ULS-XSpot-G3 Datasheet

ULSDC-PBDS190426 · version 0.1.6 · issued August 9, 2026
The numbered PDF is the controlled copy: download it from the portal.

Introduction

Purpose

The purpose of this datasheet is to provide a concise technical overview of the ULS-XSpot-G3 system, the third generation of the ULS-XSpot tethered drone precision positioning system. The document is intended to help customers, evaluators, and integrators understand the product role, key characteristics, and integration fit. Detailed interface definitions remain in the Interface Control Document.

Scope

This document is intended for system engineers, integrators, and developers preparing ULS-XSpot-G3 integration with tethered drone platforms and autopilot systems.

Intended Audience

This datasheet is intended for customers, sales engineers, system integrators, and technical evaluators.

Product Overview

ULS-XSpot-G3 combines a tether-compatible ground transmitter with 2 identical RXM onboard receivers and shares the ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM receiver platform with ULS-Heli-G3. The architecture supports redundant onboard sensing and MRX-based yaw estimation for tethered flight and landing support.

ULS-XSpot-G3 and ULS-Heli-G3 are built on the same HL/XS G3 platform and have the same optical, electrical, and communication characteristics. The single difference is the transmitter case: the ULSDV-XS-G3-TX has a centre through hole (47mm x 47mm) that lets the tether cable pass through the unit, so the transmitter can be mounted directly at the tether exit point.

Key Features

1. Generation 3 Architecture: Shared ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM receiver hardware with ULS-Heli-G3 for improved logistics and spares management
2. Tether-compatible transmitter: Centre through hole for tether cable routing without obstructing the optical emission field
3. Dual RXM receivers: 2 identical, equal-priority RXM units for redundancy and triangular yaw estimation in MRX mode
4. Pulsed IR optical link: 940nm pulsed emission from transmitter to receivers
5. RS422 Interface: Receiver outputs RS422; UART-only autopilots require the ULS-XX-UART-RS422 onboard adapter
6. PC Configuration via USB-RS422: Ground-side USB-to-RS422 adapter (ULS-XX-USB-RS422) used to connect transmitter to PC

System Applications

• Tethered drone landing and station-keeping support
• Relative positioning for tethered aircraft operations
• Integration with supported autopilot and mission systems

System Base Components

Transmitter (Ground Unit)

The ULS-XSpot-G3 transmitter (ULSDV-XS-G3-TX) is the ground-side unit that emits the optical IR positioning field. It uses the same optical, electrical, and communication design as the ULS-Heli-G3 transmitter (ULSDV-HL-G3-TX); the only difference is a through hole in the centre of the case that allows the tether cable to pass through the unit.

• Device code: ULSDV-XS-G3-TX
• Primary function: Optical IR field emission for precision positioning
• Optical emission parameters: 940nm, pulsed
• Tether-compatible design: centre through hole (47 x 47 mm) for tether cable passage

Figure: ULSDV-XS-G3-TX Transmitter

Receiver (Onboard Unit)

The ULS-XSpot-G3 uses the shared ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM receiver unit, identical to the one used in ULS-Heli-G3.

• Device code: ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM
• Primary function: Optical IR field sensor for precision positioning
• Optical central wavelength: 940nm

System architecture uses 2 identical RXM receiver units operating with the same priority.

Both RXM units are used for redundancy and for yaw orientation estimation using a triangular method in MRX mode.

Figure: ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM Receiver

RS422–UART Onboard Adapter

When the autopilot has only a UART interface, the ULSDV-HLXS-G3 RS422-to-UART adapter (ULS-XX-UART-RS422) is used onboard to connect the ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM receiver to the autopilot.

Figure: ULS-XX-UART-RS422 Onboard Adapter

USB–RS422 Ground Adapter

The ULS-XX-USB-RS422 adapter is used on the ground to connect the ULSDV-XS-G3-TX transmitter to a PC for configuration and control.

Figure: ULS-XX-USB-RS422 Ground Adapter

System Wiring Schematics

Figure: HL/XS G3 Ground-Side Wiring Schematic

Figure: HL/XS G3 Onboard Wiring Schematic

Part Numbering

Table: Part Numbering

System Specifications

Table: Common Specification

Table: ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM Receiver Specifications Both RXM units (Set A and Set B) are the same hardware and share the specification above.

Table: ULSDV-XS-G3-TX Transmitter (Ground) Specifications

Interface Summary

The ULS-XSpot-G3 system uses optical, RS422, CAN, USB, and adapter-assisted UART connectivity depending on subsystem role and host platform capability.

• Transmitter to receiver: optical IR link, 940nm pulsed
• Transmitter to control PC: USB to RS422 adapter path
• Receiver to host system: native RS422, CAN, USB, or adapter-assisted UART

For connector, pinout, signal, and protocol definitions, refer to ULSDC-PBICD190426-ULS-XSpot-G3-ICD.

Mechanical Dimensions

Table: Mechanical Dimensions

Figure: ULSDV-XS-G3-TX Projection Views (Color)

Figure: ULSDV-XS-G3-TX Transmitter Dimensions

Figure: ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM Projection Views (Color)

Figure: ULSDV-HLXS-G3-RXM Receiver Dimensions

Packaging Information

Table: Packaging Information

Environmental Conditions

Equipment is designed to meet stringent military and maritime operational requirements, providing reliable performance in the most demanding environmental conditions including shipboard operations, offshore platforms, and tactical deployments.

