IFEN and WORK Microwave Offer BeiDou-2 Support, Enhancements for NavX-NCS GNSS Simulators

The NavX-NCS GNSS multi-frequency simulator now supports China’s BeiDou-2 navigation satellite system. BeiDou support is a key enhancement in software update V.1.9 for the NavX-NCS GNSS multi-frequency simulator product line, by IFEN  and  WORK Microwave.

Leveraging new features and functionalities, users have the flexibility to support a wide range of constellations, frequencies, and channels for research and development of GNSS safety and professional applications, as well as system integration and production testing of mass-market applications, such as automotive satellite navigation, mobile-phone applications, chipsets, and handheld personal navigation devices, the companies said.

By enabling real-time simulation of second-generation BeiDou satellite signals, also referred to as BeiDou-2, NavX-NCS expands a user’s GNSS signal capability beyond GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and SBAS constellations.

“Through a simple software update, NavX-NCS customers can automatically generate signal capabilities for phase two of the BeiDou constellation,” said Dr. Günter Heinrichs, head of customer applications, IFEN GmbH. “Adding BeiDou-2 support to our NavX-NCS simulator comes at the perfect time given the recent release of the BeiDou-2 ICD specification, which outlines interface control requirements for BeiDou-2 B1 satellite signals within the B1 frequency band.”

A powerful new multi-user functionality enables the simulation of up to four different users, or one user with up to four antennas, in different locations simultaneously, IFEN said. Possible use scenarios include simulating a static user such as a reference station at the same time as a roving user, or simulating multiple docking maneuvers on an oil rig. In addition, the NavX-NCS GNSS simulators now include a new 6DOF functionality that makes it possible to simulate six degrees of freedom (three dimensions of space plus yaw, pitch, and roll). This allows even more true-to-life simulations of ships, airplanes, and cars. A new monitoring widget makes it easier to monitor the current state of simulation.

Optimized to perform advanced lever arm calculations, the NavX-NCS GNSS simulators ensure accurate navigation for users. In simulation environments where the antenna is not located in the center of the moving object, such as the external of an airplane wing, lever arm calculations compensate for the fact that acceleration and GPS measurements are not made at the same point. By calculating the lever arm measurement between the PAR antenna and GPS position reference for every epoch of observation, this new feature guarantees that the most accurate signal simulation is achieved.

The NavX-NCS GNSS simulators are available in Professional and Essential versions, both now optionally Export License-Free (LF), speeding up the approval process and delivery time to users abroad. With the Export LF version, users can now limit the simulated user velocity of their simulator equipment to 600 meters per second, eliminating the need for an export license. If an export license should be applied for and be granted later on, it is also upgradeable to a full version meaning the simulation of higher user velocities will be available.

All NavX-NCS GNSS simulators feature up to nine L-band frequencies and 108 channels, offering users more than twice the number of channels compared with standard GNSS simulators. The platform includes a two-year maintenance contract, the broadest range of frequencies and satellite navigation systems per chassis, as well as the flexibility for users to easily install software updates when they become available.