GPS World

Tag: Spectracom

  • Spectracom Simulator Compatible with China’s Beidou System

    Spectracom has announced its upgrade capability to China’s global navigation satellite system, Beidou. The Spectracom GSG Series 5 and Series 6 GNSS signal simulators, released in 2012, are designed to be field upgradeable to simulate current and future GNSS constellations. GSG simulators are capable of outputting the frequencies, modulations and data formats of anticipated GNSS systems. The January release of the Beidou ICD specification has confirmed that Spectracom GPS/GNSS simulators will be able to emulate these satellite signals with a simple field-upgradeable firmware update.

    “In anticipation of the deployment of these new, major GNSS systems, Spectracom ensures that every GSG simulator that leaves the factory is tested for compliance with all the signal frequency and modulation specifications as defined in their ICDs. Customers who have purchased our Series 5 or 6 simulators since June 2012 have this upgrade capability,” Spectracom CTO John Fischer said.

    Spectracom_GSG-62_W
    Spectracom GSG-6 series simulator. Photo: Spectrum

    The Series 5 single frequency simulator is fully capable of the all the signals in the L1 (GPS and GLONASS) / E1 (Galileo) / B1 (Beidou) band, including all the GLONASS FDMA satellites.

    The Series 6 multi-frequency simulator is fully capable of all four bands of all the systems: L1 / E1 / B1; L2 / L2C; L5 /E5 /B2; and E6 / B3.

    Fischer added, “As the need for new signals arise, firmware upgrades will be available. This ensures our customer’s investment is protected. Galileo signals will be available this year and Beidou will be available next year.”

  • Multi-GNSS Simulator

    Multi-GNSS Simulator

    Spectracom announced its new L1+L2 dual-frequency 32-channel multi-GNSS simulator, the GSG-62. The GSG-62 offers multiple frequency band operation, multiple GNSS constellation simulation, and expansion capability for more frequency bands and channels, the company said.

    The new simulator provides expanded capabilities for those who are testing more than GPS L1, according to the company. “We understand the challenges our customers have in fast-paced development, migration and delivery of products with ever changing embedded GNSS receivers,” said John Fischer, Spectracom CTO. “As such, we are excited to introduce this next-generation multi-signal instrument that allows for real-time scenarios, is intuitive to understand, quick to deploy and, given its design to support upgrades to L2C, L5, and future GNSS frequencies and systems, protects our customer’s investment in test gear.

    Fischer continued, “In addition to a wide variety of technical challenges, we also understand our customers must balance the ability to quickly develop solutions and improve cost performance in their operations. We believe the price, unique features, and form factor of the GSG-62 will allow them to do both.”

    The GSG-62 is designed for manufacturing and development testing with its ability to simulate all the visible satellites for the receiver under test. With 16 channels for L1 frequency and 16 channels for L2 frequency, channels can be assigned to GPS or GLONASS, P-code or C/A code. Channels may also be used for SBAS simulation of EGNOS, WAAS, GAGAN, or MSAS satellites, or for multipath and interference signals.

The GSG-62 incorporates all the features of Spectracom’s previous models, including compatibility with GSG StudioView PC software for creation and editing of simulation scenarios via Google Maps.

  • Spectracom Releases Dual-Frequency Multi-GNSS Constellation Simulator

    GSG-62 simulator

    Spectracom announced its new L1+L2 dual-frequency 32-channel multi-GNSS simulator, the GSG-62. The GSG-62 offers multiple frequency band operation, multiple GNSS constellation simulation, and expansion capability for more frequency bands and channels, the company said.

    The new simulator provides expanded capabilities for those who are testing more than GPS L1, according to the company. “We understand the challenges our customers have in fast-paced development, migration and delivery of products with ever changing embedded GNSS receivers,” said John Fischer, Spectracom CTO. “As such, we are excited to introduce this next-generation multi-signal instrument that allows for real-time scenarios, is intuitive to understand, quick to deploy and, given its design to support upgrades to L2C, L5, and future GNSS frequencies and systems, protects our customer’s investment in test gear.”

    Fischer continued, “In addition to a wide variety of technical challenges, we also understand our customers must balance the ability to quickly develop solutions and improve cost performance in their operations. We believe the price, unique features, and form factor of the GSG-62 will allow them to do both.”

    The GSG-62 is designed for manufacturing and development testing with its ability to simulate all the visible satellites for the receiver under test. With 16 channels for L1 frequency and 16 channels for L2 frequency, channels can be assigned to GPS or GLONASS, P-code or C/A code. Channels may also be used for SBAS simulation of EGNOS, WAAS, GAGAN, or MSAS satellites, or for multipath and interference signals.

