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Integrating Spirent GNSS Simulators with NI LabVIEW

December 12, 2022

Ricardo Verdeguer Moreno

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National Instruments Lab View with Spirent Federal
Spirent GNSS simulators can be easily configured and controlled from National Instruments (NI) LabVIEW, the leading test orchestration and automation platform. Using an open set of functions designed and developed by Spirent, developers and testers can build their own remote-control applications for PNT testing.

In a co-simulation testing and R&D environment, integration of the equipment and interoperability of the systems involved is vital. To facilitate both elements, Spirent GNSS simulators provide an open, feature-rich API that enables users to remotely configure and control the simulator from an external computer. This API, SimREMOTE, enables Spirent to provide customers open interface solutions with other successful test environment vendors, such as NI, allowing users to seamlessly integrate platforms for streamlined testing.

“The partnership between NI and Spirent brings together two leaders in validation and test of complex systems. Position, navigation, and timing provides the foundation of everything mobility – shared understanding of time and position is critical for autonomous driving and vehicle communications,” said Jim Schwartz, Senior Director, Vehicle Software and Electronics at NI.

What is SimREMOTE API for LabVIEW?

Spirent SimREMOTE API for NI LabVIEW is a set of functions that allows the control of Spirent GNSS simulators from the NI LabVIEW software environment. Users can create their own control applications, supported through a user-friendly soft front panel. To achieve this, an ethernet connection with Spirent GNSS simulators is established from LabVIEW and control commands are sent via the SimREMOTE interface. Capabilities also include configuration and real-time control of PNT scenarios as well as trajectory delivery based on remote vehicle motion data. Spirent SimREMOTE API for LabVIEW will be continuously developed, and capabilities expanded to keep users at the forefront of PNT testing.

What can SimREMOTE API for LabVIEW do in a typical set-up?

Users only need the connection of the LabVIEW host and the Spirent GNSS simulator to the same local network and the specification of the GNSS simulator IP for an easy set-up. Once a connection is established, users can perform the following actions:

To assist with initial stages, the set-up includes several examples to help and guide developers and testers. These examples include basic control over Spirent GNSS simulators, scenario modification, power level control of all satellite vehicles in view and injection of remote vehicle trajectories in real-time.

The solution supports TCP/IP and UDP messages and can be easily extended to other protocols with its agnostic interface approach. Moreover, its by reference software implementation mitigates data duplication in the local network, providing safe reference error handling, and creating mutually exclusive references.

SimREMOTE enables seamless integration

Spirent SimREMOTE API for LabVIEW demonstrates continued success of the continuous engagement and partnership between NI and Spirent. Providing the trusted precision, accuracy and realistic test solutions demanded by industry and enabling the next generation of technology.

Learn more about Spirent GNSS simulators for government and defense.
Download SimREMOTE API for LabVIEW.

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