A Simulator for GPS Based Navigation Systems

Maurice Bard

Abstract:	Organisations with GPS Receiver programs have found that trials, test and development of equipment has been difficult because of the degrading block I satellite performance and delays in the block II launch program. Even when the block II constellation is fully deployed it will not be possible to completely evaluate the performance of equipments by using field trials and real satellites. This paper discusses the problems of evaluating GPS User Equipment and Integrated Navigation Systems and illustrates the need for control of the many experimental variables, so that we can ensure that equipment is accepted into service with optimised performance and minimal risk of catastrophic failure. The paper shows that this need can be met by a test instrument or simulator which provides GPS look-alike RF signals under controlled conditions. The Simulator ensures that when the RF signals are. fed to a receiver RF input terminal they represent those encountered during a real flight and enable a receiver to be tested on the bench.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2nd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1989) September 27 - 29, 1989 The Broadmoor Hotel Colorado Spring, CO
Pages:	71 - 76
Cite this article:	Bard, Maurice, "A Simulator for GPS Based Navigation Systems," Proceedings of the 2nd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1989), Colorado Spring, CO, September 1989, pp. 71-76.
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