An Inexpensive, PC Based, GPS Satellite Signal Simulator

Charles Rodgers

Abstract:	Under a contract with the Strategic Defense Command, Adroit Systems, Inc. has developed and prototyped an inexpensive GPS satellite signal simulator. The signal simulator produces the Ll C/A code signal. GPS signal simulators are used in GPS equipment testing, and for GPS applications research. The signal simulator is designed for use with the user’s personal computer (PC). The PC is used to generate the 50 Hz. navigation data and to program the C/A code generating microchip. Generating the navigation data in the PC allows for complete flexibility in setting different constellation scenarios, unlike other low priced simulators that use a fixed navigation message contained on a ROM. The PC accomplishes its tasks through a digital I/O board and with proprietary software. The C/A code is generated by a C/A coder microchip. This chip also provides the timing signal that controls the computer output. The coder, mixer, carrier oscillator and support chips are located externally. The prototype has been tested with several GPS receivers. Adroit Systems has also written additional proprietary software for the simulator that aids in the positioning of simulated GPS constellations and in scaling and encoding the navigation data.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 4th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1991) September 11 - 13, 1991 Albuquerque, NM
Pages:	99 - 106
Cite this article:	Rodgers, Charles, "An Inexpensive, PC Based, GPS Satellite Signal Simulator," Proceedings of the 4th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1991), Albuquerque, NM, September 1991, pp. 99-106.
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