The Trimble BD910 and BD920 modules feature centimetre-level, Real-Time-Kinematic (RTK) positioning capabilities that are ideal for high-precision and control applications. Capable of receiving a wide range of commercially available GNSS signals, the BD910 and BD920 modules are designed to allow OEMs and systems integrators to easily add centimetre-level positioning to specialised or custom hardware solutions.
Trimble understands that customers want to purchase receivers today that will be able to benefit from the GNSS signals planned for the future. To keep up with these ongoing changes, Trimble’s integrated circuit design team is constantly developing custom chips to be used in their company’s products. The fact that many divisions of Trimble use this same core technology across a very broad range of applications drives the design team to continuously improve their offerings.
Key Features
The single frequency BD910 (measuring 41mm by 41mm) and dual frequency BD920 (measuring 41mm by 51mm) GNSS modules are specifically designed for applications requiring high accuracy in a compact package. The modules track all available satellite GNSS signals including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Compass. Both modules are designed for easy integration and rugged dependability.
Flexible connectivity options – Ethernet, RS232, or USB – allow fast data transfer and easy configuration via standard Web browsers.
Unlike any other OEM RTK receiver on the market, the BD910 and BD920 are enclosed in a fully shielded metal enclosure. This design ensures the high-quality GNSS signals are protected from the sources of EMI on the host platform. It also significantly reduces radiated emissions, which speeds compliance certification and time to market.
The RTK receivers are also extremely small allowing them to be integrated into mobile devices such field controllers and tablets. Just like other Trimble embedded technologies, easy to use software commands simplify integration and reduce development times.
Optimised Power Consumption
Power consumption is a critical factor for portable solutions. The lower the power consumption the longer the device will operate on its battery supply. Changing batteries reduces productivity. The Trimble BD910 and BD920 have chosen lower power components, including the main processor, to minimise power consumption. Channels not in use are switched off. Lower gain antennas with lower power consumption are supported. Firmware is optimised to reduce power where possible.
Best Suited Applications
The modules are suited for a variety of applications where compact size is critical. Mobile devices such field controllers and tablets benefit from the size and full metal jacket design. Aerial and ground unmanned vehicles are shrinking in size, requiring smaller navigation payloads. Just as low accuracy GPS chipsets have opened up an increasing number of new applications, we predict that these centimetre-accurate compact modules will allow innovators to develop applications not yet on the drawing board.
Benefits For Systems Integrators
System integrators will benefit from all the features of these new products. The smaller the products are then the smaller our customers can make their products. The Trimble BD910 and 920 are solder down modules. This means integrators can design their printed circuit boards with these modules treated like other components on the board. No longer is additional standoff mounting hardware required which increases cost and size and reduces ruggedness. Communication to the board can be via Ethernet, USB or serial. The onboard web server makes evaluation and remote diagnostics significantly easier. The BD910 and 920 share a common connector and overlapping footprint, which allows an integrator to design their product to handle either receiver dependent on the application.
Both of these products are available to the market through Trimble’s Value Added Resellers, such as Step Global in Australia.
For more information visit http://www.trimble.com/gnss-inertial/GNSS-Positioning-and-Heading-Systems.aspx
