1. Product Overview & Core Positioning
The DPS112 is a high-performance DGNSS sensor designed specifically for marine environments where availability, reliability, and precision are paramount-19. Unlike conventional GPS-only systems, the DPS112 combines GPS L1/L2 and GLONASS L1/L2 signals with Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) capabilities, delivering superior performance even in challenging signal environments-18-19.
The sensor is equipped with a built-in L-band receiver supporting the Fugro Seastar G2/SGG service, enabling worldwide sub-meter to decimeter-level position accuracy independent of distance from reference stations-19-18. An embedded keypad and display allow for easy system configuration and status monitoring directly on the unit, while an optional external display unit provides an intuitive graphical interface tailored for DP operations-18.
2. Core Technology & Satellite Constellation
2.1 Combined GPS + GLONASS Receiver
The DPS112 features a combined GPS L1/L2 and GLONASS L1/L2 receiver-18-3. The addition of GLONASS significantly increases satellite coverage and system availability—a critical advantage in obstructed environments such as harbours, offshore structures, or regions with challenging signal tracking conditions-19. This dual-constellation capability greatly enhances performance compared to traditional single-constellation DGPS systems-19.
2.2 Multi-Source Differential Corrections
The DPS112 supports multiple differential correction sources, ensuring maximum flexibility and redundancy-:
- Seastar G2/SGG Service: A global satellite-based augmentation system providing consistent sub-meter accuracy worldwide, independent of local reference stations-19
- SBAS: Regional services including WAAS (Americas), EGNOS (Europe), GAGAN (India), and MSAS (Japan)-19-3
- IALA DGPS: Local beacon-based differential corrections-19-18
- RTCM Input: Optional standard RTCM SC-104 correction input via serial port-18-3
The DPS112 can supplement Seastar corrections with regional SBAS and local IALA DGPS corrections, offering unprecedented flexibility in correction source selection-19.
3. Accuracy & Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Global DGNSS Accuracy (Seastar G2/SGG) | < 1 m (95% CEP)-19-1 |
| Regional Accuracy (SBAS) | 1 – 2 m (95% CEP)-19-1 |
| Regional Accuracy (IALA DGPS) | 1 – 3 m (95% CEP)-19-1 |
| High-Precision Mode (Seastar G2) | < 10 cm (95% CEP)-3 |
| Velocity Accuracy | < 0.05 m/s (95% CEP)-3 |
| Output Rate | 1 Hz (standard); configurable up to 10 Hz-3 |
| Cold Start | < 60 seconds-3 |
| Warm Start | < 30 seconds-3 |
Accuracy specifications are based on real-life tests conducted under low multipath conditions with an open view to the sky-19.
4. Interfaces & Connectivity
The DPS112 offers comprehensive connectivity options for seamless integration into existing marine systems-19:
- 3× Serial Ports: Two for NMEA output, one for RTCM correction input; RS-232 or RS-422 selectable with galvanic isolation-3-1
- 1× Ethernet/LAN Interface: For network connectivity and system integration-18-3
- 3× USB Ports: For easy software updates and configuration-18-3
- Data Output Formats: NMEA 0183 v3.0 (GGA, GLL, GSA, GST, GSV, VER, VTG, ZDA); SNMP v2.0 for alarm status-3
- Configurable Output: For external interfaces and custom applications-18
5. Power & Environmental Specifications
Power Requirements
- Processing Unit: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz, max 60W-3–
- GNSS Antenna: 5V DC (powered from unit)-3
- IALA Antenna: 10.2V DC-3
- Spotbeam Antenna: 12V DC-3
Environmental Tolerance
| Component | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| DPS112 Unit | -15°C to +55°C (recommended +5°C to +40°C)-1-3 |
| GNSS Antenna | -40°C to +85°C-1-3 |
| IALA Antenna | -55°C to +55°C-1-3 |
| Spotbeam Antenna | -30°C to +70°C-1-3 |
- Humidity: Max 95% RH non-condensing-3
- Vibration & EMC: Compliant with IEC 60945/EN 60945 maritime standards-3
- Safety: IEC 61010-1/EN 61010-1 (LVD)-3
6. Physical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processing Unit Dimensions | 89 mm × 444 mm × 357 mm (W × H × D)-3– |
| Processing Unit Weight | 5.8 kg-3– |
| GNSS Antenna | 69 mm × 185 mm; 0.5 kg-3 |
| IALA Antenna | 0.78 kg-3 |
| Spotbeam Antenna | 1.4 kg-3 |
7. Key Features at a Glance
- Combined GPS L1/L2, GLONASS L1/L2, and SBAS receiver-18
- Built-in L-band receiver with Fugro Seastar G2/SGG capability-18
- IALA beacon capability-18
- Optional standard RTCM correction input-18
- Embedded keypad and display for on-unit configuration-18
- Ethernet interface for network integration-18
- Easy software updates via USB-18
- Configurable output for external interfaces-18
- Optional external DPS Display Unit with graphical DP-tailored interface-18
8. Typical Applications
The DPS112 is a cost-effective DGNSS solution designed for users where availability and reliability are critical-19:
- Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems: Primary position reference for DP-equipped vessels--3
- Offshore Support Vessels: Platform supply vessels, anchor handlers-19
- Workboats: Survey vessels, crew transfer vessels-19
- Marine Surveys: Hydrographic and geophysical survey operations-3
- Oceanographic Research: Research vessels and oceanographic platforms-
- Oil & Gas Operations: Offshore drilling and production support-
9. Product Status & Legacy
Please note: The KONGSBERG DPS112 has been discontinued by the manufacturer-18-. While no longer in active production, Kongsberg continues to provide relevant product information and support documentation-18. The DPS112 remains available through aftermarket channels and is widely supported in the field, making it a viable option for legacy system maintenance and replacement.
Conclusion
The KONGSBERG DPS112 represents a benchmark in marine DGNSS sensing technology. By combining dual-constellation GPS/GLONASS reception, multi-source differential correction capability, and rugged maritime-grade construction, it delivers the precision, reliability, and availability that dynamic positioning and offshore operations demand. Whether deployed as the primary position reference for a DP system or as a critical navigation sensor for survey vessels, the DPS112 exemplifies Kongsberg’s commitment to excellence in marine automation and positioning technology.
