GPS simulator enables advanced receiver testing

Spectracom has announced its new 16-channel GPS constellation simulator, the Pendulum GSG-55. As part of the company's solution set for receiving, distributing and validating GNSS systems, the GSG-55 is the latest in the Pendulum line of GPS receiver test instruments.

With its enhanced signal-generating capability of the GSG-55, it is possible to simulate satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), according to the company press release. Navigation systems using SBAS can improve the accuracy and reliability provided by the GPS satellite signals alone, enabling critical applications such as aircraft navigation, and surveying and mapping. SBAS simulation (support for Europe's EGNOS and North America's WAAS) is a new feature in the GSG-55. It is also able to generate white noise, making it possible to test receiver sensitivity under different SNRs.

"Many high-end GPS applications utilize 12-channel GPS receivers. Our new GSG-55 GPS constellation simulator can fully test those receivers with additional signals for more comprehensive testing in both development and production environments," said Staffan Johansson, product manager at Spectracom.

The GSG-55 builds on the popular Pendulum GSG-54 eight-channel simulator including accurate testing of GPS timing receivers and portability through the bench-top chassis. The GSG-55 also continues the Pendulum brand hallmark of ease-of-use. As such, the entire GSG family of GPS simulators has been improved based on customer feedback.

The 16-channel GPS simulator will be available in March 2011.