Tag: LabSat

Racelogic updates Labsat’s SatGen software to simulate L2C and L5
Racelogic has announced a major update to its SatGen simulation software for use with the LabSat 3 Wideband simulator.

The LabSat 3 GNSS simulator. (Photo: Racelogic)

The software now includes simulation of the L2C and L5 GPS signals, meaning that SatGen V3 can be used to create one scenario containing all 13 signals from GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou constellations, the company said.

The simulation accuracy has also been improved — for example, most of the GPS pseudorange residuals are now sub-meter.

Signals that can be simulated simultaneously with SatGen V3 Wideband include:
- GPS: L1, L1P, L2C, L2P, L5I, L5Q, L1M, L2M (noise only)
- GLONASS: L1 OF, L2 OF
- BeiDou: B1I, B1-2I, B2I
SatGen software allows users to create a GNSS RF I&Q or IF data file that can be replayed on a LabSat, which is based on a user-generated trajectory file. This allows simulators of almost any kind of test, at a set time and date, anywhere in the world.

SatGen complements the LabSat range of GNSS simulators, and is available in single, dual, triple and multi-frequency/multi-constellation versions.

LabSat showcased the upgrade at the ION GNSS+ conference, which took place Sept. 24-28 in Miami.

Screenshot from SatGen v3. (Image: Racelogic)
September 21, 2018
GNSS plays prominent role at Mobile World Congress
Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology found its way into products ranging from autonomous vehicles to wearables at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

One company says it is tailoring a GNSS receiver chip to meet the demands of mobile devices that require high levels of speed and position accuracy. Thalwil, Switzerland-based u-blox said its new low-power UBX-M8230-CT GNSS receiver chip can not only be used for smartwatch development, but for tracking people, animals and assets.

“The highlight of the chip is that it has much better balance, while maintaining the accuracy of a traditional, full-power receiver,” said Florian Bousquet, u-blox market development manager. “It can work in the most difficult urban canyon environments. It works well in sports watches, smartwatches, activity trackers and other wearables — and just about anything portable that has a battery.”

Bousquet said the chip, in what the company calls a Super-E mode, uses GPS with either GLONASS or BeiDou. This mode allows batching location data on the chip, which reduces power consumption, he said.

Bousquet said the chip is available now, in an evaluation kit, for around $120. He said the chip will be manufactured in volume this summer.

It took u-blox a year-and-a-half to develop the GNSS chip, Bousquet said. “It took time for our development team to optimize the system and field test the infrastructure to make sure the product performed in different scenarios and environments.”

Another company, Racelogic, exhibited its LabSat 3 Wideband GNSS simulator, which is used by u-blox and others to help test and develop products. Some applications include drones, autonomous vehicles, survey equipment, personal monitoring devices, aerospace and end-of-the-line product testing, the company said.

The newer L2C, L5 and L1C signals give companies the opportunity to develop products that are compatible with new receivers as they come to market, said Mark Sampson, LabSat product/sales manager.

The company also showed off its SatGen v3 simulator software that allows users to create a data file to be replayed on the LabSat GNSS simulator. The software allows companies to define a complicated route, and then import it into the software.

Company tests eCall and ERA-GLONASS modules

Both the European Union (EU) and Russian Federation are requiring governments to have intelligent telematics-based safety systems. In case of a serious accident, these systems automatically call for local medical services.

Technology to meet the requirements of eCall and ERA-GLONASS include an antenna, GNSS receiver, crash sensors and other components.

To reproduce end-to-end and standard-compliant testing of the eCall and ERA-GLONASS modules, Rohde & Schwarz offers two products. One is the CMW-KA094 eCall application software. The other is the CMW-KA095 extension for ERA-GLONASS to simulate a public safety answering point (PSAP) to emulate a cellular network in a lab.

“It’s pretty important testing because of the safety of life. We have set up implementation of it in our labs,” said Christian Hof, Rohde & Schwarz senior product manager for mobile radio testers.

CMW500 simulator by Rohde & Schwarz. Photo: Rohde & Schwarz

During testing, governments and companies can use the CMW500 platform, which identifies Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile communications devices’ IP connection security issues, Hof said.