    The GSG-62 incorporates all the features of Spectracom’s previous models, including compatibility with GSG StudioView PC software for creation and editing of simulation scenarios via Google Maps.

    Spectracom is a business of the Orolia Group and provider of practical test solutions for GPS and GNSS devices and systems.

  • Spectracom Debuts New GNSS Simulator Capabilities at ION-GNSS

    PORTLAND, Oregon — Spectracom announced at the ION-GNSS conference the introduction of new capabilities for its GSG line of GPS GNSS constellation simulators. These features reinforce Spectracom’s offerings for flexible, user-friendly, and affordable characterization and test of GPS and GNSS devices and systems. Key features include:

    • GLONASS+GPS capability: the first in a line of GNSS simulators to simultaneously reproduce multiple GNSS signals, in accurate synchronization, for testing the latest multi-constellation receivers.
    • The introduction of GSG StudioView PC software to provide easy creation and editing of simulation scenarios including a Google Maps-based trajectory builder.
    • The ability to support very high velocity and acceleration simulations for aerospace applications.
    • A web browser interface for easy remote control and monitoring of the simulator.

    Designed with development and test engineers in mind, the GSG-54 8-channel simulator and GSG-55 16-channel simulator support quick and efficient qualification of designs and performance under virtually any condition unlike live-sky or record-and-replay solutions, Spectracom said. Together with the simplicity, portability, and repeatability, users can run more tests, and extend the test set-up into manufacturing and final test environments.

    “As the integration of GPS receivers continue to proliferate in a wide range of devices, engineers need efficient and practical solutions to qualify the robustness of their designs and final assembled products. We understand the importance value plays in GPS and GNSS test solutions and are excited to introduce the ability to readily test complex scenarios at a price under $20K,” said Spectracom chief technical officer John Fischer.

    As a part of Spectracom’s focus on supporting fast and efficient test operations, the company also announced GSG StudioView PC software. In addition to Spectracom’s GSG simulators capability of configuration and operation without the need for an external computer, GSG StudioView allows users to build and manage complex simulation scenarios including visual trajectories. It also supports the import and conversion of trajectory files from other software applications and devices such as Google Earth.

    Spectracom also announced the new model GSG-56 GNSS constellation simulator with support for GPS and GLONASS receivers. “We understand the importance of the industry trend to augment GPS and ensure a high degree of reliability and affordability of new products and services that depend on new GNSS constellations,” said Lisa Withers, Spectracom president and CEO. “Toward that end, we believe our newly expanded line of simulators will stand up to these challenges and with the new GSG-56 provide easy access to test multiple GNSS receivers.” Availability of the GSG-56 is slated for the first quarter of 2012.

    The ION-GNSS conference runs September 21-23 at the Portland Convention Center. Spectracom is exhibiting with its sister company, SpectraTime, in booth #718.

  • 16-channel GPS Constellation Simulator

    16-channel GPS Constellation Simulator

    GSG-55 GNSS simulator
    GSG-55 GNSS simulator

    Spectracom, a global provider of time and frequency test and measurement solutions, will make available its new 16-channel GPS constellation simulator, the Pendulum GSG-55, in March. The GSG-55 is the latest in the Pendulum line of GPS receiver test instruments and part of its solution set for receiving, distributing, and validating GNSS systems.

    With the enhanced signal generating capability of the GSG-55, it is possible to simulate Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), the company said. Navigation systems that use SBAS can improve the accuracy and reliability provided by the GPS satellite signals alone, enabling critical applications such as aircraft navigation, and surveying and mapping. SBAS simulation (support for Europe’s EGNOS and North America’s WAAS) is a new feature in the GSG-55. It is also able to generate white noise, making it possible to test receiver sensitivity under different signal-to-noise ratios.

    “Many high-end GPS applications utilize 12-channel GPS receivers. Our new GSG-55 GPS constellation simulator can fully test those receivers with additional signals for more comprehensive testing in both development and production environments,” says Staffan Johansson, product manager at Spectracom.

    The GSG-55 builds on the popular Pendulum GSG-54 eight-channel simulator including accurate testing of GPS timing receivers and portability through its compact and lightweight bench-top chassis. The GSG-55 also continues the Pendulum brand hallmark of ease-of-use. As such, the entire GSG family of GPS simulators has been improved based on customer feedbac, the company said.

