Spirent Extends Capability of GNSS Simulation Systems to Reduce Costs and Boost Testing Efficiency

New automation and reporting capability boosts the efficiency of GNSS testing

Paignton, United Kingdom – November 29 2011 – Spirent Communications today announced the launch of its new automation and reporting tool, TestDrive-GNSS™ for SimGEN™ and SimREPLAYplus controlled GNSS test systems. TestDrive-GNSS automates the testing process to significantly reduce overhead costs and testing times associated with characterization of GNSS devices.

TestDrive-GNSS provides a suite of test cases that enables fundamental characterization tests to be performed in an automated and controlled way. Examples of fundamental characterization tests include time-to-first-fix (TTFF), acquisition sensitivity, tracking sensitivity, re-acquisition time, and static and dynamic navigation accuracy. The tool also provides a formal test report at the end of the process.

Characterization tests can be cumbersome to execute manually, especially when iterative repetition is required as test signals and conditions are changed. For example, a TTFF test typically involves 100 or more repeat measurements which, if undertaken manually, require significant operator involvement. Similarly, consider a navigation accuracy test under a full range of Dilution of Precision (DOP) conditions where the satellite constellation geometry needs to be changed many times. Automation of such a test is essential in a world where the timescales for completing test programs are being constantly reduced.

“TestDrive-GNSS unlocks the full power of a Spirent GNSS simulation system, enabling the test equipment to do the work with minimal intervention,” said Stuart Smith, product manager for Spirent’s navigation & positioning division. “It not only saves time, but helps to increase test quality and accountability with its comprehensive test reporting. With TestDrive-GNSS, fundamental GNSS receiver characterization has just become a much easier, more efficient process.”

TestDrive-GNSS has close synergy with Spirent’s industry-leading TestDrive-ULTS software for the 8100 Location Technology Solution (LTS), which tests GSM, UMTS and LTE mobile devices and chipsets and provides certified test cases to the 3G Partnership Project (3GPP) Assisted GPS (A-GPS) RF Minimum Performance and Signaling Conformance standards as well as to the Open Mobile Alliance Secure User Plane (SUPL) standards.

Spirent’s positioning & navigation solutions are the first choice of major manufacturers, integrators, test facilities and space agencies worldwide for GNSS testing and simulation solutions. Today, Spirent simulation systems are used throughout the world through a broad range of clients in more than 30 countries. Spirent delivers navigation and positioning test equipment and services to all sectors of the navigation and positioning community, from government agencies through to high volume commercial markets.

To learn more about TestDrive-GNSS stop by Spirent’s booth #32 at European Navigation Conference 2011 in London, November 29 – December 1.