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Satellite Simulator and Network Simulation Software Basics

satellite simulator network simulation gnss

This article covers network simulation software, focusing on satellite simulator basics, satellite delay simulators, and their applications.

A satellite simulator is a hardware device or software application that simulates satellite conditions in a controlled environment. A satellite delay simulator introduces satellite network delay or latency. Various companies develop these simulators to support different satellite types, including GPS, Galileo, Geo-synchronous, and Iridium.

Aeroflex GPSG-1000 Portable Satellite Simulator

The following application note describes the GPSG-1000 portable satellite simulator from Aeroflex.

satellite simulator

Figure 1: Touchscreen satellite simulator

This portable and user-friendly Galileo and GPS position simulator can simulate a 3D point in time and is available in 6-channel and 12-channel configurations.

Here are some key features of the Aeroflex satellite simulator model GPSG-1000:

  • Can simulate GPS and Galileo signals.
  • Supports SBAS simulation.
  • PVT data is available via RS232.
  • Remote control interface via Ethernet.
  • Programmable parameters and health of the space vehicle.

Satellite Simulator Vendors

The following table lists satellite simulator hardware and software vendors.

ModelVendorDescription
Satellite Link Simulation (‘Simulator 3’)Vocality International LtdNetwork latency simulator or satellite delay simulator that simulates up to 10 seconds. Serial/IP WAN simulation, synchronous serial rates of 5.12Mbps (max).
GPSG-1000AeroflexPortable satellite simulator to test GPS and Galileo-based GNSS receivers.
Satellite Simulator applicationShawnJava-based and free to download from https://www.gano.name/SSS/index.php
Satellite SimulatorsTERMAProvides realistic simulation of spacecraft, ground segment, and space environment.
Tri-band satellite simulatorL-3 Narda Satellite NetworksX-band, C-Band, Ku-band software satellite simulator.
Open source simulatorSPUTNIX Ltd.Open source is available to download on website.

Additional Offerings

Rohde & Schwarz has introduced a GNSS simulator in their VSG series SMBV100A, designed for GNSS receiver tests. This is particularly useful for mobile phone manufacturers with systems incorporating GNSS modules.

Keysight Technologies has also recently introduced a 50GHz Firefox handheld analyzer for testing complex satellite systems.