ION Technical Content
A Next Generation GPS Simulator
| Abstract: | A GPS Simulator is a piece of test-equipment used to test GPS Receivers. A GPS receiver will navigate as if it were on a real moving vehicle when it’s antenna port is connected to the simulator. STC has been manufacturing complex GPS signal generators since 1985. Thcsc: have gcncrally been large equipments suitable for USC within specialist laboratories. STC has now developed a new technique to generate the simulated GPS signals. This means that a lower cost simulator can be provided that is easy to use, reliable, and easily calibrated but still has the full functionality and performance rcquircd for testing many diffcrcnt types of rcccivcrs. The new tcchniquc involves gcncrating baseband GPS Satellite signals with accurately controlled doppler and phase to simulate the seudorange effects and its derivatives. Phase Shift Kcycd modulation and amplitude control is added to the baseband signals. Many GPS satellite signals are combined whilst still at baseband and the resultant signal used to modulate a single carrier signal. The new technique allows much of the RF and IF circuitry of previous simulator designs to be eliminated. This results in improved reliability, casicr manufacture and maintenance and hence reduced life cycle costs. This new simulator design has already been developed and is now in use. Versions are available for Ll, Ll and L2, or dual Ll outputs for testing Differential systems. The design is also suitable for a combined GPS/GLONASS simulator. A GLONASS signal generator circuit board could be inserted within the same equipment and would use a similar IF stage and a common RF stage to produce a composite GPS/GLONASS signal for a relatively low cost. |
| 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: | 89 - 98 |
| Cite this article: | Bard, Maurice, "A Next Generation GPS 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. 89-98. |
| Full Paper: |
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