GPS World

Tag: Rohde & Schwarz

  • Launchpad: GNSS receivers, timing modules, survey applications

    Launchpad: GNSS receivers, timing modules, survey applications

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the April 2023 issue of GPS World magazine.

    TIMING

    Image: Furuno Electric
    Image: Furuno

    Global Timing Module
    Supports L1 and L5 GNSS signals

    GT-100 is compatible with all GNSS constellations. The GT-100 realizes high robustness and standard of time accuracy and stability. The GT-100 features advanced multipath mitigation, anti-jamming and anti-spoofing as well as short-term holdover, ensuring superior performance even if L1 or L5 are jammed. The module delivers nanosecond precision for 5G wireless systems, radio communications systems, smart power grids and grand master clocks. Along with the GT-100, GT-9001 and GT-90 achieve a level of time stability of 4.5ns (1σ) and offer superior features and performance.
    Furuno, furuno.com

    Image: UTStarcom
    Image: UTStarcom

    PTP Grandmaster
    Designed for mobile networks

    The SyncRing XGM30E precision time protocol (PTP) grandmaster is designed for mobile networks and other applications requiring accurate time and frequency synchronization. It is an addition to the SyncRing line of network synchronization equipment. The SyncRing XGM30E is an indoor PTP grandmaster offering echo time accuracy of more than ±40 ns, which can meet the stringent timing requirements of demanding applications, including 4G and 5G networks. The clock complies with the PTP IEEE 1588-2008 standard, supporting major ITU-T frequency and phase and time profiles. SyncRing XGM30E supports synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) output on all service interfaces for accurate frequency synchronization, and SyncE input for enhanced time holdover operation during GNSS outages. The grandmaster includes an indoor rack-mount design and power supply redundancy with AC or DC built-in options and has flexible management options. The SyncRing XGM30E is available now.
    UTStarcom, utstar.com

    Photo: Huber+Suhner
    Image: Huber+Suhner

    Copper-Free Data System
    For precise timing synchronization for high-performance networks

    The GNSS and Power over Fiber GPSoF System receives, transmits and expands GNSS timing signals for the purpose of timing synchronization in data centers, central offices, distributed antenna systems or enterprise applications. It enables greater distances between the radio frequency source and the receiver system. It is also immune to RFI, EMI and EMP, contains remote control and monitoring via a web interface, and supports infrastructure installation due to direct GNSS signal evaluation.
    Huber+Suhner, hubersuhner.com

    Image: ADVA
    Image: ADVA

    M-Code Device
    With advanced timing for military applications

    The OSA 5422 grandmaster clock meets key requirements of military networks by providing advanced positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities and improved resilience. The OSA 5422 grandmaster clock is integrated with a highly reliable M-code receiver, which meets stringent frequency and phase synchronization needs. The device is equipped with multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receivers for when M-code is not available. The OSA 5422 also has long holdover and precision time protocol backup, which enables it to maintain accurate timing even in the event of M-code disruption. The OSA 5422 supports legacy interfaces such as BITS and IRIG and features eight field-upgradable 10G bit/s ports and 1G bit/s interfaces. The device is suitable for most demanding military edge applications.
    ADVA, adva.com; Brandywine Communications, brandywinecomm.com

    AUTONOMOUS

    Image: CHC Navigation
    Image: CHC Navigation

    GNSS RTK Steering System
    Suitable for agriculture applications

    The NX510 SE Auto-Steer is an automated steering system that retrofits several types of new and old farm tractors and other vehicles. It can be connected to local real-time kinematic (RTK) networks or GNSS RTK base stations. NX510 SE is a guidance controller powered by multiple corrections sources and five satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS. It has a built-in 4G and UHF modem that connects to all industry-standard differential GPS and RTK corrections to achieve centimeter-accuracy steering. NX510 SE contains GNSS and inertial navigation system terrain compensation technology, which maintains high accuracy in challenging environments and terrain. This makes NX510 SE suitable for ditching, planting and harvesting applications. In addition, AgNav multilingual software, operating on a 10.1 in industrial display, supports multiple guideline patterns that include AB line, A+ line, circle line, irregular curve and headland turn.
    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Image: Trimble
    Image: Trimble

    Module for Rail Monitoring
    For automated and semi-automated rail monitoring

    The T4D Rail Module enables simple data collection and reduces office work required to automate movement detection for rail monitoring projects. The T4D software offers four main elements for automated monitoring: sensor management and data integration for GNSS; total station, geotechnical, vibration and environmental sensors; geodetic processing and adjustments for accurate results; analysis and visualization through several tools that provide real-time updates to support in-depth analysis and data presentation; and alarming and reporting. The T4D Rail module enables integration of rail as-builts collected with the Trimble GEDO system or with a track measuring bar paired with the Trimble Access Gauge Survey app. It also can automate calculations for track geometry parameters, generate analysis charts, and trigger alarms. The T4D software is offered in five editions to fit various project requirements. The editions include T4D Access, T4D Field, T4D Intermediate, T4D Geotechnical and T4D Advanced. T4D Access and T4D Advanced are the two editions that support the add-on Rail Module.
    Trimble Geospatial, geospatial.trimble.com

    Image: Airobotics
    Image: Airobotics

    C-UAV Device
    Anti-UAV protection device

    The Iron Drone system is an advanced counter-UAV device, designed to defend against hostile drones in complex environments with minimal damage. Iron Drone is an automated intercepting system designed to eliminate small drones without using GPS or radio frequency jamming. The Iron Drone system is launched from a designated pod and flies autonomously towards targets under radar guidance. It identifies the target using computer vision capabilities. The intercepting UAV follows the target then uses a net and a parachute to incapacitate it, capture it and lower it to the ground.
    Airobotics, airoboticsdrones.com

    R&S EVSD1000 has been designed to provide a mounting adaptor for installation onto medium-size drone types. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)
    Image: Rohde & Schwarz

    Drone-based analyzer
    For UAV inspections

    EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer provides highly accurate UAV inspection of terrestrial navigation and communications systems. The EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer is a signal-level and modulation analyzer for medium-sized UAVs. It features measurements of instrument landing systems, ground-based augmentation systems and VHF omnirange ground stations. The mechanical and electrical design is optimized for UAV-based, real-time measurements of terrestrial navigation systems with up to 100 measurement data sets per second. The analyzer provides high-precision signal analysis in the frequency range from 70 MHz to 410 MHz. This also includes the needed measurement repeatability to ensure that results from UAV measurements can be compared to flight and to ground inspections in line with ICAO standards. The EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer reduces runway blocking times, provides necessary measurement repeatability and offers measurement precision and GNSS time and location stamps. While streaming measurement data during a drone flight via the data link to a PC on the ground, the analyzer can also buffer data internally to ensure no results are lost if the data link is lost.
    Rohde & Schwarz, rohde-schwarz.com

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    SILC Eyeonic Vision System (Image: SiLC)
    Image: SiLC

    Coherent Vision Solution
    Suitable for advanced products

    The Eyeonic Vision System is a frequency-modulated continuous wave lidar solution, which delivers high levels of vision perception to identify and avoid objects with low latency. At the core of the system is a fully integrated silicon photonics chip. It provides more definition and precision than legacy lidar solutions, with roughly 10 milli-degree of angular resolution coupled with millimeter-level precision. These features enable this solution to measure the shape and distance of objects with high-precision and at a large distance. The system combines the Eyeonic Vision Sensor and a digital processing solution based on a powerful field-programmable gate array. The flexible architecture enables synchronization of multiple vision sensors for unlimited points per second. The compact, powerful, vision solution is suitable for autonomous vehicles, smart cameras, robotics and other advanced products. It is available now. Pricing varies depending on configuration.
    SiLC Technologies, silc.com

    Image: SBG Systems
    Image: SBG Systems

    GNSS-Aided INS
    Easily integrated with lidar or other third-party sensors

    Quanta Plus is a GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS). The device combines a MEMS inertial measurement unit (IMU) with a resilient GNSS receiver to get reliable position and attitude, as well as providing real-time kinematic (RTK) fixes. Quanta Plus includes motion profiles, which enable users to optimize the sensor parameters to suit different use cases. The built-in precise time protocol server ensures sub-microsecond synchronization with external devices such as lidar. The device also has a built-in datalogger, Ethernet interface for easy integration, and a web configuration interface for simple setup and control. The INS can be integrated with Qinertia, SBG System’s post-processing software. Qinertia improves the performance of acquired data during a mission using reliable RTK corrections from a wide range of continuously operating reference station networks, or by importing base-station data during the process. Quanta Plus also improves the accuracy of the position and attitude using forward and backward processing and by integrating a tight coupling between GNSS and IMU data.
    SBG Systems, sbg-systems.com

    (Image: Inertial Labs)
    Image: Inertial Labs

    Survey Laser
    Suitable for remote-sensing applications

    The Resepi Hesai XT32 laser is designed for accurate remote-sensing applications. It can be used with commercially available lidar scanners, including Velodyne, Quanergy, Ouster, RIEGL, LIVOX and Hesai, as well as with UAVs. Resepi is completely modular, so users have full control for customization. The remote-sensing device uses a GPS-aided inertial navigation system with a NovAtel RTK/PPK single- or dual-antenna GNSS receiver, integrated with a Linux-based processing platform. It also comes with a 2 TB USB memory drive and has an embedded Wi-Fi cellular modem. Resepi has 3 cm to 5 cm point-cloud accuracy and can reach heights of more than 200 m above ground level. It is compatible with most UAV models; however, it is typically used with DJI M300, DJI M210 or DJI M600 models. The device is suitable for scanning and mapping, precision agriculture with lidar, simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm development, utility inspection and construction site monitoring. Resepi-supported software includes Hexagon NovAtel, PCPainter and PCMaster.
    Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

    Image: CHC Navigation
    Image: CHC Navigation

    IMU-RTK GNSS Receiver
    Provides robust and accurate positioning

    The i90 GNSS receiver combines a GNSS real-time kinematic (RTK) engine, a high-end inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor and advanced GNSS tracking capabilities to increase RTK availability and reliability. The embedded 624-channel GNSS receiver is compatible with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou signals. The i90 GNSS combines high-end connectivity modules: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, 4G and a UHF radio modem. The internal UHF radio modem allows long-distance base-to-rover surveying up to 5 km. The built-in IMU ensures interference-free and automatic pole-tilt compensation in real time. An accuracy of 3 cm is achieved with pole-tilt range of up to 30°. The i90 GNSS receiver is suitable for construction and land surveying projects.
    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Image: CHCNAV
    Image: CHCNAV

