Application Note: Testing GNSS Systems for Automotive Applications

Bridges, tunnels, multi-storey car parks—the automotive environment continues to present significant challenges to GNSS systems, at a time when drivers expect consistent performance from their GNSS-enabled devices.
Download the Application Note to discover how Spirent RF simulators accurately reproduce all relevant aspects of this complex environment to support the comprehensive testing and optimisation of GNSS receivers. Topics include:
- The specific challenges of the automotive environment for GNSS and INS systems
- How Spirent simulators model the automotive environment’s various effects
- The benefits of simulation for designers and integrators of GNSS receivers
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.

Testing GNSS Automotive
and Telematic applications
For System Integrity
APPLICATION NOTE
Spirent
Communications PLC
Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7QR, England
nullenull nulltpnullnullnullnullpirentnullomnullositioning
Telnull null4 nullnull nullnullnull
Fanull null4 nullnull nullnullnull
Copyrignull nullnullnull Spirentnull
nulll Rignulls Reservednull
nulll onulltnull company names andnullr nulland
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 sunullidiaries, pending
registration in accordance nulltnullrelevant
national lanullnullnulll otnullr registered
trademarnull or trademarnull are tnull
property onulltnullir respective onullersnull
Tnull innullrmation contained in tnulls
document is sunullect to cnullnge nulltnullut
notice and does not represent
a commitment on tnull part onullSpirentnull
Tnull innullrmation in tnulls document is
nulllieved to null accurate and relianullenull
null ever, Spirent assumes no responsinulllity
or lianulllity nullr any errors or inaccuracies
tnullt may appear in tnull documentnull
Page 2SPIRENT Application Note
Contents
nulludience 4
Introduction 4
Tnull nullutomotive nullSS Environment null
nullSS system errors null
Receiver errors null
Integrated nullSS nullInull navigation systems null
Inull errors 7
Simulating tnull nullutomotive nullSS Environment null
Reproducing tnull enullnullcts null
Enullernal nullnullcuration null
Roadside nulluildings and cuttings null
nullridges null
Tunnels and covered car parnull null
nullatural surrounding terrain null
nulldnullcent and passing venullcles, nullgnullay enullipment null
nullnnullenullcle onullcuration null
nullultipatnull null
Finulled nullnullnullet nullultipatnull null
nullertical Plane nullultipatnull null
Signal Loss null
Radio Frenullency Internullrence null
nullSS nullInull null
Simnullnull null
Reproducing real drive tests null
nullEnull nullnull messages null
nullEnull Conversion nulltility null
Conclusions null
Renullrenced Documents null
Page 3SPIRENT Application Note
Audience
Tnulls nullpplication nullote is nullr designers,
developers, integrators and testers onull
nullSS receivers or systems, nullo need to
ensure tnullir products nullll pernullrm in tnull
automotive environmentnull
Spirent recommends you nullve a nullsic
understanding onullsatellite navigation
principles and anullreness onullRF simulation
as a test metnulld is desiranullenull
Introduction
Tnullre is a steady gronullnullin tnull use onull
nullSS navigation systems in all areas
onulltnull automotive marnulltplacenullnull variety
onullnullSS receivers, commonly renullrred to
as nullat nullavnull systems, are nonullnullund in
venullcles used nullr private and recreational
purposes, as nullell as commercial and punullic
transportnullIn some cases, tnullse systems
rely solely on standalone nullSS operation,
in otnullr cases tnully are coupled nulltnullan
Inertial nullavigation System nullnullnull
Tnull increasing use onullnullSS nullings an
increasing reliance on tnull tecnullologynull
Individuals, nullsinesses and organisations
are all relying on tnull tecnullology nullr
anytnullng nullom personal pleasure and sanullty
to commercial advantagenull
nullitnulltnulls in mind, it is important nullr
designers, manunullcturers and consumers
onulltnullse products to understand nullat to
enullect nullom nullSS systems, nullicnull
renullires an understanding onulltnull
limitations and pronullems onullnullat can
onullen null a nullagile, prone to error, and
easily disanulled tecnullologynull
Tnulls application note discusses some
onulltnull main sources onullerror nulltnullspecinull
to tnull automotive environment, and
more generally applicanulle to nullSS
systemsnullComplementary to tnulls,
it demonstrates nullnullSpirentnulls range onull
nullSS Test Solutions enanulle tnull simulation
onulltnullse conditions in a controlled and
repeatanulle nully, allonullng a nullSS receiver
andnullr nullS nullInull system to null properly
tested nullr use in automotive applicationsnull
Page 4SPIRENT Application Note
The Automotive GNSS
Environment
null nullSS receiver nullrnull nullst nullen it nulls
a clear, unnullnterrupted vienullonulltnull ornullting
satellites transmitting tnull ranging and
navigation signalsnullIn tnull automotive
environment tnulls is onullen not tnull case
and ranging measurements to tnull
satellites are anullnullctednullnull nulladio rangingnull
is tnull nullsis onullsatellite navigation, any
degradation onulltnull ranging measurement
nullll cause degradation in tnull Position,
nullelocity, Time nullnullnullsolution calculated nully
tnull receivernull
nullarious environmental nullctors contrinullte
to a receiver not nulling anulle to receive
tnull necessary signals, generally renullrred
to as onullcurationnull
Tnull main causes are as nulllonull
Enullernal onullcuration can null denulled
