GSS6400 Record and Playback System

A GNSS Radio Frequency (RF) Record and Playback System (RPS) does exactly as the name suggests. In simple terms, the whole GNSS RF (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS L1) spectrum in a specified bandwidth is recorded, down-converted, digitised and stored as samples on suitable storage media. For playback, the samples are converted back to an analogue signal, up-converted and output at the original RF frequency.

Spirent’s market-leading GSS6400 RPS system=now features an increased (8Mhz) bandwith option, extending its capabilities to support Galileo signals. In multi-GNSS models the RF spectra are recorded separately but stored together, ensuring that synchronisation is maintained.

Where can the GSS6400 be Used?

• GNSS Chipset and device R&D—to minimise lengthy, costly field trials
• Manufacturing testing—where there is a need for repeatable signals
• Customer conformance testing—to prove requirements are being met
• Algorithm verification and optimisation—especially for new high-sensitivity receivers
• Problematic signal environment analysis—in depth, in the lab
• Automotive R&D—to test telematics, and find faults in multimedia and control BCM units
• Global signal comparison—to record and playback signals from different parts of the world
• Space weather condition analysis—to record and playback ionospheric disturbances
• Sales demonstrations—to illustrate the capabilities of GNSS-enabled devices

A Complete Test System in a Single Box

The GSS6400 is an easy-to-use self-contained unit with everything you need to start testing. Many other systems require peripherals such as personal computers, hard drives, external power and cabling.

With the GSS6400 it’s simply a case of connecting the supplied antenna and pressing the one-touch record button. Recorded files can be selected either from the front-panel display or the intuitive web-browser interface and replayed exactly as recorded.

Built on over 25 years’ experience leading the world in GNSS testing, other key advantages of the Spirent GSS6400 include:

• New Feature: Synchronised playback—start playback on a pulse, enabling easy integration of the GSS6400 with other test systems
• New Feature: Synchronous/asynchronous record and playback of two channels of serial digital data alongside the digitized GPS L1, GLONASS L1 , Galileo L1 and even QZSS signals, supporting the designing and testing of integrated GNSS devices
• New Feature: Spirent’s regularly updated Live Sky data sets give you access to RF environments recorded at major locations worldwide, without ever leaving the R&D lab
• Automated test scripts, remote control and fast network access
• OCXO playback included at no extra cost

Further Innovations

Spirent is committed to the continual development of its GNSS testing systems. Other recent enhancements to our GSS6400 GNSS RPS include:

• Increased bandwidth option for Galileo support
• Optional inbuilt solid state drive for rugged operation
• Optional external battery pack for longer battery life
• Event marker
• CAN Bus Interface kit
• RS232 Interface kit

Videos

GSS6400 Record & Playback 
Spirent’s GSS6400 Record Replay System is a complete, standalone system, designed for gathering data in the field and replaying it with optimal fidelity and performance back in the lab.

On-Demand Webinars 

Record & Playback for GNSS Testing
Presenter: Steve Hickling
Duration: 60 minutes

Saving Costs with GNSS Record & Playback
Presenters: John Pottle, Steve Hickling and Rahul Gupta
Duration: 60 minutes

eBooks

Find out more about how Spirent’s GSS6400 can help you by downloading our eBooks.

An Introduction to GNSS RF Record & Playback Systems Pt2
This ebook introduces the additional benefits offered by a Record Playback System (RPS) approach, describing the key testing areas where such an approach can add value.

GSS6400 RPS Applications & Testing Examples
Spirent describes the applications, uses and results that can be obtained when using the GSS6400 GNSS Record and Playback System for the development and test of GLONASS and GNSS receivers.

GSS6400 Help Sheets

GSS6400 "How To" Help Sheet #1
This help sheet explains the use of the Built-in Attenuator in the GSS6400 Record Playback Systems

GSS6400 "How To" Help Sheet #3
This help sheet explains the Repeatability Test using the GSS6400 RPS (Static GPS Signals)

GSS6400 "How To" Help Sheet #4
This help sheet explains how to Extract a Section of Data from a Recorded File in the GSS6400 Record Playback Systems

GSS6400 "How To" Help Sheet #6
This help sheet explains the use of FTP to Transfer Files Between GSS6400 and External Devices

Case Studies

Hyundai

When Hyundai was developing its innovative Blue Link® service in 2011, they turned to Spirent’s GNSS6400 to resolve some of their testing issues. Find out more.

LOCOSYS

LOCOSYS needed a flexible GPS platform for their own, and their customers testing requirements, they chose Spirent. Find out more.

Septentrio 

When Septentrio were looking for a new way to characterise their new algorithms, they turned to Spirent. Find out more.

ST-Ericsson Case Study

ST Ericsson was looking to reduce time and travel costs incurred during extensive testing and development phases of their GPS and GNSS receiver chipsets. Find out more.