GPS World

Tag: CRPA systems

  • Realism in chamber-based CRPA testing

    Realism in chamber-based CRPA testing

    Spirent Federal Systems, a PNT simulation company, offers its government customers and contractors a unique solution for anechoic-chamber-based CRPA testing: a patented “zoned chamber” approach using multi-output, multi-constellation GNSS signal simulators to emulate the movement of satellites in orbit.

    To address the limits of a standard anechoic chamber, Spirent has created independent zones configured to represent the real-world sky view, using genuine constellations and improved satellite azimuth and elevation arrival angles. Test scenarios can be multi-constellation and multi-frequency with customizable time, date and duration — now lasting hours instead of minutes.

    Because scenarios are valid for longer time periods without sacrificing realism, the zoned chamber is effective for validating all aspects of the CRPA system including beamforming, null steering and space-frequency adaptive processing/space-time adaptive processing (SFAP/STAP). CRPA systems with inertial sensors can be tested with static and dynamic scenarios using a positioner within the chamber.

    Additionally, to account for multipath and signal obscuration, Spirent has integrated a 3D environment modeling tool which generates all the variables of a multipath-rich environment in real time, including ground reflection. Interference sources such as jammers and spoofers can be added anywhere in the chamber and concurrently simulated with the GNSS signals. Authorized users can also test classified RF signals such as MNSA M-code and Y-code.

    “Spirent Federal’s goal is to get new technologies to U.S. warfighters at a speed that outpaces near-peer threats,” said Jeff Martin, vice president of Sales. “The realism of our patented zoned chamber allows advanced CRPA systems to be deployed faster with confidence they will perform in GPS-contested environments.”

    Illustration of a simulated test environment incorporating GNSS, multipath and jamming in a Spirent zoned chamber. (Image: Spirent Federal)
    Illustration of a simulated test environment incorporating GNSS, multipath and jamming in a Spirent zoned chamber. (Image: Spirent Federal)
  • US Air Force procures Orolia’s CRPA testing solution

    US Air Force procures Orolia’s CRPA testing solution

    Orolia Defense & Security, provider of software-defined simulation solutions for navigation warfare, will supply a BroadSim Wavefront to the U.S. Air Force Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF). BroadSim Wavefront is an innovative, Skydel-powered advanced GNSS simulator.

    The BroadSim Wavefront simulator from Orolia Defense & Security. (Photo: Orolia)
    The BroadSim Wavefront simulator from Orolia Defense & Security. (Photo: Orolia)

    The GWEF provides laboratory testing and simulation tools for developing precision-guided weapon technology, including a comprehensive scope of GPS plus inertial navigation systems (INS) and integrated components such as sensors, signals of opportunity and controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPAs). CRPAs are fundamental in many platforms due to their enhanced protection against electronic attacks in NAVWAR environments.

    The Broadsim Wavefront simulator will be integrated into a test environment for networked, collaborative and autonomous weapon systems being developed under the Golden Horde program. Golden Horde is one of four Air Force Vanguard programs designed to rapidly advance emerging weapons systems and warfighting concepts through prototype and experimentation.

    Of the several capabilities the GWEF required, features such as low-latency hardware-in-the-loop, automated calibration, and the flexibility to quickly integrate future signals and sensors were the most critical and serve as a key reason Orolia’s BroadSim Wavefront was selected. The system will also be capable of testing eight-element CRPA systems, eight simultaneous fixed radiation pattern antenna systems (FRPA), or a combination of CRPA and FRPA systems.

    “When designing BroadSim Wavefront, we re-imagined every aspect for the user,” said Tyler Hohman, director of products for Orolia Defense & Security. “Though the GWEF unit contains eight nodes (corresponding to each antenna element), it can be scaled from four to 16 antenna elements. One of the greatest advancements is our continuous phase monitoring and compensation technique. It automatically monitors, aligns and adjusts the phase of each RF output continuously throughout the duration of a scenario.”

