M9 Aste-M3 Pro+

The M9 AsteRx-m3 Pro+ is a versatile, high-performance GNSS receiver board offering multi-frequency, multi-constellation satellite tracking for accurate positioning in the most challenging environments. It integrates Septentrio’s best GNSS technologies, providing exceptional performance as both a base station and a rover receiver. Features include heading and pitch/roll measurements, AIM+ anti-jamming, and a low-power design.

Description

The M9 AsteRx-m3 Pro+ GNSS receiver, based on Septentrio’s AsteRx-m3 Pro+, offers high-level performance for a wide range of applications, including surveying, robotics, and construction. It features multi-constellation & multi-frequency GNSS tracking, making it a reliable solution for RTK positioning. With its dual-antenna mode, the M9 AsteRx-m3 Pro+ provides sub-degree heading, pitch, or roll information, in addition to precise positioning data.

The receiver’s advanced AIM+ anti-jamming system and GNSS+ technologies ensure accurate performance in environments with interference, mechanical vibrations, and ionosphere disturbances. Designed for low power consumption, it is optimized for long operational life and battery efficiency. Its intuitive web app and fully documented interfaces make integration seamless for engineers and developers. Whether used as a base station or rover, the AsteRx-m3 Pro+ ensures top performance and reliability in the most demanding environments.

GNSS Signals:

  • 544 hardware channels for simultaneous tracking of most visible signals:
    • GPS: L1 C/A, L2C, L2 P(Y), L5
    • GLONASS: L1 C/A, L2C/A, L3, L2P
    • BeiDou: B1I, B1C, B2a, B2I, B3I
    • Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b
    • QZSS: L1 C/A, L1C, L2C, L5
    • SBAS: EGNOS, WAAS, GAGAN, MSAS, SDCM
  • Integrated L-band receiver

Septentrio’s Patented GNSS+ Technologies:

  • AIM+: Anti-jamming and monitoring system for narrow and wideband interference, including spectrum analyzer
  • IONO+: Advanced scintillation mitigation
  • APME+: A posteriori multipath estimator for code and phase multipath mitigation
  • LOCK+: Superior tracking robustness under mechanical shocks or vibrations
  • RAIM+: Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring

Formats Supported:

  • Septentrio Binary Format (SBF): Fully documented with sample parsing tools
  • NMEA 0183: v3.01, v4.0
  • RTCM: v2.x, v3.x (including MSM messages)
  • CMR: v2.0 and CMR+ (CMR+ input only)

Connectivity:

  • 4 Hi-speed serial ports (LVTTL)
  • 1 USB device port (TCP/IP communication, plus 2 extra serial ports)
  • xPPS output (max 100Hz)
  • Ethernet port (TCP/IP, UDP, LAN 10/100 Mbps)
  • 2 Event markers (for external LEDs)
  • General-purpose output
  • NTRIP (server, client, caster)
  • FTP server, FTP push, SFTP

Supporting Components:

  • Web UI: Full control and monitoring functionality
  • RxTools: Complete and intuitive GUI toolset for receiver control, monitoring, data analysis, and conversion
  • GNSS Receiver Communication SDK: Available for both Windows and Linux

Performance

RTK Performance:

  • Horizontal accuracy: 0.6 cm + 0.5 ppm
  • Vertical accuracy: 1 cm + 1 ppm
  • Initialization time: 7 seconds

GNSS Attitude Accuracy:

  • Antenna separation:
    • 1 m: Heading 0.15°, Pitch/Roll 0.25°
    • 5 m: Heading 0.03°, Pitch/Roll 0.05°

Position Accuracy:

  • Standalone:
    • Horizontal: 1.2 m
    • Vertical: 1.9 m
  • SBAS:
    • Horizontal: 0.6 m
    • Vertical: 0.8 m
  • DGNSS:
    • Horizontal: 0.4 m
    • Vertical: 0.7 m

Velocity Accuracy: 0.03 m/s

Maximum Update Rate:

  • Measurements only: 100 Hz
  • Position and Attitude: 20 Hz
  • Latency: <10 ms

Time Precision:

  • xPPS output: 5 ns
  • Event accuracy: < 20 ns

Time to First Fix:

  • Cold start: < 45 s
  • Warm start: < 20 s
  • Re-acquisition: avg. 1 s

Tracking Performance (C/N0 Threshold):

  • Tracking: 20 dB-Hz
  • Acquisition: 33 dB-Hz

Optional Accessories:

  • Antennas
  • GeoTagZ Re-processing Software and SDK library for UAS applications
  • Robotics Interface Board

Physical and Environmental Specifications:

Size:

  • 47.5 x 70 x 9.32 mm (1.87 x 2.75 x 0.36 in)

Weight: 27 g (0.952 oz)

Input Voltage: 3.3 VDC ± 5%

Power Consumption:

