What is a GPS Simulator?

As GPS receivers are built into more mission-critical devices for difficult application environments, and designed with the emerging capabilities of a multitude of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) constellations and augmentation systems, developers and manufacturers need better ways to guarantee performance. That’s where a GNSS GPS simulator comes in.

While the test engineer has a variety of choices for testing GNSS-based position, navigation and timing functions of their integrated GPS receivers, simulation offers the most flexibility, compared to testing with over-the-air signals (“live sky”), or record and replay solutions. Having complete control over GPS signal generation is the only way to have confidence in your hardware and software’s ability to perform – under any condition and in any environment.

How Do GNSS Simulators Work?

To understand how a GNSS simulator works, it is helpful to understand some of the details of GPS signal transmissions. For example, the GPS constellation consists of at least 24 satellites, orbiting every 12 hours, broadcasting navigation data on different frequencies. GPS is just one of several global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) in operation, or soon to be in operation. (See GNSS Terminology Explained for more detail.) Most navigation applications today use the GPS L1 frequency at the radio frequency 1575.42 MHz. Onto this carrier frequency, satellites transmit identification information and a navigation message that contains synchronized time, the satellite’s orbital data (ephemeris) and data on the expected positions of all the satellites in the constellation (almanac). It is from this data that receivers can accurately calculate its distance from several satellite signals at the same time to achieve its navigation solution through trilateration.

Upgrade Your GNSS Performance with Advanced GNSS Simulation Products

GNSS simulators (also known as GNSS signal generators) are radio frequency generating instruments that are capable of transmitting the same exact data as GNSS satellites. However the value of a GNSS simulator is in the ability to change a wide variety of parameters right from the test bench:

Data from the satellite:

• Date/Time via the clock parameters
• Satellite ID (PRN code)
• Ephemeris and almanac

Conditions as seen by the receiver:

• Number of satellite signals
• Power level
• Atmospheric and antenna errors through models
• Multi-path conditions

Position of the receiver:

• Start position (latitude, longitude and elevation)
• Trajectory (motion path)

It is the combination of all these parameters that make up a “scenario” for a GPS simulator device. All Safran GSG models can be used in signal generator mode to generate a single-satellite data stream to verify receiver signal acquisition and validate assembly. Safran multi-channel simulators can simultaneously generate signals from many satellites. They can be enabled to simulate GPS, or other global navigation satellite systems such as GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and IRNSS also simultaneously, to test multi-GNSS capability. They also have the ability to generate signals from satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS); WAAS (North America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan), and GAGAN (India). Since the various GNSS constellations currently, or plan to, transmit on other frequencies, Safran multi-frequency simulators are designed to generate these signals in addition to L1 (and Galileo’s E1 and BeiDou B1) such as GPS L2, L2C, L5; GLONASS L2; Galileo E5, E6; BeiDou B2, B3; IRNSS L5.

Test Your GNSS Receivers with Dynamic Trajectory Simulation

GNSS signal generators are programmed to simulate receiver motions to ensure the system is capable of performing under any trajectory. Trajectory is just one parameter included in a scenario. Pre-defined scenarios are loaded into the device ready for use right out of the box. Alternatively, you can edit and save your scenario parameters through the front panel, through uploadable files, or from scenario-builder software, and start. The simulator automatically generates the RF signals for testing GNSS receivers using conducted signals through RF connectors and cables, or radiated signals using an antenna. Testing can be controlled remotely or automated using a variety of instrument interfaces and a SCPI command protocol. Several new capabilities allow for seamless integration of GNSS simulation in an application-specific test platform where data can be exchanged to synchronize the signals to other simulated data in real-time.

Unlock Testing Potential While Saving Time and Money With GNSS Simulators

Without GNSS / GPS simulation, attempts to test receivers with over-the-air signals or record-and-replay solutions would be limited to the satellites available at a particular time and place, and under current conditions. Testing remote locations or high velocities would be costly, time-consuming or impractical. And with “live sky” signals, the test parameters and environment would never be repeatable.

Test more parameters, more often, with extreme flexibility for development and manufacturing; save time and money with GNSS simulators.

Interested in purchasing a simulator? Contact us today to speak with an expert and find the best solution for you.