as everytnullng outside tnull connulles onulltnull
nullst venullcle tnullt nullocnull tnull Lnull signal,
preventing it reacnullng tnull receivernulls
antennanullTnull automotive environment
presents onullcuration in a numnullr onullnullysnull
Some are descrinulld as nullllonullnull
nulloadside nullildings
null nully structure tnullt is adnullcent to tnull
roadnully tnullt stands in tnull nully onulltnull
receivernulls direct vienullonulltnull satellitesnull
nullridges
null nullnulltruction onulltnull snull occurs
progressively as a venullcle passes under
a nullidgenullTnull duration onulltnull signal
nullocnullge depends on tnull pnullsical
cnullracteristics onulltnull nullidge comnullned
nulltnulltnull speed onulltnull venullclenull
Tunnels
null nulle can consider tunnels as an
enullension onulla nullidgenullnullonullever, complete
onullcuration occurs nullr a period onulltime,
and cnullnges in venullcle direction can
also occur nullile tnull venullcle is in a
curved tunnelnull
nullnderground and multinulltorenullcar parnull
null nullnullct a receiver in a similar nully to
tunnelsnullDisorientation is onullen a primary
concern, particularly upon enullt nullom tnull
car parnull nullen a nullicnullnavigational
decision is renullirednull
Cuttings
null nullany roads are placed in cuttings,
nullicnullreduce tnull visinulllity onulllonull
elevation satellitesnull
Natural terrain nullillsnullmountainsnullvallenullnull
trees and vegetationnull
null null nulltnulltnull anullve enullnullcts, onullcuration
is determined nully tnull cnullracteristics onull
tnull terrainnullnullills, mountains and valleys
nullocnullsignals as a nullnction onulltnullir nullignull
or deptnull Trees and vegetation attenuate
and nullocnullsignals according to tnull type,
density and nullter content onulltnull nullliage
and structure onulltnull trunnullnullancnullsnull
Adnullcent and passing vehicles
null nullery dependant on tnull relative speed
onulltnull venullclesnullTnull onullcuration may null
momentary, or last longer nullor enullmple
a nullgnullsided venullcle passing at a speed
tnullt is only slignullly nullster tnulln tnull
receivernulls nullst venullclenull
nullighnullnullenullipment nulltreet lightingnull
signsnullgantriesnull
null Issues nulltnullperiodic signal onullcuration,
causing complenullsignal disturnullnce
enullnullctsnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullSS system errors
nullpart nullom tnull enullnullcts onulltnull local
automotive environment errors also
enullst due to tnull nullSS system, nullatellite
constellation and controlnullonitoring
systemsnull
Tnullse are nullyond tnull nullcus onulltnulls
application note, nullicnullconcentrates
tnull automotive environmentnullnullonullever,
tnully snulluld not null ignorednullFor more
innullrmation on nullSS system errors, and
nullnullto simulate tnullm, donullload tnull
Enulloonullnull Common nullSS Errors null
Receiver errors
nullotnullr source onullerrors can null attrinullted
to tnull receiver itselnullnull
nullodern receivers nullve multiple digital
receiver cnullnnels, and nulltnullsilicon cnullp
integration densities increasing, more
parallel processing is possinulle, leading to
snullrter time to nullst null pernullrmancenull
nullonullever, nulltnullincreased processing
comes increased noise, nullenulldesigns are
still susceptinulle to classical error sources
sucnullas Lnull noise, PLLnullLL tnullrmal noise,
oscillator pnullse noise and nullC aliasingnull
Renullrence null states tnullt an average
modern receiver snulluld contrinullte less
tnulln nullnullm rms error in nullas and less
tnulln nullnullm in noisenull
Integrated nullSS nullInull
navigation systems
Tnull use onullnullSS nullInull in automotive
navigation systems is increasing,
largely due to operational pernullrmance
issues caused nully some onulltnull errors
descrinulld anullvenullTnullse errors cannot
null completely eliminated, even nulltnullan
optimised standalone nullSS receivernull
In many systems, primary navigation is
nullsed on signals nullom enullsting onnullenullcle
sensors nulldometers, nullS nulleel sensors,
gyronulls and so onnullnulltnullnullSS position,
velocity and time innullrmation providing
a renullrence or nullcalinullation nullctornull tnullt
regularly corrects tnull diverging errors
innullrent in tnull Inull systemnull
null classic automotive environment
pronullem is tnullt onulla curved road tunnelnull
nullSS receivers can nullcome connullsed nullen
tnully emerge nullom a tunnel nullading in
a dinullnullrent direction to tnullt travelled upon
entering tnull tunnelnullnullitnullan Inull coupled
into tnull navigation system, innullrmation
nullom tnull nulleel sensors or gyroscope,
corrects tnull nullading cnullnge in tnull anullence
onulltnull nullSS innullrmationnullnullavigation
tnullougnullut tnull tunnel and nullyond is
maintained, nulltnullut nullving to rely solely
on tnull nullSS system nullicnullcould null trying
to correct itselnullnullom tnull connullsed state
nullst descrinulldnullTnulls advantage is also
true in otnullr environments, nullr enullmple
underground car parnullnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
INS errors
nulltnullugnulla comnullned nullSS nullInull
navigation system solves many onulltnull
pronullems tnullt innullnullt standalone nullSS,
tnully are still sunullect to errors tnullt can
corrupt tnull navigation solutionnull
Tnulls is particularly true in commercial
automotive applications, nullicnulluse
cnullaper, less accurate devices instead onull
tnull enullensive, nullgnullaccuracy sensors used
in tnull aviation sectornullIn some cases, nulleel
