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  • 2019 GPS Week Rollover: Assurance Made Easy

    As an engineer testing navigation systems, it is critical to be be hardware-prepared, able to conduct post-event analysis with ease, and to understand and interpret your data with clarity and confidence. Home • PNT Library • 2019 GPS Week Rollover: Assurance Made Easy 2019 GPS Week Rollover: Assurance Made Easy DOWNLOAD PDF By Safran Federal Systems DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Skydel Wavefront Calibration Tech Brief

    Skydel has eliminated calibration inefficiencies by autonomously time, phase and power aligning the signals for you. Now you can focus on the more important tasks of testing, verifying, and validating your CRPA navigation system’s performance without calibration concerns. Home • PNT Library • Skydel Wavefront Calibration Tech Brief Skydel Wavefront Calibration Tech Brief DOWNLOAD PDF By Jaemin Powell DOWNLOAD PDF

  • GPS Receiver Testing From the Lab to the Field

    "Fun" and "productive" aren't your typical words used to describe testing, but with PANACEA, testing is more than just a task. Capture meaningful data, get quicker results with less effort, and make faster decisions. Home • PNT Library • GPS Receiver Testing From the Lab to the Field GPS Receiver Testing From the Lab to the Field DOWNLOAD PDF By Safran Federal Systems It’s Hard to Keep Time and Data Straight Multiple receivers testing in parallel Time tagging and error computation in real-time Data in numerous formats-apples-to-apples comparison Comprehensive data logging with simple quick look reports Agile testing - test and adapt quickly using results Final reports and conclusions automatically generated Leveraging PANACEA, it’s possible to script entire tests, control hardware, and log data. Getting Results with Less Effort - Making Field Tests Fun and Productive GPS vulnerability testing began with the creation of the NAVWAR program and investigates navigation system performance in the presence of interference signals. This testing is crucial for the design, development, fielding, sustainment and mission planning of the DoD as well as commercial PNT systems. The testing is typically conducted in three steps involving modeling and simulation, lab/ chamber testing, and live fire field test exercises. Safran professionals have been engaged in NAVWAR initiatives since the early 2000s, supporting efforts across all three stages of development. This involvement has extended to working alongside U.S. defense organizations tasked with advancing navigation warfare capabilities. While these government entities lead such efforts, numerous product groups and vendors are required to test and validate their systems to ensure reliable performance for their customers. Safran has partnered with these stakeholders by providing proven expertise, test methods, and tools for system evaluation. With compounding test variables from evolving threats to complex integrations, the testing process and ability to capture meaningful results is daunting. PANACEA was built to support hardware-in-the-loop testing regardless of whether it’s in the lab, chamber or at a live fire field test. Beginning with lab testing, PANACEA reduces the risks of field tests and identifies the projected results allowing for organizations to concentrate on the tests that matter most. These pre-run scenarios can then be prepared for live fire field testing. Similar hardware can then be used to reduce field testing costs while also streamlining the test execution and errors that may result from human control. Using PANACEA,timelines can be simple or complex with the ability to change signal interferences quickly and accurately. The units under test are also controlled, configured, and reporting data to the PANACEA computer, allowing for the time synchronization between live fire events and the logged receiver data. The true power is the knowledge gained in real-time, allowing testers to quickly quantify test success or failures with the ability to be agile and retest scenarios on the fly. Lab Testing Prior testing in the lab is paramount to a successful field exercise. Understanding the systems capabilities and pre-running the scenarios of interest provide a baseline to form hypotheses from. Thousands of scenarios can automatically be tested and then modified to arrive at the scenarios of highest