    Field Application
    For Android devices

    LandStar8 is designed to be flexible and user-friendly for surveying and mapping tasks. It is versatile, modular and customizable for topographic tasks such as surveying, stake out, cadastral, mapping and geographic information systems (GIS). Building on the legacy of LandStar7, the LandStar8 provides features such as a refined user interface, streamlined workflows, faster operation, and integrated cloud services. Cloud connectivity is built in for backup, data storage or remote technical support. LandStar8 has a simple and intuitive layout with large map windows and sharp graphics. Users can hide features they rarely use and display only those they need. They also can copy coordinate settings, control and staking points from another handheld controller by scanning a QR code. Projects can be edited and sorted by history and attributes. Custom coordinate systems, geoid models and coding libraries can be updated at any time by using resource packages. LandStar8 also features a terrain calibration wizard designed for non-expert users.
    CHCNAV, chcnav.com

    Photo:
    Image: Position Partners

    Survey Rover
    For accurate, survey-grade aerial mapping and photogrammetry

    SmartSurveyor facilitates accurate, survey-grade aerial mapping and photogrammetry without the need for a connection between a camera shutter and a GNSS receiver. The fully compact, handheld aerial mapping survey rover is compatible with DJI Mavix 2 and 3 series and Phantom 4 Pro UAVs. The design is dissimilar from other UAV mapping systems in that it works from a UAV or smartphone and with two or more ground control points (GCPs) while using an ultra-matching technique. Once SmartSurveyor captures data, all photos and the GNSS file are uploaded to a PC and analyzed through the Agisoft UltraMatch workflow to confirm their accuracy before they are exported. Data can be managed in the cloud or on a local PC using software designed by MapSender. Additionally, this mapping tool works in tandem with the AllDayRTK subscription GNSS network service so that collected data can be uploaded to Tokara to remotely manage a project.

    Position Partners, positionpartners.com

    OEM

    NB-IoT Industrial Module
    Complete with GNSS geo-location capabilities

    Image: STMicroelectronics
    Image: STMicroelectronics

    The ST87M01 is a fully programmable, certified LTE Cat NB2 NB-IoT industrial module that covers worldwide cellular frequency bands and integrates advanced security features. The ST87M01 is an integrated native GNSS receiver with multi-constellation access, which ensures enhanced and accurate localization. The module has a diminutive 10.6 mm x 12.8 mm land grid array footprint, making it suitable for applications where a small form factor is key. The STM8701 offers flexibility for product developers, presenting a fully programmable internet of things (IoT) platform enabling users to embed their own code into the module for simple applications. A variety of protocol stacks are available to handle popular IoT use cases. It targets wide-ranging IoT applications that require ultra-reliable low-power wide-area network connectivity and has ultra-low power consumption with less than 2 µA in low-power mode and transmit output power up to +23 dBm. Suitable applications for the module include smart metering, smart grid, smart building, smart city and smart infrastructure applications, as well as industrial condition monitoring and factory automation, smart agriculture and environmental monitoring. The module also can be combined with a separate host microcontroller, permitting many more use cases.
    STMicroelectronics, st.com

    Image: Quectel
    Image: Quectel

    GNSS Module
    Designed for battery-operated, ultra-low power GNSS devices

    The LC76G module is a compact, single-band, ultra-low power GNSS module that features fast and accurate location performance. The module can concurrently receive and process signals from the GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations. The LC76G has an internal surface acoustic wave filter and integrated low-noise amplifier, which can be connected directly to a passive patch antenna and provides filtering against unwanted interference. With a compact size of 10.1 mm × 9.7 mm × 2.4 mm, the footprint of the LC76G is compatible with other industry solutions, as well as Quectel’s legacy L76 and L76-LB modules. The LC67G is designed for battery-operated, ultra-low power GNSS devices, such as wearable personal trackers, wildlife and livestock tracking, toll tags, portable container trackers, as well as several traditional markets such as shared mobility and low-cost asset trackers.
    Quectel Wireless Solutions, quectel.com

    The INS-DH-OEM. (Photo: Inertial Labs)
    The INS-DH-OEM. (Photo: Inertial Labs)

    Inertial Navigation System
    Incorporates NovAtel and Honeywell technology

    The INS-DH-OEM utilizes a dual-antenna NovAtel GNSS receiver and a Honeywell HG4930-CA51 inertial measurement unit (IMU). The INS-DH-OEM contains Inertial Labs’ on-board sensor-fusion filter, navigation and guidance algorithms, and calibration software. The INS-DH-OEM has three axes, a full operational temperature range, advanced MEMS accelerometers and new-generation tactical-grade MEMS gyroscopes to provide accurate position, velocity, heading, pitch and roll. It is small and lightweight, measuring 85.5 mm x 67.5 mm x 52.0 mm and weighing 280 g. The dual-antenna NovAtel GNSS receiver is operational with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS constellations. The INS-DH-OEM is compatible with most commercially available lidars including Velodyne, Riegl and Faro. The algorithms are suitable for different dynamic motions of vessels, ships, helicopters, UAVs, gimbals and land vehicles.
    Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

    Image: MSO
    Image: MSO

    Speed Sensor
    Multi-use sensor for workflow

    The Speed Wedge MKII is a true-ground speed sensor and active motion detector for moving objects, based on radar doppler technology. This sensor is suitable for use in indoor and off-highway vehicles, conveyor belts, material flow and open channel water surface flow. The sensor contains a dead-reckoning system component for inertial measurement units and integrated management systems (IMS) in GPS/GNSS-denied environments such as in tunnels and underground mining operations. It also features sensor fusion with GNSS and IMS improving positioning accuracy, quality and reliability. Speed Wedge MKII deploys a radar front-end with planar antennas continuously emitting electro-magnetic waves at 24 GHz. It is designed for contactless measurement of speed and distance travelled independent on wheel/drive slip. For demanding applications Speed Wedge MKII is sealed and potted in a rugged encasing. Speed Wedge MKII is available in variants with pulse, serial RS232 and CAN-Bus output. High-speed up to 200 km/h is available.
    MSO, mso-technik.de/home-en.html

    Image: Orolia
    Image: Orolia

    GNSS Simulations Software
    For simulation and testing needs

    Skydel GNSS simulation software can now generate more than 500 simulated satellite signals. This platform is suitable for GNSS users, experts and manufacturers, as well as users needing a low-Earth-orbit-capable simulation system. Skydel contains a feature that includes multi-constellation and multi-frequency signal generation, remote control from user-defined scripts, and integrated interference generation. In addition to generating a high channel and satellite count, Skydel also can produce navigation warfare signals without any additional hardware.
    Orolia, orolia.com

    Image: Mikroe
    Image: Mikroe

    Compact Add-On Board
    Provides access to L-band GNSS corrections

    LBand RTK Click is a compact add-on featuring the NEO-D9S-00B, a professional-grade, satellite data receiver for L-band corrections from u-blox. Operating in a frequency range from 1,525 MHz to 1,559 MHz, the NEO-D9S-00B decodes the satellite transmission and outputs a correction stream. This enables a high-precision GNSS receiver to reach accuracies down to centimeter-level. An independent stream of correction data, delivered over L-band signals, ensures high availability of position output. LBand RTK Click also uses several mikroBUS pins. In addition, LBand RTK Click contains an SMA antenna for connecting a Mikroe-brand antenna. This antenna easily allows positioning in space, supporting GNSS L-band frequencies. LBand RTK Click implements advanced security features such as signature and anti-jamming mechanisms. It also can be integrated with other GNSS receivers from the u-blox F9 platform.
    Mikroe, mikroe.com

  • Rohde & Schwarz launched drone-based analyzer

    Rohde & Schwarz launched drone-based analyzer

     

    R&S EVSD1000 has been designed to provide a mounting adaptor for installation onto medium-size drone types. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)
    R&S EVSD1000 has been designed to provide a mounting adaptor for installation onto medium-size drone types. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)

    Rohde & Schwarz has launched its EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer at Airspace World 2023 in Geneva March 8-10. The analyzer provides highly accurate drone inspection of terrestrial navigation and communications systems.

    The EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer is a signal-level and modulation analyzer for medium-sized drones. It features measurements of instrument landing systems, ground-based augmentation systems and VHF omnirange ground stations. The mechanical and electrical design is optimized for drone-based, real-time measurements of terrestrial navigation systems with up to 100 measurement data sets per second.

    The analyzer provides high-precision signal analysis in the frequency range from 70 MHz to 410 MHz. This also includes the needed measurement repeatability to ensure results from drone measurements can be compared to flight and to ground inspections in line with ICAO standards.

    The EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/drone analyzer reduces runway blocking times, provides necessary measurement repeatability and offers measurement precision and GNSS time and location stamps. While streaming measurement data during a drone flight via the data link to a PC on the ground, the analyzer can also buffer data internally to ensure no results are lost if the data link is lost.

  • 5G LBS features verified on R&S TS-LBS test solution

    5G LBS features verified on R&S TS-LBS test solution

    Photo: Rohde & schwarz
    Photo: Rohde & schwarz

    Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek have verified new location-based services (LBS) features for 5G new radio (NR), which are now available on the R&S TS-LBS test solution.

    The features will improve emergency caller location and support LBS-related use cases in challenging indoor and outdoor environments with both satellite-based and terrestrial technologies. The R&S TS-LBS now support these and other 3GPP Release 16 network-based positioning features.

    A 5G chipset from MediaTek also has been verified for Release 16, which ensures the chip’s  positioning features.

    The two companies verified the NR positioning reference signals (NR-PRS), which are central to network-based positioning features such as round-trip time (RTT), time difference of arrival in uplink and downlink (UL- TDOA and DL-TDOA), or angle of arrival and departure (AoA and AoD), and which meet the 5G requirements for indoor and outdoor positioning use cases.

    With R&S TS-LBS supporting these features, mobile device and chipset manufacturers as well as test houses and network operators can carry out verification for GCF, PTCRB and network-operator certification using a single test solution.

    About the R&S TS-LBS System

    The R&S TS-LBS is a test system for testing GNSS and network-based positioning. It consists of an R&S CMX500 OBT one-box signaling tester as the network simulator and an R&S SMBV100B GNSS simulator.

    The R&S CMX500 OBT setup provides full network simulation capabilities including the support of multiple 4G or 5G cells at a time. In addition, it provides LBS assistance data to the DUT while the R&S SMBV100B simulates the GNSS satellites.

