Multi GNSS (IRNSS-L5, IRNSS-S1, and GPS-L1) Hybrid Simulator: A Reconfigurable Low-cost Solution for Research and Defence Applications

Abstract

Satellite-based positioning field of research is growing rapidly as there is an increase in demand for precise position requirements in various civil and commercial applications. There are many errors that affect the GNSS signals while propagation from satellite to receiver, which eventually induces errors in pseudo-range measurements. In order to assess the receiver characteristics for a specific error condition, the real-time signals may not be appropriate, and it is challenging to perform repeated experiments with the same error condition. The advantage of the GNSS simulator is that users can model the different scenarios for any given location on the globe, which are repeatable at any point of time. The conventional hardware simulators are expensive and have few limitations. In this paper, a reconfigurable hybrid simulator is proposed with some advantages over traditional hardware simulators, such as low cost, reconfigurability, and controllability over fundamental parameters. It can be able to record intermediate stage data, which makes it more suitable for the GNSS research field. The proposed multi-GNSS simulator considered implementing IRNSS-L5, IRNSS-S1, and GPS-L1 band signals. A general-purpose computer can perform the necessary calculations for signal generation. The hybrid simulator can be able to generate the digital I/Q data, which can be stored as I/Q data or can be connected to a general-purpose SDR (Software Defined Radio) for RF signal generation (bladeRF in this case). The I/Q data can be used with the software receiver to analyse the receiver performance concerning the specific error. The generated GNSS signals are validated with software and hardware receivers, and the obtained position is observed as expected. The applications of this work are in the fields of research, receiver performance analysis under different user-defined scenarios, and the development of new GNSS signals, as well as in the defence field, where it can be used as a GNSS spoofing system.

Description