Rohde and Schwarz Introduces Pulsar Signal Simulation for LEO Navigation

Rohde & Schwarz has expanded its signal generator portfolio by introducing Pulsar signal simulation, catering to device manufacturers gearing up to test receivers for Xona’s upcoming low Earth orbit (LEO) navigation service. This new capability is specifically targeted at production and validation environments, as the industry gears up for satellite navigation signals that go beyond traditional GNSS systems.

For readers of eeNews Europe, this development holds significance as resilient positioning, navigation, and timing are increasingly crucial in automotive, industrial, aerospace, and critical infrastructure systems. It also highlights the evolution of test equipment to align with the imminent commercial deployment of LEO-based navigation.

Pulsar signal simulation facilitates GNSS evolution

The Pulsar constellation by Xona is designed to complement existing GNSS systems like GPS, rather than replace them. This LEO-based service aims to offer stronger signals, enhanced accuracy, and improved resilience against interference and other potential threats.

Rohde & Schwarz will be offering Pulsar signal simulation as a software option for the R&S SMBV100B and R&S SMW200A vector signal generators. This feature empowers engineers to assess receiver compatibility with Pulsar signals well before the constellation achieves broader commercial availability.

“Navigation technology is on the brink of rapid evolution,” stated Matt Hammond, North America Satellite Technology Manager at Rohde & Schwarz. “With the inclusion of Pulsar signal simulation in our signal generator lineup, Rohde & Schwarz is equipping our customers for the next phase of satellite navigation evolution. Our objective is to deliver the scalable testing infrastructure necessary to transition these innovations from development to deployment.”

Advancement in LEO navigation testing for production

The incorporation of Pulsar signal simulation underscores the growing necessity for consistent test environments as navigation devices increasingly rely on multi-constellation and interference-resilient architectures. For manufacturers, the ability to simulate emerging signals can potentially mitigate development risks and facilitate early compatibility assessments.

“Pulsar is engineered to enhance the global navigation infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with existing GNSS devices,” explained Bryan Chan, Co-Founder and VP of Strategy at Xona Space Systems. “Test and measurement solutions play a pivotal role in enabling device manufacturers to evaluate compatibility as new signals come into play. Rohde & Schwarz brings extensive expertise in precision signal generation, which is instrumental in making this process feasible.”

The R&S SMBV100B and R&S SMW200A vector signal generators are anticipated to become part of Pulsar’s verified ecosystem program, which acknowledges devices and test solutions validated for compatibility with Pulsar signals.