Signal sampling methods
All GPR systems need to sample analog signals from the antenna and digitize them for processing and display. The sampling method, as well as the rate at which samples are taken, can significantly affect the quality of results. Therefore, the sampling rate is an important specification that determines system performance.

Traditionally, GPR systems have utilized a technique called equivalent time-sampling, which requires a new pulse to be sent from the transmitting antenna for every sample recorded on the receiver end. We refer to systems using this method as "conventional GPR".

RTS - Real-time sampling
Modern designs and new components now make it possible to use a technique called real-time sampling (RTS). RTS is the method that Impulse Radar uses in all its designs. As there name implies, it means that the "real" signal is captured directly and in sharp contrast to conventional systems, it does not require repetition of transmission-recording cycle, The rest is a GPR system that gathers data thousands (1,000x) of times faster than a conventional GPR system.

RTS Technology provides thousands of stacks of data which dramatically reduces the background noise levels providing greater depth of penetration. This can be achieved without sacrificing speed of data collection, unlike some other competitive systems. E.g., the Raptor array setup can achieve these results at speeds of up to 80 MPH. Therefore the PinPointR push cart has no limitations, thus requiring no need to monitor how fast one should collect data. Other systems utilizing similar stacking techniques require very slow walking speeds and may even need to employ a means of monitoring to slow the user down if necessary.

Simplicity
An RTS system does not require the control unit that is central to the configuration of conventional GPR systems. Consequently, there are less cables and inter-module communications, making the RTS system more practical and field friendly. Not having a dedicated control/display unit is much less to go wrong and much less costly to replace.

Penetration depth/sensitivity
Since an RTS system collects data much faster, the collection rate is used to lower the system noise floor, which effectively increases the signal penetration depth. To our knowledge a true 16-bit data has never been gathered with conventional GPR systems, whereas an TRS based system may easily exceed 20-bit.

Survey speed
While conventional systems can rarely be used at speeds higher than 50 km/h (w/o increasing the point distance), an RTS system may be used at virtually any speed. This equates to quicker surveys and more importantly for searching for utilities on busy intersections, users can quickly scan an area as fast as needed to avoid oncoming traffic, making it a much safer GPR for utility locators.