PNT Xe: Quality GNSS simulation at an entry-level price point
An entry-level GNSS simulator for robust, reliable and repeatable GNSS testing at the verification and production stages of the product lifecycle.
Manufacturers of GNSS-reliant products need to test their positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities at every stage of the product lifecycle—from design and development to integration, verification and final production line testing.
The optimal scientific and controllable way to test PNT capabilities at the verification and production stages is to generate repeatable satellite signals using a GNSS simulator. But many leading simulator platforms are too expensive to be cost-effective for fundamental test cases.
That leaves manufacturers relying on lower-quality GNSS simulation—or even live GNSS signals—to test capabilities that are fundamental to the product’s proper functioning. The resulting lack of repeatability, consistency and control creates a risk of faulty products being released to market.
Introducing Keysight PNT Xe for fundamental testing
To meet the growing need for reliable simulation at the verification and production stages, Keysight has launched PNT Xe—a Keysight-quality GNSS simulator at an entry-level price point.
PNT Xe offers all of the RF signal performance of a high-end Keysight simulator, with the functionality needed for verification or production-line testing. It comes in a lightweight, portable format that can easily slot into a production test environment or be set up on a desk for standalone testing.
Here are five reasons to choose Keysight PNT Xe for reliable, professional PNT testing at the verification and production stages.
1. Market-leading Keysight-grade RF performance—at an entry-level price
PNT Xe delivers the RF performance of a Keysight simulator at an accessible price point. Built on Keysight’s proven architecture, it generates high-fidelity signals in one or (optionally) two frequency bands as required.
PNT Xe enables reliable, consistent testing of fundamental PNT capabilities including time to first fix (TTFF), cold, warm and hot start time to acquisition, receiver sensitivity for acquisition and tracking, and reacquisition after signal loss.
It supports all open service global and regional signals, with up-to-date ICDs, including GPS AES-M Code for authorised users. Support for up to 128 channels enables testers to simulate multiple GNSS constellations simultaneously.
At the verification stage, PNT Xe enables test engineers to easily replicate test conditions used by chipset and module developers. And for tests with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), PNT Xe offers seamless, low-latency integration with dSpace, IPG and other simulation providers.
2. Compact, portable form factor
PNT Xe has been designed with the needs of modern production lines and lab test environments in mind. Its 2U rack-mountable chassis slots easily into a multi-sensor simulation setup at production line end—removing the need to bring unreliable and inconsistent live GNSS signals into the test environment.
Its lightweight form factor means it’s also highly portable, so it can be deployed wherever it’s needed in the design or manufacturing facility, with a convenient vertical desk mount to save space. Rather than waiting for a timeslot to use the organisation’s high-end simulator, for example, engineers can use PNT Xe to carry out verification tests quickly and easily at their own desk.
3. Easy to set up and operate
PNT Xe comes with highly capable control software and an intuitive scenario generation tool that makes it easy to configure, share, execute and reuse test scenarios, making it ideal for fast-paced testing workflows. It’s also compatible with PNT Automation, Keysight’s test automation platform for 24/7 testing with rapid results.
4. Standardised testing across the product lifecycle
PNT Xe enables organisations to standardise on Keysight affordably throughout the product design, development, integration and production cycle. Using PNT Xe at later stages of the cycle means PNT performance can be tested using the same test conditions, software models, scenarios and pass/fail criteria at every stage for ultimate assurance.
Like-for-like testing also removes anomalies arising from differences in signal simulation quality, enabling faster test cycles and giving engineers greater confidence in test results.
5. Addresses a wide variety of test needs
In our work with manufacturers around the globe, we’ve identified many areas where a high-quality, entry-level PNT simulator like PNT Xe can address specific test challenges, such as:
- Testing new multi-frequency receivers: In products where single-frequency, single-constellation receivers no longer deliver the required levels of performance, PNT Xe is an accessible, affordable way to verify the performance of multi-frequency capabilities.
- Automotive HIL and end-of-line testing: With PNT capabilities now fundamental to features like hands-free driving, lane assist and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), PNT Xe brings rigorous and reliable GNSS testing to full-stack test environments.
- Handset integration testing: Smartphones and wearables typically use GNSS chipsets in close proximity to other wireless modules like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Pre-production testing with PNT Xe can ensure GNSS performance is unaffected by these other circuits.
- Standards conformance: For products that need to comply with industry standards, such as China’s GB/T 45086.1-2024 automotive positioning standard, PNT Xe provides an affordable option for conformance testing.
- Assuring commercial space applications: Organizations developing launch vehicles and payloads for deployment into low Earth orbit (LEO) must be sure GNSS receivers will function as expected during launch and in operation. PNT Xe enables highly reliable and representative functional testing prior to deployment.
Configure your PNT Xe today
PNT Xe offer numerous configuration options, including the choice of one or two channel banks for single or dual-frequency testing. Optional software capabilities include data streaming, NMEA output, Real-Time Correction Messages (RTCM), remote motion control, and SimHIL for hardware-in-the-loop testing.
To explore the options, and configure a solution that best meets your needs, take a tour of PNT Xe. You can also read our eBook, exploring the fast-emerging requirement for reliable PNT simulation in production testing: GNSS Testing on the Production Line: How to Choose a Simulator.
If you’d like to discuss any test needs you may have, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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