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VBOX 3i - GNSS Data Logger for Comprehensive Automotive Testing

Achieve precise brake testing, reliable ADAS sensor validation, and accurate high dynamic testing with VBOX 3i.

  • 100 Hz GPS / GLONASS receiver
  • RTK option for centimetre-level accuracy
  • Compatible with steering robots
  • Measure slip angle, pitch/roll angle and heading

The VBOX 3i is the industry standard data logger for automotive testing and validation.

We launched the first VBOX back in 2000 and our latest 100 Hz data logger, the VBOX 3i, combines all of our knowledge and experience into one box that enables you to conduct almost any automotive test with ease.

Available with a choice of single or dual antennas, or dual antennas with RTK, the VBOX 3i is extremely versatile and comes with free data analysis software with application specific plugins, making it quick and easy to conduct tests in real-time.

Key Features


100 Hz Update rate

Using the latest GPS / GLONASS receiver that updates 100 times per second, the VBOX 3i is ideal for high dynamic applications.

CAN Bus Input

Log up to 32 vehicle CAN channels simultaneously, or double this to 64 channels from two isolated CAN buses when using VBOX CAN Hub.

Brake Trigger

The VBOX 3i has a dedicated brake/event trigger input, that is oversampled to 25 ns for high distance accuracy, making it easy to test a vehicle's braking system.

Robot Compatibility

Compatible with popular steering robots from leading manufacturers AB Dynamics and VEHICO for Autonomous vehicle testing.

Real-time Testing

Connects to a laptop or tablet via USB, Bluetooth or Serial, making it easy to test in real-time, directly from the test vehicle.

IMU Integration

The VBOX 3i has the ability to utilise data from a VBOX IMU and uses a Kalman Filter to improve all parameters measured in real-time at 100 Hz.

Highly Versatile

Available in three different variants to suit all budgets and requirements - single antenna, dual antenna, or dual antenna with RTK.

Easy Configuration

All configuration can be done within the VBOX Setup software, including functionality that was previously only available via the VBOX Manager.

VBOX 3i Single Antenna

The VBOX 3i Single Antenna is extremely versatile and offers velocity accuracy of 0.1 km/h and brake distance accuracy of ±1.8 cm.

It is the industry standard data logger for performance, braking and tyre testing, thanks to its impressive accuracy and range of features along with an attractive price point. The VBOX 3i Single Antenna is easy to set up and use, which is why it is used by almost every vehicle and tyre manufacturer worldwide.

Brake & Tyre Testing

Using a brake pedal mounted trigger input, the VBOX 3i can measure the braking distance to within ±1.8 cm for a typical 100-0 km/h brake stop.

Performance Testing

The VBOX 3i is used by vehicle manufacturers for benchmarking, as well as Coastdown testing and validating a vehicle's performance.

Handling and Dynamics

Utilising two GPS/GLONASS antennas, the VBOX 3i Dual Antenna measures all of the normal GPS parameters, such as speed, position and distance, plus the direction both antennas are pointing and the angle between them.

VBOX 3i Dual Antenna

The VBOX 3i Dual Antenna offers the same impressive features as the Single Antenna variant, but also has a second GNSS Antenna, which means it can also measure vehicle body heading, slip angle and pitch or roll angle at 100 Hz.

The system is so accurate that it can even detect the difference a side wind makes to the slip angle measurement, a feat that even the very best inertial systems cannot currently replicate.

It is ideal for handling tests such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Lane Change and Tyre Testing where slip angle is required.


VBOX 3i RTK

The VBOX 3i Dual Antenna with RTK offers centimetre level position accuracy and multi-vehicle/ multi-target ADAS testing.

It is possible to connect our industry leading data logger to either an NTRIP modem or RTK DGNSS Base Station to receive correctional data. You can also install a VBOX 3i Dual Antenna with RTK in both the subject and target vehicle for ADAS testing, with measurements between each automatically calculated in real-time and transmitted via radio.

ADAS Testing

It is quick and easy to test a number of different ADAS applications using the VBOX 3i Dual Antenna with RTK, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Park Assist.

Autonomous Vehicle Testing

The VBOX 3i Dual Antenna with RTK is ideal for Autonomous Vehicle testing and is compatible with VEHICO & AB Dynamics steering robots, offering highly accurate and repeatable path following.

RTK Positioning Correction Service

We offer flexible options to access the Topnet Live GNSS Positioning Correction Service within Europe with the purchase of any RTK enabled VBOX test solution.

Test in areas with poor satellite coverage

VBOX 3i ADAS offers IMU integration, which means you can reliably test in areas with limited or no satellite coverage, such as tunnels, deep urban canyons and test tracks with heavy tree lining.

