Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/12174-rohde-schwarz-and-u-blox-validate-glonass-compatibility

Rohde & Schwarz and u-blox Validate GLONASS Compatibility

December 19, 2011

u-blox, the Swiss positioning and wireless chip and module company, and Rohde & Schwarz, have successfully concluded a simulation of the Russian GLONASS satellite navigation system. The test, carried out with the R&S®SMBV100A vector signal generator and its GNSS simulation options, verified the u blox proof-of-concept and the compatibility of u-blox receiver technology with the GLONASS transmission protocol.

The GLONASS satellite system is Russia’s answer to the US NAVSTAR GPS satellite positioning system. It will provide a high-accuracy positioning system with global coverage once completed. GLONASS will also be used in hybrid receivers around the world in conjunction with GPS to ensure improved coverage especially in dense cities and thus improve the location accuracy.

“Our close cooperation with Rohde & Schwarz has proven to be a valuable and strategic asset, allowing us to develop advanced satellite receiver technology well before the actual satellites are available,” said Thomas Nigg, VP Product Marketing at u-blox.

“u-blox, with its depth of expertise in GNSS technologies, has helped us to validate our satellite simulator technology,” said Andreas Pauly, Head of R&D Signal Generators Baseband at Rohde & Schwarz. “Now we have enhanced our cutting-edge test equipment for GLONASS that simulates the protocol and physical layer.”