The company believes, since many IoT platforms are proprietary as standardization is still in progress, security gaps are frequently reported.

Spirent rolls out new simulator

Spirent Communications displayed its Elevate IoT Device Test Solution, a new cellular test designed to support IoT applications. These applications include end-to-end cloud server connectivity, security-vulnerability assessment and battery-life measurement.

The new unit is available through the company’s Spirent Elevate platform, which addresses areas affected when designing 3G, LTE and new narrowband wireless technologies for IoT devices.

Overall, Spirent is finding many use cases and applications in the IoT and mobile industry.

“We are finding that smaller companies developing software and services want to test GNSS, but don’t have the capabilities to do so. These could include small projects such as people and pet trackers,” said Simon Loe, Spirent’s head of marketing solutions and services. “We are trying to democratize the technology. Another trend we are seeing is growing importance on GNSS in network timing.”

Not everything is about drab simulation. Far from it. Spirent last year teamed with Aston Martin Racing to evaluate automotive technologies on the 2016 V8 Vantage GTE race cars.

This includes the accuracy and performance of GPS receivers and interference monitoring, said Julian Kemp, Spirent product manager, custom solutions.

Antenna market for IoT, autonomous vehicles robust

Taoglas is offering GNSS antennas that support IoT products, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and future autonomous vehicles, said Ronan Quinlan, company co-founder.

The company is offering lightweight antennas for mass-market unmanned UAVs, which had a growing presence at Mobile World Congress this year.

The future markets for Taoglas will be in connected and autonomous vehicles, Quinlan said. “We found out years ago that we missed out on the rise of 2G, but we did not miss the rise of 4G. The advent of 5G and GNSS will lead to the development of the autonomous vehicle,” he said.

Antenna costs associated with the rise of autonomous vehicles will have to be reduced, Quinlan said. “Some antennas that were $100 solutions have to go down to $20 solutions once they get into a car,” he said.

In other Mobile World Congress news:
- Fraunhofer IIS displayed its Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication protocol designed specifically for voice over LTE (VoLTE) services.
- Telit said it is expanding its relationship with Tele2 on Pan-European long-term evolution (LTE) IoT connectivity services. Telit and Tele2 now offer custom data plans with predictable pricing, no hidden fees or roaming charges for high bandwidth IoT applications, the company said. Services include video monitoring, digital signage or real-time asset tracking.
March 5, 2017
LabSat introduces wideband simulator for multiple signal recording
LabSat has launched the LabSat 3 Wideband simulator, which can simultaneously record multiple signals from different constellations.

Small, battery powered and with a removable solid-state disk, LabSat 3 Wideband allows users to quickly gather detailed, real-world satellite data and replay those signals on the bench.

Photo: LabSat

With three channels, a bandwidth of up to 56 MHz and 6-bit sampling, LabSat 3 Wideband can handle almost any combination of constellation and signal that exists today, with plenty of spare capacity for future planned signals.

For example, users can now record GPS L1, L2 and L5 at the same time as GLONASS G1 and G2 and BeiDou B1 and B2.

An interactive bandwidth calculator allows users to see which combinations of constellation and signal can be recorded. Users can also change the bandwidth and bit depth to see how it affects the selection available.

Despite the huge capability of the unit, the LabSat 3 Wideband remains easy to use, retaining the one-touch recording and playback feature.

A removable battery pack gives two hours of use, and the 1-TB solid-state disk drive can be swapped in seconds.

Specifications

Recording bandwidth: 10MHz, 30MHz or 56MHz

Recording resolution: 2, 4 or 6 bits (depending on bandwidth)

Signals recorded:
- GPS: L1 / L2 / L5
- GLONASS: L1 / L2 / L3
- BeiDou: B1 / B2 / B3
- QZSS: L1 / L2 / L5
- Galileo: E1 / E1a / E5a / E5b / E6
- IRNSS: L5
- SBAS: WAAS / EGNOS / GAGAN / MSAS / SDCM
February 16, 2017
Racelogic launches wideband system at ION GNSS+

LabSat 3 by Racelogic is a lightweight and portable system for GNSS testing, capable of recording and replaying the raw radio signals including GPS L1, GLONASS L1, Galileo E1, BeiDou B1, QZSS and SBAS. LabSat 3 records real-world data, reproducing all GNSS artefacts on the laboratory bench, including multipath, ionospheric effects and signal dropouts. There is no limit to the number of satellites that can be logged.

