
LOCK+ significantly decreases the latency and overshoot effects. The next figure shows the results of the same test performed with a Septentrio receiver. The measured position now accurately follows the true position.
As another example, the following figure shows the change of latitude reported during strong antenna vibration in the north-south direction. Without LOCK+ (in green) the receiver has difficulties following the rapid changes and the position eventually diverges due to cycle slips. LOCK+ (blue) allows continuous and accurate tracking.
LOCK+ considerably helps under high dynamics, but this is at the price of slightly increasing the noise in the position. To avoid adding noise when not necessary, Septentrio receivers automatically detect the type of motion the antenna is subject to and enable LOCK+ only when needed, keeping the noise as low as possible during smooth motion or when the receiver is static. No user interaction is needed.
Image
Related Content
- Use case: Accurate GPS/GNSS for mining in the toughest environments
- Use case: Machine control systems that work in the most challenging environments
- Insight article: Cost-effective machine guidance with robust GPS positioning