Operating Temperature Range

• Extended operating range: -40°C to +85°C
• Meets MIL-STD-810 requirements for temperature extremes
• Arctic to desert operations capability
• No performance degradation across full temperature range
• Qualified for rapid temperature transitions and thermal shock
• Cold-soak start capability from -40°C

Humidity and Salt Fog Resistance

• Relative humidity: Up to 95% (condensing)
• Salt fog resistant per MIL-STD-810 Method 509
• Maritime environment qualified for shipboard operations
• Corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings
• Protected against salt spray and marine atmosphere
• Suitable for offshore platform installations

Ingress Protection

• IP67 rated (Dust tight and water immersion resistant)
  • 6 - Complete protection against dust, sand, and particulate ingress
  • 7 - Protected against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes)
• Exceeds requirements for shipboard and maritime operations
• Protected against:
  • Heavy rain and sea spray
  • Temporary submersion (deck washing, wave impact)
  • Sand and dust storms
  • Contaminated environments

Shock and Vibration

• Vibration: MIL-STD-810 Method 514
  • Helicopter vibration profile qualified
  • Shipboard vibration and shock resistant
  • Continuous operation during vibration
• Mechanical Shock: MIL-STD-810 Method 516
  • Drop and impact qualified
  • Transportation and handling shock resistant
  • Crash survival design considerations

Electromagnetic Compatibility

• EMI/EMC: MIL-STD-461 compliant
  • Electromagnetic interference immunity
  • Low electromagnetic emissions
  • RF coexistence with military avionics
  • Lightning protection per MIL-STD-464
• ESD Protection: IEC 61000-4-2
  • Contact discharge: ±8kV
  • Air discharge: ±15kV

Storage Conditions

• Storage temperature: -55°C to +85°C
• Relative humidity: Up to 95% (condensing)
• Long-term storage in uncontrolled environments
• Sealed for preservation and long-term depot storage

Altitude and Pressure

• Operating altitude: -500m to +4500m above sea level
• Storage altitude: -500m to +12000m
• Pressure differential resistant
• Suitable for high-altitude helicopter operations

Maintenance and Serviceability

• Designed for field maintenance and repair
• Minimal preventive maintenance required
• Accessible components for service and inspection
• Environmental seals serviceable in the field
• Long service intervals suitable for deployed operations

Note: All environmental specifications are subject to final qualification testing. Contact UAVLAS for the most current test data and certification documentation. Custom environmental testing and certification to specific standards available upon request.

Optical Radiation Safety (IR Emission)

The transmitter (ground unit) emits pulsed infrared optical radiation with a centre wavelength of 940nm. The receivers are optical sensors only and do not emit optical radiation.

Why This Warning Is Given

Radiation at 940nm is outside the visible range. The protective mechanisms that limit exposure to bright visible sources — the blink reflex, pupil constriction, and the instinct to look away — are not triggered by an invisible source. Exposure time is therefore limited only by operator behaviour, which is why the precautions below are given as operating instructions and not left to the operator’s judgement.

The transmitter is a positioning beacon. It is not an illumination product and is not intended to be viewed at any time.

Operating Precautions

• Do not look directly into the transmitter emitter apertures from a distance of less than 1 metre while the unit is powered.
• Treat the transmitter as emitting whenever supply voltage is applied, including when no receiver is present and no positioning data is being transferred.
• Switch emission off before working directly in front of the transmitter. Use the Illumination parameter in ULS-Tools to disable emission, or disconnect supply power.
• Do not view the powered transmitter through binoculars, telescopes, camera lenses, magnifiers, or any other light-collecting instrument. Such optics concentrate the emission and can raise the exposure at the eye by orders of magnitude compared with unaided viewing.
• Do not add, remove, or modify optical elements of the transmitter. Added optics change the emission characteristics and invalidate any photobiological classification of the unit.
• Position the transmitter so that the emission field is directed away from work positions and walkways where personnel stay for extended periods.
• Servicing personnel working inside the emission field at close range should disable emission first rather than rely on viewing distance.

Classification and Applicable Standards

Table: Optical Radiation Safety Data

For a 940nm source the applicable exposure limits are the retinal thermal hazard (380nm to 1400nm), the retinal thermal hazard for a weak visual stimulus (780nm to 1400nm, which applies specifically to sources that give no visual cue), and the infrared hazard to the cornea and lens (780nm to 3000nm). The corneal and lens limits are intended for chronic exposures longer than 1000s at a daily averaged irradiance of 100 W/m² or more.

Organisations operating this equipment within the European Union are additionally subject to Directive 2006/25/EC on the exposure of workers to artificial optical radiation, which requires the employer to assess worker exposure against the exposure limit values given in Annex I of that directive. UAVLAS provides the emission data needed for that assessment on request.

Compliance and Standards

• Document classification and release control as defined in metadata
• Product-specific compliance statements to be finalized for release

Ordering Information

Use the part numbering section to identify system variants, subassemblies, and related accessories.

Change Control

All changes to this document must be reviewed and approved by the relevant technical leads and stakeholders

References

• ULSDC-PBICD190426-ULS-XSpot-G3-ICD
• ULSDC-PBOM190426-ULS-XSpot-G3-Operation-Manual