interest. Engineers can then use these tested and calibrated scenarios at field events for increased success. These baselines also support a benchmark for field testers to understand if things are “going well” in the field. Lab testing also vets the data collection process and enables final report baselines which often forces the testers to rethink the questions that need to be asked, and the data required to answer those questions. Configuring Units Under Test (UUTs) The most important part of any test is the UUT. Ensuring the UUT is configured correct such that data can be gathered on its performance while not impacting the test. This setup could be identical to the lab setup, again reducing risk and cost. One major difference when field testing versus lab testing is that the timeline continues to move forward instead of a fixed start and stop time. PANACEA allows the user to select the start time to be time synchronized with a receiver/live sky orto use the PC system time. This time scale allows all the receiver data to be gathered and coordinated to permit apples-to-apples comparison. A truth reference is also included (A GNSS receiver tracking a non-effected constellation) to permit real-time error computations while dynamic or at arbitrary points. The other option would be to presurvey the points and use those as the reference in your scenario. Taking the Lab to the Field n preparation for field testing, the inevitable question of what hardware will be used comes up. In some cases, lab equipment must stay in a sterile environment, but in many cases, lab equipment can be outfitted to support field tests as well. The value is more than the added cost of having to purchase two separate systems. Using common equipment reduces risk in commonality between tests as well as operations, maintenance and tester training in operating different equipment. PANACEA has been built to support the direct injection of RF as well as Over-The-Air (OTA) transmission ensuring that field tests match what was run in the lab. Data Reduction and Dissemination While the focus of a field test is generally on the test articles, participants and timelines, a larger consideration should be the data collection process and how that data will be used to arrive at conclusions. Many hours are spent on building test log formats, time scales, and data entry forms. These are still beneficial to provide cross checks, but the focus should be on automating the data collection and the ability to quickly and confidently analyze the data. Time stamping is crucial, and in some cases, external references must be used. These files should also have a consistent format to enable easy comparisons and analysis without question. These files along with the analysis artifacts need to be made available to support the report and permit future testers to dig into the data in preparation for future tests. PANACEA and Panorama provide a cohesive data collection and reporting capability that enables testers to show the data in real-time providing near instant after action reporting. By providing senior leaders and test supervisors results within hours after the test completion, decisions regarding how to proceed with the following tests can be made as opposed to blindly testing and collecting data. The quick look reports can then be created the same week and provide results for a reduced timeline. In most cases, the longer the reporting takes and the further from the test event the analyst is pushed, the more likely the report will be flawed. Summary The ability to conduct them as efficiently as possible has always been a function of understanding the systems in the planning process and the ability to quickly and cohesively gather data during the event. PANACEA was designed specifically for these actions and has become a primary resource for many organizations conducting NAVWAR exercises. Using common hardware, processes, and reporting in all phases of testing, PANACEA provides the lowest cost, risk and schedule while enabling the highest results. Maybe the least considered attribute to testing in this manner is the tester feedback. Making the tests “fun” and less stressful on test engineers also promotes better results. Stress free test engineers tend to focus on the results and conclusions and less on the laborious button pushing, data filing, and recollection of what happened during the tests. DOWNLOAD PDF