The VBOX 3i ADAS's GNSS receiver provides highly accurate measurements of position, velocity and distance in areas with a clear view of the sky. However, as you start to lose visibility of the satellites in built-up or obscured areas, the accuracy of the data typically starts to drift.

By combining wheel speed data from the vehicle's CAN bus with GNSS and Inertial data from a VBOX IMU, the VBOX 3i ADAS can maintain the accuracy of the estimated speed and position, even when you lose satellite signal.

Technical Specifications


Please note that all specifications refer to the latest hardware version (V5), IMU04 ready.

Velocity

Accuracy
0.1 km/h (averaged over 4 samples)
Units
km/h or mph
Update rate
100 Hz
Maximum velocity
1000 mph
Minimum velocity
0.1 km/h
Resolution
0.01 km/h
Latency
20 ms

Distance

Accuracy
0.05 % (<50 cm per km)
Units
m or ft
Update rate
100 Hz
Resolution
1 cm

Brake Stop

Accuracy
±1.8 cm

Acceleration

Accuracy
0.50%
Maximum
20 g
Update rate
100 Hz
Resolution
0.01 g

Heading

Accuracy
0.1°
Resolution
0.01°

Absolute Positioning (RMS)

Accuracy (Standalone)
V: 1.8 m; H: 1.2 m*
Accuracy with SBAS
V: 1.2 m; H: 0.8 m*
Accuracy with DGPS
V: 0.5 m; H: 0.3 m*
Update rate
100 Hz
Resolution
1.8 mm

*Specifications will vary depending on the number of satellites used, obstructions, satellite geometry (PDOP), multipath effects, and atmospheric conditions. For maximum system accuracy, always follow best practices for GNSS data collection.

Absolute Positioning (RMS)

Accuracy with RTK
V: 10 mm; H: 5 mm*
Accuracy with DGPS
V: 0.5 m; H: 0.3 m*
Accuracy with SBAS
V: 1.2 m; H: 0.8 m*
Accuracy (Standalone)
V: 1.8 m; H: 1.2 m*
Update rate
100 Hz
Resolution
1.8 mm

*Specifications will vary depending on the number of satellites used, obstructions, satellite geometry (PDOP), multipath effects, and atmospheric conditions. For maximum system accuracy, always follow best practices for GNSS data collection.

Pitch/Roll Angle Accuracy

0.5 m Antenna Separation
<0.14° rms
1 m Antenna Separation
<0.07° rms
1.5 m Antenna Separation
<0.047° rms
2 m Antenna Separation
<0.035° rms
2.5 m Antenna Separation
<0.028° rms

Slip Angle Accuracy

0.5 m Antenna Separation
<0.2° rms
1 m Antenna Separation
<0.1° rms
1.5 m Antenna Separation
<0.067° rms
2 m Antenna Separation
<0.05° rms
2.5 m Antenna Separation
<0.04° rms

More VBOX 3i specifications:

More VBOX 3i Dual Antenna specifications:

More VBOX 3i RTK specifications:

Free Data Analysis Software


All VBOX 3i data loggers come with free data analysis software, making it easy to test in real-time.

VBOX Test Suite

Our user-friendly, intuitive data analysis software comes pre-loaded with application specific plugins that make it quick and easy to conduct ADAS, Braking, Coastdown, Pass-By Noise, Performance and Tyre tests.

  • Over 25 application specific plugins
  • Live and post-event data analysis
  • Create your own custom tests
  • Customisable layout
  • Easily create charts, tables and reports
  • Analyse data sets simultaneously

Add-ons and Accessories


The VBOX NTRIP Modem allows a VBOX 3i RTK to receive positional correction data via Network RTK, without having to use a VBOX Base Station.
The VBOX DGNSS RTK Base Station is designed to improve positional accuracy by calculating and transmitting differential correction data.
The VBOX IMU provides highly accurate measurements of pitch, roll, and yaw rate using three rate gyros, as well as x, y, z acceleration via three accelerometers.
The VBOX Pedal Force Sensor and Event Marker Interface makes it easy to test a vehicle's Braking and Braking Assist Systems in accordance to SAE and ECE standards.
The VBOX Multi-Function Display is designed to show a large number of different variables and performance results on a clear backlit LCD display.
Doubles VBOX 3i module channel capture from 32 to 64, allows CAN input capture via two isolated CAN inputs and offers dedicated ports for RTK connection, serial radios, MFD or VBOX Manager.

How does it work

GPS Accuracy

How do you derive velocity, distance, position & vehicle body attitudes from GPS? Which factors are crucial in producing accurate measurements for vehicle testing?

Increased Accuracy with RTK

What is Real Time Kinematic (RTK)? How do you increase the accuracy of GPS signals using RTK? What are the limitations?

Measuring Attitude Angles

How do you measure true heading, yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal velocity, slip angle and pitch angle with a twin antenna setup?