Spirent Positioning & Navigation Test Solution Now Supports China’s Compass Navigation System

Compass/Beidou-2 Support Added to Spirent’s GSS8000 GPS, GLONASS & Galileo Constellation Simulator

Paignton, United Kingdom - October 26, 2011 — In response to recent public announcements on the readiness of the Beidou-2 navigation system and the planned release of the signal Interface Control Document, Spirent Communications plc (LSE: SPT), the leading provider of navigation and positioning test solutions, today announced support for the Compass Navigation Satellite System (CNSS) on its GSS8000 navigation technology test system. The Spirent GSS8000, which is already widely used to test GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SBAS and QZSS technology, enables easy set-up and control of simulated Compass constellations. This addition enables both Compass-only testing as well as multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) testing that includes Compass. Initially Spirent is offering a Beidou-2 simulator based on public domain information only. When the signal Interface Control Document is released, Spirent plans to provide full Compass Open Service support.

The Compass system, also known as Beidou, is a project by China to develop an independent global satellite navigation system. The system is being deployed in three phases. Beidou-2, the second phase, is reported to be on track to be operational by early 2012 and will support regional operation from a network of geostationary and inclined orbit satellites.

Simulation is acknowledged as the best way to test GNSS receivers, systems and application performance. Only laboratory simulation can ensure controlled repeatable testing that explores both nominal and off-design conditions. By following a structured test approach, Spirent’s customers can test multi-GNSS receivers, systems and applications resulting in shorter development times and improved performance.

“With the successful launch of two Galileo satellites last week, a full GLONASS system and the recent Compass announcement this is an exciting time for the industry,” said John Pottle, marketing director of Spirent’s positioning and navigation group. “Spirent started offering multi-GNSS test systems over ten years ago, added Galileo in 2006 and is now pleased to announce our support for the Beidou-2 system. Our systems enable fine and flexible control of the constellations and signals from individual as well as combined navigation systems.”

Spirent’s GSS8000 multi-GNSS platform is also compatible with the third phase, Beidou-3, of Compass deployment, which is slated for full operation by 2020.

To see live demonstrations of Spirent’s positioning and navigation test systems stop by Spirent booths at the following upcoming events:

• 3rd Asia Oceania Regional Workshop on GNSS, Jeju Island, Korea, November 1-2,
• IGNSS 2011: International Global Navigation Satellite Systems Society Symposium Sydney, Australia, November 15-17

To learn more about GSS8000 visit http://www.spirent.com/Solutions-Directory/GSS8000.aspx.

For multi-GNSS application notes and eBooks visit Spirent’s multi-GNSS resource center http://www.spirent.com/Positioning-and-Navigation/PT_Video_Library.aspx