  • BroadSim's Real-Time Terrain Effects

    Establishing realistic terrain effects within a NAVWAR simulator is becoming a highly sought-after feature when testing PNT systems for the warfighter. The BroadSim Product Family now provides a real-time Terrain Plug-In solution... Home • PNT Library • BroadSim's Real-Time Terrain Effects BroadSim's Real-Time Terrain Effects DOWNLOAD PDF By Jaemin Powell Intro Establishing realistic terrain effects within a Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) simulator is becoming a highly sought-after feature when testing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems for the warfighter. The BroadSim Product Family now provides a real-time Terrain Plug-In solution to create scenarios with terrain attenuated threat signals, i.e., jammers, spoofers, or repeaters. Simply just add the Terrain Plug-In to your threat infested scenario and you will immediately have real-time terrain effects throughout your simulation. At a 50 Hz update rate, the user-interface of the Terrain Plug-In displays: A terrain profile of the vehicle and the threat (selected from the dropdown menu), the position of the threat and UUT on a map, and the attenuation for each signal. Conclusion The Terrain Plug-In allows the user to easily replicate similar situations from real-world events or field tests, such as NAVFEST or PNTAX, without needing to know terms like knife-edge diffraction or smooth earth diffraction. Replicating real-world situations and field tests in the simulation environment saves time, money, and resources by allowing developers and users to test PNT systems at any time of the year. This capability was designed so that manufacturers and end-users can better develop and test cutting edge PNT solutions to protect and enable the warfighter. Don’t let the capabilities of your simulator hold you back from testing your PNT system requirements! For more information on the Terrain Plug-In or any other BroadSim Product Family capabilities, please contact Safran Federal Systems . DOWNLOAD PDF

  • NTP vs PTP Understanding Time Synchronization Protocols and Choosing the Right Mission-Critical Solution

