Moscow, Russia, 28 September 2006: Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) has successfully tracked GIOVE-A signals from the first Galileo test satellite with its production receivers GR-3 and Net-G3. Topcon becomes the first manufacturer successfully tracking GNSS signals from all currently available satellites – GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo – with production instruments.
Eduardo Falcon, Senior Vice President for Development Operations, said that engineers and scientists from the Topcon Technology Center in Moscow, Russia, successfully tracked signals from the GIOVE-A satellite using production receivers GR-3 and Net-G3 equipped with Topcon’s patented G3 technology.
Being able to track a “third satellite constellation – Galileo – in its testing phase spotlights the importance of G3 technology,” said Ray O’Connor, TPS President and CEO. “Having this satellite receiver technology available right now for customers says volumes about our company, its research and development capabilities, and its world class scientists, engineers and designers.”
O’Connor said, “Since 2005 we’ve emphatically stated that G3 technology would track all available signals and be able to receive all planned signals in the foreseeable future. We’re proud to be the first commercial supplier of this unique technology.”
In 2005, Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) unveiled its G3 technology, the first satellite receiver technology with Universal Signal Tracking. The unique tracking system was designed to track all signals from all three satellite positioning systems. Topcon developed G3 to provide access to 30 Galileo satellites planned for launch by the European Space Agency, and new signals that will result from the modernization of the GPS constellation.
Topcon products currently offer GPS+ technology, enabling access to both U.S. GPS and Russian GLONASS satellite systems. When these three satellite systems are fully operational, users of G3 products will have access to over 80 positioning satellites. Access to this wide range of satellites will mean expanded applications, unprecedented performance, and unparalleled precision possible.
To process multiple signals from multiple satellite systems, Topcon engineered the new Paradigm-G3 chip. It is capable of receiving GPS L1, L2 and L5 carrier frequencies; C/A and L2C civilian codes; and P-code on both L1 and L2 frequencies. It also receives GLONASS signals including L1 and L2 carrier frequencies and L1 / L2 C/A and P-codes. The entire Galileo signal structure is supported, including L1, E1, E2, E5, and E6 signals. The advanced design features 72 tracking channels and operates with minimal power consumption.
With the introduction of the GR-3 receiver in July 2006, the company enhanced its GPS+ technology and added to its long list of “world’s first” products and technological breakthroughs brought to market. The GR-3 also sets a new standard for rugged construction and unparalleled durability: it is designed to withstand a fall on a range pole (two-meters), comes with a “bulletproof” warranty to back it up and integrates a long list of features designed specifically to satisfy Topcon’s markets.
To learn more about NET-G3 visit:
Additional information:
– https://www.gisdevelopment.net/news/viewn.asp?id=GIS:N_suztwvfido
– https://www.gisdevelopment.net/news/viewn.asp?id=GIS:N_qafxtshiev
– https://www.gisdevelopment.net/news/viewn.asp?id=GIS:N_rzjqgmtfoh
– About Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS)-
Topcon Positioning Systems, a developer and manufacturer of positioning equipment, offers the world’s leading selection of innovating precision GPS, GIS, laser, optical surveying, and machine control, products, software, and applications. Topcon Corporation is traded on Tokyo Stock Exchange (7732).
– About GIOVE-A
GIOVE-A, developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (UK), was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on 28 December 2005 and placed into a medium Earth orbit with an altitude of 23 260 km. Carrying a payload consisting of rubidium clocks, signal generation units and a phase array of individual L-band antenna elements, GIOVE-A started broadcasting Galileo signals on 12 January, securing the frequencies allocated by the International Telecommunications Union for the Galileo system.
With GIOVE-A, ESA is validating the critical new technologies needed for the Galileo system and preparing for the next phase of In-Orbit Validation (IOV). For this next step, four satellites will be launched. On completion of IOV, the four satellites will become the initial components of the operational Galileo constellation.
