Multi-frequency GNSS
Multi-GNSS technology
As shown in the chart below, a number of new satellites are scheduled to be launched in the next decade, and we will have multiple GNSS constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, COMPASS, etc., in operation. As a result, a number of benefits may be envisaged, such as enhancement in reliability and safety, improved precision as well as possible expansion of the user applications. More specifically, through multi-GNSS constellations, high precision positioning as well as improvement in satellite clock quality will be the possibility, and the applications will include: weather monitoring, disaster prevention management, intelligent transport system, geographical information system, search and rescue operation and many others. These benefits may be derived from increased number of satellites signals available.
FURUNO has been engaged in research and development of GPS for over 20 years and have already started the research activities in face of modernization of GPS technology as well as operation of Galileo satellites. FURUNO develops and manufactures other GNSS receivers for QZSS, dual-frequency SBAS, etc. JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) has employed FURUNO's QZSS receiver for its terrestrial monitor station for Quasi-Zenith Satellites System, the testimony to high reliability in FURUNO's technology for GNSS field borne by research institutes for aerospace exploration.
Source: cited from "Asia Oceania is the 'Showcase of the New GNSS Era'", presented at 5th QZSS user meeting (KOGURE, Satoshi Mr., 10th March 2010)
Benefit of Multi-GNSS
- Multiplication of available satellite signals
- Enhancement in reliability in acquired data and safety resulting from it
- Expanded utilizable fields for GNSS, such as urban canyon, mountainous areas, etc.
- Enhanced precision of the data by means of augmentation methodology
Applications of Multi-GNSS
- Application of precision positioning (for land survey, precision agriculture, controlling construction equipment, animal monitoring, etc.)
- Weather monitoring (for concentrated downpour, ionosphere monitoring, etc.)
- Disaster prevention management (monitoring for seismic surge and landslide, dam monitoring, etc.)
- Intelligent Transport System (vehicle monitoring, etc.)
- Geographical Information System (computerized construction works, etc.), Location Based Services (Augmented Reality application for tourism, etc.)
- Application of precision timing (Time transfer, etc.)
- Search and Rescue
Practical cases
QZSS receiver for QZSS terrestrial monitor station (JAXA)
The world's only four-frequency GNSS receiver (L1, L2, L5, LEX)
LEX signal receivers: Several research institutes including JAXA
L1SAIF receiver for technology validation: Electronic Navigation Research Institute (ENRI)
