Spirent Adds Automation and Reporting Capabilities to GNSS Testing
November 29, 2011Spirent Communications today announced the launch of its new automation and reporting tool, TestDrive-GNSS for SimGEN and SimREPLAYplus controlled GNSS test systems. TestDrive-GNSS automates the testing process to significantly reduce overhead costs and testing times associated with characterization of GNSS devices, Spirent said.
TestDrive-GNSS provides a suite of test cases that enables fundamental characterization tests to be performed in an automated and controlled way. Examples of fundamental characterization tests include time-to-first-fix (TTFF), acquisition sensitivity, tracking sensitivity, re-acquisition time, and static and dynamic navigation accuracy. The tool also provides a formal test report at the end of the process.
Characterization tests can be cumbersome to execute manually, especially when iterative repetition is required as test signals and conditions are changed, Spirent said. For example, a TTFF test typically involves 100 or more repeat measurements which, if undertaken manually, require significant operator involvement. Similarly, consider a navigation accuracy test under a full range of Dilution of Precision (DOP) conditions where the satellite constellation geometry needs to be changed many times. Automation of such a test is essential in a world where the timescales for completing test programs are being constantly reduced.
"TestDrive-GNSS unlocks the full power of a Spirent GNSS simulation system, enabling the test equipment to do the work with minimal intervention," said Stuart Smith, product manager for Spirent's navigation & positioning division. "It not only saves time, but helps to increase test quality and accountability with its comprehensive test reporting. With TestDrive-GNSS, fundamental GNSS receiver characterization has just become a much easier, more efficient process."
TestDrive-GNSS has close synergy with Spirent's industry-leading TestDrive-ULTS software for the 8100 Location Technology Solution (LTS), which tests GSM, UMTS, and LTE mobile devices and chipsets and provides certified test cases to the 3G Partnership Project (3GPP) Assisted GPS (A-GPS) RF Minimum Performance and Signaling Conformance standards as well as to the Open Mobile Alliance Secure User Plane (SUPL) standards.
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