The ION GNSS+ 2016 Exhibition will include the launch of the new LabSat 3 Wideband system, which offers significantly higher bandwidth and enhanced frequency range. With three RF channels and up to 50 MHz bandwidth per channel, LabSat 3 Wideband will record and replay most current GNSS signals including GPS L1, L2 and L5, all in one file.

Features include RF data recording up to 3-bit quantization together with bandwidth up to 50 MHz. A removable battery pack offers more than two hours of record time. All of the fetures come in a compact, lightweight package weighing under 1.2 kilograms.

One-touch control, data capture to removable media, dual CAN, RS232 and Digital I/O record and replay capability ensures that the LabSat 3 range is a convenient system for any developer who requires realistic testing at a competitive price.

Also available is SatGen, the simulation software that allows for the creation of user-generated scenarios to be replayed through the LabSat. SatGen has recently been upgraded so that not only can it provide GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou signals, it now includes a real-time capability. This allows for GNSS RF signals to be created with a current time stamp. SatGen is a powerful tool for those wishing to test new GNSS devices with any dynamics, location or time.

September 14, 2016
Racelogic demos LabSat real-time simulator at AUVSI’s Xponential 2016

Mark Sampson of Racelogic demonstrates the company’s LabSat GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou simulator at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International‘s Xponential 2016 show, held May 2-5 in New Orleans. Watch as the simulator produces signals in real time.

May 13, 2016
LabSat’s SatGen v3 Adds BeiDou to Simulator Scenarios

SatGen v3 software is now available for the LabSat GNSS simulator by Racelogic. Version 3 includes BeiDou (BDS) in addition to GPS and GLONASS.

SatGen is billed as a powerful and intuitive software package that gives users the ability to create scenarios for replay through any LabSat simulator. The software creates either user-generated or imported trajectory files for use with a LabSat simulator.

The addition of the BeiDou B1 signals means that users can now test a device’s effectiveness as if it were being used within the operating area of the Chinese constellation, which at present only provides full coverage in Asia.

The BeiDou constellation is set to become globally operational by 2020. With the new SatGen v3, users can create scenarios that include signals from satellites yet to be launched, so new products can be developed in readiness for the full constellation.

SatGen v3 can produce scenarios with one, two or three sets of signals being simultaneously output: GPS, GLONASS and now BeiDou. The software now matches the record and replay abilities of the LabSat 3 simulator.

A trial of SatGen is available here. To purchase a full copy contact a LabSat distributor.

The LabSat 3 GNSS simulator.

June 22, 2015
2014 Simulator Buyers Guide

In GPS World’s annual Simulator Buyers Guide, we feature simulator tools, devices, and software from six prominent companies. Also available as a downloadable PDF.

CAST Navigation

CAST-SGX GPS Satellite Simulator

The new SGX GPS satellite signal simulator from CAST Navigation provides the user with dynamic, repeatable GPS RF signals for use in the laboratory or in the field for a wide range of GPS applications. The SGX simulator is housed in a portable, lightweight, handheld enclosure measuring 7 x 11 x 3 inches and weighing just over 4 pounds.

The SGX replaces the CAST-SIMCOM simulator, a 17- inch, 50-pound simulator. The SGX is lightweight and portable, operates on AC or battery power, and features 16 channels of L1 C/A and P codes. Based on CAST’s technology that has been developed for use in the company’s larger military products, it is extremely accurate and repeatable.

The SGX is controlled via an intuitive touchscreen interface that allows the user to select, start, and stop scenarios, change screen views, and change satellite RF power levels while a scenario is running. Three test scenarios are delivered with the simulator.

