Rohde & Schwarz global navigation satellite system simulator generates realistic test scenarios

ION GNSS+ 2017, PORTLAND. Rohde & Schwarz, with its headquarters in Munich and U.S. office in Columbia, Maryland, has introduced the R&S SMW200A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) simulator test solution, designed for the easy generation of complex and highly realistic test scenarios for a wide variety of GNSS applications.

An increasing number of GNSS receivers can process signals from diverse navigation systems, such as global positioning system (GPS), Glonass, Galileo, or BeiDou in several frequency bands – and in some cases, with several antennas in parallel – to improve positioning accuracy.

The R&S SMW200A GNSS simulator adds a high-end solution to the Rohde & Schwarz portfolio of satellite navigation system simulators. It can be extended to up to four RF outputs and allows GNSS signals to be simulated simultaneously in multiple frequency bands for multiple antennas. It is the only instrument on the market that can internally simulate a complex interference environment in parallel with GNSS signals.

Accuracy can be further improved with differential GNSS (DGNSS) techniques. These techniques are used in applications, such as autonomous driving, and they are indispensable for precise and reliable positioning of aircraft during landing approaches. The GNSS receivers used in these applications must undergo extensive tests before deployment in vehicles or aircraft.

For highly realistic test scenarios with complex interference

To test multifrequency and multi-antenna systems, users now have access to 72 GNSS channels that can be assigned to up to four RF outputs. The R&S SMW200A can generate QZSS and SBAS signals as well as GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou signals. This solution enables users to quickly and easily verify the position accuracy of receivers under realistic conditions.

The R&S SMW200A is the first and only high-end GNSS simulator on the market that has an internal noise generator and can generate complex interference scenarios with multiple interferers, company officials say. All signals – including GNSS, noise, and interference – are generated directly in the instrument. Additional signal sources for external generation of interference signals are not necessary, considerably simplifying test setups.

User-friendly and future-proof

No external computer is needed to configure and operate the R&S SMW200A. The integrated, intuitive GUI enables users to generate GNSS scenarios quickly and easily. Thanks to the multitude of instrument options, the solution can be adapted to individual user requirements. The R&S SMW200A is an extensible, future-proof platform that is ready to implement future test requirements, such as testing new GNSS signals.

The R&S SMW200A with the new GNSS options is now available from Rohde & Schwarz. The instrument debuted at the ION GNSS+ 2017 trade show in Portland, Oregon.

The Rohde & Schwarz electronics group offers solutions in all fields of wireless communications as well as in IT security. Founded more than 80 years ago, the independent company has an extensive sales and service network with subsidiaries and representatives in more than 70 countries. On June 30, 2016, Rohde & Schwarz had approximately 10,000 employees. The group achieved a net revenue of approximately EUR 1.92 billion in the 2015/2016 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and also has strong regional hubs in Asia and the USA.