Easy to integrate, cost-effective, centimeter-level positioning for harsh environments  

Nantes, France, February 8, 2010 -- Ashtech (formerly Magellan Professional) today introduced the ProFlex Lite, a cost-effective GNSS sensor that allows OEMs and system integrators to easily integrate RTK positioning into their applications.

The ProFlex Lite is a rugged positioning solution that delivers enhanced real-time precision ranging from sub-meter down to centimeter level. It is scalable, cost-effective and available in a variety of configurations from L1 GPS+GLONASS+SBAS up to L1/L2 GPS+GLONASS+SBAS. Simple firmware upgrades are possible at any time to adapt to new requirements.

ProFlex Lite works as either a base or a rover and is ideally suited for mobile positioning and navigation onboard-solutions for which precision and flexibility are equally important. ProFlex Lite is released simultaneously with the ProFlex Lite Duo (dual GNSS board sensor) and is a new member of the Ashtech^® ProFlex product line, already including the ProFlex 500 introduced in 2009.

High-End Performance

Embedded BLADE^™ technology in the ProFlex Lite secures the best possible measurements from the GPS, GLONASS and SBAS constellations. BLADE mixes multiple observables with no compromise between quality and availability. This leads to an incredibly robust and dependable measurement processing resulting in optimized field productivity even in harsh environments:

Fast initialization and centimeter accuracy at long-range

Advanced multi-path mitigation and signal tracking for maximum data reliability

Full benefit of any available GLONASS satellites to strengthen the GPS solution

Interoperability with any vendor's reference station transmitting GPS+GLONASS L1/L2            

By receiving corrections from an external demodulator (radio, GSM/GPRS), ProFlex Lite also supports standard and advanced RTK operations such as: RTK against a static base with or without SBAS and GLONASS satellites; advanced RTK against an external moving base for relative positioning; network RTK using third-party network corrections: VRS, FKP, MAC.

Rugged and Easy to Integrate

The ProFlex Lite is housed in a compact, impact-resistant aluminum enclosure rated to MIL-STD 810F for shock and vibration, waterproof and dustproof to an IP67 rating, and designed to withstand a large temperature range. Integrated mounting brackets enable easy incorporation in limited spaces and with existing equipment installed onboard ships, machines, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), or any vehicle.  ProFlex Lite also features low power consumption and offers a wide variety of output messages and data formats for extensive solution interoperability. Additionally, industry standard and independent I/O connectors simplify cabling for application developers.

About Ashtech

Recognized as an industry innovator, Ashtech has been developing GNSS technology for more than 25 years.  Ashtech is the creator of BLADE technology, which introduces a unique patented method to the market using multiple GNSS constellations for high-accuracy positioning.  Ashtech has also introduced the MobileMapper^™ series of products for GIS and mapping, as well as the ProFlex 500 and ProMark^™ series, including the ProMark 500, ProMark3 RTK and ProMark 3, a well-recognized GNSS Land Survey product line currently on the market. Ashtech S.A.S. is privately held and headquartered in Carquefou, France, with offices in Beijing, China, and Singapore, as well as affiliates in Santa Clara, California (Ashtech LLC) and Moscow (Ashtech A/O LLC). For more information on Ashtech, visit www.ashtech.com.