Application Note: Simulation of Realistic Antenna Noise

During RF simulation, it is important to compensate for receiver and environmental noise temperatures – failure to do so can result in some surprising measurements.
Download the Application Note to learn how you can calibrate your simulator to model realistic antenna noise levels. Topics include:
- Adjusting simulator levels to compensate for unexpected noise temperatures
- Simple and complex antenna noise models
- Modelling constantly changing noise temperatures—a worked example
Simply enter a few details opposite to receive the Application Note—and happy reading!
About Spirent
Spirent has been the global leader in GNSS testing for near 30 years. Spirent delivers navigation and positioning test equipment and services to governmental agencies, major manufacturers, integrators, test facilities and space agencies worldwide.

Simulation Of Realistic
Antenna Noise
APPLICATION NOTE
Spirent
Communications PLC
Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7QR, England
Web: nulltp:nullnullnullnullpirentnullomnullositioning
Tel: null4 nullnull nullnullnull
nullanull null4 nullnull nullnullnull
Copnullignull nullnullnull Spirentnull
nulll Rignulls Reservednull
nulll onulltnull compannullnames andnullr brand
names andnullr product names renullrred to
in tnulls document, in particular, tnull name
nullpirentnulland its logo device, are eitnullr
registered trademarnull or trademarnull onull
Spirent plc and its subsidiaries, pending
registration in accordance nulltnullrelevant
national lanullnullnulll otnullr registered
trademarnull or trademarnull are tnull propertnull
onulltnullir respective onullersnull
Tnull innullrmation contained in tnulls
document is subnullct to cnullnge nulltnullut
notice and does not represent
a commitment on tnull part onullSpirentnull
Tnull innullrmation in tnulls document is
believed to be accurate and reliablenull
null ever, Spirent assumes no responsibilitnull
or liabilitnullnullr annullerrors or inaccuracies
tnullt manullappear in tnull documentnull
Page 2SPIRENT Application Note
Contents
Scope 4
nullntroduction 4
nulloise nullodels null
Simple nulltenna nulloise nullodel null
nullore Complenullnulloise Environment, nullgnoring Simulator nulloise 7
nullore Complenullnulloise Environment, Removing Simulator nulloise null
nulltenna Directivitnulland Satellite Signals null
nullsing tnull Simulator nullonnullal Port null
SimPRnullESS nullodel null
Wornulld enullmple: Static nullnullSpacecranull null
nullsing a Spirent nullSS Simulator to Test nullnteroperabilitnulland Compatibilitnullnullssues null
Signal Content Control null
Timing Control null
nullavigation Data nullodinullation null
nullsessing tnull True nullenenull null
Testing tnull limits onulltnull cnullp null
nulle Sensitive to tnull Environment null
null classic receiver test, but nullst as critical nullr a nullultinullnullS receiver null
nullamming and nullnternullrence null
Test tnull enullnullcts null
Tnull snullnulls tnull limit null
Test Solutions null
nullSnullnull nullultinullnullS Constellation Simulator null
nullSnullnull nullultinullnullS Constellation Simulator null
nullSnullnull nullultinullnullS Constellation Simulator null
nullSnullnull Record nullPlanullacnullSnulltem null
Page 3SPIRENT Application Note
Scope
Tnulls nullpplication nullote gives guidance on
tnull simulation onullmore realistic antenna
noise levels nulltnullSpirent nullSS simulators
bnullmanipulating signal levels based on
nullonulledge onullreceiver and environmental
noise temperaturesnull
Introduction
Spirent Communicationsnull nullSS simulators
allonulla user to specinull received signal
ponuller level nulltnullnullgnullaccuracnullnullnullonullever
it is not unusual nullr nenullusers to be
surprised at tnullir receivernulls signalnullonull
noise nullnullnullor carriernullonulloise nullnullnull
measurements, even tnullugnulltnullnullnullve
matcnulldnullp tnull simulator signal levels
and antenna level patterns nulltnullestimated
realnullorld valuesnullTnull problem gets nullrse
inulltnull simulatornulls nullgnulllevel nullonnullal port
is used to connect to tnull receiver via
a carenullllnullcalibrated Rnullattenuatornull
Tnull enulllanation is usuallnullnoise levelnull
nulln all Spirent simulator designs tnullre
is sunullcient passive attenuation betnulleen
active electronics to Rnulloutput tnullt tnull
output noise temperature is denulled bnull
tnull temperature onulltnull output attenuator,
nullicnullis around tnull room temperature
onulltnull laboratornullnullnull tnullical realnullorld
antenna pointing at tnull snull nullll nullve
a noise temperature less tnulln tnullsnull
Wnull doesnnull tnull simulator sonullnullre,
enullnullSimnullnull, tanull tnulls enullnullct into account
and nullst cnullnge tnull renullested ponuller
levels to compensatenullnullnnullrtunatelnulltnull
necessarnulllevel cnullnge depends upon tnull
environmental and receiver cnullracteristics
tnullt normallnullare unnullonull to Simnullnullnull
Tnulls note gives a brienulldescription onullnullnull
a user can nullrnullout nullnullto cnullnge
simulator levels to compensate nullr tnullse
enullnullctsnullnullt also enulllains nullnullto use tnull
SimPRnullESS tool in order to seminull
automate tnullse enullnullcts, including nullr
dnullamic spacecranull nullere antenna noise
temperature can be constantlnullcnullngingnull
Page 4SPIRENT Application Note
Noise Models
null number onullmodels nullll be considered
nulltnullincreasing complenulltnulland realismnull