    The R&S TS-LBS test system can be used for pre-conformance tests and to obtain GCF and PTCRB certification as well as network-operator-specific certification acceptance and validated tests.

    “Adding network-based positioning features such as DL-TDOA based on NR-PRS to the existing satellite based location signals shows the advanced level of our test solution,” said Christoph Pointner, senior vice president, Mobile Radio Testers, Rohde & Schwarz. “We are happy to continue our collaboration with MediaTek to push 5G location-based services further for 3GPP Release 16.”

  • Reliable navigation with interference-free GNSS signals

    Reliable navigation with interference-free GNSS signals

    By Markus Irsigler and Sebastian Kehl-Waas

    Interference-free GNSS signals are essential for more than just military vehicles and aircraft. Anti-jam systems usually suppress signals from interference sources by means of spatial filtering.

    These solutions can likewise be used to protect satellite navigation signals for autonomous driving and flying against interference signals. To allow GNSS receivers to detect interference sources and suppress transmitted interference signals, they must be designed as multichannel systems.

    This way the direction of the interference signal can be determined using phase-coherent signal processing of signals from multiple antennas, and the interference can be suppressed. Rohde & Schwarz offers a solution for the verification of interference immunity and interference suppression.

    FIGURE 1a. The GNSS antenna in the example on the left has only one element, so its characteristic cannot be modified. A sufficiently strong interference signal can prevent the receiver from processing the GNSS signals, making satellite-based navigation impossible.
    FIGURE 1a. The GNSS antenna in the example on the left has only one element, so its characteristic cannot be modified. A sufficiently strong interference signal can prevent the receiver from processing the GNSS signals, making satellite-based navigation impossible.
    FIGURE 1b. In contrast to the individual antenna, the characteristic of the antenna array can be modified by combining and weighting the received signals. The interference signal is suppressed at its angle of arrival, and the GNSS signals can be received. A disadvantage is that GNSS signals from the same direction as the interference signal are also suppressed.
    FIGURE 1b. In contrast to the individual antenna, the characteristic of the antenna array can be modified by combining and weighting the received signals. The interference signal is suppressed at its angle of arrival, and the GNSS signals can be received. A disadvantage is that GNSS signals from the same direction as the interference signal are also suppressed.

    Multi-channel receivers can simultaneously process signals from multiple distributed antennas or from an antenna array. This is useful for determining the direction of incoming signals by means of signal analysis, and for adjusting the antenna pattern so that undesired signals are suppressed. For GNSS-based position determination, this means that signals from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) can be strengthened and jamming or spoofing signals originating from the ground or the air can be suppressed. Up to now this technology has primarily been used for military applications, but in the future it can also make an important contribution to robust navigation for autonomous driving or flying. Typical interference sources in this regard are harmonics of transmitters in the vicinity, tactical air navigation (TACAN) signals, DME air navigation signals for civil aviation, and LTE signals. Another factor is the growing popularity of so-called personal privacy devices (PPD), which are GNSS jammers that radiate narrowband or broadband signals to disrupt GNSS localization. A new solution from Rohde & Schwarz enables comprehensive testing of the resistance of GNSS receivers to interference signals, if necessary in a realistic hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environment.

    Multi-Channel GNSS Receivers for Interference Suppression

    GNSS receivers often use controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPA) to suppress undesired signals. These antennas consist of an antenna array and a signal processing unit. The connected antennas are generally arranged in a strict geometric pattern to achieve full coverage of all possible signal directions. The overall receive characteristic of the antenna array can be altered by suitable weighting of the signals from the individual antennas in the signal processing unit (Fig. 1). This way, interference signals can be specifically blanked out (nulling) or the required GNSS signals can be amplified at their angle of arrival (beamforming). A combination of these two methods is also possible. The antenna arrays typically consist of four to seven elements. The number of interference signals that can be simultaneously suppressed increases with the number of elements.

    FIGURE 2. A four-channel GNSS test system consisting of two R&S SMW200A vector signal generators and an R&S SMA100B analog signal generator for the LO signal (left). The vector network analyzer is used to calibrate the overall system at a user-selectable reference plane in terms of amplitude, phase and propagation time.
    FIGURE 2a. A four-channel GNSS test system consisting of two R&S SMW200A vector signal generators and an R&S SMA100B analog signal generator for the LO signal (left). The vector network analyzer is used to calibrate the overall system at a user-selectable reference plane in terms of amplitude, phase and propagation time.
    FIGURE 2. A FIGURE 2b. A four-channel GNSS test system consisting of two R&S SMW200A vector signal generators and an R&S SMA100B analog signal generator for the LO signal (left). The vector network analyzer is used to calibrate the overall system at a user-selectable reference plane in terms of amplitude, phase and propagation time.four-channel GNSS test system consisting of two R&S SMW200A vector signal generators and an R&S SMA100B analog signal generator for the LO signal (left). The vector network analyzer is used to calibrate the overall system at a user-selectable reference plane in terms of amplitude, phase and propagation time.
    FIGURE 2b. A four-channel GNSS test system consisting of two R&S SMW200A vector signal generators and an R&S SMA100B analog signal generator for the LO signal (left). The vector network analyzer is used to calibrate the overall system at a user-selectable reference plane in terms of amplitude, phase and propagation time.

    Test System Requirements

    Rohde & Schwarz offers a test system for GNSS receivers that use CRPAs. First, it acts as a multichannel GNSS simulator that considers all aspects of a satellite navigation system. It must be able to generate the signals of all standard satellite navigation systems in all GNSS frequency bands, with attention to correct satellite orbits, signal propagation characteristics and realistic modeling of the dynamically changing receive environment. Configuration of the antenna array in terms of geometry and the receive characteristics of the individual antennas also must be included.

    Simulating the Interference Signals

    Second, the system can simultaneously generate jamming or spoofing signals in order to test the interference suppression functions of the device under test (DUT). A second, identical test system is necessary for freely definable configuration of interference sources with very high transmit power. Here the R&S Pulse Sequencer software assists in the definition of complex interference scenarios. The scenarios cover requirements such as long simulation times, moving interference sources and GNSS receivers, user-defined antenna patterns and antenna scans. In addition, the software calculates the correct amplitude, phase angle and propagation time of the signals as a function of signal frequency, antenna arrangement, and the positions of transmitters and receivers in three-dimensional space for each individual antenna element. Signal generation is handled by the R&S SMW200A high-end vector signal generator.

    For the tests, the required GNSS signal as well as the unwanted interference signals must be generated for each antenna input of the GNSS receiver. In order to test a CRPA receiver with four antenna inputs, this means that four signal sources are needed to generate the GNSS signals and an additional four signal sources are needed to generate the interference signals. Fig. 2 shows a pair of test systems that can be used to generate coupled GNSS signals and interference signals for a four-channel CRPA receiver.

    Calibration Against the DUT

    In order to correctly simulate the directions of the satellite signals and the interference signals, the test systems must be calibrated at the RF interface to the DUT with regard to amplitude, phase and propagation time. This means that the amplitude, phase and propagation time differences between the individual RF paths, resulting for example from cables or RF components, must be compensated. The vector signal generators of each system are phase coherently linked using suitable synchronization. A high-end R&S SMA100B analog signal generator in each system provides the shared LO signal.

    Using the R&S RF Ports alignment software, the complete system can be calibrated at any desired reference plane with regard to amplitude, phase and propagation time, so that the properties of the test system do not corrupt the simulated signal differences between the individual antennas. The required measurements are performed with a vector network analyzer.

    It is not necessary to calibrate the two test systems relative to each other. For the simulation of realistic scenarios, it is sufficient to run the GNSS and interference source simulations at the same time, since in the real world there is usually no correlation between GNSS satellites and interference sources.

    FIGURE 3. Aircraft with a multichannel radar warning system consisting of multiple receive channels, a central processing unit and a display.
    FIGURE 3. Aircraft with a multichannel radar warning system consisting of multiple receive channels, a central processing unit and a display.

    Integration in an HIL Environment

    The GNSS test system also can be embedded in a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environment. In this case a computer streams the motion profile of the GNSS receiver under test, with position, speed, acceleration and vehicle attitude, to the test system at a high data rate. The test system then generates the corresponding satellite navigation signal in real time. This requires very high update rates and low latencies.

    Summary

    Multichannel GNSS CRPA receivers considerably improve the navigation of ground vehicles and aircraft of all kinds. With the new Rohde & Schwarz test system, realistic multi-channel test signals can be generated for both GNSS simulation and interference simulation. For tests in an HIL environment, motion data also can be streamed to the GNSS test system.

  • Rohde & Schwarz provides testing to meet Europe’s E112 requirements

    Rohde & Schwarz provides testing to meet Europe’s E112 requirements

    Rohde & Schwarz adds an extension to its R&S TS-LBS location-based services test system to meet 112 emergency-call regulations for smartphones

    E112 emergency caller location tests are now available on the R&S TS-LBS test system. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)
    E112 emergency caller location tests are now available on the R&S TS-LBS test system. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)

    A new regulation requires all smartphones sold in the European Union from March 2022 onwards to support caller location for 112 emergency calls. To ensure this feature, the devices must be compliant with several positioning systems as outlined by the European Commission.

    In response, Rohde & Schwarz has added an extension to its R&S TS-LBS location-based services test system. Certification service provider CETECOM has already started E112 testing using these test sequences.

    All smartphones sold in the European Union have to be compliant as of March 17 with the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/320. A supplement to Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU, it defines that 112 emergency calls provide caller location information to emergency services in a fast and accurate way, to make sure first responders can arrive at the site of an accident quickly.

    Instead of a harmonized standard, a guideline document from the European Commission recommends the testing procedures for Notified Bodies, who support the smartphone vendors in the conformance assessment procedure. Compliance with Galileo, advanced mobile location (AML) and Wi-Fi positioning will be mandatory.

    The software-based extension to the R&S TS-LBS location-based services test system makes it a tailored solution in line with the European Commission’s guideline document and the upcoming ETSI standard TS 103 825 for AML protocol testing.

    In the Rohde & Schwarz solution, the cellular network is emulated by the R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester, while the dual-frequency E1+E5 GNSS Galileo signal is generated by an R&S SMBV100B vector signal generator. Thanks to the automation software of the test setup, all the test cases described in the EC guideline can be executed automatically to ensure unified, fast and repeatable results.

  • Rohde & Schwarz and Quectel join on Cellular-V2X test case

    Rohde & Schwarz and Quectel join on Cellular-V2X test case

    R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)
    R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)

    Rohde & Schwarz, in partnership with Quectel, announces the verification of selected 3GPP test cases based on a system with its R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester against a Quectel AG15 C-V2X module.

