GPS simulation provides an effective and efficient means of testing GPS receivers and the systems that rely on them by generating the same signals transmitted by GPS satellites, thus GPS receivers process the simulated signals in exactly the same way as signals from actual satellites. A GPS simulator provides control over the signals generated over the global test environment, so that testing can be conducted in controlled laboratory conditions
A GPS simulator provides a superior alternative for testing compared to using actual GPS signals in a live environment. Unlike live testing, testing with simulators provides full control of the simulated satellite signals and the simulated environmental conditions. With a GPS simulator, users can easily generate and run many different scenarios for diverse kinds of tests, with complete control over:
- Date, time, and location
- Vehicle motion
- Environmental conditions
- Signal errors and inaccuracies
WHY USE A GPS SIMULATOR?
Testing with simulators is the widely accepted best practice for validating the performance of GPS receivers and systems, in many different scenarios and operating conditions in a controlled laboratory environment. Simulators are used extensively in academia and industry, in virtually all GPS receiver manufacturing and major system integration 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.
GPS SIMULATION BENEFITS
GPS simulators provide many benefits, including:
CONTROL
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COMPLETENESS
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RELIABILITY
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EFFICIENCY
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FLEXIBILITY
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REPEATABILITY
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COST
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REALISM
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GPS and GNSS Simulators provide the only effective means of testing new and future GNSS capabilities that are not yet supported by actual constellations, such as the GPS L2C and L5 signals and the BeiDou-2 and Galileo systems.
GPS TESTING
- The GSS8000 Multi-GNSS Constellation Simulator provides GPS/SBAS, GLONASS, BeiDou-2 and Galileo signals. GPS configurations can also support QZSS and SBAS. Classified signals and various options are also available.
- The GSS6700 Multi-GNSS Simulation System offers multiple channels of GPS/SBAS, GLONASS and/or BeiDou-2 and/or Galileo L1 signals.
- The GSS6300 Multi-GNSS Signal Generator provides a single channel of GPS/SBAS, GLONASS and/or BeiDou-2 and/or Galileo L1 signals for production testing of commercial GNSS receivers.
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.