nulln some cases at least, tnull user can nullst
calculate a nulled level onullnullet to applnullin
tnull scenarionulls signal source nullenull
Simple Antenna
Noise Model
nulll models renullire tnull user to nullonull
tnull enullivalent input noise temperature
onulltnull receiver togetnullr nulltnullestimates
onullenvironmental noise temperaturesnull
Suggested denullults nullr tnull later are givennull
nullnulltnull antenna noise temperature is a nulled
nullonull value, tnulln a nulled level onullnullet can
be nullund as nullllonullnull
nullor nullWnull tnull total ponuller can be
enullressed as
W
nullere nullis nullltnullannnulls constant,
nullnullnull4Enullnull
T is tnull absolute temperature, null
nulltnull snulltem noise bandnulldtnull nullnull
nullnulltnull Snull measured bnulltnull receiver is
to be tnull same betnulleen real nullrld and
simulator tnulln
nullere s is tnull realnullorld antenna signal
ponuller to be simulated
na is tnull realnullorld antenna noise
to be simulated
nr is tnull receiver enullivalent input
noise ponuller
snull is tnull simulator output ponuller
modinulld to give tnull correct
receiver Snull
nsim is tnull noise ponuller on tnull nullal
output onulltnull simulator
Tnulls inullRn is tnull dnullcnullnge in
simulator output to give tnull correct receiver
Snull, tnulln
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullt is also nullrtnullmentioning tnullt tnull
term nullultinullnullS manullalso be applied
to additional signals nulltnulln tnull same
snulltem in so nullr as tnullnullcontribute to
an improvement in navigation pernullrmancenull
nullor enullmple, most civilian users onullnullS,
nullve relied on tnull single Cnullnullode signal
on Lnull Soon, tnullnullnullll nullve access to
Lnull, Lnull, nullicnullonullciallnullsupports
civilian dualnullrenullencnullreceivers, and Lnull
nullicnullis a robust signal allonullng ennullnced
atmospnullric error mitigation,
certainlnullmore tnulln is possible nulltnull
a singlenullrenullencnullreceivernull
nullinallnull, nulle must not nullrget augmentation
snulltemsnullTnull Wide nullea nullugmentation
Snulltem nullWnullSnullnulls instigated bnulltnull null
nullederal nullviation nulldministration to improve
tnull accuracnullonullnullS so tnullt aircranull could
relnullon it more nullr all pnullses onullnullgnullnull
Tnull nullnternational Civil nullviation nullrganinulltion
nullCnullnull calls tnulls tnulle onullsnulltem a Satellite
nullased nullugmentation Snulltem nullnullSnull
Europe and nullia are developing tnullir
onull SnullSs, tnull European nulleostationarnull
nullavigation nullerlanullService nullnullnullnullnullicnull
nullll be operational bnullnullctober nullnull,
and tnull nullapanese nullultinullunctional Satellite
nullugmentation Snulltem nullSnullnull
nulll tnullee are designed to tnull same
specinullation nullTCnullDnullnullnullnulland are nullllnull
interoperablenull nulltnullr regional snulltems
include tnull QuasinullenitnullSatellite Snulltem
nullnullSnullin tnull Pacinull region, tnull nullndian nullS
nullded nulleo nullugmented nullavigation nullnullnullnull
and tnull nullndian Regional nullavigation Satellite
Snulltem nullRnullSnull Commercial snulltems
include Starnullire and nullmniSTnullnull
nullroundnullased localised snulltems also
enullst, sucnullas tnull Local nullea nullugmentation
Snulltem nullnullSnullnullr siding aircranull navigation
on nullal approacnulland landing,
and DinullnullrentialnullPS snulltems based on
netnullrnull onullground monitoring stationsnull
nullnertial nullavigation Snulltems nullnullnullalso planull
an important part in tnull augmentation onull
nullSS, and are alreadnullnulldelnullemplonulled
in airborne and automotive applicationsnull
nullsistednullnullS is also a critical nullature
in improving time to null and accuracnull,
particularlnullin tnull use onullnullSS in mobile
pnullne snulltems nullere navigational
assistance data valid nullr a mobile nullndsetnulls
specinull location is sent to tnull nullndset via
tnull bacnullaul telepnullne netnullrnullin advance
onulldenullodulation onullsucnulldata nullom tnull
nullSS satellites bnulltnull nullndsetnulls onnulloard
nullSS cnullpnulletnullTnull discussion onullnullS and
nullnullSS is nullnullever outside tnull scope
onulltnulls paper, nullicnullconcentrates on
nullultinullnullS in relation to standnulllone
receiver pernullrmance improvementnull
nulliving:
dnull nullnull
Point onullinterest: absolute or tnullrmodnullamic temperature is measured in nulllvin, nulland not tnull degreenullelvin,
nullnullSee nulltp:nullennullinullpedianullrgnullinullnullelvin nullr nullrtnullr readingnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
More ComplenullNoise
EnnullronmentnullIgnoring
Simulator Noise
Tnullicallnullan antenna nullll be subnullct to
noise nullom more tnulln one source so tnull
resulting antenna noise temperature nullll
depend upon tnull antenna gain pattern
and venullcle orientationnullnulln tnulls model tnull
sources are considered, eartnulland snullnull
Simulator output noise is considered to
enullate nulltnullsnull noise but a later model
does not do tnullsnull
nullsume tnull simulator output noise enullates
nulltnullspace noisenullTnull antenna noise
temperature can be nullund nullom adding
up tnull nullactional contributions onulleacnull
antenna pattern element, tanullng account
onullits gain and nulletnullr it is pointing at
tnull eartnullor tnull snullnull
nullirst inulltnull antenna level pattern nullom
Simnullnull is to be used in a noise
calculation, tnull dnullloss value onulleacnull