    The Quectel AG15 is an automotive grade C-V2X module designed and manufactured according to IATF 16949:2016 standards. It has an embedded multi-constellation high-sensitivity GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS) receiver for positioning, which minimizes design and improves positioning speed and accuracy. It is designed for use in extremely harsh environments and provides superior ESD/EMI protection performance.

    Quectel AG15 C-V2X module with GNSS. (Photo: Quectel)
    Quectel AG15 C-V2X module with GNSS. (Photo: Quectel)

    Cellular-V2X (C-V2X) is a key technology that will improve road safety and accelerate autonomous driving in the coming years. Specifically, the C-V2X PC5 interface, operating in the 5.9-GHz frequency enables direct, reliable, low latency communication between vehicles (V2V), vehicles and infrastructure (V2I) and vehicles and pedestrians (V2P). For the automotive industry to deploy this technology in a timely manner, cooperation between suppliers in this industry becomes increasingly important, the companies said.

    The test cases performed by Rohde & Schwarz and Quectel are designed for automotive companies looking to pre-validate 3GPP system performance in an automated and timely manner before entering OMNIAIR or CATARC certification process. The test system provides a high degree of automation and flexible instrument configuration, which meets the requirements of the automotive industry for C-V2X testing.

    A key benefit for customers is the ability to leverage existing investments in Rohde & Schwarz equipment, thereby minimizing additional capital investment.

    “Through C-V2X PC5 direct communications, the AG15 will make traffic smoother and more efficient by paving the way for automated driving and achieving the goal of fully connected traffic,” said Manfred Lindacher, VP Global Sales Automotive International, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “We’re delighted to have collaborated with Rohde & Schwarz to validate these test cases and are looking forward to helping our customers on the road to build a smarter world with our automotive grade C-V2X modules.”

  • Simulator suppliers discuss latest technology and trends

    Simulator suppliers discuss latest technology and trends

    The number of GNSS constellations, satellites and signals is constantly growing. The threats to GNSS — from unintentional radio frequency interference (RFI), jamming, spoofing, multipath… and Federal Communications Commission rulings — are increasing, as are the public’s expectations of GNSS accuracy.

    All these factors contribute to the need for ever more powerful and advanced simulators that can realistically simulate a wide range of optimal and suboptimal environments. That is why simulators are a rapidly growing sector of the GNSS industry.

    At present, the main defense against jamming are continuous radiation pattern antennas (CRPA). Therefore, it is essential that simulators be able to accurately reproduce signals from CRPAs. They are even more useful when they can generate M-code (MNSA) signals, which not all simulators do.

    Additionally, the development of autonomous vehicles requires engineers to simulate driving millions of miles, under a variety of environmental and traffic circumstances. To accomplish this in a reasonable amount of time requires them to run simulations faster than in real time, or run many simulations in parallel.
    Finally, there is an increasing need to simulate alternative positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) signals being developed as supplements to and substitutes for GNSS signals in circumstances that make the latter unavailable or unreliable.

    These are some of the challenges facing manufacturers of GNSS simulators. What follows are their brief descriptions of the approaches they are taking and the innovations they are introducing.

    CAST Navigation Orolia Racelogic
    Rohde & Schwarz Spirent Federal Systems Syntony GNSS

    CAST Navigation

    Headshot: John Clark
    John Clark
    VP of Engineering

    What is your most recent innovation?
    Our latest simulator innovations contain wave-front generation signal technology, which allows you to generate GNSS and interference signals that represent the received signals for each antenna element in a phased array antenna manifold, usually referred to as a controlled radiation pattern antenna (CRPA). Our modular design approach enables users to simulate IMU data commensurate with the wave-front signals for a complete coherent GNSS/IMU simulation that is ideal for stimulating receivers that contain CRPA and IMU capabilities. Our simulators also contain proprietary synchronization technology that allows users to synchronize multiple systems to produce a “wave-front” of GNSS and IMU signals for multiple vehicles, or even an entire fleet.

    Photo: CAST Navigation
    Photo: CAST Navigation

    What is your approach to jamming and spoofing?
    CAST Navigations’ family of GNSS simulators are capable of realistically simulating a wide range of suboptimal conditions—such as jamming/spoofing, multipath, RF interference and satellite constellation perturbations—for virtually any commercial or military environment. Our interference signals or “jammers” can be located at any terrestrial location and can be static or dynamic in nature. A distinguishing feature of CAST Navigations’ simulation systems is that our interference signals are phase-controlled and coherent, allowing for proper phase transmission of each signal type for each receiving antenna element. You can also add an INS capability to any of our systems. These types of systems are perfect for testing GNSS and GNSS/INS types of navigation equipment.

    What’s coming by 2023?
    One of the key trends is the ability to generate M-code (MNSA) signals. Jamming and spoofing are becoming more prevalent, not just to the military but also to consumers. Every day, the military, as well as people like you and me, are starting to encounter more instances of interference that can deny GNSS equipment and even phones the ability to track some GNSS satellites or that transmit incorrect GNSS data, causing receivers to display incorrect position solutions. So, our focus is on products and capabilities that enable our customers to simulate those types of environments and help them to mitigate those kinds of events.

    Orolia

    Headshot: Lisa Perdue
    Lisa Perdue
    Product Manager

    What is your most recent innovation?
    At Orolia we continue to evolve our innovative software-defined simulator approach. Our most recent innovation is our advanced spoofing option. We have taken our ability to define multiple jamming transmitters, each with their own trajectory and antenna pattern, and added the ability for the transmitters to send spoofing signals as well. By utilizing our capability to run multiple simulations on a single system, we give the user the ability to control every parameter of the generated spoofing constellation(s). The system automatically calculates the signal time of flight and the propagation loss, making this advanced capability powerful and easy to use.

    What is your approach to jamming and spoofing?
    Simulation of threat environments is a critical component of GNSS receiver testing. As awareness of the impact that jamming and spoofing can have on a GNSS-based system rises, so does the need to test. That is why we have implemented advanced jamming and spoofing options into our Skydel simulator’s core engine. Replication of degraded environments with threats ranging from one to hundreds is possible using the same hardware and software used for generating GNSS signals. No third-party hardware or software is required for complete testing against jamming and spoofing because we feel that this capability should be part of the core system, not an afterthought.

    Photo: Orolia
    Photo: Orolia

    What’s coming by 2023?
    In the coming years, we expect to see more requirements for simulation of alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) signals. As governments and organizations continue to investigate alternate technologies, it will become necessary to simulate low Earth orbit (LEO) PNT, ground-based transmitters, and other signals being considered.

    Another growing trend is the adoption of controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPAs) for their anti-jam capabilities. These anti-jam antenna systems can only be tested by specialized simulation systems, so we can imagine these simulation systems being commercialized for a broader market around 2023.

    Racelogic

    Headshot: Julian Thomas
    Julian Thomas
    Managing Director

    What is your most recent innovation?
    Recognizing the need of our customers to test their products with a simple solution that uses the latest GNSS signals, we have updated our SatGen software to create accurate simulations using all satellite data currently being transmitted across the various constellations. We have also optimized the performance of SatGen so that a standard desktop PC can be used to simulate these signals in real time. Also, the simulation can now be driven using an external NMEA stream, allowing full remote control of the trajectory.

    What is your approach to jamming and spoofing?
    The LabSat 3 Wideband records and replays all available GNSS signals in high fidelity, allowing jamming and spoofing signals to be reproduced accurately on the test bench.

    Photo: Racelogic
    Photo: Racelogic

    What’s coming by 2023?
    With so many employees now working from home due to COVID-19, the pressing concern for many companies developing GNSS technology is how to provide employees with suitable equipment that is required for them to carry out their jobs efficiently away from the office. Usually these employees would utilize the shared resources of a well-equipped office, with experts on hand to help, but working from home has made access to these devices challenging. Due to LabSat 3’s small size, low cost and ease of use, we have seen a significant increase in sales to companies furnishing their employees with a suitable method of testing their GNSS devices while working from home.

    With the advent of a new breed of high-performance, low-cost GNSS receiver, many new applications are being developed in new and exciting sectors, utilizing a level of accuracy previously considered too expensive to be a commercial proposition. The number of GNSS engines will therefore increase rapidly in the marketplace, with a corresponding increase in demand for cost-effective signal simulation for test and development.

    Rohde & Schwarz

    Headshot: Markus Irsigler
    Markus Irsigler
    Product Manager Signal Generators, Power Meters

    What is your most recent innovation?
    We further improved multi-frequency, multi-constellation simulation capabilities in our high-end segment. The GNSS high-end simulator R&S SMW200A provides signals for all GNSS frequency bands on a single RF output. A second internal RF path can be used for advanced interferer simulation, testing the receiver’s resilience to spoofing or to address dual-antenna scenarios. This keeps setups simple and compact. When more than two RF paths are required, two or more R&S SMW200A can be operated together in a master/slave configuration. Such setups are required for multi-antenna receiver test applications where the signals’ relative carrier phases are analyzed, like CRPA or attitude determination tests. Our new RF ports alignment software automates alignment of the GNSS signals and guarantees correct amplitude, time and phase relations at the RF inputs of the device under test. We also increased the maximum channel count to more than 600 channels to improve testing of multi-constellation, multi-frequency receivers against multipath, jamming and spoofing.

    What is your approach to jamming and spoofing?
    Besides our recent innovations, Rohde & Schwarz plans to provide new interference simulation capabilities within the GNSS simulator. This new feature will allow the user to replay recorded jammer signals as well as user-defined waveforms. The R&S Pulse Sequencer software helps with the definition of most complex interferer scenarios.

    Photo: Rohde & Schwarz
    Photo: Rohde & Schwarz

    What’s coming by 2023?
    Developments in the field of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) aiming for fully autonomous vehicles raise new challenges for reliable PNT solutions. Simulation of interference and jamming scenarios will hence become important in the automotive market. Antenna arrays have proven suitable to counteract RF interference (RFI) by incorporating spatial-processing techniques and might therefore find greater entry into the automotive market. Test solutions must address requirements for simulating all kinds of intentional and unintentional RFI for multi-constellation, multi-frequency and multi-antenna receivers. Apart from simulating GNSS and interference sources, test solutions for autonomous driving will require several other techniques and signals to be applied or simulated, such as RTK/PPP or outputs from other vehicle sensors to perform sensor fusion.

