GPS Signal Simulation using Open Source GPS Receiver Platform

Embedded GPS receivers have become commonplace with the proliferation of GPS navigation systems into all but the least expensive vehicle and cell phone lines. As more manufacturers embed low-cost GPS receivers into their products, the need for low-cost GPS signal simulators has also grown. Controlled virtual testing is vital in ensuring the expected system performance. NAVSYS developed a low cost, SDR-based GPS signal generator to address a broad range of research, academic, industrial, and defense applications. The system is designed to be flexible, scalable, and most importantly, inexpensive. The NAVSYS GPS signal simulator leverages the capabilities of the Ettus Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) radio and the NAVSYS GPS Signal Simulation Toolbox to provide users with a GPS signal generation capability at a much lower cost than currently available on the market. The combination of the NAVSYS GPS signal simulation software coupled with the record and playback capability of the USRP makes for an extremely low cost, yet highly flexible, GPS signal simulation capability.