sensors are tnull sole metnulld onullcalculating
venullcle nullading rate, as nullD gyros are
pronullnulltively enullensivenullSee Renullrence nullnull
Common enullmples onullerrors includenull
null nulleel slips nullpulses nullom nulleel sensors
are sent to tnull navigation system at
a particular ratenullernullevolutionnullInulla nulleel
looses contact nulltnulltnull road and spins,
tnull rate onullpulses increases, and is no
longer matcnulld to tnull pnullsical distance
travellednullIntroducing an errornull
null Snulldding nullnullen a snulld occurs, tnull nulleel
slonull donull, or stops completely, leading
to reduced or no pulsesnull
null nulleadnulland error nullnullctive nulleel speed
sensors employ nullallnullnullnullct transducers,
Tnullt nullve a minimum speed nulllonullnullicnull
no motion is detected nulltnull sonullalled
nulldeadnullandnull nulln tnull order onullnullto nullnullnull,
Tnull dead nullnd can present real pronullems
in urnulln areas, nullere tnull venullcle
is progressing very slonully in tranullc
congestion and tnull navigation systemnulls
nulldead recnullningnull algoritnulls are not anulle
to cope nulltnulltnull conditionnull
null Stucnullgnulloscope nullnullyros are mecnullnical
devices and prone to nullilure or
impernullctionsnullnullyronullompasses output tnull
dinullnullrence nulltnulleen tnull nulled gyro nullading
and tnull pnullsical venullcle direction,
inullnullnullever tnull gyro nullcomes stucnull
nullue to a nullilure onulltnull gimnulll nullr
enullmplenulltnull signals nulld to tnull
navigation system nullll null in errornull
Page null
SPIRENT Application Note
Simulating the
Automotive GNSS
Environment
In tnulls section nulle loonullat nullnulla nullSS RF
Constellation Satellite Simulator enanulles
tnull simulation onulltnull conditions nulle nullve
discussed in a controlled and repeatanulle
nullynullTnulls allonull testing onulla nullSS receiver
andnullr nullSS nullInull system nullr use in
automotive applicationsnull
null RF Constellation Simulator reproduces
tnull environment onulla nullSS receiver on a
dynamic platnullrm nully modelling tnull venullcle
and satellite motion, signal cnullracteristics,
atmospnullric and otnullr enullnullcts causing tnull
receiver to actually navigate according
to tnull parameters onulltnull test scenarionull
Inullnulle consider tnull errors nullgnullignulled in tnull
previous section, tnullre is no need to
simulate receiver errors as tnull receiver
is included in tnull test and nullll contrinullte
its onull real errorsnullIn all cases, nulle consider
simulation onulla Land nullenullcle nulltnullone nullS
antenna receiving nullS LnullCnull
code signals using Spirentnulls nullSnullnull
nullultinullnullS Constellation Simulator System
nullnullnullnnel LnullCnullcode nullSnullnullS
simulator nulltnullSimnullnull sonullnullrenull
For more innullrmation on Simnullnull
sonullnullre, see renullrences nulland null nullr tnull
nullSnullnull see renullrence null
Reproducing tnull enullnullcts
nully its very nature, simulation is
a representation onulltnull real nullrldnull
Simulation cannot reproduce tnull nullll
ricnulless onullreal nullrld conditionsnull
null common misconception is tnull need
to enullctly replicate real nullrld conditions
nullr a nullSS test to null validnullnullonullever,
application onullrepresentative enullnullcts
via simulation is proven nullver some null
years onulltestingnullto enullercise receivers
and adenullately identinull tnullir limitations
allonullng nullr design centring and
optimisationnullnullore importantly, it gives
complete repeatanulllity, control and enullct
nullonulledge nulldonull to nullt level nullonulltnull
signal stimulating tnull receivernullTnulls is
not possinulle in tnull real nullrldnullnullitnulltnulls
in mind, nulle snulluld loonullupon simulator
testing as representing tnull real nullrld,
ratnullr tnulln replicating itnull
Spirent simulators include statistical
models enanulling simulation onullricnullr
multipatnullenvironments, nullt consideration
onulltnullse is outside tnull scope onulltnulls
documentnull Figure nullsnullnull tnull concept
onullsimulation, using a nullSnullnull , LnullCnull
code nullultinullnullS simulatornull
Figure null RF Simulation Concept
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Enullernal Onullcuration
In tnulls section nulle consider simulation onull
pnullsical onullects enullernal to tnull venullcle tnullt
onullcure tnull nullSS signalsnull
nulloadside nulluildings and cuttings
Simulation onullonullcuration due to roadside
nullildings is possinulle using tnull nullertical
Planes nullature onullSpirentnulls Simnullnull
nullr nullindonullnullsonullnullrenullnullertical Planes
allonull you to denulle a series onullvertical,
rectangular onulltructions or planes to tnull
lenull and rignull onulltnull venullcle, relative to
tnull direction onulltravelnull nullou denulle tnull
distance, nullignull and nulldtnullnullenulled as
durationnull Signals nullll null onullcured inulltnull
planes occur in tnull Lnull patnullnulltnulleen
tnull satellites and tnull venullcle antennanull
nullery nullgnullplanes at a snullrt distance
nullom tnull venullcle nullll onullcure more signals
tnulln lonullnullignull planes at an increased
distance nullom tnull venullclenull nullertical Planes
are a good nully onullsimulating nullildings
in an urnulln canyon environmentnullnullou can
increase tnull complenullty onulltnull onullcuration
nully adding more planes nulltnulldinullnullring
proportionsnull
Inulltnull simulation is run at a dinullnullrent time
andnullr date, dinullnullrent onullcuration nullll null
