To characterize Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, a number of typical tests are used. These tests check how quickly a receiver can fix its position after it is switched on, or how accurately the calculated position matches its actual position. Users normally perform a complete series of tests under various scenarios in order to make statistically sound statements about the characteristics of a receiver. A satellite simulator that can simulate various scenarios is ideal for this task and the GNSS solution provided by the R&S SMBV100A signal generator features the required flexibility.

Only a few keystrokes are needed to generate complex scenarios that are unlimited in time with up to 12 satellites. The user can select the almanac file, the number of visible satellites and the receiver’s geographical position. It is possible to simulate stationary positions and moving scenarios that simulate the movement of a receiver along any chosen route.

The user can also simulate restricted sight conditions to the satellites, such as when driving through a tunnel. In addition, the simulation of multipath propagation and atmospheric effects produce very realistic transmission conditions. For full GNSS functionality, the R&S SMBV100A also provides hybrid GPS and Galileo scenarios for testing multi-standard receivers.