    Spirent Federal Systems

    Headshot: Jeff Martin
    Jeff Martin
    Vice President, Sales

    What is your most recent innovation?
    Launched in 2018, SimMNSA became the first MNSA simulator to achieve GPS Directorate security approval. The software enables users to simulate true MNSA M-code with real-time code and message generation, removing the constraints imposed by simulator data sets (SDS). SimMNSA v2.0 does even more. It is able to broadcast nominal M-code conditions and recreate SDS-defined events. It incorporates an advanced editor to edit military navigation (MNAV) content, allows users to craft and define scenarios, and much more.

    What is your approach to jamming and spoofing?
    Spirent offers numerous capabilities for emulating GNSS signals in the presence of interference and spoofing attacks. Our solutions provide accurate, repeatable and quantifiable signals, enabling customers to conduct accurate tests with trusted results. We can test against internally generated interference enabling multiple “fields” of jammers with various interference types; hundreds of interference signals using external IQ blended with simulator-generated GNSS, and Blue Force Electronic Attack jamming waveforms for testing MGUE devices operating in GPS-denied environments. Spoofing capabilities include signal, navigation data and cyber-level attacks via manipulation of up to 12 copies of each primary GNSS constellation, each fully editable; intuitive spoof attack generation via Spirent’s SimSAFE software option — which also allows live sky synchronization/spoofing, and more.

    Photo: Spirent
    Photo: Spirent

    What’s coming by 2023?
    Threats to reliable and accurate GNSS navigation and timing are developing rapidly. Fortunately, innovative solutions for resilient PNT are in development and will continue to challenge the industry for years to come. The ability to simulate these threats and the mitigation techniques to overcome them is changing the landscape for the simulator industry. It’s more important than ever to have up-to-date test tools. Robust signals along with frequency and constellation diversity will continue to drive the market in addition to GNSS backup systems, or AltNav. The FCC has certainly presented the GNSS industry with an immense challenge.

    Syntony GNSS

    Headshot: Sylvain Daubas
    Sylvain Daubas
    Simulator Activity Manager

    What is your most recent innovation?
    Yesterday, GPS systems had to “work.” Today, they must work fine. This is the difference, and all equipment vendors have realized this. It is no longer acceptable to have 200 meters or more of error in an urban environment. Because of the extreme complexity of the electromagnetic situation in the GNSS spectrum, making a reliable and precise location system requires more and more powerful and advanced simulators. This is why the GNSS simulator market is booming.

    Among the many new features implemented in Syntony’s GNSS simulator this year, two stand out.

    First, 1000-Hz hardware-in-the-loop now allows an accurate simulation for high-dynamic receivers (up to more than 100 Gs!), with zero artifact and zero-effective latency. This is the ultimate in trajectory management.
    Second, signal computing capacity has made a significant leap forward due to hardware and software optimizations. Constellator can now simultaneously generate up to 660 L1 C/A-equivalent signals. And this level of performance can be unlocked remotely, without a hardware update.

    Photo: Syntony GNSS
    Photo: Syntony GNSS

    What is your approach to jamming and spoofing?
    Simulating a GNSS environment with a set of jamming or spoofing signal sources today is the standard. But what about a simulation of an extremely complex urban scene with 50 or 100 jamming/spoofing sources? The only reasonable solution to implement this would be a massive parallel software-defined radio (SDR)-based simulator solution. This is what Syntony can and will do, thanks to its full software GNSS simulator architecture, which can be distributed on a server farm.

    What’s coming by 2023?
    A revolution is arriving: the possibility of generating a full GNSS simulation including many hundreds of satellites and signals, in real time and in pure software. This is now possible, and Syntony has demonstrated it with the Constellator. This will change the simulation world. First of all, Moore’s law will bring significant improvements to this domain year after year. More importantly, new systems and services will be possible: massive parallel scenario simulation including jamming and spoofing, floating simulator licenses, software as a service, etc. In this trend, playback machines will be needed, and obviously a strong internet connection will be necessary to download hundreds of gigabytes of I/Q files overnight.

    Feature image: Samuel King Jr./United States Air Force

  • 2020 Simulator Buyers Guide

    2020 Simulator Buyers Guide

    GPS World’s 9th annual Simulator Buyers Guide features tools, devices and software from leading providers.

     

    CAST NAVIGATION JACKSON LABS TECHNOLOGIES OROLIA
    LABSAT ROHDE & SCHWARZ
    SPIRENT FEDERAL SYSTEMS SYNTONY

    CAST NAVIGATION

    CAST-5000 GPS wavefront generator, CAST-8000

    Photo: CAST Navigation
    Photo: CAST Navigation

    The CAST-5000 produces a coherent wavefront of GPS RF signals to provide repeatable testing in the laboratory environment or anechoic chamber. The basic system generates four independent, coherent simulations that reference a single point and is configurable to support up to eight elements for CRPA testing. With an intercard carrier-phase error of less than 1 millimeter, the CAST-5000 is extremely accurate.

    The system generates a wavefront of GPS when its GPS RF generator cards are operated in a ganged configuration. Each generator card provides a set of GPS satellites coherent with the overall configuration. Several RF generator cards may be utilized together, ensuring phase coherence among the bank of signal generator cards. The CRPA antenna, antenna electronics and the GPS receiver can be tested as a unit with or without radiating signals.

    The CAST-8000 is a new simulator that merges the CAST-5000 CRPA tester with a CAST-3000 EGI tester. The CAST-5000/8000 has the ability to be “ganged” together with additional CAST simulators to provide multiple vehicle and/or multiple antenna test configurations.

    CAST-5000 features

    • Generates single coherent wavefront of GPS
    • 6-DOF motion generation capability
    • Complete SV constellation editing
    • Post-mission processing
    • Differential/relative navigation
    • Antenna pattern modeling
    • Waypoint navigation
    • RAIM events
    • Multipath modeling
    • Spoofer simulation
    • Satellite clock errors
    • External trajectory input
    • External ephemeris and almanac
    • Several iono and tropo models
    • Modifiable navigation message
    • Modeled selective availability
    • Time-tagged satellite events
    • Selectable host vehicle parameters
    • Directional jamming

    [email protected]
    www.castnav.com
    978-858-0130

    [Back to top]

    JACKSON LABS TECHNOLOGIES (JLT)

    Miniature simulator and scenario generator

    Photo: Jackson Labs
    Photo: Jackson Labs

    The 18-channel miniature full-constellation CLAW GPS Simulator is a fully self-contained, low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) miniature GPS simulator. It is very popular in manufacturing environments as well as R&D applications that require consistent and repeatable local GNSS signals at low price points.  The CLAW simulator does not require external computers for processing and control — it works fully self-contained by simply applying power, and storing location/time/date data in internal non-volatile (NV) memory, or by storing complex vector data to simulate highly dynamic scenarios. The CLAW also can be used to transcode NMEA or SCPI position/velocity/time (PVT) data into GPS RF signals. JLT offers an easy to use, highly configurable and cost-free SimCon Windows application program that is downloadable from the JLT website.

    The SimCon application allows random scenario generation and is thus usable to simulate leap-second events, week 1023 rollover events, or any other GPS live-sky scenarios including highly complex yet easy-to-create dynamic vector simulations. For authorized U.S. government users, a version that does not have altitude and velocity limitations is popular for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) simulations. Multipath simulation allows use of the entire 18-channel simulator capability. The unit can be field-upgraded with an easy to use in-field software upgrade feature. The CLAW is also very useful in GNSS receiver sensitivity testing for R&D or mass-production assembly lines as it allows accurate control of RF output power ranging from –100 dBm to less than –130 dBm with 0.1-dB resolution and typically better than 1-dB accuracy over the controllable power range.

    The CLAW GPS Simulator also has a built-in RF signal generator with sweep, CW and random noise functions that are useful in simulating GNSS jamming scenarios, as well as GPS spoofing scenarios. The simulator comes in an FCC-certified metal desktop enclosure with numerous accessories.

    [email protected]
    www.jackson-labs.com
    (702) 233-1334

    OROLIA

    Essential and advanced series

    The Orolia family of GNSS simulators offers a wide breadth and depth of tools for those responsible for mission-critical positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) applications. The simulation tools enable users to test a variety of scenarios, from simple to complex. Orolia’s simulators are feature-rich and easy to use, offering a way to harden GPS/GNSS-based systems without the limitations of testing from live-sky signals. Orolia’s approach allows users to buy only what they need today and upgrade later.

    ESSENTIAL

    Photo: Orolia
    Photo: Orolia

    GSG 5/6. An essential scenario-based simulator used for testing a variety of smart applications such as drones, the internet of things (IoT), connected cars, cellular and more. GSG 5/6 offers ease-of-use with an out-of-the-box configuration and comprehensive set of pre-defined scenarios, plus the ability to create scenarios. It can simulate all constellations, all frequencies, and movements/trajectories anywhere on or above Earth. This enables a multitude of test solutions covering accuracies and sensitivities due to environmental conditions, technology factors and other events. Application packages are available for real-time kinematic (RTK), eCall, high-velocity, jamming and sensors.

    ADVANCED

    Skydel Software Engine. The software behind Orolia’s high-end GNSS simulators: GSG-8, BroadSim, BroadSim Anechoic and BroadSim Wavefront. All share the same software-defined benefits and interoperability. In addition to Orolia’s turn-key systems, Skydel can run on the user’s own commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. It is suitable to test and validate GNSS systems for a variety of applications, with advanced signal customization and configurable outputs. Users can create advanced scenarios with multiple parameters and variables: antenna patterns, orbits, multipath, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and more. The easy-to-use API configures all aspects, available in Python, C#, C++ and LabVIEW. User interactions can be recorded and exported as executable Python script — a learning tool that drastically reduces the automation learning curve.

    Photo: Orolia
    Photo: Orolia

    GSG-8. An advanced software-defined GNSS simulator supporting multiple constellations, frequencies and hundreds of signals all-in-view. With a 1000-Hz iteration rate, high dynamics and real-time synchronization, GSG-8 delivers ultra-high performance and flexibility. It is designed for space trajectories, custom PNT signals, HIL and more. Advanced jamming and spoofing options allow users to create benign and threat scenarios required for critical applications. Complex objects such as Differential GNSS (RTK), multi-antenna vehicles, attitude measurements and sophisticated GNSS receivers can be tested. A comprehensive software development kit (SDK) allows users to incorporate encrypted or proprietary signals. Powered by the Skydel Simulation Engine.