seen, as tnull satellite geometry nullll nullve
cnullngednullnulliven tnulls, you can nullild up a
series onulltests tnullt give a complete nullpicturenull
onulltnull onullcuration resulting nullom your set
onullvertical planes over a nullnullour period
nullnullcnullenullates to one complete ornullt nullr
all satellitesnull
Figure nullsnullnull an illustration onullnullertical
Planes positioned to tnull rignull onulltnull
venullcle nullenullnullide planes omitted nullr claritynull
Simnullnull automatically considers
tnull venullcle and satellite motion nullen
determining nullicnullsignals are onullcured
nully tnull planes nullnd not present on tnull
simulator RF outputnull
Cuttings can null simulated in a similar nully
to roadside nullildingsnullnullsing nullertical Planes,
you can replicate tnull onullcuration onulllonull
elevation satellites nully specinulling
a continuous plane eitnullr side onulltnull
venullcle at a nullignull and distance tnullt causes
tnull same masnullng angle as tnull cuttingnull
Figure nullsnullnull nullnulltnull planes can null
denulled at lenullnullignull distance nulland nullignull
y to provide tnull same masnullng enullnullct as
tnull cutting pronullenullTnull green snullded area
indicates no onullcurationnullTnull unnullnullded
area represents onullcurationnull
Figure null nullertical Planes Concept
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullridges
Simnullnull can pernullrm a representative
simulation onulla nullidge, nully simply turning
onullnull, and tnulln on, all satellite signals nullr
a certain period onulltimenullTnull onullcuration
enullnullct onulltnull nullidge is determined nully tnull
lengtnullonulltime tnull satellites are snulltcnulld
onullnullnullIt is possinulle to snulltcnullonullnullsatellites
in realnullime, using tnull ponuller control
nullndonullin Simnullnull , in a prenullrdered
nulle onullcommands, or even using a remote
command, inulltnulls metnulld is nulling used
to control tnull simulatornull
Tunnels and covered car parnull
In mucnulltnull same nully as nullidges, tunnels
and car parnull are simulated nully snulltcnullng
onullnullall satellites, nullt nullr a longer periodnull
During tnull onullnulltime, tnull venullcle may
cnullnge nullading, nullr enullmple, representing
a curved tunnel, or a car driving around in
an underground car parnull
Figure null Enullmple onullnullnullcuration Due to a Cutting
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Figure 4null nullmninullirectional Terrain nullnullcuration
Natural surrounding terrain
Simnullnullnulls Terrain nullnullcuration nullature
allonull you to apply omninullirectional
terrain onullcuration nulltnulla pronulle
modelled according to data sets you
can modinullnullTnull terrain properties nullve
nullinimum nulleignull and nullanullmum nulleignull
nullldsnullTnull current onulltacle nullignull is
pseudonullandomly selected nulltnulleen
tnullse limits eacnulltime an onulltacle
nulldtnullperiod is completednull
Tnull terrain properties also nullve nulltnull
nullinimum nullidtnulland nullanullmum nullidtnull
nulllds to nullrtnullr improve tnull realism onulltnull
enullnullctsnullTnull onulltacle nulldtnullmaps directly to
distance travelled nully tnull simulated venullcle
and its period is dictated nully venullcle speednull
Tnull essential scnullme onulltnulls nullature is tnullt
nullen a specinulld tranullctory is enullecuted
at dinullnullrent speeds, tnull onullcuration pattern
is repeated at an appropriately dinullnullrent
rate, simulating a venullcle moving tnullougnull
tnull same terrain nullt at a dinullnullrent speednull
Tnull terrain onullcuration is omninullirectional,
so is at tnull same distance nullom tnull
venullcle in all nullrinullontal directionsnullIt is
analogous to a circle, nullere tnull venullcle
is at tnull centre, and tnull terrain is around
tnull circumnullrencenull Regardless onullspeed or
tranullctory, tnull venullcle remains at tnull centre
onulltnull nullterrain circlenull Figure 4 illustrates tnulls
principle and snullnull tnull terrain denullition
in detail nullr one onulltacle nulldtnullperiodnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Adnullcent and passing vehiclesnull
highnullnullenullipmentnull
Tnullse are enullnullcts tnullt are simulated using
nullertical Planesnullnullile tnull enullct enullnullct onull
an adnullcent venullcle approacnullng, passing
and receding, or passing street lignullsnullign
gantries is not modelled precisely,
a representative enullnullct is appliednull
null already stated, enullct replication is not
necessary in order to nullenullercisenull tnull receiver
appropriately, and determine its limitationsnull
For a passing venullcle sucnullas a nullgnullsided
goods venullcle, you simply set up a vertical
plane nulltnulla suitanulle nullignull and distance
onullnulletnullEnullally, nullr nullgnullay enullipment,
you set up a vertical plane nulltnulltnull
appropriate cnullracteristics representing
tnull onullectnulls pnullsical nullrmnull
Onnullehicle onullcuration
So nullr nulle nullve considered pnullsical
onulltructions enullsting enullernally to tnull nullst
venullcle, tnullt are cnullnging as a nullnction onull
venullcle motionnull nullnnullenullcle onullcuration
is, in almost all cases nulled and does not
vary nulltnullvenullcle motionnullnullitnulltnulls in mind,
tnull nullst nully onullsimulating sucnullenullnullcts
is nully using Simnullnullnulls nulltenna Pattern
nullaturesnull Tnull simulator considers tnull
receivernulls antenna as tnull point at nullicnull
signals are modellednullnulll pseudoranges,
ponuller, signals types, delays, motion and
