GPS receiver testing with a single-channel GPS signal generator (all models)
Test that the receiver acquires a GPS signal
- At a range of signal levels
- Can identify the satellite
- Use to test connectivity and proper assembly
GPS receiver testing with GPS constellation signal simulators (GSG-54, 55 and 56)
Testing number of GPS satellites
- Multiple channel GPS receiver testing (GSG-54: 8-channels; GSG-55: 16-channels)
Time to first fix (TTFF)
- How fast can the GPS receiver achieve a position fix
- Test GPS receivers in cold-, warm- and hot-start conditions
Tracking sensitivity
- What signal level is required to maintain position fix
- Creation of scenarios when and which specific satellites change signal levels
Trajectory testing
- Travel at speeds and make turns not easily testable otherwise
- Virtually fly objects such as aircraft and missiles
Location testing
- Test the GPS receiver anywhere on earth
- Testing in different hemisphere verifies coordinates are managed correctly
Elevation masking
- Create masks to test dilutions of precision (DOP)
Leap second testing
- The simulator can add or subtract a leap second
- Can only occur on June 30 or December 31 at midnight
- Develop test scenario so the receiver downloads a current almanac before midnight
White noise generation / SNR testing (GSG-55 only)
- Set a known signal-to-noise ratio from the simulator
- Maintain the SNR to multiple receivers through a GPS signal splitter
SBAS capability (GSG-55 and 56 only)
- Test up to 3 augmentation satellites
- WAAS, EGNOS (GSG-55)
- WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN, MSAS (GSG-56)
Multipath testing
- Built-in multi-path scenarios and multi-path editor (GSG-55 only)
- Build scenarios for power, frequency and time shifted signals via text files (GSG-54)
Standards based testing
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) unites telecommunications standards bodies. Its specification 3GPP TS 25.171 defines Requirements for Support of Assisted Global Positioning System Using Mobile Telephony. Spectracom GPS signal simulators includes scenarios for the following test standards:
- Course time acquisition
- Fine time acquisition
- Normal accuracy test
- Dynamic range test
- Multi-path scenario
- Moving scenario
Conductive versus radiated GPS receiver testing
Conductive - recommended
- Cables can be calibrated
- Immune to interference by live GPS or other RF
- Easy to duplicate for repetitive testing
Radiated testing
Products for GPS Receiver Testing
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GSG-56 GLONASS+GPS 16-channel Simulator
The GSG-55 is a GNSSSignal Simulator offering simultaneous GLONASS and GPS L1 simulation with all the features of the GSG-55, including all operating SBAS systems for worldwide coverage.
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GSG-55 16-channel GPS Simulator
The GSG-55 is a GPS Signal Simulator that expands on the set of features of the popular GSG-54, adding 16-channel simulation, SBAS simulation and white noise generation.
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GSG-L1 GPS Signal Generator
The GSG-L1 is a cost-efficient one-channel (L1) GPS Signal Generator very suitable for production test of GPS receivers and other GPS appliances.
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GSG-54 8-channel GPS Simulator
The GSG-54 is a GPS Signal Simulator offers complete control over testing position, navigation and timing functions of GPS receivers without the complexity and cost of other multi-channel GPS signal simulators.
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