    Photo: Orolia
    Photo: Orolia

    BroadSim. Available through Orolia Defense & Security, BroadSim was designed to meet the demand of NAVWAR testing. BroadSim supports high dynamics, advanced jamming and spoofing simulation tools, and encrypted military codes including Y-code, M-AES and M-MNSA. BroadSim uses a custom Linux operating system for security and better performance. BroadSim excels in NAVWAR applications due to its four independent RF outputs, a wide dynamic range with up to 0 dBm transmit power, and integrated jamming and spoofing scenario creation. BroadSim’s ease-of-use and functionality to configure multiple vehicles allows any user to seamlessly test the performance and vulnerability of their system without requiring a high level of expertise. Powered by the Skydel Simulation Engine.

    Photo: Orolia
    Photo: Orolia

    BroadSim Anechoic. Available through Orolia Defense & Security, BroadSim Anechoic enables users to accurately simulate over-the-air (OTA) GNSS environments in their anechoic chamber. Designed from the ground up for the user, by users, the system has 32 individual RF outputs enabling it to drive 16 dual-frequency antennas. The automation of antenna mapping, time delay and power loss calibration cuts set-up time from days to minutes. Easily verify signals with a built-in spectrum analyzer. The 48-dB transmit chain amplifier and 80-dB transmit chain dial attenuator allow for complete signal control and high dynamic range. Powered by the Skydel Simulation Engine.

    Photo: Orolia
    Photo: Orolia

    BroadSim Wavefront. Available through Orolia Defense & Security, BroadSim Wavefront enables fully featured testing of controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) and multi-element antenna electronic systems. Scaled upon the same easy-to-use software-defined platform and interface, it supports 4-16 antenna elements with integrated high dynamics and a phase coherence of 1° σ. Users can simultaneously simulate multiple spoofers, jammers, repeaters and alternate PNT sensors with just a few clicks. The Wavefront makes no compromise between the number of signals and the iteration rate, which remains at 1,000 Hz. It is designed to help engineers deliver results and make decisions, and can be calibrated in a matter of minutes. Powered by the Skydel Simulation Engine.

    www.orolia.com
    [email protected]
    +1-585-321-5800

    [Back to top]

    LABSAT

    LabSat 3 Wideband and Satgen Software

    LabSat 3 Wideband

    Photo: Labsat
    Photo: Labsat

    The LabSat 3 Wideband is a compact yet powerful multi-constellation and multi-frequency GNSS testing solution.

    The easy-to-use, one-touch record and replay function provides an efficient way to test and develop GNSS-based technology without the cost and limitations of live-sky signals.

    With simple-to-install upgrade options available, customers can invest with the confidence that its capabilities can grow alongside their future requirements.

    LabSat 3 Wideband can record and replay up to three different channels at 56-MHz bandwidth across all major constellations and signals including:

    • GPS: L1/L2/L5
    • GLONASS: L1/L2/L3
    • BeiDou: B1/B2/B3
    • QZSS: L1/L2/L5
    • Galileo: E1/E1a/E5a/E5b/E6
    • L-band correction services including SBAS and IRNSS
    • 2x CAN, RS232 and digital inputs tightly synchronized with GNSS data
    • Future signal launches are also supported, including L2C, L5 and L1C

    LabSat 3 Wideband has a removable SSD (up to 7TB) and a two-hour runtime provided by an internal battery. It is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for field testing in any environment.

    SatGen Signal Simulation Software

    SatGen software allows users to quickly create bespoke, accurate scenarios with their own time, location and trajectory, that can be replayed via a LabSat GNSS Simulator.

    The latest version of SatGen can be used to create a single scenario containing all the upper and lower L-Band signals for GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou.

    Mark Sampson, LabSat Product Manager
    [email protected]
    www.labsat.co.uk

    ROHDE & SCHWARZ

    R&S SMW200A and R&S SMBV100B simulators

    Photo: Rohde & Schwarz
    Photo: Rohde & Schwarz

    Precision-sensitive applications such as autonomous driving, control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or positioning of aircraft during landing procedures in coordination with ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS) require that modern GNSS receivers undergo detailed tests before implementation.

    Rohde & Schwarz signal generators like the R&S SMW200A and the R&S SMBV100B offer a unique approach to generating complex and highly realistic scenarios for testing of GNSS receivers that are able to work with diverse navigational systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS/SBAS signals. Both simulators can emulate them all for testing.

    R&S SMW200A. The R&S SMW200A GNSS simulator (pictured above) can be used to produce complex interference scenarios with multiple interferers — all generated within the instrument itself. It can emulate up to 144 GNSS channels and can be equipped with up to four RF outputs. With its ability to simulate multi-constellation, multi-frequency, multi-antenna and multi-vehicle scenarios, the R&S SMW200A is able to cover a variety of high-end GNSS applications.

    R&S SMBV100B. The R&S SMBV100B supports the same navigational systems, with access to 60 GNSS channels and one RF output, with the same ability to configure realistic scenarios including obscuration, multipath and atmospheric effects, as well as the specific characteristics of the antenna and the simulated vehicle. An integrated noise and CW interference generator also can be added.

    Since the devices do not require an external PC for scenario configuration, all the tests can be created quickly through the user-friendly GUI. Due to all-encompassing instrument options available, both simulators can be set up to fit unique user requirements.

    For testing GNSS receivers under controlled and repeatable conditions, the R&S SMW200A and the R&S SMBV100B provide extensive and cost-effective solutions. The platforms are ready to adapt to future requirements and testing of newly implemented GNSS signals.

    [email protected]
    www.rohde-schwarz.com
    +49 89 4129 12345

    [Back to top]

    SPIRENT FEDERAL SYSTEMS

    GSS9000, SimMNSA, CRPA test system, anechoic chamber testing, mid-range testing

    Photo: Spirent Federal
    Photo: Spirent Federal

    Spirent Federal provides GPS/GNSS test equipment that covers all applications, including research and development, integration/verification and production testing.

    GSS9000. The enhanced GSS9000 Multi-Frequency, Multi-GNSS RF Constellation Simulator is Spirent’s most comprehensive simulation solution. It can simulate signals from all GNSS and regional navigation systems and has a system iteration rate (SIR) of 1000 Hz (1 ms), enabling higher dynamic simulations with more accuracy and fidelity. The GSS9000 supports restricted/classified signals. Users can evaluate the resilience of navigation systems to interference and spoofing attacks, and have the flexibility to reconfigure constellations, channels, and frequencies between test runs or test cases.

    SimMNSA. The first fully approved MNSA M-code simulator. Authorized users of the GSS9000 series of simulators will be able to utilize the advanced capabilities of SimMNSA to create more robust solutions for their customers. SimMNSA has been granted Security Approval by the Global Positioning System Directorate.

    CRPA Test System. Spirent’s Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) Test System generates both GNSS and interference signals. Users can control multiple antenna elements. Null-steering and space/time adaptive CRPA testing are both supported by this comprehensive approach.

    Anechoic Chamber Testing. Spirent’s GSS9790 Multi-Output, Multi-GNSS RF Constellation Wave-Front Simulator System is a development of the GSS9000. The GSS9790 is a unique solution providing the core element for GNSS applications that require a test system that can be used in both conducted (lab) and radiated (chamber) conditions.

    Mid-Range Solutions. Spirent also offers solutions that cater to intermediate GPS/GNSS testing needs. The GSS7000 multi-constellation simulator provides an easy-to-use solution for GNSS testing that can grow with users’ requirements. The GSS6450 RF record and playback system enables replay of a real-world GNSS/GPS test repeatedly in the lab.

    [email protected]
    www.spirentfederal.com
    801-785-1448

    [Back to top]

    SYNTONY GNSS

    High-end GNSS simulation solutions for R&D, integration and production testing

    Photo: Syntony GNSS
    Photo: Syntony GNSS

    Constellator. Syntony’s GNSS simulator Constellator supports all constellation signals available and provides a high level of service in different ranges. It covers, in a single unit, a wide spectrum of use cases from entry-level with L1C/A up to very demanding configurations such as multi-frequencies and 400 channels management.

    Extensively used in aeronautics, space and defense industries, Constellator answers complex requirements:

    • Standalone mode (on the ground and in space)
    • Multi-frequencies
    • All constellations and their signals, including NavIC/IRNSS
    • Hardware in-the-loop (HIL) mode with zero-effective latency and 1000-Hz update rate
    • All typical synchronization interfaces

    Particularly in the space industry, Constellator implements the advanced models (Earth gravity, drag, 3D ionospheric models, side lobes, etc.) needed to achieve accurate simulations for all kinds of orbits (from LEO to GEO and SSTO). Combined with other Syntony GNSS simulation products (interference generator, Recorder & Player Echo, GBAS simulator, etc.), Constellator can be used to tackle challenging use cases such as jamming, spoofing, multipath, and multiple antennas testing. Constellator is based on a software-defined radio (SDR), making it hardware-ready for future constellations, signals and codes. It is easily upgradeable and versatile.

    GNSS Recorder & Player. Syntony’s Echo is an ultra-high-fidelity GNSS recording and playback solution. It is designed to capture real-life signals and environments, for instance from airplanes, and then replayed for R&D or production tests. Echo offers:

    • 3 RF channels of 100-MHz bandwidth each (for the whole set of GNSS signals from all constellations)
    • 16-bit resolution (I&Q)
    • from 7 to more than 1,000 hours of record/replay capabilities depending on configuration

    Echo-R can also record complex and very long realistic scenarios from a simulator; Echo-P can replay them with very high fidelity for long-run or production tests. Please ask Chief Sales Officer Francois Goudenove for distributor contacts in the U.S., Europe, India, China, South Korea and Japan.

    François Goudenove, Chief Sales Officer
    [email protected]
    www.syntony-gnss.com
    +33.5.81.319.919

    [Back to top]

  • AVL adds Rohde & Schwarz GNSS simulation to vehicle test environment

    AVL adds Rohde & Schwarz GNSS simulation to vehicle test environment

    A collaboration between AVL and Rohde & Schwarz, two providers of measuring and automotive testing systems, now permits the reproduction of realistic GNSS reception conditions for testbed vehicle testing. As a result, users can reliably test all aspects of GNSS-based vehicle positioning — a core functionality of autonomous vehicles.

    AVL DRIVINGCUBE enables the reproducible testing of driver assistance systems and driving features for self-driving vehicles using a real vehicle within a virtual environment in a variety of different traffic situations. For that purpose, test drives are performed with a real, ready-to-drive vehicle on a chassis dynamometer or powertrain testbed.