XGEN Plus Scenario Generation Software. This optional software gives the user the ability to generate custom scenarios for use with the SGX. The software allows for complete control over GPS almanac, ephemeris, and all satellite error sources.

The user can select from a variety of vehicle types and simulate static or dynamic motion. The user may also employ antenna gain patterns and vehicle silhouettes if desired. The user may generate a trajectory by defining a total mission profile using a six-degree-of-freedom model. The new scenarios can be downloaded via USB port or SD card interfaces.

CAST has been in the GPS simulation and support business for more than 30 years, designing, developing, manufacturing, and integrating innovative GPS/INS simulators and associated equipment for government, military, prime vendor, and consumer markets.

www.castnav.com

phone: 978 858-0130
email: [email protected]

IFEN Inc.

NavX-NCS Professional GNSS Simulator
NavX-NCS Essential GNSS Simulator

The absolute flexibility of the NavX-NCS Professional GNSS Simulator allows it to be configured with up to 108 channels and all of the following signals:
•   GPS L1/L2/L5 C/A & P code and L2C
•   GLONASS G1/G2 standard & high accuracy codes
•   Galileo E1/E5/E6 (BOC/CBOC/AltBOC)
•   BeiDou B1/B2
•   SBAS L1/L5 (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN)
•   QZSS L1 & L1-SAIF
•   IMES

The user is enabled to assign signals freely to any of the RF modules fitted to the simulator. This allows the same hardware to be used in a range of different configurations.

Signals may be added by software license with no need to return the hardware for upgrade.

Up to four independent RF outputs may be fitted, enabling the user to simulate multiple antenna locations simultaneously (allowing simulation of multiple antennas on one vehicle, multiple vehicles simultaneously, a mixture of static locations and mobile vehicles, and multiple antenna elements forControlled Reception Pattern Antenna [CRPA] testing).

The comprehensive and easy-to-use Control Center operating software allows the operator to quickly create realistic test scenarios for effective testing of user equipment.

IFEN also offers the NavX-NCS Essential GNSS Simulator, which is available with 21 or 42 channels and is capable of simulating GPS L1 (including SBAS L1), GLONASS G1, Galileo E1, BeiDou B1, QZSS L1, and IMES. The simulator is also supplied with Control Center operating software for comprehensive scenario generation.

www.ifen.com

For USA and Canada
Mark Wilson
phone: 951-739-7331
email: [email protected]

For Rest of World
Dr. Guenter Heinrichs
phone: +49-8121-2238-20
email: [email protected]

RaceLogic

LabSat 3

LabSat 3, the latest generation of GNSS simulators from Racelogic, is a low cost, stand-alone, battery powered, multi-constellation, RF record and replay device designed to assist GNSS engineers in the development and testing of their products. With its small size and all-in-one design, LabSat 3 makes it easier than ever to collect raw satellite data in the same environment that end users experience in everyday use. This enables repeatable and realistic testing to be carried out under controlled conditions.

LabSat 3 doesn’t need to be connected to a PC to record live-sky GNSS signals. With one-touch recording to SD card and a two-hour battery life, it can be used in any outdoor location to create real-world scenarios, for eventual replay back in the lab. As well as recording GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo, and SBAS signals, it can simultaneously log CAN bus, serial, or digital data, embedded alongside the satellite information. This additional information can then be replayed alongside the GNSS output, with synchronization to within 60 ns. A 1 PPS signal can also be generated using the internal GPS receiver.

LabSat 3 can be used as a replay system out of the box with a set of pre-recorded scenarios supplied as part of the package, recorded from various locations around the globe. SatGen software, a free version of which is included with LabSat 3, allows for scenario generation of user-defined trajectories, with precise control over velocity, heading, height, and constellation profiles. Routes are also easily created in Google Maps, and the software also supports NMEA and KML file import. SatGen gives the test engineer the ability to develop a product using simulations that would be difficult or impossible to record due to geographic location or safety constraints.

LabSat 3 is available in four variants: replay only, or record and replay, of a single channel — one of GPS/Galileo/SBAS/QZSS, GLONASS, or BeiDou; and replay only, or record and replay, of dual channels — two of GPS/Galileo/SBAS/QZSS, GLONASS, or BeiDou.

