SBG Systems offers inertial sensors in subsea enclosures

SBG Systems has released the Apogee-M and the Apogee-U, two inertial sensors, to complete the Apogee product line.

The Apogee-M is a motion reference unit (MRU), and the Apogee-U is an inertial navigation system (INS). Both are made of titanium with a depth rating of 200 meters.

Apogee Series is an accurate INS based on robust micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. One year after the successful release of Apogee surface sensors (IP68 enclosure), SBG Systems completes the product line with the two inertial sensors, which have titanium subsea enclosures (200-meter depth rating).

Accuracy. Apogee integrates the latest generation of MEMS sensors to reach a high degree of precision — 0.008 degrees in roll and pitch in real-time — while delivering a robust and accurate heading from the continuous fusion of GNSS and IMU data. Made of titanium, Apogee-M and Apogee-U are designed to mount close to the sonar head for hydrographic tasks from shallow to deep water.

Heave computation. The Apogee provides a real-time heave accurate to 5 centimeters, which automatically detects the wave frequency and constantly adjusts to it. When wave frequency is erratic or in case of long period swell, the delayed heave feature can save the day by allowing survey in rough conditions. This algorithm allows a more extensive calculation, resulting in a heave accurate to 2 cm displayed in real-time with a short delay.

Connects to survey-grade GNSS receivers. Apogee sensors can be paired with any type of survey-grade GNSS receiver or with the one offered by SBG Systems. The SplitBox GNSS integrates the latest tri-frequency GNSS receiver to offer several positioning features such as RTK, Marinestar, OmniSTAR, Veripos and TerraStar corrections.

Configuration is acomplished throughout the intuitive, embedded web interface where all parameters can be quickly displayed and adjusted. The new 3D View helps the user check the mechanical installation, especially sensor and antennas position, alignments and lever arms. The user can then connect the Apogee to the main hydrographic software such as Hypack, QINSy or Teledyne PDS2000, thanks to available drivers.

The MEMS technology is renowned for being highly robust and low-maintenance, while the subsea enclosure is made in titanium. SBG SYSTEMS continuously make its systems evolve with new firmware upgrades that are available during the whole life of the product without extra cost.