  • Spectracom Introduces 16-Channel GPS Simulator for Receiver Testing

    GSG-55 GNSS simulator
    GSG-55 GNSS simulator

    Spectracom, a global provider of time and frequency test and measurement solutions, will make available its new 16-channel GPS constellation simulator, the Pendulum GSG-55, in March. The GSG-55 is the latest in the Pendulum line of GPS receiver test instruments and part of its solution set for receiving, distributing, and validating GNSS systems.

    With the enhanced signal generating capability of the GSG-55, it is possible to simulate Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), the company said. Navigation systems that use SBAS can improve the accuracy and reliability provided by the GPS satellite signals alone, enabling critical applications such as aircraft navigation, and surveying and mapping. SBAS simulation (support for Europe’s EGNOS and North America’s WAAS) is a new feature in the GSG-55. It is also able to generate white noise, making it possible to test receiver sensitivity under different signal-to-noise ratios.

    “Many high-end GPS applications utilize 12-channel GPS receivers. Our new GSG-55 GPS constellation simulator can fully test those receivers with additional signals for more comprehensive testing in both development and production environments,” says Staffan Johansson, product manager at Spectracom.

    The GSG-55 builds on the popular Pendulum GSG-54 eight-channel simulator including accurate testing of GPS timing receivers and portability through its compact and lightweight bench-top chassis. The GSG-55 also continues the Pendulum brand hallmark of ease-of-use. As such, the entire GSG family of GPS simulators has been improved based on customer feedbac, the company said.

  • Eight-Channel Simulator

    GSG-54 GNSS simulator
    GSG-54 GNSS simulator

    Spectracom’s new 8-channel GPS constellation simulator, the Pendulum GSG-54, provides a wide-range of capabilities for in-line production testing of devices integrating GPS receivers due to its ease-of-operation and fast test cycles. Its versatility also supports engineering organizations’ efforts for integrating GPS receivers into devices under development.

    The Pendulum GSG-54 simulates the satellite signals detected by a GPS receiver. It comes in a bench-top chassis that is compact and portable. It offers built-in standards-based test scenarios that can be initiated or modified on the fly from the intuitive front panel interface, and offers a variety of connectivity options to control and reconfigure test parameters.

    The GSG-54 GPS constellation simulator builds on the features available from Spectracom’s GSG-L1 single-channel GPS signal generator that offers simple but fast assembly verification for functions such as antenna connectivity, receiver operation, or satellite signal identification. The GSG-54 provides for many more test cases due to its ability to simulate eight different satellite signals to test position accuracy, sensitivity to loss of satellite signals, timing accuracy, and dynamic range. It can simulate movements and user trajectories, multi-path scenarios and various other atmospheric conditions.

  • Spectracom Releases 8-Channel GPS Simulator for Nav Device Testing

    GSG-54 GNSS simulator
    GSG-54 GNSS simulator

    Spectracom’s new 8-channel GPS constellation simulator, the Pendulum GSG-54, provides a wide-range of capabilities for in-line production testing of devices integrating GPS receivers due to its ease-of-operation and fast test cycles, according to the company. Its versatility also supports engineering organizations’ efforts for integrating GPS receivers into devices under development.

    As more and more electronic devices integrate GPS receivers, manufacturers require instrumentation to fully test the GPS capabilities of each device on the manufacturing floor. According to Staffan Johansson, Spectracom product manager, “We understand the need for high-throughput manufacturing testing of GPS receivers. A multi-channel GPS simulator must be easy to use, yet powerful enough to confirm each device’s performance under a variety of real-world conditions.”

    The Pendulum GSG-54 simulates the satellite signals detected by a GPS receiver. It comes in a bench-top chassis that is compact and portable. It offers built-in standards-based test scenarios that can be initiated or modified on the fly from the intuitive front panel interface, and offers a variety of connectivity options to control and reconfigure test parameters, Spectracom said.

    The GSG-54 GPS constellation simulator builds on the features available from Spectracom’s GSG-L1 single-channel GPS signal generator that offers simple but fast assembly verification for functions such as antenna connectivity, receiver operation, or satellite signal identification. The GSG-54 provides for many more test cases due to its ability to simulate eight different satellite signals to test position accuracy, sensitivity to loss of satellite signals, timing accuracy, and dynamic range. It can simulate movements and user trajectories, multi-path scenarios and various other atmospheric conditions.

    “Like our other products, the GSG-54 offers the lowest cost of ownership for manufacturers and development engineers by providing complete testing of multi-channel GPS performance with high throughput and ease-of-use without unnecessary complexity or expense,” said Lisa Withers, president and CEO of Spectracom.