otnullr enullnullcts are renullrenced to tnulls pointnull
Tnull electrical properties onulltnull antenna are
most onullviously and appropriately denulled
nully its antenna pattern, nullt in tnulls case
so too are tnull nulled pnullsical onullcuration
properties onulltnull immediate environment
surrounding tnull antenna linull tnull
venullcle nulldynull
Tnull orientation onulltnull antenna pattern is
alnullys nulled nulltnullrespect to tnull orientation
onulltnull venullcle, nullst as tnull nullSS receivernulls
antenna is nulled to tnull venullclenull
Tnull nulltenna Pattern Editor allonull you to
denulle tnull signal ponuller level attenuation
and pnullse delay nullr elevations onullnullnullto
nullnullnullr tnull nullll nullnulldegrees onullanullmutnull
around tnull antennanullTnull resolution can null
as nulle as nulldegree nullnulldegree, allonullng
you to model tnull onullcuration created nully
tnull venullclenulls nulldynullrnullnulloors, door pillars,
roonulletcnull and to specinull areas nullere tnull
antenna nulls a vienullonulltnull snull nullindonull,
nullndscreen, sun roonullnullnullttenuation due
to nullndonulltinting or denullisternulleater
elements can also null nullctored innull
Figure nullsnullnull tnull nulltenna nullain Pattern
Editor nulltnulla simple representation onull
masnullng tnullt mignull null enullerienced nully an
innullar dasnulloard mounted nullSS receivernull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Tnull nulltenna Pattern Editornullallonull you to
denulle tnull signal ponuller level attenuation
and pnullse delay nullr elevations onullnullnullto
nullnullnullr tnull nullll nullnulldegrees onullanullmutnull
around tnull antennanullTnull resolution can null
as nulle as nulldegree nullnulldegree, allonullng
you to model tnull onullcuration created nully
tnull venullclenulls nulldynullrnullnulloors, door pillars,
roonulletcnull and to specinull areas nullere tnull
antenna nulls a vienullonulltnull snull nullindonull,
nullndscreen, sun roonullnullnullttenuation due
to nullndonulltinting or denullisternulleater
elements can also null nullctored innull
Figure nullsnullnull tnull nulltenna nullain Pattern
Editor nulltnulla simple representation onull
masnullng tnullt mignull null enullerienced nully an
innullar dasnulloard mounted nullSS receivernull
nullonullload tnull Spirent nullpplication nullote nullnulleeping
nullour enulle on the snull null nullr more innullrmation on
modelling your nullSS nulltennanull
nullultipath
Simulation onullmultipatnullenullnullcts is possinulle
in a numnullr onullnullys using Simnullnullnull
Some advanced tecnullinulles enanulle
complenullmultipatnullto null creatednull
Simnullnull allonull you to create tnull
nullllonullng types onullmultipatnull
nullFinulled onullnullet multipatnull
nullnullround renullction multipatnull
nullDoppler onullnullet multipatnull
nullRenullction Pattern multipatnull
null ertical Plane multipatnull
nullPolynomial multipatnull
nullLegendre multipatnull
nullSinusoidal multipatnull
nullLand monullle multipatnull
nulle nullll nullienull consider tnull onulltnullse types
nullrenull nullinulled Onullnullet nullultipath and vvnull
nullur nullpplication nullote nullSimulating
nullultipathnull loonull in more detail at
simulating multipatnulltypesnull
Figure null nulltenna Pattern Editor
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nullinulled Onullnullet nullultipath
Tnulls is tnull simplest metnulld onullsimulating
a multipatnullsignalnull For a given satellite,
it allonull you to denulle an enullct copy onulltnull
Lnull signal nullom tnullt satellitenullIt allonull you
to specinull nulltnulla range onullnullet in metres and
attenuation in dnullnulltnullrespect to tnull Lnullnull
Tnull simulator nullll tnulln, using a separate
nullrdnullre cnullnnel, create tnulls signalnull
Tnull range onullnullet is alnullys positive,
representing tnull multipatnullsignal nullving
travelled a longer patnullto tnull receiver
tnulln tnull LnullnullTnull level can only null enullal
or lonuller ponuller compared to tnull Lnull,
representing renullction loss enullerienced
nully tnull multipatnullsignalnull
nullsing nullser nullctions, you can denulle a Finulled
nullnullnullet nullultipatnullsnulleitnullr in real time using
tnull nullI or remote control, or prior to tnull
scenario runnullnullser nullctions is a nulle onull
prenullcripted commands enullecuted at set
times in tnull scenarionull null receiver nulltnullut
multipatnullmitigation trying to tracnullnulltnull
signals nullll not null anulle to determine nullicnull
one is tnull real signal, and nullll generate
a range measurement errornull ou can
tnulln determine tnull receivernulls multipatnull
pernullrmance nully nullnullr enullmple nulllonullering
tnull ponuller onulltnull multipatnulluntil tnull
correlator nullr tnullt cnullnnel stops trying
to tracnulltnull unnullnted signalnull
nullor more innullrmation on simulating
multipatnull donullload tnull
Spirent Application Notenull
nullertical Plane nullultipath
nulle nullve already seen nullnullSimnullnullnulls
nullertical Planes nullature is usenulll nullr
simulating tnull enullnullcts nulle nullve discussed,
along nulltnulltnull associated multipatnull
capanulllitynull ertical Plane nullultipatnulladds
to tnull onullcuration capanulllities nully allonullng
tnull geometric modelling onullsatellite signal
renullctions nullom tnull surnullces onulltnull planes,
tnullt represent nullildings in an urnulln
environmentnullFor prenulletermined multipatnull
signals, Simnullnull calculates nulletnullr
a renullction is possinulle nullsed on tnull
relative geometry onulltnull selected satellites,
