Why are we talking about Multi GNSS?
Navigation and positioning technology is no longer just about GPS L1 C/A code. GPS is being modernized, the GLONASS constellation is nearly complete, new systems including QZSS, Galileo and Compass are on the way.
The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) landscape has never looked so active with GNSS applications becoming more mainstream and available in a growing number of devices. A technology originally dictated by military requirements is now widely viewed as strategic to support economic growth driven by the commercial market. The result is a choice of current and planned constellations from around the world; Europe, China, Russia and USA all now recognise that GNSS is strategic and are each investing to support this growing industry.
What effect will this have on GNSS developers and integrators?
Multi-GNSS offers significant opportunities and challenges to GNSS technology, system and application developers. As navigation and positioning applications become more widespread, end user demands are increasing. Multi-GNSS offers opportunities to improve performance to meet increasing user demands. In particular, availability is potentially improved by using more than one constellation. Benefits can also include improved integrity, continuity and accuracy, depending on the situation and priorities of the application.
“In future, most receivers will be Multi-GNSS, many will also be using augmentation as a key aspect of the navigation or positioning solution. Multi-frequency GNSS will increasingly be used to support applications requiring sub-metre accuracy.”
A significant amount of research and development is currently underway by the technology and applications development community to respond to the opportunities that this expansion in operational capabilities affords.
Spirent Solves Your Critical Test Challenges
Testing with simulators is the widely accepted best practice for validating the performance of GNSS receivers and systems in many different scenarios and operating conditions. Simulators are used extensively in academia and industry, in virtually all GNSS receiver manufacturing and major system integrations, and in many different application fields, including navigation, positioning, telecommunications, aviation, automotive and space, for both civilian and military applications. Using simulators facilitates several stages of research and product development, including requirements analysis, design and development, integration, production, maintenance and support.
Spirent Multi-GNSS Test Systems
Spirent offers a wide range of test systems and capabilities to meet your Multi-GNSS test needs. Our Multi-GNSS systems are designed with future development in mind and are expandable to address tomorrow’s test requirements as well as today’s. Whether you are undertaking R&D performance testing, integrating devices into your product line, verifying performance or assessing manufacture of Multi-GNSS devices, Spirent has a Multi-GNSS test system available today to match your needs.
The GSS8000 Multi-GNSS Constellation Simulator; Up to three RF carriers, selected from a range of constellations and signals (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and Quazi Zenith Satellite System), can be accommodated in a single signal generator chassis. This enables multiple signals from a single constellation or hybrid systems with signals from multiple constellations to be tested. The architecture supports future Compass signals.
The new GSS6700 Multi-GNSS Simulation System offers up to 36 channels of combined GPS/SBAS, GLONASS and Galileo L1 signals from a single chassis, 12 channels for each constellation. The GSS6700 is available with one, two or three constellations enabled. Different software capabilities and flexibility are available to suit different test needs. For existing Spirent STR4500 or GSS6560 customers who today test GPS/SBAS L1 only, the GSS6700 offers the ability to simulate not only GPS/SBAS but also GLONASS and Galileo.
The new GSS6300 Multi-GNSS Signal Generator is designed specifically for production test applications where a single channel is required for controlled GNSS testing. The GSS6300 can generate a single, combined GPS/SBAS, GLONASS and Galileo signal to enable testing of GPS only or Multi-GNSS devices in a production environment. For existing Spirent GSS6100 customers, the GSS6300 has an identical capability, form factor and interfaces when specified in GPS/SBAS configuration. In addition, the GSS6300 offers the benefit of on-site (even in-rack) upgradability to add GLONASS and Galileo generation capability concurrently with GPS/SBAS.
The Spirent Multi-GNSS family, now providing solutions from multi-frequency, high dynamics R&D through to commercial production testing.
