Inside the World’s Most Advanced PNT Simulator: Eight Key Features of PNT X

Applications now demand greater positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) precision than ever before. To achieve it, many are looking beyond global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to new sensors and sources of PNT data. Enabling this shift, Keysight PNT X combines revolutionary features with the scalability and flexibility needed to simulate ultra-realistic, dynamic environments.

Eight powerful features revolutionizing PNT testing capability

These features help developers test complex functionality faster and offer a higher degree of confidence. Together, they represent a commitment to this new paradigm in PNT.

Spatial awareness

This latest solution allows signal architects and developers to broadcast custom waveforms in the lab. For the first time, spatial awareness automatically applies realistic signal effects to user-defined in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) files for unprecedented realism in lab testing. SimGEN adds power level offsets, signal delays, and Doppler shift according to the relative position of transmitter and receiver.

3D terrain modeling

A new three-dimensional (3D) scenario tool with real-time visualization brings the test range into the lab, allowing test scenarios to run in spatially realistic environments. Users can import their own 3D maps or use pre-loaded maps of cities and landscapes around the world, generating realistic obscuration and multipath signatures. The tool visualizes the environment for real-time insight into the effects of the physical environment on signal reception. The 3D scene is applied to all radio frequency (RF) generated — such as geolocated jamming transmitters.

Realistic LEO orbit modeling

Ultra-realistic low Earth orbit (LEO) models replicate complex rotational effects and satellite parameters such as drag coefficient, mass, and cross-section area. PNT X can generate novel and established signals from LEO PNT constellations, including Xona Pulsar, making it ideal for receiver developers and constellation architects.

S-band support

PNT X supports S-band signal simulation for regional satellite systems and alternative solutions like lunar PNT applications. New internal upconverters generate a broader range of signals, while maintaining fidelity and performance expected from Keysight.

With an enhanced dynamic range, PNT X accommodates high-power interference transmitters and spoofers alongside low-power GNSS signals, providing an increased jammer-to-signal (J/S) ratio for realistic navigation warfare scenarios. A continuous dynamic range of 140 dBs allows full power level characterization of the transmitter, which means jammers can be seen from low level noise through to high power as the vehicle under test approaches the source.

Simplified CRPA testing

PNT X offers an intuitive, configurable interface for defining controlled reception/radiation pattern antenna (CRPA) systems. This easily facilitates changes and data analysis based on user needs.

Industry-first GPS RMP support

Regional Military Protection (RMP) is an anti-jamming capability available on the new Global Positioning System (GPS) III satellites that are currently under construction. With its steerable, narrow-beam military code (M-Code) signal, the United States and its allied forces can operate much closer to interference without experiencing GPS service disruption. PNT X is the first simulation platform to support RMP signals, enabling authorized developers to test modernized GPS user equipment (MGUE) before live signals are available.

100 kHz update rate for spinning vehicles

With motion data represented at RF, PNT X models highly dynamic vehicle trajectories that generate a true representation of real-world performance. An optional update rate of 100 kilohertz (kHz) allows users to better model the pseudorange changes of fast-spinning vehicles such as larger projectiles. Meanwhile, the standard 2 kHz update rate tests dynamic applications with unprecedented realism, including in hardware in the loop (HIL) environments.

The ultimate PNT simulator for mission-critical systems

With increasing demands placed on PNT-reliant systems, developers must test equipment with a high degree of certainty and precision at every stage of the process. This can only happen by creating complex and realistic test scenarios in the lab – a task not easily achieved before now.

With the launch of PNT X, designers and developers can benefit from the world’s most advanced test platform built on decades of Keysight experience.

Learn more about the high-level benefits of the PNT X or visit the Keysight website.

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