venullcle and renullcting surnullcesnullDepending
on tnulls geometry, tnull receivernulls antenna
may nullseenull nullst tnull Lnull signal, Lnull and
multipatnull nullst tnull multipatnullor no signals
at allnullnullitnullmore complenullplanes and
venullcle motion, more complenullmultipatnull
nullll resultnullTnull nully point is tnullt all signals
are calculated and tnullrenullre nullantinulldnull
Tnull comnullnation onullsignals, nullnullever
complenull nullll null repeated enullctly run anuller
runnullFigure nullsnullnull an enullmple onullnullertical
Plane nullultipatnull
Figure null nullertical Plane nullultipatnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Figure 7nullSignal nullttenuation and nullsociated Pattern
Signal Loss
Tnull sensitivity onulltnull nullSS receiver nullll
determine nullnullnullell it can tracnullsatellite
signalsnullnullery sensitive receivers nullll null anulle
to tracnullattenuated signals nulltter tnulln ones
nulltnullpoor sensitivitynull
nullenerally, tnullre are tnull parameters
onullconcernnullnullcnullisition Sensitivity
and Tracnullng Sensitivitynull
null Acnullisition Sensitivitnull is tnull ponuller level
at nullicnulltnull receiver can recognise tnull
signal as a nullSS signal nulltnulln tnull noise
nullTnullt is recognise tnull codenull
null Tracnullng Sensitivitnull is tnull ponuller level
at nullicnulltnull receiver is anulle to tracnull
tnull signal and determine tnull satellites
anullmutnulland elevationnullIn practice,
tnulls is usually a lonuller level tnulln
tnull nullcnullisition Sensitivitynull
Simnullnull allonull you to control tnull ponuller
level onulltnull simulated signal to a nullgnull
degree onullresolution and over a nullde
dynamic rangenullPonuller control can null
carried out eitnullr in realnullime nullile tnull
scenario is running, or using a prenullcripted
set onullcommandsnullRealnullime control can
null applied using tnull Simnullnull nullI or
remote commands nullnulltnull simulator is nulling
controlled nully a remote systemnull
It is possinulle to control tnull ponuller
independently on individual satellites,
or on all satellitesnullLevel can null
displayed as anullolute ponuller, or relative
to a renullrencenullTnull resolution onullponuller
control nullor tnull nullSnullnull simulatornullis very
nulle, nulling nullnulldnullover tnull range nullnull dnull
nullnulldnull nullnulldnull
Tnulls nulle control allonull you to accurately
test a receivernulls acnullisition sensitivity
and tracnullng sensitivity as nullell as otnullr
nullndamental parameters sucnullas TTFF
in cold, nullrm and nullt start conditionsnull
For nullrtnullr reading on tnull sunullect onull
nullndamental receiver pernullrmance
cnullracterisation, see our nullpplication
nullote nullnullundamental GNSS nulleceiver
Characteristicsnull
nulle nullve already seen nullnulltnull nulltenna
Pattern nullature can null used to simulate
onullcuration and signal attenuation due
to tnull venullclenullIt is also usenulll nullr
simulating signal attenuation due to
enullernal onullectsnullnullecause Simnullnull allonull
denullition onullup to nullur dinullnullrent antenna
patterns, it is possinulle to tanull tnull nullseline
pattern tnullt includes tnull onnullenullcle
onulltruction, and add enullra attenuation
at certain elevations and anullmutnull to
simulate, nullr enullmple nullgnullsided motornully
sound nullrriers onulltnull type nullund adnullcent
to primary routes tnullougnullurnulln areasnull
nullou can instruct Simnullnull to snulltcnull
to tnull modinulld pattern and snulltcnullnullcnull
to tnull nullseline pattern at discrete times
in tnull scenarionull
Figure 7 snullnull tnull concept onullsignal
attenuation caused nully motornully sound
nullrriers and nullnulltnull nullrriers are
represented nully an antenna patternnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
nulldio nullrenullencnullInternullrence
Spirentnulls nullSnullnull and nullSnullnull and
nullS7nullnullseries onullsimulators nullve an RF
nullammernull input port tnullt allonull you to
innullct an enullernal RF signal into tnull main
nullSS signal patnullin a controlled nully using
a directional coupler inside tnull simulatornull
Depending on tnull cnullracteristics onulltnull
internullrence signal, you nullll null anulle to
stop tnull receiver nullom navigating correctlynull
null nulle nullve seen in section null a relatively
small internullring signal nullll stop a
commercial nullSS receiver nullom nullrnullngnull
null signal innullcted nullom a tnullrdnullarty signal
generator nulluld not null conullrent nulltnull
tnull simulatornulls nullSS signalnull
nullonullever, an Internullrence Simulation System
option nullnullS77null nullis availanulle nullr nullSnullnull
and nullSnullnull series simulatorsnull
Tnulls allonull specinull signal generators
to null controlled nully Simnullnull in
eitnullr a conullrent or nonnullonullrent
nully, nulltnulla variety onullsignal modulation
types, and nulltnullmodelled ponuller,
nullicnullsimulates tnull relative distance
enullnullcts onulltnull internullrence source nulltnull
respect to tnull simulated nullSS positionnull
For more innullrmation regarding tnull
nullS77null internullrence simulation option,
see renullrence 4null
Figure nullsnullnull tnull concept onullinnullcting
an internullrence signal into tnull simulatornull
Figure null Internullrence Signal Innullction Concept
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
GNSS nullINS
Spirent Simulators tnullt are controlled
nully Simnullnull nullve an optional capanulllity
called Simnullnullnull Tnulls option provides
