LEAP technology

Take a LEAP into the future with GNSS low energy accurate positioning 

LEAP, or low energy accurate positioning, is a breakthrough technology, designed to overcome two very fundamental needs battery powered devices encounter. One being to extend data collection for as long as possible before the battery runs out. Second, the importance of data being as accurate and reliable as possible. By minimizing the need for frequent charging while maximizing the precision of data, LEAP delivers a superior product experience and enhanced user satisfaction.  

Let’s delve deeper into how LEAP technology surpasses traditional GNSS tracking. Conventional tracking systems rely on capturing signals from as many satellites as possible to output an accurate location. These systems allocate the same amount of energy to track each satellite, without considering signal quality to see whether the energy spent results in an expected benefit. This approach often leads to inefficient battery usage and unnecessary energy drain.

Smart Signal Selection 

LEAP technology introduces an intelligent signal selection process, ensuring that only the most beneficial satellites are tracked, which yields better accuracy. Several criteria are employed to filter satellites effectively.

1) For instance, satellites positioned above a certain elevation angle are prioritized.

2) Furthermore, signals that reach the GNSS antenna through a direct line of sight are preferred, while those affected by reflections (multipath interference) are disregarded. See image

The strength of signals plays a critical role in positioning accuracy. Strong signals with a high signal-to-noise ratio yield more accurate positioning measurements, whereas weaker signals can introduce errors.  

3) LEAP technology discards or selectively avoids tracking weaker signals, focusing solely on those that contribute to precise location data. This process further refines the quality of information while saving energy. See image
 

External Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) switching 

Expanding the focus beyond the GNSS chip to the entire GNSS solution reveals further potential for power savings, particularly with external components like the low noise amplifier (LNA).  

4) LEAP enables the LNA as needed, saving energy without compromising functionality. See image 

Assisted GNSS data download  

Further power savings can be achieved by using aiding data, including almanac, ephemeris and correction information. Instead of spending significant energy during start up to download and decode orbital data directly from the satellites, LEAP technology leverages data obtained from the internet and pre-loads this information into the GNSS receiver.   

Efficiency Meets Accuracy: 50% Power Reduction, Accurate Positioning 

Combing all improvements 1) – 4) helped to cut energy consumption by 50% while maintaining excellent position accuracy in different conditions ranging from open-sky, forest and urban canyons.