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Centimeter-precise positioning in real-time
Precise positioning has become increasingly important in many areas and applications. Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) offers significantly greater accuracy than conventional multi-GNSS systems and continues to grow in cost-effectiveness. Together with the Rutronik Wireless Competence Center, the experts from Rutronik System Solutions have developed the Adapter Board RAB4, which facilitates testing the performance of RTK without designing any hardware. By accelerating the pre-development phase and reducing costs, the RAB4 helps to bring applications to market faster.
Autonomous vehicles, drones, and also agricultural machines rely on accurate positioning in real-time. RTK increases the precision of satellite system positions using a base station that sends correction data to a moving receiver. That allows an accuracy of one to two centimeters, even with fast-moving objects.
“RTK is not a new technology and has been used in some areas for a long time. However, the costs were very high until now. Nowadays, cheaper but nevertheless powerful modules are available. That makes the technology and its advantages interesting for other areas of application. With our RAB4, we offer a modern hardware solution to test RTK quickly and cost-effectively for various applications,” notes Stephan Menze, Head of Global Innovation Management at Rutronik.
For absolute positioning, a 4G LTE module with an integrated standard multi-GNSS receiver from Telit Cinterion's LE910 series is integrated on the Adapter Board. Another advantage is that the integration of a GNSS and RTK receiver makes it possible to compare the outputs directly with each other without having to use several development kits from different suppliers. The RAB4 also includes a 100 MB prepaid SIM card. Thanks to this combination, NTRIP correction data can be downloaded from the Internet. It is not necessary to operate an own reference station.
Further information about the Adapter Board RAB4 and the application example from Rutronik System Solutions is available at www.rutronik.com.
About Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH
Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH was founded in 1973 and is an independent family-owned company. Thanks to the positive economic development over the past 45 years, the company is now one of the world‘s leading broadline distributors. In the 2021 fiscal year, its more than 1,800 employees generated a turnover of 1.13 billion Euro. Rutronik is represented worldwide with more than 80 offices and can guarantee comprehensive customer support including Europe, Asia, and the USA.
The broad product portfolio includes semiconductors, passive and electromechanical components as well as embedded boards, storage & displays, and wireless products. The know-ledge of all product areas is bundled in the RUTRONIK AUTOMOTIVE, RUTRONIK EMBEDDED, RUTRONIK POWER, and RUTRONIK SMART divisions and both specific products and services tailored to the respective applications are offered. Competent technical support for product development and design-in right up to the research area, individual logistics & supply chain management solutions as well as comprehensive services complete the range of services. Customers also have access to the Rutronik24 e-commerce platform, where all articles can be found, as well as a procurement area and product change notifications. Further information is available at www.rutronik.com.