    With the help of realistic virtual driving scenarios, it is possible to test peripheral sensors, control systems and actuators inside the vehicle in a fully reproducible and reliable manner. Automated vehicle functions are thus sufficiently validated during development and even before testing on the proving ground.

    The range of environment simulations carried out with AVL DRIVINGCUBE can now be extended to include GNSS signals, bringing simulation closer to reality than ever before. The vehicle’s GNSS receiver is stimulated realistically using GNSS signals generated on the testbed.

    This way, technical engineers can identify exactly how sensors, automated driving features and other actuators respond inside the vehicle. The now possible GNSS-based vehicle positioning feature is a core functionality of automated driving, and the approach ensures that it is reliably tested.

    The SMBV100B GNSS simulator. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)
    The SMBV100B GNSS simulator. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)

    For generating GNSS signals, Rohde & Schwarz GNSS simulators are used (R&S SMBV100B or R&S SMW200A), which allow the generation of signals for all of the available satellite navigation systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, SBAS) across all frequency bandwidths (L1, L2, L5). This also makes them suitable for testing multi-frequency receivers, which are playing an increasingly important role in automated driving.

    “In Rohde & Schwarz, we now have a strong and reliable partner for GNSS stimulation. By generating consistent GNSS signals in connection with environment simulation, AVL DRIVINGCUBE now provides a test system that allows users to validate GNSS-based driver assistance systems and autonomous driving features,” explains Dr.-Ing. Tobias Düser, Head of Advanced Solution Lab at AVL Deutschland GmbH.

    Christoph Pointner, Head of Signal Generators at Rohde & Schwarz, adds: “We are very pleased to bring our expertise in the field of signal generation to this collaboration with AVL and contribute to such an important innovation and trendsetting solution for testing automatized driving features.”

    The additional GNSS stimulation makes testbed testing not only more realistic, it is above all a further step in moving testing from the road to the rig. This leads to a much sharper reduction of test drives than was the case previously and major savings in the kilometers driven.

    Rohde & Schwarz GNSS stimulators form a flexible, modular system that can be adapted to your requirements and is easily integrated in the AVL DRIVINGCUBE environment. The stimulator is controlled automatically from the simulation platform. GNSS extensions for AVL DRIVINGCUBE are available with immediate effect.

    AVL DRIVINGCUBE enables the reproducible testing of driver assistance systems for self-driving vehicles. (Photo: AVL)
    AVL DRIVINGCUBE enables the reproducible testing of driver assistance systems for self-driving vehicles. (Photo: AVL)

  • Rohde & Schwarz demos geo-fencing WEA test solution at ION GNSS+ 2019

    Rohde & Schwarz’s Chintankumar Patel discusses the company’s test solution that supports WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) 3.0 with geo-fencing at ION GNSS+ 2019, which took place in Miami.

  • Ericsson verifies 5G coverage with Rohde & Schwarz drone

    Ericsson verifies 5G coverage with Rohde & Schwarz drone

    Photo: Rohde & Schwarz
    Photo: Rohde & Schwarz

    Test and measurement specialist Rohde & Schwarz has supplied mobile network testing tools used in drone-based network coverage, performance and operation tests managed by Ericsson, a global leader in network infrastructure.

    Testing mobile coverage. A project team based in Jorvas, Finland, and led by Ericsson’s 5G Readiness Program RAN Technical Lead Richard Wirén, has developed— together with Centria University of Applied Sciences — a novel system for testing cellular mobile network coverage.

    The new system uses mobile network-testing scanners and smartphones from Rohde & Schwarz mounted on a drone that can be programmed to execute automatic tests with considerable flexibility, for example for precise route selection and drone speed control.

    This solution is especially valuable for industrial use cases. It also has the advantages over traditional walk and drive tests by providing unprecedented repeatability and positional accuracy with the ability to verify beamforming and map coverage in 3D.

    Drone-mounted scanner. The R&S TSMA6 network scanner is mounted on a drone and is able to simultaneously verify important LTE and 5G NR coverage metrics such as reference signal received power (RSRP) and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in accordance with 3GPP standards.

    When combined with the R&S QualiPoc Android smartphone-based optimizer, IP trace, application quality of service (QoS) metrics such as serving cell parameters are possible. The solution currently uses LTE user equipment (UE) but will soon be further developed to include 5G UEs such as the Samsung S10 5G.

    The drone can be programmed to follow an exact three-dimensional route.

    Repeatable tests. More than 20 successful measurement flights conducted so far have shown the solution procedure and results to be extremely repeatable. The drone flights were of various duration, altitudes and routes, depending on the test case.

    Control, authentication and air traffic control are considerable challenges to the development of robust drone-based solutions. In this new system they are conducted over cellular networks, eliminating the requirement for line-of-sight connection between the drone and its pilot.

    The unique procedure enables unprecedented 3D accessibility, positional accuracy and repeatability of the testing.

    It also opens up new possibilities to ensure end-user QoS for demanding 5G use cases such as industry 4.0, automotive and public safety, Rohde & Scwarz said.

    5G New Radio. The deployment of 5G New Radio (NR) brings new applications of cellular networks for subscribers, government and industry. It also makes the verification of the correct coverage, performance and operation of networks more critical, increasing the demand for accuracy and accessibility in traditional field network tests.

    “For 5G to realize its promise, field verification of operation and quality is essential, and this development is a pioneering way to ensure our customers receive the network performance they require,” said Richard Wirén, 5G Readiness Program RAN Technical Lead from Ericsson. “We are delighted to utilize test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz that have proven themselves very reliable and are excited that we now have access to solutions based on commercially available 5G NR UEs such as the Samsung S10 5G.”

    “We are delighted to combine our industry-leading mobile network testing know-how with Ericsson’s long tradition of network innovations to ensure the delivery of end-user Quality of Experience as 5G NR becomes a reality,” said Hanspeter Bobst, vice president of mobile network testing for Rohde & Schwarz.

    Ericsson and Rohde & Schwarz are collaborating with Tampere University and Centria University of Applied Sciences, and the project forms part of the Business Finland 5G FORCE program.

    Future developments will focus on testing critical 5G applications such as public safety and machine-type communications for Industry 4.0, extending the frequency to extremely high frequencies of the mmWave bands and testing in an urban environment.

  • Navigating testing options: Simulator innovators map out solutions and trends

    Navigating testing options: Simulator innovators map out solutions and trends

    This tongue-in-cheek photo, courtesy of Racelogic, underlines how simulators help GNSS engineers “road test” multiple positioning products in multiple scenarios. (Photo: Racelogic)
    This tongue-in-cheek photo, courtesy of Racelogic, underlines how simulators help GNSS engineers “road test” multiple positioning products in multiple scenarios. (Photo: Racelogic)

    The number of GNSS signals, the frequency and sophistication of intentional and unintentional threats to those signals, and the need for integration between GNSS and other positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) sources — especially for indoor and autonomous navigation — are continuing to increase, as is the number of new applications for GNSS. In response, manufacturers of GNSS simulators are creating new and improved models able to simulate all these new signals and scenarios.

    Additionally, as GNSS chipsets continue to be further commoditized, simulator manufacturers must address the needs of new entrants into the GNSS receiver market that have lower accuracy requirements and require less technical expertise and, therefore, require units that are smaller and cheaper and have simpler interfaces.

    No single manufacturer can address the full spectrum of challenges that these trends present. So, while their products overlap in capabilities and SWaP-C (size, weight, power and cost), each one has chosen its market niche and preferred mix of features.

    Even on the deceptively simple question of definition (“What is a GNSS simulator?”), the seven manufacturers featured here give different answers, covering the following capabilities:

    • Simulating GNSS signals as well as inertial navigation data.
    • Enabling users to test hardware, software and new solutions in the lab before deployment.
    • Enabling users to test systems under pristine or extreme conditions, including error conditions.
    • Enabling users to test systems during rare, transitional and prohibited events.
    • Helping to retrofit existing equipment to new and emerging standards.

    Innovations being introduced or developed include:

    • an anechoic simulator to test continuous radiation pattern antennas (CRPAs).
    • simulation of a full M-code modernized signal.
    • software-defined simulators.
    • increased automation of repetitive tasks.
    • the capability to record and replay real-world signals.
    • the capability to record and synchronize data on the conditions faced by a test vehicle.

    While the universe of GNSS satellites and receivers continues to grow and evolve, the universe of GNSS simulators is keeping pace — or even a step ahead.

    Click on the company to be directed to that section.

    CAST Navigation with John F. Clark Jackson Labs Technologies with Said Jackson
    Orolia with Stéphane Hamel Racelogic with Julian Thomas
    Rohde & Schwarz with Markus Irsigler Spirent Federal Systems with Roger Hart & Jeff Martin
    Syntony with Cyrille Gernot

    CAST Navigation

    John F. Clark, Vice President, Engineering. (Photo: CAST Navigation)
    John F. Clark, Vice President, Engineering. (Photo: CAST Navigation)

    In the lab, simulators allow users to “drive” a piece of equipment through 3D space, performing flight testing or checking equipment integration. Simulators also validate operational flight programs (OFPs) for pilots before they are fielded, to ensure that the software is working correctly.

    Innovation. CAST’s latest simulator is the CAST 5000 wavefront generator. It allows users to drive GNSS and interference signals that represent a continuous radiation pattern antenna (CRPA), which consists of multiple, smaller antennas all combined into one unit. In real life, each one of those antenna elements is in a different location; therefore, when they receive signals from a jammer or any of the GNSS satellites, each one will see that signal in a slightly different phase from the other elements. “Our simulator allows us to present signals to these antennas that model the same type of phase differentiation that you see in real life,” Clark said.

    Photo: CAST Navigation
    Photo: CAST Navigation

    Coming Next. CAST Navigation is constantly improving its software based on user feedback. “We are in the process of enhancing our user interface to make it much more powerful but also much simpler to use,” Clark said. Hardware is also being improved, with implementation of the latest available GNSS always on the list.

    Looking Ahead to 2022. Jamming and spoofing are becoming more prevalent, not just for the military but also for consumers. Consumers are starting to encounter more instances of jamming, denying their phone the ability to track a GPS satellite or transmitting incorrect GPS data so the solution that their device gives them is not correct. “Our focus is on products and capabilities that help our customers simulate those types of environments and mitigate those kinds of reactions,” Clark said.

    Jackson Labs Technologies Inc.