LabSat is currently used by many leading manufacturers of GPS chipsets, portable navigation devices, smartphones, and by major car companies in their test, development, and production processes.

www.labsat.co.uk; phone: +44 (0)1280 823803

Rohde & Schwarz

R&S SMBV100A: GNSS Simulator on Vector Signal Generator

Rohde & Schwarz extends the functionality of the R&S SMBV100A vector signal generator by adding BeiDou/Compass capability to its integrated GNSS simulator. With the R&S SMBV-K107 option, the GNSS simulator now covers the BeiDou standard as well as the GPS, Galileo and GLONASS satellite navigation systems.

The new option allows users to generate real-time scenarios with up to 24 BeiDou satellites. R&S SMBV-K107 supports all possible BeiDou orbits and can therefore even simulate satellites that are not yet in orbit. It also supports hybrid scenarios with GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS satellites. A software update makes it easy to upgrade existing GNSS simulators for BeiDou. No hardware modifications are required.

The R&S SMBV100A permits users to quickly define their own satellite scenarios to test GNSS receivers under diverse conditions. A wide range of options are available for simulating realistic effects such as signal obscuration and multipath propagation. These scenarios can now be configured for BeiDou as well.

This inexpensive solution is one of the few on the market that does not require an external PC for testing receivers and components of satellite-based navigations systems. In addition to GNSS signals, the R&S SMBV100A can simulate mobile radio, wireless, and radio standards, allowing users to test several functions with a single instrument.

The new R&S SMBV-K107 option is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.

www.rohde-schwarz.com

email: [email protected]

Spectracom

Configurable, Upgradeable GNSS Simulators

Spectracom multi-channel, multi-frequency GSG Series GPS/GNSS Signal Simulators are designed for research, development and manufacturing. They provide powerful, affordable, and easy-to-use application-specific GNSS testing solutions allowing users to simulate virtually any condition through built-in and user-defined scenarios. The simulators now feature expanded capabilities and a flexible, field upgradeable design that allows users to select only the features needed for a specific application, upgrade when necessary.

The GSG 5 and 6 Series simulators are portable and fully operational via front panel, web-based remote control (Ethernet, USB, GPIB), or SCPI protocol. The models include GSG StudioView PC Software to build, edit, and manage complex scenarios and trajectories. Advanced simulation features include: SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN, MSAS), multipath scenarios, interference detection and mitigation, white-noise generation, and trajectories. The new features and capabilities can be added to any GSG-5 or GSG-6 purchased since June 2012.

GSG-6 Series Multi-Frequency, Advanced GNSS Simulator
•   Up to 64 channels and 4-frequencies simultaneously
•   GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
•   Sync multiple units for testing hundreds of signals
•   L1, L2, L2C, L5, E1, E5, B1; [E6, B2, B3 capable HW, with FW upgrade available in the future]
•   P-code, pseudo P(Y) in L1 and L2
•   Add-ons for real-time scenarios, record and playback, Assisted-GNSS, RTK/Differential measurements, high velocity
•   Fully upgradable to future constellations and signals

GSG-5 Series Multi-Channel, Advanced GNSS Simulator
•   4, 8 or 16 channels
•   GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
•   L1, E1, B1
•   Upgradeable to more channels and frequencies

GSG-51 Low Cost Single Channel GPS Signal Generator
•   1-channel GNSS tester for fast, simple manufacturing test and validation
•   Fully upgradeable to GSG-5 and 6 series

www.spectracom.com

email: [email protected]; phone: 585-321-5800

Spirent Federal Systems

GNSS Simulators

Spirent provides simulators that cover all applications, including research and development, integration/verification, and production testing.

GSS8000 (pictured). Spirent’s flagship simulator, the GSS8000, is fully approved for Y-code, SAASM, AES M-code and SDS M-code testing. Spirent provides options and configurations for testing GNSS interference effects and interference mitigation techniques, such as integrated GPS/inertial testing, CRPA testing, and jamming/anti-jam simulation.