tnull anulllity to simulate signals tnullt nulluld
normally come nullom deadnullecnullning
venullcle sensorsnull
SimAnullO comprises onullsonullnullre
nullatures in Simnullnull and Digital and
nullalogue Inullcards nullted to tnull Simnullnull
nullst PCnullSignal and data canulle sets
are also providednull
SimAnullO nulls tnull anulllity to
generate simulated signals nullr tnull
nullllonullng parametersnull
null nullehicle nulleading nullte nullTnulls nullpolar
analogue voltage output can null used
to simulate tnull output onulla Rate nullyronull
Tnull voltage onulltnull signal is proportional
to tnull angular rate at nullicnulltnull venullcle
nullading is cnullngingnull
null nullehicle Anullolute nulleading nullTnulls nullpolar
analogue voltage output can null used
to simulate tnull output onulla gyro or
compassnullTnull voltage onulltnull signal
enullates to tnull venullcle nulladingnull
null Turntanulle Control nullnull an alternative
to emulating sensor outputs, and nulltnull
suitanulle sanullty precautions tanulln,
nullilt in sensors may null stimulated
on a rate tanullenullSimnullnullnullsupports tnulls
application nulltnulla suite onullcalinullation
procedures to aid in tnull determination
onulltnull appropriate scale nullctors and
DC onullnulletsnull nullalogue voltage signals
representing turntanulle speed and
positions are also providednull
null nullehicle Speed and nullirection nullSeven
digital outputs are allocated to tnull
simulation onullvenullcle speed, nullur onullnullicnull
can null directly mapped to represent
independent nulleel speed sensorsnull
null nulligital Speed Pulses nullSeven digital
outputs are allocated to tnull simulation
onullvenullcle speed, nullur onullnullicnullcan null
directly mapped to represent independent
nulleel speed sensorsnullTanulle nullsnullnull tnull
mapping onulltnull seven outputsnull
Tnull signals presented are snullare nullves
nullnull duty cyclenullnullere tnull nullenullency
is proportional to tnull venullcle speed and
a usernullpecinulld scaling nullctornullnull separate,
independent scale nullctor can null specinulld
nullr eacnullonulltnull seven signals tnullugnulltnull
nullur nulleel sensor outputs nulluld normally
use a common scale nullctornull
nullutput Signal
null nullenullcle Centre speednull
null Front nulleel nulldometer nullpeed calculated as average onulltnull nullnullont nulleelsnull
null Rear nulleel nulldometer nullpeed calculated as average onulltnull nullrear nulleelsnull
4 Front lenull nulleel speed
null Front rignull nulleel speed
null Rear lenull nulleel speed
7 Rear rignull nulleel speed
Tanulle null Speed Sensor nullutput nulllocation
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Simnullnullnullis capanulle onullsimulating various
nulleventsnull nullicnullcause a disturnullnce or
error on tnull signalsnull
null nulleel Speed Events nullnullou may
simulate nullero nulleel speed, sucnullas
during a snulld nullere one or more nulleels
locnullupnullFaster or slonuller nulleel speed,
sucnullas occurs during a nulleel slip or
partial snulldnullnullgoritnullic errors,
simulating randomised and systematic
errors denulled nully a nullrmulanull
null Gnulloscope Events nullnullou may simulate
a stucnullgyro, randomised gyro noise and
giro nullas in sympatnull nulltnulla temperature
ramp or nulled valuenull
null CANnullus nullessages nullSimnullnullnullcan
generate Cnull messages consistent nulltnull
modelled sensor nullnullviournullSpirent can
modinull tnullse to your renullirementsnull
Figure nullgives an overall scnullmatic snullnullng
tnull principle onullSimnullnullnulls operation in
connullnction nulltnulltnull standard Simnullnull null
RF Simulator systemnull
nulleproducing real drive tests
nulle nullve seen nullnullponullernulll a simulator
can null in allonullng you to denulle
representative tests to simulate many
dinullnullrent conditionsnullnullonullever, a standard
Simnullnull application allonull you to tanull
data nullom real nullld tests and convert it
into a motion nulle, used to simulate tnull
venullcle motion tranullctorynull itnullut leaving
tnull lanullyou can reproduce an identical
nullurneynull Tnulls is a very usenulll nullature tnullt
can dramatically reduce tnull cost, eliminate
tnull unnullepeatanulllity and save tnull time
associated nulltnullreal drive testsnullIt also
allonull reproduction onullsignal onullcuration
tnullougnulluse onullappropriate datanull
NnullA nullnull messages
nullost nullSS receivers output data in tnull
nullEnull nullrmat nullr position, velocity, Snull,
satellite visinulllity etcnullTnulls data is used
nully tnull receivernulls control sonullnullre,
nullr enullmple, to provide a navigation
solution to a displaynullFor more innullrmation,
see tnull nullational nullarine Electronics
nullsociation nullenullitenull nullnullnullmeanullrg
Figure null Simnullnullnullnullperational nullervienull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
NnullA Conversion nulltilitnull
nullEnull conversion is pernullrmed using a tool
nulltnulln tnull Simnullnull application called
SimPRnullESS nullee renullrence null
Tnull SimPRnullESS application is a compiled
nullTLnull standalone application tnullt
uses a nullll encrypted componentnulluntime
installation onullnullTLnullnullnull sucnullit manulls
availanulle a very ponullernulll set onulldata
analysis and visualisation nullnctions nullee
onullcnullrge to Simnullnull usersnull
SimPRnullESS itselnullsnulluld null seen
as a sonullnullre toolnullnullnullicnulluses
a standardised user internullce nullr
accessing any numnullr onullSimPRnullESS
tools nullicnullnullll null made availanulle in
