GNSS Inertial Navigation System (VN-200)

The VectorNav GNSS Inertial Navigation System (VN-200) is a compact GNSS-aided inertial navigation system that delivers accurate position, velocity, and orientation data in dynamic environments. Available in both SMD and rugged housed versions, the VN-200 is ideal for UAVs, autonomous vehicles, marine platforms, and defence systems requiring reliable navigation in a small form factor.

High-Performance GNSS/INS Navigation for Dynamic Platforms

The VectorNav VN-200 is a high-performance GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (GNSS/INS) designed for applications that require accurate position, velocity, and orientation in dynamic environments. It combines precision inertial sensors with an onboard multi-constellation GNSS receiver and advanced Kalman filtering.

As a result, the VN-200 delivers reliable navigation data even during vibration, rapid motion, or short GNSS outages. It is well suited to UAVs, autonomous vehicles, marine platforms, robotics, and defence systems where size, weight, and performance must be carefully balanced.

The VN-200 is available in two form factors:

  • VN-200 SMD for embedded OEM designs

  • VN-200 Rugged (CR) for field-ready and harsh environments


Key Benefits of VectorNav GNSS Inertial Navigation System (VN-200)

  • True GNSS/INS navigation: Outputs position, velocity, and attitude in real time

  • High navigation accuracy: Advanced Extended Kalman Filter with dynamic alignment

  • Dual form-factor options: SMD for PCB integration or rugged housed module

  • Fast update rates: Up to 400 Hz navigation and 800 Hz IMU data

  • Calibrated and temperature compensated: Factory calibration from -40 °C to +85 °C

  • Designed for motion: Performs well under vibration and dynamic conditions

 

FeatureVN-200 SMDVN-200 Rugged (CR)
Form factorSurface-mount embedded moduleSealed metal enclosure
MountingSoldered directly to PCBChassis or plate mounted
Environmental protectionSystem-level enclosure requiredRugged, environmentally sealed housing
Best suited forOEM drones, robotics, embedded systemsField deployment, vehicles, defence platforms
Navigation performanceSame GNSS/INS core and algorithmsSame GNSS/INS core and algorithms

Which VN-200 Version Is Right for Your Project?

Choose VN-200 SMD when you need an embedded GNSS/INS for PCB-level integration in UAVs, robotics and OEM navigation systems.
Choose VN-200 Rugged (CR) for fielded platforms, vehicles, marine systems and defence applications where environmental protection and ease of installation are critical.

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Where the VN-200 Fits in Your System

The VN-200 provides full GNSS-aided inertial navigation for systems that must know their position, velocity and orientation during motion. Because it combines inertial sensors with an onboard GNSS receiver and advanced sensor fusion, it continues to deliver reliable navigation data even during short GNSS outages.

For example, the VN-200 can:

  • Provide real-time position, velocity and attitude to UAV flight control and guidance systems.
  • Support autonomous ground vehicles with continuous navigation during motion.
  • Deliver navigation data for marine platforms, including heading and motion tracking.
  • Improve stability and accuracy for mobile mapping, surveying and sensor payloads.

Quick Use-Case Table

Use CaseWhy the VN-200 Helps
UAV navigation & guidanceGNSS/INS fusion delivers stable position, velocity and attitude during flight.
Autonomous ground vehiclesProvides continuous navigation data during movement and vibration.
Marine navigationAccurate heading, motion and position for surface and near-shore platforms.
Surveying & mobile mappingReliable navigation improves LiDAR, camera and sensor alignment.

Why Choose the VN-200 GNSS Inertial Navigation System?

Many systems need more than orientation alone — they need accurate, real-time navigation.
The VN-200 delivers this by combining calibrated inertial sensors with an integrated GNSS receiver and advanced onboard filtering.  As a result, you get reliable position, velocity and attitude data without needing to build your own sensor fusion solution.

Related Categories

All values below are taken from the official VN-200 SMD and VN-200 CR datasheets and should be confirmed before ordering.

ParameterSpecification
Sensor type3-axis gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers + GNSS
Navigation outputsPosition, velocity, attitude (GNSS/INS)
IMU update rateUp to 800 Hz
Navigation update rateUp to 400 Hz
Dynamic heading accuracy (INS)0.2° (1σ)
Dynamic roll/pitch accuracy0.03° (1σ)
Horizontal position accuracy~1.0 m RMS (GNSS aided)
Vertical position accuracy~1.5 m RMS (GNSS aided)
Gyroscope range±2000 °/s
Accelerometer range±16 g
GNSS supportGPS, Galileo, SBAS (model dependent)
Operating temperature-40 °C to +85 °C
InterfacesUART, SPI, CAN, USB (variant dependent)

Core Navigation Features

  • GNSS-aided inertial navigation with real-time sensor fusion

  • Automatic alignment and dynamic initialisation

  • Real-time gyro and accelerometer bias tracking

  • Raw GNSS, IMU, and fused navigation outputs

Mechanical & Environmental Features

  • Compact SWaP design for mobile platforms

  • Designed for vibration-rich environments

  • Rugged option available for outdoor and defence use

Integration & Development

  • Common VectorNav communication protocol

  • Compatible with VectorNav Control Center software

  • Supports external aiding and time synchronization

UAVs & Aerospace

  • UAV navigation and guidance

  • Aerial mapping and photogrammetry

  • Payload stabilisation

Autonomous Vehicles & Robotics

  • Autonomous ground vehicles (UGVs)

  • Mobile robotics and AGVs

  • SLAM and navigation research

Marine & Defence

  • Marine navigation and heave estimation

  • Defence platforms and unmanned systems

  • Antenna and sensor alignment

Survey & Mapping

  • LiDAR mapping

  • Mobile surveying platforms

Q1. Is the VN-200 a full navigation system?

Yes. The VN-200 is a true GNSS-aided inertial navigation system that outputs position, velocity, and attitude.

Q2. What is the difference between VN-200 and VN-110?

The VN-200 adds an onboard GNSS receiver, allowing it to output full navigation solutions, while the VN-110 is an IMU/AHRS only.

Q3. Does the VN-200 work during GNSS dropouts?

Yes. The inertial navigation system continues to propagate navigation states during short GNSS outages.

Q4. Should I choose SMD or Rugged?

Choose SMD for embedded OEM designs. Choose Rugged for field deployment and harsh environments.

Product Resources

If you need help selecting the right configuration or integrating the VN-200, please contact us.  Metromatics provides local engineering support in Australia.