    The problem of synchronizing time to coordinate action is not just an old one, but a crucial one in our modern interconnected world. NTP and PTP, two common approaches, play a significant role in solving this problem. Discover their differences. Home • PNT Library • NTP vs PTP Understanding Time Synchronization Protocols and Choosing the Right Mission-Critical Solution NTP vs PTP Understanding Time Synchronization Protocols and Choosing the Right Mission-Critical Solution DOWNLOAD PDF By Kevin Stottler How Modern Devices Keep Perfect Timing: Understanding NTP and PTP Synchronization With the increasing connectivity of everyday devices such as phones, cars, and televisions, manually setting clocks is becoming a thing of the past. Have you ever wondered how this technology works? This post will explain and compare Network Time Protocol and Precision Time Protocol, two methods for automatically synchronizing devices over IP networks, and provide some historical context. Carrying out activities at coordinated times applies to activities as simple as meeting a friend for coffee or as complex as military operations. In earlier decades, radio systems like NIST’s WWVB broadcast were used, phone modems dialed time references, and clocks were set by hand. As computer networks grew to hundreds or thousands of nodes, it became less practical for each node to use one of these methods. This historical context is crucial to understanding the evolution of time synchronization methods. What is Network Time Protocol (NTP)? How it Works and When It’s Accurate Enough The development of the Network Time Protocol solved this problem. In a network with a thousand nodes, only a few now had to synchronize themselves directly to primary references such as radio broadcasts, satellites, or atomic clocks. NTP is hierarchical, with servers connected to primary references considered “Stratum 1.” Additional servers can synchronize with Stratum 1 servers, becoming Stratum 2, and so on. This allows more capacity to be added and the network to scale up without adding more satellite receivers or atomic clocks. Some networks also use Anycast, which directs traffic to the nearest server, or Round Robin or pooling, where DNS is used to direct clients to one of many servers. These methods distribute requests evenly among a group of servers to balance load or provide redundancy. Like many other protocols, NTP works by a client sending a request to a server and receiving a response. With NTP, the client keeps track of the time at which the request was sent (t1), the server responds with the times the request was received (t2), and the reply sent (t3) to account for processing time. The client records when the response is received (t4). Using these four timestamps, the client can estimate how long the response took from the server (path delay) and calculate the difference between its own clock and the server’s. Without this delay compensation mechanism, the client’s clock would be offset by the path delay, which can be around 50ms on the Internet. This relatively simple technique, requiring only software on most nodes, can often synchronize machines to within 10ms over the Internet, and within 1ms over local networks where routing is more predictable. The primary source of error is if the delay is not symmetrical, such as on congested networks. However, this technique is plenty accurate enough for many use cases, such as timestamping log events or messages. Public vs. Private NTP Servers: Should You Rely on Public NTP Servers? There are many public servers on the Internet that can provide accurate time for free, operated by various software vendors, telecom providers, universities, and governments. This is usually fine for synchronizing workstations. However, these services are not guaranteed, and network conditions outside local control may affect accuracy or availability. Consider deploying a dedicated local NTP server such as the Safran SecureSync to provide resilient network synchronization for use cases needing greater accuracy, availability, or control. What is Precision Time Protocol (PTP)? High Accuracy Time Sync for Critical Systems For many general use cases, NTP is plenty accurate and cost-effective. For synchronizing humans, NTP works well. However, if you’re synchronizing machines, especially fast-moving ones, you may need the Precision Time Protocol (PTP). Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is defined in IEEE 1588 and is designed to enable tighter synchronization within a local network. PTP can usually synchronize two nodes to within microseconds, and with hardware timestamping, even sub-microsecond accuracy is possible. These are orders of magnitude better than NTP. The trade-off is greater complexity and cost to implement. There are no public servers like with NTP, so each network requires its own grandmaster to be configured at the top of the hierarchy. How PTP works: Sync Messages, Hardware Timestamps, and Network Aware Devices The protocol functions very similarly to NTP, with the timeTransmitter and timeReceiver nodes exchanging messages to calculate both the network delay and the offset of their clocks. However, the timeTransmitter initiates the exchange by sending a sync message, often as a multicast to all timeReceivers. Network interfaces designed to support PTP are also capable of hardware timestamping, recording the time when a packet is received or sent on the wire rather than relying on the operating system. Another significant difference is the behavior of the protocol when traversing routers or switches. In a PTP network, most intermediate devices like routers and switches must be PTP-aware. They should account for queuing or processing delays in passing PTP messages. These devices, referred to as either boundary clocks or transparent clocks, play a vital role in the seamless operation of the PTP network. Transparent clocks update the timestamps in the PTP messages and “transparently” pass them along. Boundary clocks act as timeReceivers to upstream devices and then act as timeTransmitters to downstream devices. Sectors where PTP is common are generally those where specialized networks are used, and increased accuracy is required. This includes telecom and other utilities, such as coordinating cellular handoffs or grid switching, high-frequency trading, and industrial automation, to ensure that separate machines can make coordinated movements. Safran offers several products, including SecureSync , that can provide PTP time, NTP and other outputs such as IRIG. For enhanced resilience, M-Code can be supported. PTP vs NTP: Key Differences in Accuracy, Use Cases, Complexity, and Cost Example Use Cases Choosing Between NTP and PTP: What’s Right for Your Application? The problem of synchronizing time to coordinate action is not just an old one, but a crucial one in our modern interconnected world. NTP and PTP, two common approaches, play a significant role in solving this problem. While NTP can synchronize humans, PTP is often needed to synchronize machines. The trade-off for the higher performance of PTP is its increased cost and complexity. Beyond PTP, a technology called White Rabbit is capable of nanosecond-level synchronization but requires dedicated hardware and infrastructure. Poor time synchronization can lead to out-of-order actions or event logs when designing a system, which can be challenging to troubleshoot. However, by considering this need earlier in the design process, scheduled tasks execute at the correct time, and logs reflect the actual time of events. This proactive approach can significantly enhance the efficiency of your system. Talk to us about NTP or PTP for your application by emailing sales@safranfs.com or filling out our inquiry form here . DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Multi-GNSS: Advantages, Challenges, Test Solutions

