Wavefront Modeling and Simulation
CRPA and Attitude Determination Receiver Testing
The CAST-CRPA Simulation Systems provide a precise, coherent, and repeatable GNSS RF signal “wavefront” that is a perfect solution for testing phased array, or “CRPA” antenna systems, in a laboratory environment. The system generates a complete set of RF signals for each antenna element, which are referenced to the phase center of the antenna manifold. In addition, the CAST system allows users to add interference and IMU signals that can also stimulate EGIs and a wide range of modernized navigation devices.
These systems can be applied to a wide range of testing and integration verification applications, making them an ideal choice for stimulating military or commercial devices, where phased-array antenna system stimulation is desired.
The CAST-CRPA systems capability to add interference is controlled through proprietary synchronization technology, where interference and GNSS signals are combined and output as a composite signal for each individual element. The GNSS and interference signals for each antenna element are spatially offset and phase coherent with each other, to reflect real life phase differences in the signal reception at the phase center of each antenna element.
CRPA System Features
Provides a precise, coherent, and repeatable RF “wavefront” that is a perfect solution for testing phased array (CRPA) types of antenna systems
Jamming can be included in the CAST wavefront systems to provide precisely controlled interference signals for each antenna element
Provides a dynamic solution representing the phase center for each antenna element which are referenced to the phase center of the antenna manifold
Ideal choice for military or commercial devices, where the ability to stimulate a phased-array or multi-element antenna system is desired
Multi-Frequency, Multi-Constellation GNSS
The GNSS and interference waveforms are generated separately for each one of the CRPA antenna elements. This ensures coherent and proper GNSS and interference waveform arrival for each CRPA antenna element with respect to the navigation point of the antenna manifold.
CAST simulators are powered by proprietary multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS and interference signal generation technology. This technology provides coherent, highly accurate, and fully programmable signals and advanced vehicle trajectory capabilities, allowing custom tailoring of parameters and trajectories to meet simulation requirements.The CAST-CRPA simulators can be configured to deliver a full constellation of GNSS satellites, with up to 16 satellites in view per GNSS satellite constellation signal type and composite signal RF output element.
The comprehensive and intuitive graphical interface allows users a selection of a wide variety of vehicle types, simulating both static and dynamic motion profiles. This includes airborne, terrestrial, aquatic (including the sea-state), or space-based orbital vehicles to meet unique simulation requirements. The advanced graphical interface features the ability to generate a trajectory by defining a scenario profile, or by definition of vehicle type and constellation parameters to provide real-time 6-DOF trajectories via an external interface. The system can also generate a motion profile from previously recorded data collected from an external source.
CAST-CRPA systems also feature the ability to specify and customize the Scenario Date and Time, Location, Almanac, Ephemeris, Atmospheric Delays, Multipath, Spoofing, RF Output Power Levels, Antenna Gain Pattern, Vehicle Silhouette, Data and Health Flags, and many other parameters.
CAST CRPA Specifications
Output Signal Types
GPS: L1, L2, L2C, L5, C/A-Code, P-Code, Y-Code, SAASM, M-Code AES, M-Code MNSA,
BeiDou: BDS-B1L, BDS-B1C,
GLONASS: L1, L2
SBAS: WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN
Maximum Dynamics
Velocity: > 60,000 m/s
Acceleration: ± 150,000 m/s2
Jerk: ± 150,000 m/s3
Signal Output Levels (Nominal)
GPS: -160 dBW
GLONASS: -161 dBW
Beidou: -163 dBW
SBAS: -160 dBW
Signal Level Control
Range: ± 30 dB
Resolution: 0.1 dB
L1/L2 Differential Delay
Range: ± 0.3 m
Resolution: < 1 mm
Signal Accuracy
Pseudorange: 1 mm
Pseudorange Rate: 1 mm/s
Delta Pseudorange: 1 mm
Interchannel Bias: < 1 mm
Uncontrolled Bias: < 1 mm
Bias Repeatability (initial): < 1 mm
Bias Stability (operational): < 1 mm
Signal Quality
Spurious: < -45 dBc
Harmonics: < -50 dBc
Reference Oscillator: 10MHz OCXO
Frequency Stability: 3×10-9per day
System Options
6-DOF Real Time Interface
Y-Code, SAASM, M-Code MNSA
Coherent Jamming
High Power GNSS Output Option
Inertial Interface
Avionics Interfaces
Remote Control DLL
Up to 8 Element CRPA Testing per Chassis
Multiple Chassis can be Synchronized