Spirent, the world’s leading provider of GPS Anti-jam Technology test equipment, have developed a range of simulation test equipment to deal with interference to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) systems.
Disruption to, or denial of, navigation service from interference sources is a major concern to GNSS technology development in all areas. GPS satellite signals are vulnerable to interference because of their extremely low power (approximately -160 dBW).
For many systems this vulnerability represents a significant problem. Therefore whether interference is intentional or unintentional, all GPS receiver and system designs should take careful account of potential interference threats.
Over the years a number of schemes have been developed to mitigate the effects of jamming and also the effects of unintentional interference effects. Anti-jam GPS receiver systems attempt to mitigate interference by using a variety of techniques including phase shifting, spectral filtering or adaptive beamforming. Testing such schemes requires specialised systems which stimulate the unit under test with GPS and simulated jamming/interference signals. This requires careful test planning—and the right equipment.
Spirent has developed a comprehensive range of test systems to enable controlled, repeatable testing of GNSS systems under laboratory conditions. This allows users to evaluate the performance of anti-jam systems in two different ways: (1) inside the anechoic chamber with the antenna for Controlled Radiation Pattern Antenna (CRPA) antenna testing or (2) outside of an anechoic chamber where the antenna electronics are exercised.
Spirent interference systems are highly flexible and can be tailored to your specific requirements. Types of interference, and related mitigation techniques, will vary widely in scope and complexity depending on the application, environment and operational objectives. Because of this complexity, particularly of CRPA testing, Spirent recommends a dialogue is established at an early stage to ensure that all aspects have been fully considered prior to any decisions on a test approach being taken.