    Advantages of using multi-GNSS for the end-user, challenges when combining multiple constellations and signals, and different approaches of testing GNSS receivers against jamming and spoofing attacks. Home • PNT Library • Multi-GNSS: Advantages, Challenges, Test Solutions Multi-GNSS: Advantages, Challenges, Test Solutions DOWNLOAD PDF By Tyler Hohman DOWNLOAD PDF

  • BroadSim Flex Power Application Note

    Did you know that all BroadSim users can easily and automatically adjust the signal power of any code type for the satellites in your scenario? This free Flex Power feature can come in handy when creating scenarios for your unit under test. Home • PNT Library • BroadSim Flex Power Application Note BroadSim Flex Power Application Note DOWNLOAD PDF By Jaemin Powell BroadSim has the capabilities! Did you know that all BroadSim users can easily and automatically adjust the signal power of any code type for the satellites in your scenario? This free Flex Power feature can come in handy when creating scenarios for your unit under test. For example, if you want to increase the P-code signal power by 6 dB and decrease the M-Code signal power by 43.5 dB in all GPS Satellites, simply go to the Signal Level tab in the Skydel user-interface then adjust the GPS L1 P and the GPS L1 M signal powers appropriately (see Figure 1 ). OR you can automate this process using our Python API framework with the help of our quick-start automation feature. Figure 1: P Code Signal Power Adjustment Did I mention that no update is needed? Because our simulators share the same Skydel Simulation Engine, the Flex Power feature is available on all BroadSim systems (i.e., BroadSim, BroadSim Solo, BroadSim Wavefront, BroadSim Anechoic). The best part about being in the BroadSim Product Family is that these scenarios can easily transfer to any of our BroadSims! Don’t let the capabilities of your simulator hold you back from testing your applications requirements. For more information on the Flex Power feature and other BroadSim Product Family capabilities, please contact Safran Federal Systems . DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Miniature Rb Atomic Clock Improves Military Communications Performance

