Chipset and Handset Test Solutions

In this hour-long session, Spirent and SwiftLabs will share insight into the decisions and processes behind the integration of additional signals into a positioning solution.

Many modern applications and devices rely on continuous, accurate GNSS reception for various critical functions. However, urban environments pose challenges for GNSS reception, such as signal obscuration and multipath, which can impact the receiver's performance. Traditional testing methods like live-sky testing, record and playback, and statistical modeling are no longer sufficient for today's GNSS-dependent applications, leading to potential performance issues in real-world scenarios.

GNSS record & playback systems (RPS) have become essential in professional GNSS testbeds, enabling developers to bring the infinite circumstances of the real-world signal environment into the lab. This offers advantages over live signal field testing including better control, repeatability, cost-effectiveness, and faster time to market. While not a complete substitute for simulation or field testing, RPS provides a combination of realism and repeatability ideal for verification. From simple beginnings, the technology has evolved significantly to meet the demands of emerging use cases:

This case study highlights research from the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the University of Bath on monitoring space weather effects on GPS/GNSS through innovative use of smartphone technology. Space weather, including ionospheric scintillation, can pose a serious challenge to GPS/GNSS applications by introducing errors and potential outages in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). When GPS/GNSS signals travel through the ionosphere, they experience disturbances that can lead to reduced accuracy and signal integrity. For critical civilian applications—such as aviation, maritime navigation, and telecommunications—these disruptions can create delays, elevate safety concerns, and increase costs. As GPS/GNSS dependence continues to grow, addressing the impacts of ionospheric delay becomes essential to secure reliable navigation and timing.