element must nullst be converted to linear
units and tnull enullnullct onulldirectivitnull is
includednullnullnullnull is tnull loss in dnullonulltnull itnull
element given in tnull antenna pattern nulle,
range nullto 4nulldnull tnulln
ai nullnullnullinullnull
nullt can be snullnull tnullt tnull directivitnull
d onullan antenna is given bnull
summing over tnull nullole antenna, nullere Ωi
is tnull solid angle made bnulltnull itnullelementnull
Tnulln
nullonulltnull antenna noise temperature is
nullund bnullsumming tnull noise temperature
contribution onulleacnullelements:
nullere
Σ snull indicates summation over
all tnull snullnullointing elements and
Σ eartnullsummation over all tnull
eartnullpointing elementsnull
nullnullsimulator noise is to be enullated nulltnullsnull
noise, tnulln nullom enullation Enull
Enull
dnull nullnull
Page null
SPIRENT Application Note
Enullmple
nulloise temperatures are estimated
to be nulled as nullllonull:
receiver: nullnullnull
eartnull nullnull
snull: null
Let tnull antenna pattern be an ideal
nullmispnullre nulltnullnulldnullloss nullr one nulllnull
and innullite loss otnullrnullsenullTnulls tnull gain,
gi is nullaround boresignull and nullotnullrnullsenull
Let tnull antenna boresignull be pointing at
tnull nullrinullon so nulllnulltnull nulldnullelements are
snull pointing, tnull otnullr nulllnulleartnullpointingnull
Tnull summation can be simplinulld and tnull
antenna manullbe considered in nullur enullal
nullarters, depending upon gain and source
noise temperaturenullSo tnull antenna noise
temperature is given bnull
Ta
nullnullnullTs nullnull null nullnull nullnullTs nullnull null nullnullTe nullnull
nullnullnullTe nullnull
nullnullnullnull
Tnulln Rn nullnull nulllognullnull nullnullnull nullnullnull null
nullnullnullnullnullnull dnull So tnull ponuller level is
reduced bnullnullnulldnullto simulate tnull enullnullct
onulleartnullnoise tnullt is considered nullgnullr
tnulln simulator output noise, in tnulls modelnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
More ComplenullNoise
EnnullronmentnullRemonullng
Simulator Noise
Tnulls is acnulleved bnullsimplnullusing Enullto
calculate Ta and using Enullto nulld Rnnull
Enullmple
nulloise temperatures are estimated
to be nulled as nullllonull:
receiver: nullnullnull
simulator: nullnull
eartnull nullnull
snull: null
Same nullmispnullrical antenna pattern
as tnull previous enullmplenull
So Ta nullnullnullnulland tnulln Rn nullnull nulllognull
nullnull nullnullnull nullnullnull nullnullnull nullnullnullnull dnull
So nullre tnull ponuller level is increased bnull
null7 dnullto remove tnull simulator noise enullnullct
tnullt is larger tnulln tnull antenna noisenull
Antenna nullirectinulltnulland
Satellite Signals
Tnull convention in Simnullnull is nullr an
antennanulls gain pattern to be represented bnull
denulling a base signal level corresponding
nulltnulltnull direction onullgreatest gainnullTnull
gains onullotnullr elements are represented
bnulla loss pattern, nulltnullrange nullto 4nulldnull
nullonulldoes a user nulltnullan antenna gain
pattern proceednull
anull Convert tnull dnullgain pattern elements
to normalised loss:
Li null nulli null manullnull dnull
nullere: nulli is tnull gain onulltnull itnullelement
manullnull is tnull largest gain in tnull
pattern
Li is tnull loss value nullr tnull
Simnullnull antenna pattern
bnullnullnullnullet tnull satellite signal global level
onullnullet bnullRs, nullere
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullsing tnull Simulator
Monnullal Port
Tnull considerations discussed above applnull
enullallnullinullusing tnull nullgnulllevel rear panel
nullonnullal portnullnullonullever tnull user must
tanull care in estimating Tr, tnull receivernulls
enullivalent input noisenull
Tnull output noise nullom tnull nullonnullal
port and enullernal attenuator is still about
tnull same as tnull nullont panel output port
but tnull receiver is missing tnull noise
normallnulladded into tnull signal patnullbnull
tnull prenullmplinullrnull
SimPROCESS Model
SimPRnullESS is a compiled nullTLnull
application supplied nullee to users onull
Simnullnull nulltnullmaintenance contracts or
nullrrantiesnullSimPRnullESS nullll snullrtlnullnullve
an antenna model addednull
Tnulls nullll calculate antenna directivitnulland
eartnullsnull noise temperature contributions
and optionallnullgive a level onullnullet value
to tnull user or generate a command nulle
tnullt nullll be used bnullSimnullnull during a
scenarionullTnull later is usenulll nullr spacecranull
undergoing attitude cnullnges during a
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullornulld enullmplenullStatic
nullO Spacecraft
Consider a spacecranull in geostationarnullorbit
nulltnullno translational or angular motion in
tnull ECEnullnullamenull
null single antenna nulls its boresignull enullctlnull
eartnullpointing and nulls a nullmispnullrical gain
patternnullnulln Simnullnull tnulls is simulated nulltnull
an antenna pattern nullicnullnulls nullnullloss nullr
elevations nullnulland 4nulldnullloss otnullrnullsenull
Tnull receiver enullivalent input noise
temperature, Tr, is nullonull to be nullnullnull
nulltnullr constants to be used are:
nullirst nulld tnull antenna noise temperature, Ta
Directivitnull, d
null4 nullpi nullnullnullnullnullnullnull nullnullnullpi nullnullnullnull
4nullnullnullnullnullnullpinull
nullnullnullnull4null
nulltenna elements nulltnullcentres considered
to be eartnullpointing nullll nullve an angle onullnull
tnull boresignull given bnull