    This whitepaper was adapted from material presented at the 2021 Joint Navigation Conference by David Garigen (Orolia Defense & Security). Co-Authors Include: Alaiya Tuntemeke-Winter (Orolia Defense and Security), Serge Grop (Orolia), and Stavros Melachroinos (Orolia). Home • PNT Library • Miniature Rb Atomic Clock Improves Military Communications Performance Miniature Rb Atomic Clock Improves Military Communications Performance DOWNLOAD PDF By Multiple Contributors David Garigen (Orolia Defense & Security) Alaiya Tuntemeke-Winter (Orolia Defense and Security) Serge Grop, Stavros Melachroinos (Orolia) The mRO-50 is Orolia’s new low SWaP-C miniaturized rubidium oscillator. It is an innovative new atomic clock designed to meet core requirements for military ground and mobile radio communications applications. While maintaining the same volume as a standard oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), it provides better holdover and higher stability with the lowest power consumption amongst other miniature atomic clocks (MACs) in the market. It can be a drop-in replacement for many applications. The mRO-50 is lower cost than a Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC), and due to its superior performance, small footprint, and low power consumption, it can be applied to many different applications. Namely, in telecommunications systems, it can improve the data throughput performance of networking waveforms, along with many non-networking waveforms. It can do this because its superior holdover and Allan deviation reduce the size of the guard bands, maximizing the volume of information that can be passed between radios. Figure 1: Orolia's mRO-50 The transfer and acquisition of time in DoD and commercial applications from both GNSS and non-GNSS sources has become an important topic in recent decades with greater demands for precision. Many atomic clock products have been designed to strike a balance between performance and cost that allow these goals to be met. This paper describes how the use of the mRO-50 addresses problems that can be seen on ground or mobile platforms using the LTE waveforms as example. The importance of oscillator holdover and the benefits of synchronizing radios in the field are also discussed. The SWaP-C of the mRO-50 now opens the door for systems integrators to use atomic clocks in manpack and vehicular radio applications, replacing what has traditionally been a TCXO. Modern radio communication requires that the transmitter and the receiver are tightly synchronized. This is to allow faster frequency hopping as well as the ability to network at high data rates largely due to a reduction in the size of the “guard bands”. A great example of the benefits of time synchronization is LTE, a commercial networking waveform that is focused on high data throughput. The evolution of this waveform is indicative of the evolution of other, similar waveforms. Referencing table 1 below, one can see that the time/phase requirement of LTE is 1.5us, and the time/phase requirement of LTE-A is 500ns. In one generation, the waveform’s synchronization requirement got tighter by a factor of 3. Table 1: LTE and LTE-A Requirements For commercial radios, such as cell phones, a high precision sync can be achieved using commercial GPS.The problem with relying on GNSS signals is that, in military applications especially, they can become unavailable due to jamming and spoofing by adversaries- or by natural effects, such as “urban canyons”, or natural canyons, blocking a direct line of sight to satellites of interest. There are also instances in cities and in the field where devices can enter these areas for extended periods of time. In these GPS denied environments devices can no longer sync using GPS, forcing the device into holdover. When in holdover it is important for radios to maintain a precise clock. Though some waveforms have features to help keep them synced without GPS, these features limit data throughput because they use bandwidth for sending sync pulses instead of data. In many commercial devices the oscillator will quickly drift away from the actual time. Below we can see a comparison of holdover performance of common Oscillators using LTE and LTE-A as reference. Figure 2: mRO, OCXO, and TCXO Comparison When coming out of holdover, if a device is out of sync with its peers, it will need to synchronize before any meaningful communications can be performed. In this situation, many waveforms will need to enter a “cell search” mode or some equivalent form of peer synchronization prior to communicating. A cell search will waste time (it can take minutes for this sync to complete)- and it will force the user to perform multiple transmissions, increasing the opportunity of detection by an adversary. If, on the other hand, an atomic clock is used (such as an mRO-50)- and synchronization is maintained, the user can immediately start communicating- without the need for a cell search. Guard Bands The waveforms used in modern military radios operate by assigning time slots to users to allow them to simultaneously pass information (as observed by the operator). This technique in telecommunications is known as time division multiple access (TDMA). Thus, if there are many users in a group, such as an infantry platoon, then they can all transmit and receive on the same frequency, as the precise transmit and receive times are sliced and allocated amongst the users. Each time slot, however, requires some time at the start and at the end, known as “guard bands”, to prevent the radios from “talking over each other” and destroying the message. If the radios are all perfectly synchronized, then the guard bands can be reduced to zero- and data throughput is maximized. In reality the radios are not well synchronized, and these guard bands can become significant, wasting valuable spectrum that could otherwise be used to pass more data. Thus, by improving the synchronization of the radios, the telecommunications system can maximize the data that can be passed over the air. The mRO-50 improves the timing synchronization, compared to a standard CSAC, by an order of magnitude due to its superior Allan deviation, bringing the system close to the ideal data throughput. Figure 3: Why does sync matter? Low SWaP-C, high precision atomic oscillators such as the mRO-50, also open the possibility for usage in UAV sensor payloads. These payloads often use GNSS to synchronize their clocks with other parts of the system. GPS outages can be problematic for both the UAV’s communications links and its inertial navigation systems (INS). The high stability of the atomic clock as the INS time base reduces the time integration error drift during extended GNSS outages, along with the telecommunications benefits already discussed. When the GNSS signal is disrupted, the UAV switches to the stable time base provided by the mRO-50 and can “coast” without a signal to maintain operations. The superior holdover time, offered by a mRO-50, allows the user to coast for a very long time. In fact, even when compared to a standard CSAC, the mRO-50 holdover time is more than 5x better in one day. New possibilities for telecommunications systems and UAV sensor payloads have been realized with the advent of low SWaP-C atomic clocks, such as the mRO-50. Early adaptations of these advanced technologies keep our warfighters equipped with the best technologies and provide them with the tactical edge on the battlefield. Conclusion The importance of precision in the acquisition of timing from GNSS and non-GNSS sources has increased in recent decades. Many atomic clock products have been designed to strike a balance between performance and cost that allow this new degree of accuracy to be met. The mRO-50 is Orolia’s new low SWaP-C Miniaturized Rubidium Atomic Clock, specifically designed to meet core requirements foreground, and mobile radio communications applications in terms of weight, size, and performance. It will enable more advanced telecommunications systems and the resilience of UAVs and other GNSS dependent technologies. This technology can be a drop-in replacement for a simple upgrade, yielding superior performance in various applications. DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Automating The Advanced GNSS Spoofing Simulation Tutorial