    “Gone are the days of re-calibrating each frequency on your system, limiting your scenario duration or re-calibration every time you power cycle your system,” Hohman said. “Simply turn the system on, start the scenario, and your Wavefront system phase aligns and remains aligned for the entirety of the test.”

    Leveraging the Skydel Simulation Engine, BroadSim Wavefront also supports high-dynamics, MNSA M-code, alternative RF navigation, open-source inertial measurement unit (IMU) plug-ins and a 1000-Hz iteration update rate.

    “Because of the software-defined architecture, many upgrades don’t require additional hardware, which has been a crucial advantage for customers who are already using this solution,” Hohman said.

  • BAE Systems chooses Spirent Federal CRPA test system

    BAE Systems chooses Spirent Federal CRPA test system

    For controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) testing and M-code testing for military GPS receivers

    Image: Spirent Federal
    Image: Spirent Federal

    BAE Systems has selected Spirent Federal Systems to provide a CRPA Test System to support M-code military GPS technology development.

    BAE Systems is developing an advanced military GPS receiver and improving the capabilities of size-constrained and power-constrained military GPS applications, including precision-guided munitions and handheld devices.

    Spirent Federal is qualified to provide essential test equipment and support in the pursuit of resilient, accurate PNT data in GPS-degraded Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) situations, Spirent stated in a press release.

    The Spirent CRPA Test System is a development of its GSS9000 Series platform. It can test

    • controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPAs)
    • MNSA and AES M-code
    • jamming and spoofing threats and mitigation
    • ultra-high-dynamic vehicle applications
    • inertial navigation systems
    • additional encrypted military signals, Y-code and SAASM
    • and more

    CRPAs provide proven and effective protection against jamming in high-interference environments. The Spirent CRPA Test System can simulate 16+ individual elements with a separate RF output per antenna element.

    For the 16-element test system, concurrent simulation of GNSS signals, signals from spoofers and repeaters, and interference from multiple jammers — including Blue Force Electronic Attack (BFEA) jamming waveforms — results in more than 1,000 simultaneous independent channels and signals simulated across a phase-calibrated precise wavefront.

    “The CRPA Test System is the culmination of over 35 years of R&D and industry leadership and is perfectly positioned to help with next-generation MGUE modernization,” said Ellen Hall, president/CEO of Spirent Federal. “Our robust M-code test capabilities support BAE Systems’ advances in M-code technology.”

    Spirent can provide GNSS and interference signal simulation solutions for every stage in the CRPA design and verification process. To learn more, visit Spirent Federal’s CRPA Test System page.

  • US military chooses Spirent for anechoic chamber testing

    US military chooses Spirent for anechoic chamber testing

    Spirent Federal Systems has been awarded a contract to support anechoic chamber testing for a major U.S. military agency.

    Spirent’s GSS9790 multi-output, multi-GNSS RF constellation wave-front simulator will be used as the signal generator attached to multiple transmission antennas for broadcast into the chambers.

    Within this design, the antennas are structurally distributed to represent the correct arrival vectors of the simulated satellite signals on the device under test, creating the most realistic test environment possible. In addition, the GSS9790 supports interference sources located anywhere in the chamber to imitate different threat scenarios.

    Image: Spirent
    Image: Spirent

    “Interference can threaten GNSS signals in multiple ways,” explained Jeff Martin, VP Sales. “We recognize the need for controlled, repeatable conditions to combat these threats. The GSS9790 delivers all the tools needed to successfully mitigate them.”

    The GSS9790 simulator. (Photo: Spirent)
    The GSS9790 simulator. (Photo: Spirent)

    The Spirent GSS9790 supports classified Y-code, SAASM and M-code and can be found in key government labs across the country.

    The Spirent GSS9790 enables verification of CRPA systems, spatial testing of single-antenna devices, and real-world-time-synchronized indoor GNSS implementations. The system is a development of the Spirent GSS9000. Combined with Spirent’s SimGEN software, it offers a powerful test platform for anti-jam and interference testing.