In response to recent public announcements on the readiness of the BeiDou-2 navigation system and the planned release of the signal Interface Control Document (ICD), Spirent Communications plc has announced support for the Compass Navigation Satellite System (CNSS) on its GSS8000 navigation technology test system.
In response to recent public announcements on the readiness of the BeiDou-2 navigation system and the planned release of the signal Interface Control Document (ICD), Spirent Communications plc has announced support for the Compass Navigation Satellite System (CNSS) on its GSS8000 navigation technology test system.
According to the company, the Spirent GSS8000, which is already widely used to test GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), and Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) technology, enables easy set-up and control of simulated Compass constellations. This addition enables both Compass-only testing as well as multi- GNSS testing that includes Compass. Initially Spirent is offering a BeiDou-2 simulator based on public domain information only. When the Compass ICD is released, Spirent plans to provide full Compass Open Service support.
The Compass system is a project by China to develop an independent global satellite navigation system. The system is being deployed in three phases. Beidou-2, the second phase, is reported to be on track to be operational by early 2012 and will support regional operation from a network of geostationary and inclined orbit satellites.
"With the successful launch of two Galileo satellites last week, a full GLONASS system and the recent Compass announcement this is an exciting time for the industry," said John Pottle, marketing director of Spirent’s positioning and navigation group. "Spirent started offering multi-GNSS test systems over 10 years ago, added Galileo in 2006, and is now pleased to announce our support for the BeiDou-2 system. Our systems enable fine and flexible control of the constellations and signals from individual as well as combined navigation systems."
Spirent’s GSS8000 multi-GNSS platform is also compatible with the third phase, Beidou-3, of Compass deployment, which is slated to be fully operational by 2020.
Spirent representatives will provide live demonstrations of the company’s simulator products at their exhibit booth during the 3rd Asia Oceania Regional Workshop on GNSS, Jeju Island, Korea, November 1–2.