    This paper provides a step-by-step walk-through on how to start the intuitive automation process and an example script from the Advanced GNSS Spoofing Simulation Tutorial. Home • PNT Library • Automating The Advanced GNSS Spoofing Simulation Tutorial Automating The Advanced GNSS Spoofing Simulation Tutorial DOWNLOAD PDF By Jaemin Powell DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Developing Simulation Environments Alongside New LEO Constellations

    This whitepaper explains the importance of simulation in response to new constellations, the benefits of developing a test environment alongside the development of the constellations, and how a flexible system is best equipped for the advent of new LEO constellations... Home • PNT Library • Developing Simulation Environments Alongside New LEO Constellations Developing Simulation Environments Alongside New LEO Constellations DOWNLOAD PDF By Alaiya Tuntemeke-Winter As more technology utilizes satellites for PNT information, it is integral to develop ways to test the functionality of PNT systems before they are deployed. It has become increasingly useful to develop a test environment for LEO constellations alongside the development of the constellations themselves. A flexible simulation system that can evolve is best equipped for the advent of new LEO constellations. Developing simulation hand in hand with developing the constellation itself has several advantages. Simulation can be implemented at various stages of the process. By developing new constellations and simulation simultaneously, the PNT system can be thoroughly tested before the satellites are deployed. This can further streamline the process between the developers of the constellation and the receivers with quick feedback loops to assist in the design. It can lead to increased communication with the receiver developers and give more insight in addition to modeling. It also means that simulation capability can be available along with the introduction of the constellation itself. In the past, there have been instances of the constellation being deployed but there being few ways for the receiver manufacturers to test their solutions, slowing down the development process. By testing using simulation, developers can test functionality early in the development process, rather than awaiting deployment of the constellation for the chance to field test; receivers and systems can be tested during development for common problem scenarios, such as GPS denied environments via canyons or other outages as well as other types of vulnerabilities. This can give developers a head-start in vetting potentially unforeseen issues the receiver may experience using the new constellation. After implementation simulation can be used to repeat any problems encountered in field tests for faster and more effective testing. Fixes can be implemented in a lab setting before going out again for field testing. This can save time and resources, as there is no need to go all the way to the field test stage every time a problem arises or to test a fix. Using a simulation test bed helps to speed up the development process and to save time and money throughout. Developing simulation alongside the development of the constellation gives simulators the time they need for the capability to be ready when the constellation deploys. If simulation development does not begin until after the constellation is deployed, the development of receivers that can use the new constellation data may be slowed by the inability to test and collect data. Some types of simulators take more time to develop the ability to simulate new constellations, as they may need to develop new software, hardware, or a combination of both. Parallel development of the new constellation and the simulation test bed allows for both simulation capability and constellation availability to time align in the development process. The BroadSim product line provides a dynamic simulator within its software-defined architecture. It is “future-proof” as it can grow and change with new constellations or changes in old ones. It also takes advantage of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products to increase system performance. This means two things; one, rather than focusing on hardware improvements, the engineers can focus on the simulation side of the system. Two, upgrade cycles are possible more frequently. BroadSim provides open-source libraries and plug-ins to increase the capability of their simulation solution. One major benefit of software-defined simulation systems regarding LEO constellations is that the GPU can handle the generation of more signals than a traditional FPGA-driven simulation solution. This is because in a true software-defined system there are no fixed hardware channels limiting the number of signals that can be generated. This is especially relevant in LEO constellations as there are more satellites in LEO orbit than there are in the GNSS constellations that have been simulated in the past. Another benefit is that if the limit is ever reached, a GPU can simply be added, and the same simulation tool can continue to be used. This leads to another benefit – the flexibility of the system. New constellations can be incorporated with software instead of additional hardware. This means when new constellations are complete, developers can access those new constellations with a mere software update. Software-defined simulators evolve to support LEO constellations and more rapid development. How simulation can aid development Examples of software-defined simulation in BroadSim BroadSim is an example of this flexibility in motion. With BroadSim, new constellations and signals become available in the tool as they are introduced or are more commonly used in receivers, such as QZSS, BeiDou, and M-Code. Simulators allow users to thoroughly test how receivers or whole systems work during specific scenarios, giving them the ability to see all-in-sky satellites and terrain effects, and provide refresh rates that translate into real-time processing for fast-moving applications. This makes it possible to test acquisition time, view relative receiver power data, and collect other relevant data to further development, as well as automate commands to speed up testing. The flexibility of the system is demonstrated by its proven ability to simulate existing LEO constellations. Using BroadSim powered by Skydel, there are multiple built-in ways to create LEO constellations. One such way is using BroadSim’s plug-in tool, which has already seen success. This tool allows users to develop features and integrate them into the BroadSim user interface and real-time simulation engine. BroadSim also provides the ability to modify existing constellations with custom signals and the addition of data sets to manipulate orbital and ephemeris data. In the future, a growing list of constellations will become available for selection within the tool. Safran Federal Systems is integrating new constellations today, and can help do the same for yours. BroadSim Simulation In conclusion, developing simulation capability alongside the development of constellations is to the advantage of the engineer who will be able to test without delay. Those simulators can aid in the design process by allowing rapid testing and development, speeding up time to market, and increasing cost savings by reducing field test cycles and hours. Software-defined simulators are more equipped to handle LEO constellations. They are not limited in the number of signals they can produce via hardware; they are agile in that they can increase available constellations and capability without needing any hardware upgrades. New features and constellations are available with just a software upgrade, and the user community can create new ways to use the tool using open-source plug-ins to meet their needs. BroadSim already has initial support for LEO simulation using the plugin tool and Safran Federal Systems is actively taking inquiries from users and providers to partner with them and integrate their solution. DOWNLOAD PDF