tnullta
nullatannullRe nullRgeonull
nullnullnullnull
Space noise temperature, Ts nullnull null
Eartnullnoise temperature, Te nullnullnullnull
Simulator output noise
temperature,
Tsim nullnullnullnull nullnullC output
attenuator temperaturenull
Eartnullnulls radius, Re nullnull7nullnull m
nullnullseminullanullr anulls Rgeo null4nullnullnull4 m
⁴ nulln terms onulla Simnullnull antenna pattern, boresignull is tnull direction onullelevation nullnullnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Ta null nullnull null
Tnulls result manullbe applied in a number
onullnullnullnull
Case null
Tnull simulator output noise can be enullated
nulltnullspace noise and tnull additional noise
nullom tnull eartnullis simulated as a reduction
in signal ponuller:
Rn
nullnull nulllognullnullTs nullTrnullnullnullTa nullTrnullnull
nullnullnullnulldnull
Tnulls cnullnge is less tnulln tnull simulator
ponuller resolution onullnullnulldnulland can
be neglectednull
Case 2
nullnclude tnull enullnullct onullsimulator output noise:
Rn
nullnull nulllognullnullTsim nullTrnullnullnullTa nullTrnullnull
nullnullnullnull dnull
Tnulls in tnull Simnullnull Signal Sources nulle
tnull global onullnullet ponuller snulluld be increased
bnullnull7 dnullover tnullt nullr a nullmispnullrical
antenna on tnull eartnullnulls surnullcenullnullnulltnull
enullsting ponuller level represents tnullt nullr
an isotropic antenna, an additional nulldnull
snulluld be added manullng a total onull4nulldnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullsing a Spirent nullSS
Simulator to Test
Interoperanulllitnulland
CompatinulllitnullIssues
Spirentnulls nullSnullnull , nullSnullnull and nullSnullnull
series onullnullSS Rnullconstellation Simulators
are essential tools nullr testing a nullSS
devicenulls abilitnullto cope nulltnullinteroperabilitnull
issuesnullnullot onlnullare tnull proven advantages
onullRnullemulation over otnullr metnullds onull
testing applicable, but more nullndamentallnull,
tnull present absence onullsignals in space
nullr all nenullnullSS snulltems enullcept nullr nullS
and nullnullnullS nullDnullnullmanull tnulls approacnull
impossible in annullcasenullnulln some nullnull tnulls
is good, as it ensures proper test metnullds
are emplonulled, and saves time tnullt manull
otnullrnullse be spent gatnullring meaningless
results using tnull instantaneouslnullunnullonull
and unnullontrollable nullivenull signalsnull
Eacnullonulltnull individual nullSS snulltems
nulltnulltnullir appropriate constellation,
orbits, signals, timing and navigation
data are produced bnulltnull simulator in
accordance nulltnulltnull relevant nullnternullce
Control Document nullCDnulland combined
to present a signal to tnull receivernullndernull
testnulls antenna, nullst as it nulluld see nullr
realnullPracticallnullannullparameter can
be manipulated, allonullng signals
and data messages to be cnullnged,
internullnulltem timing to be adnullsted
and transnullrmation matrices betnulleen
renullrence nullames to be adnullstednull
nullull nullnullbilitnulland control onulltest denullition
and enullecution is anullnullrded bnullSpirentnulls
Simnullnull sonullnullre, nullicnullcontrols tnull
nullSnullnull and nullSnullnull series simulatorsnull
Some enullmples onulltnull capabilities
Simnullnull nulls nullr creating scenarios to
test nullSS interoperabilitnullissues are snullnull
belonullnullTnull nullll complenulltnullonullscenarios is
also carried donull in an embedded nullnullto
Spirentnulls SimREPLnullnull sonullnullre, nullicnullruns
tnull nullSnullnull simulatorsnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Signal Content Control
Simnullnull allonull tnull user to control
signal content parameters nullr eacnull
simulated nullSSnullnulligure nullsnullnull tnull
Signal Control nullndonull onullSimnullnull
or nullnullnullS and nullalileonull
Signal parameters can be adnullsted on
a pernullatellite basis, andnullr applied to all
satellitesnullTnulls nullnullbilitnullenables tnull user
to test receivers nulltnulldinullnullrent carrier,
code and data combinations, and to
assess possible signal internullrence issuesnull
nullnullRE null SnullnullL CnullTRnull WnullDnullWS
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Timing Control
Simnullnull gives nullll control onullinternullnulltem
timing onullnulletsnullnulligure 7 snullnull botnulltnull
nullalileo and nullnullnullS snulltem time settingsnull
nullt is possible to set tnull time onullnullet to nullC
nulleap secondsnull and applnulla rate onullcnullnge
to tnulls as tnull scenario runsnull
nullor nullalileo, tnull time onullnullet to nullS nulleclared
in tnull nullTnullmessage in tnull navigation
datanullcan be set, as nullell as a divergence
betnulleen tnull simulated nullnull signal timing
and tnullt declared in tnull navigation datanull
null nullppens nulltnulla real snulltem as time
advances anuller a navigation data uploadnull
Tnullse nullatures provide great nullnullbilitnull
in denulling tests to ensure receivers
are correctlnullapplnullng tnull necessarnull
onullnullets and timing, nullicnullare critical
to accurate navigationnull
nulligure nullsnullnull tnull options available nullr
setting dinullnullrent matrices to transnullrm
tnull nullnullnullS renullrence nullame into tnull nullS
Wnullnull4 nullamenullDinullnullrent transnullrm tnulles
are available, as nullell as tnull abilitnullto
adnullst tnull individual matrinullparameters
via a nulleneric nullelmert transnullrmationnull
Tnull nullalileo renullrence nullame is treated tnull