Spirent has delivered simulators that produce legacy signals as well as modernized signals such as 2C, L5, and L1C. In addition to GPS, systems can include GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo, and Beidou-2, plus SBAS (WAAS, MSAS, and EGNOS) and Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).

CRPA Test System. Spirent’s Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) Test System generates both GPS L1/L2 and interference signals; multiple GSS8000 chassis may be combined to coherently control up to seven antenna elements. Null-steering and space/time adaptive CRPA testing are both supported by this comprehensive approach.

GSS7790. Spirent’s GSS7790 Multi-Output Simulation System allows the signal from each satellite to be mapped to a separate RF output. These signals can then be fed to individual transmit antennas, which, when suitably deployed in an anechoic chamber, replicate the spatial diversity of satellite and jammer signals incident on the receiver antenna. Additional flexibility is offered as the signal is further split into its GPS L1 and L2 components, as appropriate.

www.spirentfederal.com

Jeff Martin, Director of Sales
Kalani Needham, Sales Manager
email: [email protected]
phone: 801-785-1448; fax: 801-785-1294

March 1, 2014
LabSat 3 Updates Include Extended Recording

photo: GPS World

Racelogic’s latest update to the LabSat 3 simulator allows the use of 128-Gbyte SD cards, giving up to nine hours of high-quality RF recording. Also included in the update is the ability to use external USB hard drives and the addition of a serial/USB NMEA output, generated by the internal GPS engine during a replay.

The multi-constellation, stand-alone, battery-powered GPS/GLONASS/Beidou simulator is affordable and convenient, Racelogic said.

Along with SD card recording, LabSat 3 features inbuilt battery power, dual-channel recording of GPS/Galileo/QZSS/SBAS, BeiDou, or GLONASS, and logging of other external signals such as CAN and RS2232 — in a small, rugged, and light enclosure.

Existing LabSat 3 customers can get this update free of charge from here.

This video demonstrates the unit’s ease of use:

February 21, 2014
Racelogic to Launch LabSat3 at ION GNSS+

Racelogic LabSat 3

LabSat, the GPS record, replay, and simulation brand produced by Racelogic in the UK, is about to be augmented with the introduction of LabSat3.

The key feature of the new product is its simplicity. It is, essentially, a single-box device that incorporates a GPS record-and-replay system without the need for a laptop or PC. Racelogic has designed the LabSat3 with convenience at its core: it is small and light, allowing users to record GPS signals in any situation, the company said. It will also come with a pre-recorded library of worldwide scenarios to allow engineers to perform immediate bench testing.

The new LabSat is able to record signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and SBAS, with the top of the range models able to output two channels simultaneously. Both the recording and replay procedures are simple one-touch operations, with data being logged to an SD card.

LabSat3 is compatible with scenarios generated with SatGen software for those that wish to create full simulations. Ethernet connectivity extends its potential to end-of-line testing where multiple units can be remotely controlled, with potentially large savings in production line testing times.

LabSat3 is set to be launched at the ION GNSS+ exhibition in Nashville next week. Prices will start at $4,400. For further details, visit the LabSat website.

September 11, 2013
LabSat 2 Customers Offered Free BeiDou Upgrade

LabSat 2 now has the ability to record and replay satellite signals from the rapidly expanding Chinese navigation system, BeiDou. LabSat 2 users can now record and replay any combination of two channels from the three available constellations, GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou.

Existing LabSat 2 users can download the latest firmware (v2.0.0) and PC software (v2.6.14) to add this functionality with no cost.

There is a growing trend to include multi-constellation capability into new satellite navigation receivers, giving the end user better coverage in urban canyons, and overall improved positional accuracy, LabSat said.

There are now 14 operational Beidou satellites, and we have recorded a number of different files from Europe and China containing between 6 and 8 satellites. These scenarios are now included on the hard disk which is shipped with a LabSat 2, which can also be shipped out to existing customers on request.

The new firmware and software is now available from the Support section of the LabSat website. Follow the upgrade firmware instructions in the manual to upgrade your LabSat 2. For more information contact our LabSat Product Manager, Mark Sampson, [email protected].

February 4, 2013