tnull nullturenullTnull nullEnull to motion utility
converts your receiver log nulle containing
nullEnull nullnull messages into a motion nulle
nullnullmtnullnullr replay in Simnullnullnull
Tnull motion nulle contains motion
commands at nullnullms intervalsnull
Tnull utility also uses satellite Cnull data
nullom tnull nullEnull nullnullmessages to replicate
tnull satellite ponuller levels as seen at tnull
receivernulls antennanullnullou can replicate
a real drive test, nullere tnull receiver is
sunullected to onullcuration, nullicnullnullll
null renullcted in tnull nullnullmessage onulltnull
logged data, nullnd can tnullrenullre null
replicated nully tnull simulatornull
nullitnulltnulls capanulllity, you can replicate
any onullcuration present on tnull real route
nulltnullut using Simnullnullnulls nullaturesnull
Tnull limitation onulltnulls approacnullis tnullt tnull
simulated tranullctory nullll not necessarily
null enullctly tnull same as tnull receiver position
nullen tnull nullEnull data nulls recorded,
tnulls is nullcause it is nullsed on nullEnull data
recorded nullom a real receiver sunullected to
all tnull environmental conditions and signal
errors already descrinulldnullnullnullcourse,
manual manipulation onulltnull nullEnull data
to remove onullvious gaps or errors is
alnullys possinulle nullnd Spirent recommends
tnulls approacnullnullnullonullever, Simnullnull nullll
nullitnullully convert tnull data it is given,
regardless onullits original accuracynull
Tnull nully principle nullre is tnull simulation
can null repeated time and againnull
nullile tnull data may not represent tnull
pnullsical route precisely, tnull repeatanulllity
is precisenullIn some cases, nullving inaccurate
nullt repeatanulle tranullctory data is actually
nullnenullialnullnullany innullar nullSS systems
employ map matcnullng algoritnulls and
snapnullonulload nullatures, you can test
tnull ronullstness onulltnullse nullatures using
impernullct tranullctory data and sunullenullent
attempts at improving tnull algoritnulls can
null renullested using tnull same datanull
For more innullrmation on nullnullto reduce
drive test times, donullload tnull Spirent
nullpplication nullote nulleduce Real nullorld Drive
Test Timesnull
Page nullSPIRENT Application Note
Conclusions
Tnulls nullpplication nullote nulls enulllored
some onulltnull main pronullems enullerienced
nully nullSS receivers operating in tnull
automotive environmentnullIt nulls snullnull
nullnullproper product testing during design,
development, integration and production
pnullses is onullparamount importance to
prove its suitanulllity nullr tnull intended
applicationnullTnulls nullpplication nullote nulls
nullgnullignulled tnull nullys in nullicnullan
RF Simulator can readily null used to
pernullrm representative tests addressing
eacnullonulltnullse pronullemsnullnully using
a simulator you can reproduce tnull
enullnullcts enullctly eitnullr onenullynullne, in any
comnullnation or all togetnullr nulltnullanullolute
control onulltnull simulation parametersnullTnull
approacnulls descrinulld nullll manullmise test
enullnullctiveness and ensure manullmum nullness
nullr purpose onulltnull developed product nullile
minimising your development cyclesnull
nullenullrenced nullocuments
nullnless otnullrnullse stated, renullrence to tnull
latest issue onulleacnulldocument is innullrrednull
null Dnullnullnullnullnull Simnullnull Sonullnullre
nullser nullanual
null nullnullnull Simnullnull nullr nullindonull
Product Specinullation
null nullnullnull nullSnullnull nullultinullnullS
Constellation Simulator System Product
Specinullation
4null nullnullnull nullS77null Internullrence
Simulation System Product Specinullation
null nullnullnull SimnullnullnullProduct Specinullation
null nullDnullnullnullnull Simnullnullnulldata snullet
7null Dnullnullnull Testing nullSS System Errors
nullpirent nullpplication nullotenull
null Dnullnull4 Simulating nullultipatnull nullpirent
nullpplication nullotenull
null Dnullnullnull Fundamental nullSS receiver
cnullracterisation nullpirent nullpplication
nullotenull
nullnull Turn Turn Turn, nulleelnullpeed deadnull
recnullning nullr venullcle navigationnull
nullnullnullay, nullS nullorld nullct nullnullnull
nullnull nulllonulll Positioning SystemnullTnullory and
nullpplications nullradnullrd nullnullParnullnson,
nullames null Spilnullr nullnull
nullnull nullnderstanding nullS nullprinciples null
applications nullnullnullplan, Cnullnullegartynull
nullnull nullulneranulllity assessment onulltnull
transportation innullastructure replying on
tnull nulllonulll Positioning System nullnullonull null
nullolpe, nullSC, nullug nulltnull nullnullnull
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
GlossarnullonullTerms
nullmanac nullppronullmate satellite ornullt innullrmation
Cnull nullus Controller nullea nulletnullrnullnullus
Epnullmeris Detailed satellite ornulltal positional data
nullS nulllonulll Positioning System
nullSS nulllonulll nullavigation Satellite System
nullI Sonullnullre nullrapnullcal nullser Internullce
Inull Inertial nullavigation System
InullS Innullenullcle nullavigation System
LnullS Line onullsignull
nullavigation Data nullnulls data message nulloadcast nully nullS satellites
Pseudorange Satellite to receiver distance as measured nully radio ranging
Pnull Position nullelocity nullTime
Scenario null prenullenulled test running on Simnullnull sonullnullre
Snull Signal to nulloise ratio, as measured at nullsenullnd nully a receiver
TTFF Time To First Finull
Page 2nullSPIRENT Application Note
CONTACT null
Spirent Communications
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