same as nullS bnulltnull simulator, as tnullnull
botnullalign vernullcloselnullto eacnullotnullrnull
nullnullRE 7: SnullTEnullTnullE nullnullET WnullDnullWS
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Nanullgation nullata
Modinullation
null important capabilitnullnullr tnull simulator
is tnull abilitnullto modinull and applnullerrors
to tnull navigation messages onulleacnullnullSSnull
Simnullnull nulls comprenullnsive editors
allonullng manipulation onullannullbit onulltnull
navigation message, as nullell as adnullstment
onullspecinull messages and tnullir
scnullduling, and tnull control onullintegritnull
and nullaltnullmessagesnull
nullt is also possible to simulate tnull enullnullcts
onulltnull age onulltnull navigation data, sucnull
as diverging epnullmeris and degradation
onullclocnullcorrection parametersnullnulligure null
snullnull a tnullical editor used nullr modinulling
navigation datanullnulligure null snullnull a tnullical
editor nullr applnullng errors to navigation data
nullnullRE null nullnullnullTnullnullDnullTnull nullDnullnullnullTnullnullEDnullnull
nullnullRE null: nullnullnullTnullnullDnullTnull ERRnull EDnullnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nulligure null snullnull tnull entrnullpage nullr
denulling tnull content and timing onull
navigation data uploads, nullicnullis
anotnullr metnulld nullr scnullduling cnullnges
to tnull navigation messagenull
nullnullRE null: nullnullnullTnullnullDnullTnull nullLnullnull CnullTEnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Otnullr considerations for
MultinullNSS Testing
Assessing tnull
True nullenenull
null nulle discussed earlier, tnull nullndamental
renullirements onullannullnavigation snulltem
nullve not cnullnged nulltnulltnull arrival onull
tnull nullultinullnullS age, in nullct tnull added
complenulltnullonullnullultinullnullS being used
simultaneouslnullincreases tnull amount
onulltesting renullired, particularlnullnullen
it comes to assessing tnull improvement
nullr otnullrnullsenullonulladding additional signalsnull
Spot tnull difference
null Rnullconstellation simulator is tnull
pernullct tool nullr pernullrming comparative
testsnullComplete repeatabilitnullis a ponullernulll
nullature tnullt onlnulla simulator can onullnullrnullnullt is
possible to run and renullun tests nulltnullone
nullSS, tnulln add anotnullr, and anotnullr, and
measure tnull cnullnge in pernullrmance, nullile
nulleping all otnullr test parameters tnull samenull
nullt is also vernulleasnullto add or remove
signals nullom a particular nullSS, tnulls can
even be done in realnullimenullnulligure null
snullnull tnull ponuller control nullndonullnullr a
simulation containing nullalileo, nullnullnullS
and nullS signalsnullnull can be seen, tnull
nullnullnullS signals nullve been turned onullnullnull
Tnulls is acnulleved in nullst tnull mouse clicnullnull
nulln tnull same nullnull, all satellites nullr anotnullr
nullSS could be disabled or enabled, and
individual satellites could be enabled or
disablednullPonuller level control in nullnullnullsteps
per cnullnnel is also vernulleasnullto applnullnull
Tnullre are also several alternative metnullds
available, sucnullas prenullcripted commands
to be actioned at specinull times into
a scenarionullTnulls nullite control is ecnulled
tnullougnullut Simnullnull, manullng it enullremelnull
ponullernulll and controllablenull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nulligure null snullnull an alternative metnulldnull
null single command is listed in tnull nullser
nullctions nulle to turn on all nullnullnullS signals
at a prenulletermined timenull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Developing receivers tnullt integrate nullultinull
nullSS tecnullolognullis not a nenullconceptnull
nullS nullnullnullnullS receivers nullr enullmple nullve
been readilnullavailable nullr over ten nullearsnull
nullor tnulls reason mannullonulltnull cnullllenges
are nullell understood, and tnullre are mannull
papers discussing tnullmnull Wnullt is nenullis
tnull transition onullnullultinullnullS designs nullom
nullignullendnull receiver platnullrms into cnullpsets
suitable nullr tnull massnullarnulltnull
Tnull common constraints onullcost, sinulle,
ponuller consumption and processing ponuller
all planulltnullir part in raising tnull bar nullen it
comes to acnulleving tnull desired resultnull
Certain tradenullnullnull nullll inevitablnullnullve to be
made, most linulllnullin tnull resources devoted
to tracnullng and integrated processing onull
nullultinullnullS signalsnull
Wnullle enullensive receivers sucnullas tnullse
used nullr geodesnullapplications nullll be
sopnullsticated enougnullto emplonull
codenullnullse or RTnulltnulle tecnullinulles
using best multinullarrier nullbiguitnull
resolution algoritnulls, and true multinull
nullenullencnulltracnullng, not all devices can
anullnullrd be tnulls capablenullRnullpernullrmance is
onullen compromised because nullultinullnullS
capabilitnullis needed but nulltnullincrease
in overall cost pronullbitednull
null common problem, especiallnullin nullSSnull
enabled pnullnes, is use onullone common
clocnulloscillator nullTCnullnull nullr botnulltnull
telecommunications operation and tnull
nullSS operationnullTnulls is not an ideal
solution bnullannullmeans, as variations
to tnull TCnullnullnullenullencnullare undesired
nullom tnull nullSS receivernulls point onullvienullnull
nullnnullrtunatelnull, tnull oscillators are onullen tnull
most enullensive single items in tnull design,
and economics onullen nullrces designers donull