    Said Jackson, President and CTO. (Photo: Jackson Labs)
    Said Jackson, President and CTO. (Photo: Jackson Labs)

    Jackson Labs’ simulators take a position, navigation or timing signal, re-encode it into an RF signal through a GPS simulation procedure, and output a real-time RF signal that encodes the position, navigation and timing (PNT) information, within milliseconds, into an RF signal that can be fed into existing equipment. “We came up with a general-purpose simulator that is basically a no-frills, low-cost, highly accurate, highly stable, highly reliable, extremely small GPS-only simulator,” explained Jackson. “We only provide GPS L1 simulation, to keep the cost of the product down, because GPS L1 C/A code is the only code required to generate an accurate and assured PNT fix, and because we are looking at simulating to embedded systems, where you only need an L1 C/A code simulator.”

    Photo: Jackson Labs
    Photo: Jackson Labs

    Coming Next. Jackson Labs’ simulators don’t require an external computer for data processing or control. That makes it possible for companies like Toyota to plug the unit into a car on the assembly line, and generate RF output that is fed into their GPS-based navigation systems to pass final quality-assurance checks on the production line. Jackson Labs expects to further reduce SWaP-C (size, weight, power and cost) requirements and potentially add other signals. “We are also looking to potentially combine our simulators with other product lines that we have, such as our comprehensive atomic clock product line,” Jackson said.

    Looking Ahead to 2022. Jackson predicts that the sector will split into two paths: an industrial sector with units for manufacturing and deployment, and companies that introduce emerging GNSS systems at much lower price points, smaller SWaP, and with more modular deployment. Inertial navigation systems (INS) are critical for autonomous driving and assured capabilities during spoofing and jamming events, Jackson said. “It is not possible today to very easily simulate INS units.There is a market for innovation in terms of integrating what the military calls ‘assured PNT,’ which includes things like dual navigation.”

    Orolia

    Stéphane Hamel, Director, Testing and Simulation. (Photo: Orolia)
    Stéphane Hamel, Director, Testing and Simulation. (Photo: Orolia)

    According to Orolia’s Hamel, a simulator’s purpose is two-fold: first, it must reproduce threats and second, it must prove the solution is working.

    Innovation. When Skydel Solutions joined Orolia in March, it brought a professional software-defined simulator that makes possible fast prototyping and development cycles. It integrates advanced interference simulation and can simulate hundreds of threats simultaneously. “When you want to do a repetitive step, automation is the key,” Hamel said. “Our simulator can teach you how to automate, just by clicking on a button and generating source code.” In 2018, Skydel introduced an anechoic simulator to test Controlled reception pattern antennas (CRPAs). Also new is a waveform simulator, so CRPA units can be tested in a conducted (rather than radiated) way.

    Image: Orolia
    Image: Orolia

    Coming Next. In the next three years, Orolia is looking at adding Galileo PRS, GPS M-code, or the next-generation signal. “Being software-defined means that we are very flexible and we can allow our partners to develop their own plug-ins,” Hamel said. “They can build custom signals, restricted or modernized signals. Our simulator will take care of the dynamics of the signal and our partners can focus on the characteristics of the signal, or the things that are secret, classified, or if they simply want to protect their IP.”

    Looking Ahead to 2022. Resilience to serious spoofing and jamming threats is high on Orolia’s list, as well as ensuring secure or valid positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) in GPS-denied environments. Alternative signals, sensors and increased complexity require a simulator to address all of these. Companies that develop complex proprietary hardware platforms will be challenged to keep up with the increasing complexity. and a software-defined approach will be an advantage.

    Racelogic

    Julian Thomas, Managing Director. (Photo: Racelogic)
    Julian Thomas, Managing Director. (Photo: Racelogic)

    Racelogic’s first LabSat was a recorder with player — the signals were recorded outside, and then replayed in the lab. Racelogic’s simulators now also provide simulation of the signals using software to generate the signals as though they are being sent by the satellites.

    Innovation. In 2018, Racelogic introduced the LabSat wideband, which uses the company’s SatGen software. It records at 56 MHz and up to 6 bits of resolution and streams the data to an internal SSD hard drive. It can also replay real-world simulations or ones generated with SatGen. For the automotive world, it records and replays signals such as CAN, RS232, RS485, IMU and other data channels, synchronizing them at the same time. VBOX allows users to record and replay video with the perfectly synchronized recording made on the LabSat. “You see exactly the kinds of conditions of the test vehicle or person who has been subjected to the test,” Thomas said.

    Photo: Spirent
    Photo: Spirent

    Coming Next. Racelogic is providing wider bandwidth, greater bit depth, and multiple channels in a small battery-powered device that records even more signals, including lidar, EtherCAT (an automotive Ethernet format) and CAN-FD (a faster version of the CAN format). It will be able to synchronize with multiple video cameras instead of just one in high resolution. “It is basically the same as what we are selling, but on steroids, and at a very similar price point,” Thomas said.

    Looking Ahead to 2022. With multi-GNSS going mainstream, both chip manufacturers and simulator manufacturers will be challenged by the cost of test equipment. Chip makers need to be able to test the new signals on their production lines, while simulator makers will need to provide devices at a price point and ease of use for customers with less stringent or slightly less technical requirements. “They need a simpler interface and a smaller, cheaper unit,” Thomas said.

    Rohde & Schwarz

    Markus Irsigler, Product Manager, Signal Generators. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)
    Markus Irsigler, Product Manager, Signal Generators. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)

    An increasing number of GNSS applications depend on multi-frequency GNSS.

    Innovation. In response, Rohde & Schwarz added multi-frequency test capabilities to its entry-level and mid-range test solutions. “We have launched a new GNSS simulator based on the new mid-range vector signal generator R&S SMBV100B,” Irsigler said. A simple and flexible option concept allows users to turn the instrument into a full-featured and powerful GNSS signal source. It addresses a wide range of test applications, from single- and multi-frequency production testing to multi-frequency receiver characterization. The instrument can be equipped with an internal noise generator that allows users to simulate GNSS plus noise or CW interference without using additional external hardware.

    Photo: Rohde & Schwarz
    Photo: Rohde & Schwarz

    Coming Next. GNSS test solutions from R&S are based on general-purpose vector signal generators. With this approach, GNSS and other signals can be generated at the same time in the same instrument allowing coexistence and interference testing without additional external signal sources. As this results in test solutions that are compact and very flexible to use, R&S will continue to use this approach for upcoming product upgrades and enhancements as well as for its next generation of GNSS test solutions. The company’s upcoming activities will mainly focus on the high-end segment, where the R&S SMW200A with up to 4 RF outputs and up to 144 channels addresses multi-antenna and multi-vehicle GNSS test applications.

    Looking Ahead to 2022. With the safety demands of autonomous driving or aircraft landing procedures, multi-frequency testing will become standard. Because such applications must be sufficiently robust against spoofing and jamming threats, there will be an increasing need to test navigation systems against such influences. “Simulating GNSS alone is not enough,” Irsigler said. “Test solutions for autonomous driving will require several other techniques and signals to be applied or simulated, such as RTK/PPP or outputs from other vehicle sensors to perform sensor fusion.”

    Spirent Federal Systems

    Roger Hart, Director of Engineering. (Photo: Spirent)
    Roger Hart, Director of Engineering. (Photo: Spirent)

    Spirent’s simulators test with “real-world” signals as well as allowing tests under pristine conditions or under extreme conditions that may never occur in the real world, including error conditions.

    Innovation. In December 2018, Spirent released the SimMNSA, which provides a full M-code modernized signal solution. Until now, the GPS Directorate limited M-code simulation to either pseudo-M-code, which provides the same spread-spectrum but uses a commercial encryption standard, or a system of playing back a canned set of M-code limited to certain satellites and dates and times. With the policy change, Spirent can now implement M-code based on the modernized Navstar security algorithm (MNSA), and now offers both an M-code solution with the SimMNSA and a full Y-code with the SimSAAS.

    Jeff Martin, Director of Sales. (Photo: Spirent)
    Jeff Martin, Director of Sales. (Photo: Spirent)

    Coming Next. Spirent plans to provide customers an increased channel count to help test multi-constellation, multi-frequency receivers against multipath, jamming and spoofing. “We are in a period of intense development in terms of AVs, UAVs, and so forth, which don’t use GNSS exclusively,” Hart said, explaining that Spirent is working on testing of GNSS/sensor-fusion platforms.

    Looking Ahead to 2022. “As new interface specifications are released, we are proactive in developing new signals,” Hart said. Spirent also is supporting efforts to achieve assured PNT solutions. It is investigating interference-mitigation techniques such as algorithms, directional antennas, and other anti-jam technologies. Signal authentication is another need. “As the systems are becoming more integrated and networked, we are conscious of cyber-security threats and are looking in that area,” Hart said.

    Photo: Spirent
    Photo: Spirent

    Syntony GNSS

    Cyrille Gernot, GNSS Receiver Development and Product Manager. (Photo: Syntony GNSS)
    Cyrille Gernot, GNSS Receiver Development and Product Manager. (Photo: Syntony GNSS)

    GNSS receiver manufacturers use simulators to ensure that their products are robust in challenging situations that can’t be clearly assessed using real-world data. “That’s where the GNSS simulator comes into play,” Gernot said, “by offering controlled and repeatable scenarios.”

    Innovation. Syntony’s new pseudo-random-noise code (PRN code) server allows the GNSS simulator user to dynamically send the pseudo-random sequence modulating a carrier. It is especially useful for testing encrypted signals such as the GPS military signal or the IRNSS RS signal. “Access to encryption keys is extremely difficult for a simulator manufacturer to obtain,” Gernot said. “However, the simulator does not actually need to have knowledge of those encryption keys; only the resulting pseudo-random sequence to modulate is required.” The Syntony PRN server allows users to dynamically input their own pseudo-random sequences to be modulated on the target carrier into the simulator.

    Coming Next. Syntony’s next simulator will simulate spoofing and synchronous multi-antenna signals for CRPA and antenna network testing.

    Photo: Syntony GNSS
    Photo: Syntony GNSS

    Looking Ahead to 2022. As the threat of spoofing and jamming increases, the receiver industry will have to develop countermeasures and mitigation strategies. One of the best methods remains the use of antenna arrays, Gernot said. “Antenna arrays allow for spatial discrimination that is especially efficient to counter spoofing, jamming or unintentional interferences.To meet the industry’s future demands, Syntony is already working on accurate simulation of antenna arrays while accounting for inherent errors such as inter-antenna phase and amplitude offsets and overcoming obstacles, including phase coherency at the output of the simulator RF channels.”