  • GPS L1/L2: 750 mW
  • GPS/GLO L1/L2: 800 mW
  • All GNSS signals: 1000 mW

Antenna:

  • Connectors: 2 x MMCX
  • Antenna supply voltage: 3-5.5 VDC
  • Maximum antenna current: 150 mA
  • Antenna gain range: 15-45 dB

I/O Connectors:

  • 30 Pins Hirose DF40 socket
  • 60 Pins Hirose DF40 socket (for expanded connectivity)

Environment:

  • Operating temperature: -40° C to +85° C (-40° F to +185° F)
  • Storage temperature: -55° C to +85° C (-67° F to +185° F)
  • Humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
  • Vibration: MIL-STD-810G

Certification:

  • RoHS, WEEE, ISO 9001-2015

  1. Open sky conditions
  2. RMS level
  3. Baseline < 40 km
  4. 99.9%
  5. Including software compensation of sawtooth effect
  6. No almanac, no approximate position
  7. Ephemeris and approximate position known
  8. Second connector for heading configuration
  9. Backwards compatible with AsteRx-m for easy replacement

Multi-Frequency, Multi-Constellation GNSS Tracking for superior positioning accuracy.

AIM+ Anti-Jamming and RF Spectrum Monitoring for reliable operation in interference-prone environments.

LOCK+ for robust performance in high-vibration or shock environments.

IONO+ advanced ionospheric protection for uninterrupted GNSS signal reception.

APME+ for high-accuracy measurements by mitigating multipath interference.

Dual Antenna Mode for providing heading, pitch, and roll information.

100Hz Data Update Rate for real-time, low-latency performance.

Ultra-Low Power Consumption for longer battery life and extended field operation.

Intuitive Web Interface for easy operation and monitoring from any device.

Fully Documented Interfaces and integration with RxTools software for seamless configuration and monitoring.

Documentation

Applications of M9:

Surveying & Geodesy: Accurate data collection for cadastral boundary delineation, topographic mapping, and land surveys is ensured by high-precision RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning. Reliable GNSS systems enable sub-centimeter accuracy and reliable performance under demanding circumstances, streamlining workflows in infrastructure development, geospatial data processing, and construction site planning.

Robotics & Automation: Drones, robotics, and autonomous cars can all be seamlessly integrated with accurate GNSS-based navigation. Real-time path planning, route optimization, and dynamic obstacle avoidance are supported by sophisticated positioning and heading systems. Perfect for last-mile deliveries, warehouse automation, and agricultural robotics that demand a high level of accuracy and dependability.

Aerospace & Aviation: For both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), accurate heading and positioning measurements improve navigation systems. Applications include support for autopilots, flight management, and air traffic monitoring. In addition to providing precise data for crucial operations like takeoff, landing, and mid-air navigation, GNSS systems guarantee adherence to strict aviation regulations.

Construction & Engineering: RAutomatic excavation, grading, and paving are made possible by machine control systems that are empowered by dependable GNSS performance. Accurate tracking and effective project management are beneficial for material handling and site monitoring. Sturdy GNSS receivers can survive challenging conditions, which minimizes downtime and guarantees precise data for major building projects.

Marine & Offshore: Machine control systems enabled by reliable GNSS performance enable automatic excavation, grading, and paving. Material handling and site monitoring benefit from precise tracking and efficient project management. Robust GNSS receivers can withstand harsh environments, reducing downtime and ensuring accurate data for large-scale construction projects.

Industrial Applications: Numerous industrial and Internet of Things devices, such as fleet management systems, mining equipment, and precision agriculture machinery, are supported by accurate tracking and heading systems. By offering dependable location data for asset tracking, real-time monitoring, and resource optimization, GNSS receivers increase productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the main benefit of using M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+ in surveying?
The M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+ provides top-tier RTK positioning, offering high-accuracy measurements, even in challenging environments with RF interference or mechanical vibrations. Its dual-antenna mode provides precise heading and orientation data, which is crucial for accurate surveying in dynamic conditions.

Can the M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+ be used for UAV applications?
Yes, the M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+ is perfect for UAVs due to its low power consumption, high update rate, and ability to operate in environments with significant GNSS interference. Its compact size makes it easy to integrate into drone systems, ensuring reliable positioning and navigation.

How does AIM+ anti-jamming work in the M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+?
AIM+ uses advanced sampling and mitigation technologies to protect the receiver from both intentional and unintentional interference. This ensures reliable operation, even in environments with RF noise from nearby electronics or jamming sources.

What is the data update rate of the M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+?
The M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+ provides a 100Hz data update rate, which is ideal for real-time positioning and dynamic applications that require high-frequency updates.

How easy is it to integrate the M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+ into my system?
The M9-AsteRx-m3 Pro+ comes with fully documented interfaces, a user-friendly web app for monitoring and control, and a software development kit (SDK) for custom applications, making it easy to integrate into a wide variety of systems.