GNSS simulator generates realistic test scenarios

An increasing number of GNSS receivers are able to process signals from diverse navigation systems such as GPS, Glonass, Galileo or BeiDou in several frequency bands - and in some cases with several antennas in parallel - in order to improve positioning accuracy. Accuracy can be further improved with differential GNSS (DGNSS) techniques.

These techniques are used in applications such as autonomous driving, and they are indispensable for precise and reliable positioning of aircraft during landing approaches. The GNSS receivers used in these applications must undergo extensive tests before deployment in vehicles or aircraft.

The R&S SMW200A GNSS simulator now offers an innovative test solution for easy generation of complex and highly realistic test scenarios for a wide variety of GNSS applications.

To test multifrequency and multi-antenna systems, users now have access to 72 GNSS channels that can be assigned to up to four RF outputs. The simulator can generate QZSS and SBAS signals as well as GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou signals.

This solution enables users to quickly and easily verify the position accuracy of their receivers under realistic conditions.

Additional signal sources for external generation of interference signals are not necessary, considerably simplifying test setups.

No external computer is needed to configure and operate the instrument. The integrated, intuitive GUI allows users to generate GNSS scenarios quickly and easily.

Thanks to the multitude of instrument options, the solution can be optimally adapted to individual user requirements. The R&S SMW200A is an extensible, future-proof platform that is ready to implement future test requirements such as testing new GNSS signals.

The instrument will be officially unveiled at the ION GNSS+ 2017 trade show in Portland, Oregon.