tnull nulltenulll singlenulllocnullroutenullTnullnulltnulln
nullve to spend time developing tecnullinulles
tnullt advise tnull nullSS receiver onullclocnull
cnullnges in sunullcient time nullr tnullm to be
corrected nullr in tnull Pnull calculationnull
nulln addition, a vernullclose nulltcnullon pnullse
noise is renullired, as tnulls directlnullanullnullcts
code and carrier loop tracnullng pernullrmance
bnullinducing nulltternullTnull nullalitnullonulltnull
TnullCnullnullll also determine its sensitivitnullto
dnullamic stress nullnullensitivitnull, nullicnullis nullet
anotnullr contributor to tracnullng errornull
nullucnullonulltnull pernullrmance analnullis and
manipulating onulla design to accommodate
tnullse design tradenullnullnull can be tnullrougnullnull
enullmined using a simulatornull
³ nullSS on tnull null: Sensitivitnulland
pernullrmance in receiver designnullLomer,
nullulga nullnullammel SnullE, nullnside nullSS article,
spring nullnull
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
Testing tnull limits
of tnull cnullp
Witnullan Rnullconstellation simulator it is
possible to stimulate a receiver nulltnull
a nullullnull snull onullnullSS signals nullsometnullng
not possible in tnull nullrealnull nullrld todanullnull
Tnulls nullll pusnulltnull tracnullng and processing
capabilitnullonulltnull cnullpnullet to its limitsnull
nullt is even possible, tnullougnullmanipulation
onulltnull satellite positions or tnull venullcle
nullignull nulltnulln tnull simulator to place more
satellites in vienullonulltnull receiver antenna
tnulln manullever be seen nullr real nulltnulls
testing tnull tnulloretical pernullrmance onulltnull
receivernullnullccurate design denullating nullures
can tnulln be obtainednull
nulligure null snullnull a cronullded Simnullnull
snull plotnullTnull simulator nullll be generating
complete signals nullometimes nulltnullseveral
dinullnullrent codesnullnullr eacnullsatellite,
manullng a complenullcomposite signal nullr
a receiver to denullodulate and processnull
Tnull simulator is able to introduce
tnull enullnullcts onulldnullamic stressnullTnulls nullll
be absent nullom a receiver being tested
on a simulator because it is not moving
pnullsicallnullnull Tnull nullonull nullsensitivitnullonulltnull
receivernulls clocnulloscillator can be added
to tnull test scenario to compensate
nullr tnullsnullnulligure null snullnull tnull entrnull
nullndonullin Simnullnullnull
null combination onullenullnullcts can be built into
a scenario, and detailed measurement
onullCnullo pernullrmance can tnulln be madenull
Errors can tnulln be vernulleasilnullremoved,
one at a time, to identinull tnull main causes
onullpernullrmance deteriorationnullnullocus can
tnulln be put on areas onulltnull design nullere
cnullnges nullll nullve tnull most benenullnull
nullnullRE null: nullSEnullnullnullnullnull PnullnullETERS
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
nulle Sensitinulle
to tnull Ennullronment
nullood sensitivitnullis still tnull most important
consideration nullr annullreceivernullWitnullnullultinull
nullSS, tnullre nullll be more signals entering
a receivernulls nullont endnullTnulls nullll lead to
an increase in noise, nullicnullnullll anullnullct tnull
receiver bnullincreasing tnull bit error rate
and code nullcarrier loop nulltternull
nullso, in devices sucnullas mobile pnullnes,
tnull dominant source onullinternullrence nullll
be nullom tnull telecommunications radio
part onulltnull devicenullnull tnullical nullndset
nullll transmit over a nulltt nullnullnullnullnullin
tnull designated band, but due to tnull
nullrm onulltnull device, internullrence nullom tnull
telecommunications radio signals can easilnull
internullre in tnull nullSS band and overponuller
tnull relativelnullnulleanullnullSS signals, directlnull
impacting tnull nullSS receivernulls sensitivitnullnull
nullood Rnullisolation is essentialnull
nullotnullr consideration is tnullt onull
tnull Lonullnulloise nullplinullr nullnullnull Due to
cost constraints it is most common nullr
a device to use one Lnull to cover
botnulltnull telecommunications signals
and nullSS signalsnullTnull large dnullamic
range in ponuller betnulleen tnull tnull services
means tnull Lnull must be vernulllinear, nullilst
not consuming too mucnullsupplnullcurrent,
in order to avoid gain compression,
nullicnullmanullnullell result nullom nullgnulllevel
telecommunications signals, but is certainlnull
not desired nullr tnull nullSS signalsnull
A classic receinuller testnull
nullt nullst as critical for
a MultinullNSS receinullernull
null simple to enullecute, nullet nullndamental test
is tnull sensitivitnulltestnullSimnullnull onullnullrs
several easnullmetnullds nullr preciselnull
controlling tnull satellite ponuller so tnullt
tnull point nullere a receiver looses locnull
nullts minimum sensitivitnulllevelnullcan be
determinednullEnullallnull, tnull point onullrenull
acnullisition can also be determinednull
nullor more innullrmation, donullload tnull Spirent
nullpplication nullote nullnullundamental nullSS Receiver
Cnullracterisation null
nulligure null snullnull Simnullnullnulls realnullime
ponuller control nullndonull, nulltnullsliders
allonullng precise adnullstment onulltnull satellite
ponullersnullnull alternative metnulld is to use
a nullser action nulle to adnullst tnull ponullers
in a timed nullnullnull
nullnullRE null: PERnullnullTELLnullE PnullWER CnullTRnull
Page 22SPIRENT Application Note
nullamming and
Interference
nullne onulltnull benenulls onullnullultinullnullS