  • BroadSim Genesis | NAVWAR/GNSS/GPS Simulation

    Explore our BroadSim Genesis Advanced NAVWAR simulator today! Experience unparalleled performance, flexibility, and with cost-effective GNSS/ GPS simulation. Home • Products • GNSS Testing & Simulation • BroadSim Genesis BroadSim Genesis Mission-Critical GNSS Simulation BroadSim Genesis PRODUCT | GNSS TESTING & SIMULATION Constellations & Sensors GPS Open, GPS Encrypted, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS, NavIC, PULSAR, Alternative Navigation, Custom Signals, Custom Constellation M-Code AES, SDS, MNSA, approved by SMC Production Corps. Simulation 1000 Hz simulation iteration rate, advanced jamming and spoofing capabilities, live sky synchronization. System Custom Linux OS, low-latency HIL, flexible licensing & upgradability, comprehensive & intuitive API, IQ file generation ANY QUESTIONS? GET QUOTE About Safran Federal System’s BroadSim Genesis represents the next generation of advanced GNSS/GPS simulation, building on the legacy of the BroadSim. As part of Safran’s Skydel-based simulator family, it delivers expert-level positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) testing in a powerful yet intuitive turnkey solution. Applications Whether you’re developing next-gen systems, conducting NAVWAR testing, or integrating multi-vehicle and multi-antenna setups, BroadSim Genesis provides the high fidelity and scalability needed for mission-critical applications. Advanced GNSS/GPS Simulation with NAVWAR Capabilities Powered by a high-performance GPU, BroadSim Genesis is designed to meet the demands of today’s most complex and dynamic Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) testing scenarios. It features six high-quality front-facing RF outputs, supporting full GNSS bandwidth coverage. With a 1000 Hz simulation iteration rate, support for high dynamics, real-time synchronization, and all-in-view satellite simulation, it sets the standard for performance and precision. BroadSim Genesis is redefining GNSS simulation with unmatched flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and rapid development cycles. Powered by Safran’s Skydel simulation engine and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software-defined radios (SDRs), it delivers high-performance GNSS signal generation at a fraction of the cost of traditional industry solutions. Next Generation of GNSS Simulation By enabling simulation of military and multi-constellation signals on scalable COTS hardware, BroadSim Genesis offers exceptional value, accelerates time to market, and ensures adaptability for evolving test needs. Quad Frequency NAVWAR Support: Simultaneously simulates four GNSS frequency bands with integrated jamming and all-in-view spoofing capabilities that are critical for testing resiliency. 2000+ Signal Performance: GEO, MEO, or LEO BroadSim Genesis provides the GPU power to simulate it all. Military GPS Simulation: Facilitates secure and effective MGUE testing with Y-Code or M-Code (AES, MNSA, or SDS), ideal for classified testing environments. Safran Federal Systems is the trusted A- PNT mission partner to U.S. government and defense organizations, from the lab to the field. RESOURCES Advanced Spoofing Tutorial Button Learn how to quickly create and automate a multitude of dynamic spoofing scenarios using BroadSim. Flex Power Application Note Button Learn how to automatically adjust the signal power of any code type for the satellites in your scenario. Ultra-Low Latency News Announcement Button Learn how we made limit-defying real-time performance happen with an ultra-low latency of 5ms Click to download the BroadSim data sheets. VIEW DATA SHEET VIEW PRODUCT LINE

  • U.S. Army’s Sentinel A4 Radar Program Receives Orolia M-Code Solution

    Lockheed Martin selected Orolia’s SecureSync M-Code solution for the U.S. Army’s Sentinel A4 system, an air and missile defense radar that will provide improved capability against dynamic threats. Orolia recently delivered their solution, marking another key milestone for the program... U.S. Army’s Sentinel A4 Radar Program Receives Orolia M-Code Solution ROCHESTER, NY, July 27, 2021 DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for public release; distribution unlimited In September 2019, Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to develop the U.S. Army’s Sentinel A4 system, an air and missile defense radar that will provide improved capability against dynamic threats. The following November, Orolia Defense & Security announced the availability of M-Code Military GPS receivers in its flagship SecureSync® – the first Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) approved time server. In May 2021, Orolia delivered a shipment of M-Code enabled SecureSync mission timing and synchronization units to Lockheed Martin, marking another key milestone for the Army program. SecureSync with M-Code provides enhanced resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities and improved resistance to existing and emerging GPS threats, such as jamming and spoofing. Lockheed Martin selected Orolia’s SecureSync M-Code as the system’s resilient time and frequency reference solution in part due to its modular, open architecture – the same characteristics that are the cornerstone of the radar’s design – making integration a simple process and ensuring future upgrades. “As a trusted Lockheed Martin partner, Orolia is proud to support the development of the Sentinel A4, which will be a key asset to our warfighters for decades to come,” said Hironori Sasaki, President of Orolia Defense & Security. “Making M-Code available now in a readily configurable and scalable form factor is a critical step in advancing our forces out in the field, whether in the air or on the ground,” Sasaki added. The next-generation of US military systems are fortified with M-Code, and Orolia leads the industry in M-Code solutions for Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) environments. About Orolia Defense & Security Orolia Defense & Security provides Resilient PNT solutions and custom engineering services to U.S. Government agencies, defense organizations, and their contractors. Orolia Defense & Security is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in addition to supporting strategic partnerships for key defense PNT technologies. www.OroliaDS.com Orolia Defense & Security operates as a proxy-regulated company and wholly owned subsidiary of Orolia, the world leader in Resilient PNT solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. www.Orolia.com Contact: Rachael Smith 614-736-3736 rachael.smith@oroliaDS.com VIEW PDF

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