Overview
IEC 61108-2:1998 is an international standard focused on shipborne receiver equipment for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) used in maritime navigation. Published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard outlines the minimum performance requirements, testing methods, and required test results for GLONASS receivers onboard ships. Based on guidelines including IMO Resolution MSC.53(66), it ensures navigation equipment supports safe and accurate position determination using signals from the Russian GLONASS satellite constellation. Implementation of IEC 61108-2 improves navigational reliability and interoperability across a wide range of maritime operations.
Key Topics
- Minimum Performance Standards: Specifies the baseline performance characteristics for GLONASS receiver equipment including static and dynamic accuracy requirements, acquisition times, and environmental resilience.
- Testing and Test Results: Details standardized methods for testing receivers. Includes procedures for verifying positional accuracy, signal acquisition, electromagnetic compatibility, and robustness against power or signal interruptions.
- Equipment Requirements: Defines essential components such as the receiving antenna, data processing unit, input/output interfaces, and display mechanisms for accurate position reporting and data sharing.
- Interoperability and Data Output: Mandates that receivers are compatible with international maritime communication protocols (e.g., IEC 61162-1) and can output data in formats suitable for other navigation and safety systems.
Applications
IEC 61108-2:1998 is essential for manufacturers, marine authorities, and ship operators who deploy or maintain GNSS navigation systems, specifically those leveraging GLONASS technology. Typical applications include:
- Commercial Shipping: Ensures vessel navigation equipment can reliably determine position using GLONASS, which supports route planning, collision avoidance, and operational safety.
- Integrated Bridge Systems: Facilitates integration of GLONASS data into modern navigation displays and control systems by requiring interoperability and standardized output formats.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assists shipowners and equipment vendors in meeting international and national safety standards, especially where carriage of GNSS-receiver equipment is mandated.
- Retrofit Projects: Standardizes testing and performance expectations for updating or replacing older navigation receivers with GLONASS-capable units.
Related Standards
For robust maritime navigation and radiocommunication solutions, IEC 61108-2 is often used in conjunction with the following standards and resolutions:
- IEC 60945: Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment - General requirements, methods of testing, and required test results.
- IEC 61162-1: Digital interfaces for navigation and radiocommunication equipment for the exchange of navigation and sensor data.
- IEC 60721-3-6: Environmental conditions classification for ship environments.
- IMO Resolutions:
- MSC.53(66): Performance standards for GLONASS shipborne receivers.
- A.529(13): Standards of accuracy for navigational equipment.
- A.694(17): General requirements for shipborne radio and electronic navigational aids.
- A.815(19): Guidelines for world-wide radionavigation systems.
- ITU-R M.823-2: Technical characteristics of differential GNSS data transmissions.
Practical Value
Adhering to IEC 61108-2:1998 streamlines the approval and acceptance of GLONASS-based marine navigation solutions, fosters cross-vendor compatibility, and supports international maritime safety objectives. Manufacturers gain clear criteria for product development, testing, and performance assurance, while ship operators benefit from reliable, standardized navigation data, contributing to safer and more efficient voyages worldwide.
Deploying GLONASS-compliant equipment in line with this standard is crucial as maritime operations expand and GNSS infrastructure becomes more integrated and diverse.