Today, as smart vehicles, IoT devices, drones and smartphones rely heavily on satellite positioning, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) testing has become an essential part of wireless communication testing. Welzek has officially released a set of GNSS satellite signal application options: the T6290E, T6290F and T8290A wireless testers now fully support testing of the world's major satellite navigation systems, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS (BeiDou), QZSS and NavIC, providing a professional solution for satellite signal testing across industries.

The series of 8 GNSS options covers all mainstream satellite signals and supports composite generation of multi-constellation, multi-frequency GNSS signals. Signals from multiple systems such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BDS can be simulated simultaneously to reproduce complex multi-system positioning scenarios, verifying product performance comprehensively and accurately for every test scenario:

• KG150 GPS Waveform Generation Software
• KG151 Galileo Waveform Generation Software
• KG152 GLONASS Waveform Generation Software
• KG153 BDS Waveform Generation Software
• KG154 QZSS Waveform Generation Software
• KG156 NavIC Waveform Generation Software
• KG160 GNSS Multi-Frequency Generation Software
• KG165 GNSS Multi-Frequency Playback Software

Core Capability: Multi-Constellation Positioning Simulation

As GNSS continues to evolve, the four global systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS) together with regional systems such as QZSS and NavIC now have well over a hundred navigation satellites in orbit. Receiver requirements grow as the constellations evolve, and the need for realistic simulation during testing becomes increasingly complex. With a flexible software-defined architecture and a powerful multi-satellite simulation engine, Welzek delivers multi-constellation positioning simulation on its wireless tester platform.

Multi-frequency composite generation for every test scenario

The KG160 GNSS Multi-Frequency Generation Software supports any combination of the six systems – GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS and NavIC – and generates composite multi-constellation, multi-frequency signals simultaneously. All key GNSS bands can be output at the same time from a single RF port, and users can flexibly choose single-constellation or any multi-constellation simulation according to their test needs.

Each satellite system differs in orbital distribution, orbital inclination and signal characteristics, so combining systems significantly improves positioning availability and reliability. Studies show that in complex urban environments, a four-constellation combination delivers the best positioning performance.

For end devices, multi-constellation compatibility is now a basic requirement. Whether in smartphones, automotive T-BOX units or drones, GNSS receiver chips usually need to process signals from multiple constellations at once. Welzek's multi-satellite simulation lets engineers complete multi-constellation compatibility verification in the lab with a single click – no need to carry devices around the world for field testing.

Scenario Playback: Bringing the Real World into the Lab

The KG165 GNSS Multi-Frequency Playback Software supports GNSS signal scenario playback. Engineers can repeatedly play back real GNSS signals recorded in the field, or complex scenarios generated by software, in the lab – reproducing test scenarios at any time and any location.

Traditional field testing is limited by weather, airspace approval, time windows and non-reproducible scenarios. On the same route at different times, the number of visible satellites, signal strength and multipath conditions all vary, so when two test results disagree it is hard to tell whether the device or the environment changed. Welzek's scenario playback lets engineers safely replay realistic, reliable and repeatable signal scenarios in the lab, solving fault reproduction and greatly improving test efficiency.

1. GPS Testing | KG150 GPS Waveform Generation Software

Generates GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite signal waveforms, covering multi-frequency signal simulation on L1/L2/L5.

GPS uses Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) to distinguish satellites. Legacy signals are transmitted in the L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L2 (1227.60 MHz) bands. The modernization program added the L5 band (1176.45 MHz) and introduced new civil signals L2C, L5 and L1C.

2. Galileo Testing | KG151 Galileo Waveform Generation Software

Generates signals of the European Union's Galileo satellite navigation system, covering the E1/E5/E6 bands, providing accurate Galileo signal testing for devices targeting the European market.

Galileo also uses CDMA and right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) signals. Satellites continuously transmit three independent signals: E1 (1575.42 MHz), E5 (1191.795 MHz, divided into E5a 1176.45 MHz and E5b 1207.14 MHz) and E6 (1278.75 MHz). The E1 band shares the GPS L1 frequency and uses CBOC (Composite Binary Offset Carrier) modulation, combining BOC subcarriers to improve tracking accuracy and multipath mitigation.

3. GLONASS Testing | KG152 GLONASS Waveform Generation Software

Generates signals of Russia's GLONASS satellite navigation system, covering the G1/G2/G3 frequencies to meet global demand for GLONASS signal testing.

GLONASS signals use Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), distinguishing satellites by different carrier frequencies. The L1 band spans 1602.0–1615.5 MHz and L2 spans 1246.0–1256.5 MHz, with channel spacing of 0.5625 MHz and 0.4375 MHz respectively. All GLONASS satellites transmit the same pseudo-random code. The new-generation GLONASS-K1 satellites add a CDMA signal in the L3 band (1202.025 MHz), and GLONASS-K2 will add CDMA signals in the L1 and L2 bands.

4. BDS Testing | KG153 BDS Waveform Generation Software

Generates signals of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), covering BeiDou-specific frequencies such as B1I/B1C/B2a/B3I, providing a complete test and verification solution for BeiDou positioning functions in end devices.

BeiDou-3 (BDS-3) features a redesigned signal structure with five open-service signal frequencies: B1I (1561.098 MHz), B3I (1268.52 MHz), B1C (1575.42 MHz), B2a (1176.45 MHz) and B2b (1207.14 MHz). B1I and B3I are shared by BeiDou-2 and BeiDou-3, while B1C, B2a and B2b are new signals unique to BeiDou-3. The new B1C and B2a signals overlap with GPS and Galileo frequencies, achieving compatibility and interoperability.

5. QZSS Testing | KG154 QZSS Waveform Generation Software

Generates signals of Japan's QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), covering the L1/L2/L5 frequencies for devices targeting Japan and the Asia-Pacific market.

QZSS is a regional satellite navigation augmentation system with the highest level of interoperability with GPS; apart from the LEX (L6) signal, QZSS signal characteristics are almost identical to GPS. The system transmits in four bands – L1, L2, L5 and L6 – including GPS-interoperable signals such as L1 C/A, L1C, L2C and L5, plus the sub-meter correction augmentation signal in the L6 (LEX) band (CLAS, Centimeter Level Augmentation Service).

6. NavIC Testing | KG156 NavIC Waveform Generation Software

Generates signals of India's NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), covering the L5 band, providing NavIC signal testing for devices targeting the Indian market.

NavIC is an independent regional navigation system covering India and the surrounding region up to 1,500 km. Legacy signals are transmitted in the L5 band (1176.45 MHz). The Standard Positioning Service (SPS) uses BPSK modulation and the Restricted Service (RS) uses BOC modulation. Since 2023, new-generation NavIC satellites add a civil signal in the L1 band (1575.42 MHz) using MBOC modulation, interoperable with GPS L1C and Galileo signals.

7. KG160 GNSS Multi-Frequency Generation Software

Supports composite generation of multi-constellation, multi-frequency GNSS signals, simultaneously simulating multiple systems such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BDS to reproduce complex multi-system positioning scenarios and verify product performance comprehensively and accurately.

8. KG165 GNSS Multi-Frequency Playback Software

Plays back pre-generated GNSS waveform files, reproducing field-recorded or software-generated GNSS signal scenarios in the lab, greatly improving test repeatability and efficiency.