SatGen GNSS Signal Simulation Software

Embedded GPS receivers have become commonplace with the proliferation of GPS navigation systems into all but the least expensive vehicle and cell phone lines. As more manufacturers embed low-cost GPS receivers in to their products, the need for low-cost GPS signal simulators have also grown. Controlled virtual testing is vital in ensuring the expected system performance. Many GPS signal generators are available that are designed specifically for high volume production test applications for devices that use commercial GPS/SBAS, GLONASS, and Galileo receivers. Often the cost of these high-end simulators is beyond the reach of small companies or universities. In response to this need, NAVSYS developed our low cost GNSS Signal Architect software that can be adapted for use with record and playback GNSS signal simulation devices, such as the LabSat produced by Racelogic, to address a broad range of research, academic, industrial, and defense applications. GNSS Signal Architect is the core of Racelogic’s SatGen software, which is available as a LabSat option. The system is designed to be flexible, scalable, and most importantly, inexpensive. This paper provides a review of the Racelogic LabSat hardware with the SatGen software as a low cost GPS signal simulator and RF record and playback device. In addition, the hardware design and supported signals are described and test results are presented showing the LabSat hardware providing simulated signals to conventional GNSS user equipment.