In-Vehicle Navigation Systems (IVNS)

If you’re involved in testing GPS/GNSS-based In-Vehicle Navigation Systems then you’ll be aware of the difficulties these tests present. IVNS are complex systems which include the receiver section, sensor technology and mapping algorithms all of which need to be tested. To test effectively you need a controlled and repeatable signal source. Spirent’s simulators can test the GPS, route-matched trajectories, additional sensors in the vehicle or PND.

For these reasons GPS/GNSS simulation in the lab is fast becoming the testing approach of choice. Before a GPS/GNSS navigation system can be deployed to market there are a number of key assessments required to ensure that it will perform its task acceptably. Quantitative assessment of accuracy, time to first fix (TTFF) or integrity requires a systematic planned approach to testing.

In development phases, control and repeatability of tests are critical for determining performance and this level of accuracy and consistency is just not possible when testing live with satellites in constant motion.

Spirent has developed a range of GPS/GNSS simulators and software for accurately testing In Vehicle Navigation Systems (IVNS) for the automotive industry. These provide a flexible solution for testing integrated navigation systems utilizing GPS and dead reckoning (DR) sensors.

Spirent IVNS systems can be controlled remotely, facilitating integration with other vehicle test rigs. Real-time hardware in the loop simulation is also possible, for example to allow synchronisation with driving simulators. IVNS systems are also available that are optimised for vendor selection, integration and verification testing. Spirent has proven expertise in providing optimal performance testing of your In Vehicle Navigation Systems.
Available features for this market include:

• Coherent simulation of GPS and DR sensors to enable overall solution testing
• Ability to model vehicle dynamics including specification of track and wheelbase
• Comprehensive environment modelling capability enabling typical urban and extra urban effects to be layered into test scenarios
• Multipath modelling capabilities including incremental and stochastic signal simulation
• Remote control and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities
• Support for vehicle data bus messaging (e.g. CAN bus)

SPIRENT'S VALUE FOR GNSS BASED AUTOMOTIVE TESTING

GNSS satellite navigation is becoming an essential element of many transport projects, from in-vehicle navigation through to road tolling and telematics applications. Many projects in this sector are complex with safety and commercial objectives to satisfy, with few standard guides to performance definition or test approaches.

Spirent has wide experience of helping companies in this sector understand their test issues and the best approach to testing. Spirent can help, click on the links to find out more.

Case Studies

DLR Institute of Space Systems

The DLR institute required a GPS simulation platform that was flexible and easy to use. They needed to hit the ground running. Find out more

DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation

The DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation required a specialised solution that wasn’t available off the shelf. Find out more.

ipi-Institut

The IPI-institute had a very specific simulation requirement for end user testing within the automotive marketplace. 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.