operation is tnull increased resilience
to internullrence brougnull about bnullmultinull
nullenullencnulloperationnullTnull vulnerabilitnull
onulltnull nullS Cnull code on Lnullis nullell
documented nullee renullrence nullnull null receiver
mnullstill sunullnullr similar vulnerabilitnullnullen
using nullultinullnullS signals onlnullat Lnull
but using Lnull Enull Lnullor otnullr combinations
and more robust codes nullll improve
its capabilitnull, as it is less linulllnulltnullt
an internullrence source nullll obliterate
all signals on all nullenullenciesnull
nulln tnull donullside, nullSS signals tnullt are
not being used nullnullode, nullalileo PRS nullr
enullmplenullare still present at tnull receivernulls
antenna, and are enullnullctivelnullinternullrence,
as tnullnulldo not convenullannullinnullrmation
renullired bnulltnull receivernull
Test tnull effects
null simulator can be used readilnullto test tnull
enullnullcts onullinternullrencenullSome onullSpirentnulls
models are available nulltnullan internullrence
option, allonullng a range onullinternullring
signals to be added to tnull nullSS signalnull
CW, null, null, pulsed and nulloise signals nulltnull
nullll control over eacnullonenulls settings can
be generatednull Tnull enullnullcts onullnoise in
a dnullamic environment can also be tested,
as tnull cnullracteristics onulltnull internullring
signal are adnullsted dnullamicallnullin nullrmonnull
nulltnulltnull simulated venullclenulls position in
relation to tnull internullrence sourcenull
Tnull presence onullunnullsed nullSS signals
can also be simulated nulltnullnullnulloise and
PRSnulloise nullnctions, enabled via a single
cnullcnullbonullin Simnullnullnullnulligure null snullnull
nullnulloise enabled in Simnullnullnull
nullnullRE null: CnullE nullD CnullRnullR CnullTRnull WnullDnullW
Page 23SPIRENT Application Note
Tnull snullnulls tnull limit
null statement tnullt is not onlnulltrue nullr tnull
nullture onullnullSS, but also true onulltnull test
capabilities or a Spirent Rnullconstellation
simulatornullTnulls nullpplication nullote nulls
introduced some onulltnull nullnulltopics relating
to nullultinullnullS, and snullnull nullst some snap
snullts onullnullnulla simulator is tnull rignull cnullice
nullr testing tnull enullnullcts onulltnullse issues on
a nullSS receivernullTnull business onulldesigning,
manunullcturing, integrating and selling nullSS
tecnullolognullis driven more and more bnull
tougnullcommercial renullirements, especiallnull
in a nullrld starting to tentativelnullemerge
nullom economic recessionnull
Tnull business cases nullr sucnullproducts need
to stand up to testing linull never benullrenull
nullo one can anullnullrd to manull mistanulls at
annullpoint along tnull nullnull, not least nullen
it comes to product testingnullnullnvestment
in Rnullsimulation as a test and verinullation
metnulldolognullnulllps nullep pronullcts sanulllnull
anullnullnullom tnull clinullnulledge on tnull rignull patnull
nullonulldo nullou test nullour nullSSnull
nullor more innullrmation on nullultinullnullS testing,
donullload tnull Spirent nullpplication nullote nullMultinullNSS
for Tecnullolognullnullenullelopers nullnull
Page 24SPIRENT Application Note
Test Solutions
nullelonullis a summarnullonullSpirentnulls
current simulator products
nullSnullnull MultinullNSS
Constellation Simulator
Tnull nullSnullnull series nulls been designed
to meet all tnull demanding renullirements
onullresearcnulland development teams
involved in satellite navigation and
positioning snulltemsnullDue to its modular
design, tnull nullSnullnull can be readilnull
adapted to tnull renullirements onulldinullnullrent
applicationsnullnullp to nullRnullcarriers, selected
nullom a range onullconstellations and signals,
can be accommodated in a single signal
generator cnullssisnull
null nullSnullnull snulltem comprises a controller
computer running Spirentnulls ponullernulll
simulation sonullnullre Simnullnull, and a signal
generator connullured to meet specinull test
needsnullnullultiple cnullssis can be combined
to nullrm an integrated, conullrent signal
generator inullmore signals or outputs are
renullirednullnull enullensive range onullsnulltem
enullensions allonull users to tailor tnullir
snulltem to tnullir specinull needs, todanull
and in tnull nullturenull
Standard capabilities enabled tnullougnull
Simnullnull include simulation onull
atmospnullric enullnullcts, multipatnullrenullctions,
terrain obscuration, antenna reception
gain and pnullse patterns, dinullnullrential
corrections, tranullctornullgeneration nullr
land, air, sea and space venullcles and
comprenullnsive error generationnull
null easnullto use grapnullcal user internullce
nullnullnullallonull modinullation onulla nullde range
onullvariables nullom prenullet denullults, enabling
tnull user to nullcus tnullir time on tnull areas
onulltest important to tnullmnullComplete
scenarios are readilnullsnullred betnulleen
snulltems, supporting collaborative activities
and speeding up tnull Rnull cnullclenull
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullSnullnull MultinullNSS
Constellation Simulator
Tnull nullSnullnull supports annullcombination
onullnullSnullnullS, nullnullnullS and nullalileo Lnull
signals and provides accurate, repeatable
combined nullultinullnullS signalsnullTnull nullSnullnull
can be connullured nulltnullup to null cnullnnels
onullone constellation onlnullor nulltnullmultiple
constellations, nullr enullmple:
nullnullS onlnull
nullnullnullnullS onlnull
nullnullalileo onlnull
nullnullS and nullnullnullS
