GPS Modernization of the current GPS constellation is a GPS Wing program aimed at ensuring the continued success of GPS by supporting the successful ‘legacy’ C/A and P(Y) code signals whilst more than doubling the number of signals available over the next few years by adding new civilian and military signals to build additional capability and integrity.

GPS MODERNIZATION SIGNALS

The new Block IIR-M satellites will include new military M-code signals on the L1 and L2 frequencies and a new L2C civilian signal on the L2 frequency. L2C signals will make GPS a more robust navigation service by further mitigating RF interference and reducing errors due to the ionosphere. The next generation satellites are also introducing an additional civilian frequency, L5. The L5 signal will be transmitted by Block IIF and subsequent generations of GPS satellites. The GPS M-code signal is intended to improve immunity to interference and enhanced security and will provide the strategic capabilities required by the military well into the future.

Because the modernized signals will not be fully implemented for some time, receiver testing with GNSS signal simulators is essential. This flexible test approach offers full control over signal parameters and allows for repeatability and consistency between trials.

GPS MODERNIZATION SOLUTIONS

• Spirent simulators provide GPS L5 signals standalone, or in addition to GPS L1 and L2 for fully modernized GPS receiver testing
• Spirent simulators enable M-code user testing well in advance of the full constellation
• Spirent L2C signals are fully compliant with the applicable GPS signal specifictions
• Spirent offers a range of M-code test capabilities
• M-Noise-Spectrally equivalent M-code modulation to test its effects on tracking and acquisition for legacy L1/L2 signals and the new L2C
• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) M-Code-Enables users to test M-code functions using commercial encryption algorithm (SimMCODE product)
• M-Code Simulator Data Sets (SDS)-Enables authorised users to replay M-code data sets for MNSA security algorithm testing. Spirent Federal has received the Global Positioning Systems Wing security approval for its SDS Upgrade Package for the GSS8000 GPS Simulator.

GPS MODERNIZATION TESTING

• GSS8000 Multi-GNSS Constellation Simulator
• GSS7765 Interference Simulation System. Flexible and scalable GPS interference source generator to be used with Spirent GPS/GNSS simulation systems
• SimCODE/SDS M-Code*. The GSS8000 supports AES M-Code testing with SimMCODE and SDS M-Code testing via the SDS extension to SimMCODE.
  *Available to authorised users only