EUROPAK-15a & 15ab

The European Commission (EC) first presented plans for a European Galileo satellite navigation system in 1999. A four-phase development is planned with funding from both public and private sectors. Galileo is designed for both civilian and government purposes, the system will be controlled and operated by civil management. Galileo will be composed of: a constellation of 30 satellites; a number of globally located ground stations; and a ground control and monitoring system - very similar to the structure, format and layout of GPS. Development of the system has been underway since 2001.

15ab Receiver

NovAtel's new 15ab receiver was developed in conjunction with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) as part of our Galileo Test Receiver (GTR) program. The 15ab tracks the Galileo E1/L1, E5a, and E5b signals from the GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B test satellites and comes packaged in our popular EuroPak® enclosure. The 15ab also tracks GPS and SBAS L1 and L5 signals, and is ideal for monitoring the new L1/L5 Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) GEO signals.

Our 15ab receiver is purpose designed for Agencies and Academic institutions performing testing and signal evaluation, as well as the GNSS industry for Galileo evaluation and demonstration project.

NovAtel's GTR is the sensor receiver for the GIOVE-A Galileo Experimental Sensor Stations (GESS), which are being installed in Canada, as announced by NovAtel on January 29, 2008. The GIOVE ground network currently consists of 13 GESS Systems, located around the world.

Receiver Configurations

The receiver configurations listed below are selectable by the user to allow maximum flexibility for each of the anticipated applications.

Galileo configurations require the inclusion of GPS for precise timing until a usable Galileo constellation is available.

Full Range of Data

The data provided by the 15a and 15ab receivers include satellite range information, raw frame data with parity checks, automatic gain control (AGC) information, and receiver configuration and status details. A versatile ASCII or binary interface provides access to data over two high speed RS-232 serial ports capable of 230,400 bits/second.

Superior Tracking

NovAtel's Narrow Correlator ® technology enhances the reception of satellite data for highly accurate range measurements. A NovAtel proprietary algorithm is used to detect and eliminate side-peak tracking for the Galileo Binary Offset Carrier (BOC) signal on L1. On L5 GPS and Galileo channels the receiver tracks the dataless pilot signal, and extracts the navigation message from the data signal. Pseudorange and carrier phase measurements are computed using the dataless signal.

15a Receiver

NovAtel’s 15a receiver offers superior 16 channel tracking of GPS L1/L5, Galileo L1/E5a and SBAS signals, in a Euro form-factor card, packaged in the popular EuroPak® enclosure.

Tracks and decodes GPS L1 and L5, SBAS L1 and L5   and Galileo L1 and E5a
Digital Pulse Blanking on GPS L1 and L5 and Galileo L1 and E5a for radar and pulsed DME interference mitigation
Includes L1 GPS RFI improvements as developed for the US WAAS reference receivers
External OXCO input and enclosure option with internal OCXO

Receiver Configurations

GPS L1 and L5 capability is available, alongside full access to SBAS L1 and L5 signals. Galileo configurations will require the inclusion of GPS for precise timing until a usable Galileo constellation is available. The following receiver configurations are selectable by the user:

These configurations have been selected to allow the user maximum flexibility for each of the anticipated applications. Sufficient GPS L1 and L5 channel capacity is available as the L5 constellation grows and for simulation testing in the interim. GPS position provides timing for initial Galileo signal tracking until a usable constellation is available.

Superior Tracking

NovAtel’s Narrow Correlator ® technology enhances the reception of satellite data for highly accurate range measurements. A NovAtel proprietary algorithm is used to detect and eliminate side-peak tracking for the Galileo Binary Offset Carrier (BOC) signal on L1.   On L5 GPS and Galileo channels the receiver tracks the dataless pilot signal, and extracts the navigation message from the data signal. Pseudorange and carrier phase measurements are computed using the dataless signal.

Full Range of Data

The data provided by the 15a receiver includes satellite range information, raw frame data with parity checks, automatic gain control (AGC) information, and receiver configuration and status details. A versatile ASCII or binary interface provides access to data over two high speed RS-232 serial ports capable of 230,400 bits/second.