nullnullS and nullalileo
nullnullS, nullnullnullS and nullalileo
nullp to null cnullnnels are supported nulltnullnull
cnullnnels onullsimulation per constellationnull
Tnull nullSnullnull is available nulltnulla range onull
sonullnullre capabilitnullto suit dinullnullring test
renullirementsnull
Simnullnull is Spirentnulls nullllnullnullnullble
simulator sonullnullre suite and nulluld tnullicallnull
be renullired in tecnullolognulldevelopment
and Rnull applicationsnullSimnullnull onullnullrs
a complete and nullnullble scenario
generation capabilitnullincluding control
onulltnull constellations, propagation,
terrain obscuration, antenna patterns,
multipatnull venullcle tranullctornulland
a range onullerror modelsnull
nullor environments nullere repeat testing
using tnull same test cases is needed,
nullr enullmple verinullation testing, Spirentnulls
SimREPLnullnull sonullnullre is availablenull
SimREPLnullnull supports operation onulltnull
simulator replanullng prenullenulled scenarios
and is ideal nullr repeat comparative
measurementsnull
Scenarios nullr use nulltnullSimREPLnullnull can
be obtained nullom a number onullsources
including an online scenario generation
tool available at no additional cnullrge
to customers under nullrrantnullor
nulltnulla support contractnull
SimREPLnullnullplus allonull users to
generate scenarios locallnullnulltnullnullatures
comparable to tnull online tool available
to supported SimREPLnullnull usersnullnulln addition,
SimREPLnullnullplus enables tnull user to denulle
venullcle motion remotelnullor using a nulle in
tnull renullired nullrmatnull
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullSnullnull MultinullNSS
Constellation Simulator
Tnull nullSnullnull nullultinullnullS Signal nullenerator
nulls been designed specinullallnullnullr nullgnull
volume production test applications
nullr devices tnullt use commercial nullSnull
SnullS, nullnullnullS andnullr nullalileo receiversnull
Controlled testing is vital in ensuring
correct assemblnulland verinullation onull
enullected pernullrmance parameters in
nullS onlnulland nullultinullnullS manunullcturing
environmentsnullSpirentnulls nullSnullnull provides
a robust single cnullnnel testing solution
nulltnulltnull minimum onulloperator interventionnull
Tnull nullSnullnull can be connullured nulltnullone
cnullnnel onulla specinull constellation or nulltnull
multiple constellations, nullr enullmple:
nullnullS onlnull
nullnullnullnullS onlnull
nullnullalileo onlnull
nullnullS and nullnullnullS
nullnullS and nullalileo
nullnullS, nullnullnullS and nullalileo
nullor nullS LnullCnull code test applications,
tnull nullSnullnull nullatures, internullces and
specinullation are tnull same as tnull Spirent
nullSnullnull product tnullt is nulldelnullspecinulld
nullr manunullcturing test applicationsnull
nulleneration onullsignals nullom tnull various
constellations is enabled bnulllicence nullnullnull
nullnullall licence nullnull are present tnull nullSnullnull
can generate a single nullS signal,
a single nullnullnullS signal and a single
nullalileo signal concurrentlnullnull
Tnull nullSnullnull is designed nullr easnull
integration into production test
environmentsnullnull comprenullnsive remote
control internullce enables control onulltnull
unit via standard internullces, including
nullEE4null and nullnull
nullor operation in tnull laboratornull, nullr enullmple
as a single cnullnnel precision nullSS signal
generator nullr Rnulldesign nullrnull a nullnulldriven
sonullnullre utilitnull, SimCnullnull is suppliednull
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullSnullnull Record null
PlanullacnullSnulltem
nullring tnull Complenulltnullof tnull nullSS
nullorld nullacnullInto nullour Lanull
Consumer navigation and positioning
products onullen need to pernullrm under
enullremelnullcnullllenging signal environments,
nullom inside onullce buildings to urban
cannullons and rural mountain topsnull
Recreating tnullse environments snulltnullticallnull
using a simulator, nullr enullmple, tanulls
a considerable amount onulltime,
nullonulledge and snullllnull
nullonullnullou can capture and replanulltnull nullll
ricnulless onulltnullse enviroments at tnull pusnull
onulla button nulltnulltnull nullSnullnull Record
nullPlanullacnull
nullenenulls:
null Complete solution designed to capture
complenullrealnullorld environments
and replanullnulltnulloptimal nullelitnull
nullpernullrmance
null Reduces time and monenullspent on
nullld tests
null nullmproves device pernullrmance bnull
eliminating runnullonullun cnullnges
null Compatible nulltnulla nullde range onull
test applications
nullenullnulleatures:
nullnullne toucnullrecord and replanull
null nullnullnull internal nullrd drive
nullp to null nullurs onullsignal recordingnull
null nullnternal batternullallonull up to one
nullur onullinnulleld recording
null Tnullnullit Sampling
null null nullour Testing
null Remote Control
null Test nullutomation
Learn more about tnull nullSnullnull Record
PlanullacnullSnulltem
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullor More Information
Please visit our nullebsite: nulltp:nullnullnullnullpirentnull
comnullositioning and do not nullsitate to
contact nullour nearest Spirent representative
nullr more detailed innullrmationnullTo nulld tnull
appropriate contact details please visit tnull
nullontact nullsnull page on tnull nullebsite and select
nullour location and applicationnull
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
CONTACT null
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