What is a GNSS Simulator?
GNSS Simulators are used to test GNSS receivers to make sure they are operating properly. GNSS Simulators mimic the signals that are sent out by satellites to receivers. They are most often used when testing GNSS modules and receivers. Instead of taking a chip out into the real world, GNSS simulators can be used to generate different signals to better understand how the chip is operating. For example, they can simulate the signal that would be received by the chip in a tunnel or underwater. Without a simulator, the chip would need to actually be tested in these scenarios. GNSS Simulators can also simulate different constellations like GPS, Galileo, Beidou, GLONASS etc.
A GNSS simulator provides a superior alternative for testing, compared to using actual GNSS signals in a live environment. It provides full control of the simulated satellite signals and the simulated environmental conditions. With a GNSS simulator, testers can easily generate and run many different scenarios as many times as they require.
Important parameters for GNSS Simulators:
- GNSS Constellations: There are several GNSS constellations used all over the world according to the region of the globe covered by the constellation. Hence, a GNSS simulator designed for one particular constellation won’t be able to emulate environmental conditions and signals from other constellations. However, most GNSS simulators support multiple constellations and may even generate environments of multiple constellations simultaneously.
- Channels: GNSS simulators can be single-channelled or multi-channelled. Multi-channel simulators can perform simulation of multiple satellite signals.
- Interfaces: The GNSS simulator is connected to a computer via an interface. It may support several interfaces through which it can be controlled.
SATNow has listed GNSS Simulators from the leading companies to help you identify the system that works best for your requirement. Pick the constellation of interest, the type of device you need, and download product datasheets of matching systems. We have tried to list all the GNSS Simulators that are out there so you can find everything you need on SATNow.