Gutec AB
- electromagnetic design
- GNNS antenna
- precision GNNS receivers
We develop high frequency and digital electronics with FPGAs and embedded computer devices. Through application of design principles, simulations and experience we strive to be fast, resource efficient and that the results are up to specified requirements.
We prefer to rely on open software as far as possible but use licensed systems when required or when necessary.
Co-operation with universities is important to us, and maintaining good relations with consultants in neighbouring fields of applications.
Gutec AB is member of Swedish Electronics Trade Association, we are part of electronics and batteries recycling through El-Kretsen.
About
Background
Per Gustafson founded Gutec AB in September 1998 to bring modern development methods for digital electronics design to industry requiring state of the art design and manufacturing capabilities. With a background as physicist and experience from SAAB Avionics as an electronics and electromagnetics design specialist, Per soon focused the efforts at Gutec on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receivers and antennas.
To date Gutec has developed custom receivers for industry in the USA and Germany, as well as for the US government and German services. The most precise PNT (Position Navigation and Timing) instrument in the US defense is the US Army GPS-S system that features a rugged Gutec designed DGRx-TAG2 multiband geodetic quality receiver tracking GPS, Glonass and Galileo signals.
We have experience in all aspects of GNSS hardware and firmware from the component level to complete systems integration. Our expertise includes antenna signal conditioning, receiver core, power supply and battery management. This includes programming FPGAs, SoCs and controllers alongside low signal level RF and base band circuitry. We mainly work with AMD (former Xilinx) range of FPGAs but have also worked with devices from Actel. Our preferred digital hardware design language is VHDL. We prefer working with Linux, when an OS is required.
Our work in electromagnetic design and electronics depends on simulation and measurements. Simulation in the area of electromagnetic design is undergoing a fast development and Gutec maintains relevant competence within the field. Our experience comprises FDEM codes, 2.5D simulators, NEC based simulators, COMSOL multi physics simulator and OpenEMS. Measurements are mainly conducted in facilities such as Electoronics Centre in Halmstad (ECH) at the University of Halmstad where Gutec is a partner. Within electronics and high frequency circuitry we use SPICE simulators, MMICAD while COMSOL and OpenEMS is used for full 3D simulations.
Gutec has developed receivers, antennas and complete systems used in all environments from scientific polar expeditions to machine control systems in the construction industry. NASA and ESA have successfully tested our four-band precision receiver DGRx3Space and SpaceGator integration.
We collaborate long-term with our customers and in some cases share resources. We currently have close contacts or formal co-operations with Halmstad University, Lund University, Fraunhofer Institut, navXperience GmbH, Caliterra AB, DSI-DS GmbH, Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt and DataGrid International.
We are among the founding members of Electronics Centre in Halmstad (ECH) and have access to the facilities.
We are currently (2024H1) relocating our facilities with the aim to be able to handle classified documents and equipment up to level ’Secret’, given implementation of applicable administrative requirements.
Technical approach
We pride ourselves applying a technical and scientifical approach to the tasks we deal with. We prefer telling a customer or a partner good news about advances but nothing will refrain us from communicating factual issues due to available technology or limits set by the state of knowledge.
Our team
We are a micro business with a tiny number of engineering staff, but we are happy to have a well working network of consulting specialists willing to assist. We gear ourselves to expand, but to remain a SME.
Services
Electromagnetic Design
We have experience in EMI/EMC design based on simulation, theory and practical case studies. We have successfuly designed several precision GNSS antenna elements and enclosures and can apply our knowledge in similar designs.
GNSS receivers
We develop precision, geodetic grade GNSS receivers based partially on DataGrid International, Inc. IP. Our experience in encompasses RF, analog, digital, power supply design and embedded computing resources programming. We have supplied several projects with such designs.
Prototyping and series production
We have capabilities for in-house populating of boards with fine pitch SMD components and we maintain relations with companies who provide from small to large volume populating. Our in-house lab manufactures test jigs for component characterization, evaluates and debugs prototypes and takes designs into service. We have access to measurement facilities for EMC/EMI and have an in-house climatic chamber.
Projects
Gutec participates in projects in order to keep updated with technologies and applications. We are either partners or providers of products and services.
Current projects
Some past projects
Operational R-Mode Baltic Sea System to support resilient navigation
Current reports on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) disturbances in the eastern Baltic Sea
show the vulnerability of transport modes that rely solely on GNSS. To increase the resilience of the
maritime transport and reduce the risk of using misleading information, national maritime
administrations in the Baltic Sea region and worldwide are looking for solutions to identify and
mitigate GNSS disruptions or deceptions. Following the IMO SOLAS Convention, the administrations
are requested to investigate and provide means to ensure provision of resilient position, navigation
and timing (PNT). Currently the administrations around the Baltic are pending to follow this request.
The ORMOBASS project aims to close this gap by extending the existing R-Mode Baltic test bed,
which was developed and implemented in the years 2017 to 2021, by core functionalities of an initial
operational R-Mode system. It will enable R-Mode based positioning for ships that sail from the
entrance of the Kiel Canal to the Gulf of Finland. The system consists of Medium Frequency (MF) and
Very high frequency Data Exchange System (VDES) R-Mode transmitters. It will be evaluated by
measurement campaigns in different Baltic Sea areas. A coordination group will be established within
the project to enable the continuous operation of the transnational terrestrial navigation system.
On the ship side, the development of a combined R-Mode and GNSS receiver is planned, which
enables the service providers to monitor the R-Mode performance out at sea and to measure MF
correction values to compensate propagation path errors when ships are sailing along the coastline.
This receiver will be integrated into a Portable Pilot Unit to support pilots with alternative PNT as
well. Furthermore, the receiver enables the detection of GNSS distortions by comparing R-Mode and
GNSS measurements. This information will be presented to the bridge staff and additionally fed into
a new developed coastal GNSS distortion monitoring system, that will combine such information with
shore side detected GNSS distortions in order to visualise an overview on the current GNSS
positioning performance and warn mariners in case of detected anomalies.
Further, the project plans to support the standardisation of MF and VDES R-Mode within IALA, IMO,
IEC and RTCM by providing information papers, drafts of standards and reports, which cover the
results of extensive measurement campaigns.
Link to the project site: ORMOBASS
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Safety of Connected Intelligent Vehicles in Smart Cities
This project aims at developing technical advances enabling automated driving in challenging urban scenario, for example at an intersection with vulnerable road users.
The project is running from 2019 to 2024.
Link to the project site: SafeSmart
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R-Mode Baltic
The project launches the development of a technical system that allows for safe ship navigation when the established Global Navigation Satellite Systems fail due to interference or jamming. The partners test broadcast signals transmitted via radio beacons and other existing infrastructure. This serves to develop prototypes for ranging mode transmitters and receivers. The Baltic Sea is the first operational test area for this technology worldwide.
Link to the project site: R-Mode Baltic
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R-Mode Baltic 2
The project is a continuation of R-Mode Baltic. Within the project test beds for the technologies used are deployed and further development of ranging devices takes place.
Link to the project site: R-Mode Baltic 2
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PRS-Gyro
We delivered electronics and sampling software to PRS-GYRO research consortium, a collaboration between Raytheon Anschütz, DSI and navXperience. The research project, supported by PTJ (Project Management Agency Jülich), aimed to develop a Galileo PRS (Public Regulated Service) receiver. The project was active in 2019-2021.
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eMC Hammer
A project under the leadership of Halmstad University aimed at improving antenna and EMC design with applications in industries with mixes of electronics, RF transmissions and tubings for fluids. The project ran 2017-2019 and was funded by The Knowledge Foundation.
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