Spirent Communications, the leader in
testing positioning, navigation and communications technologies, recently announced the launch of its new SimSENSOR MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical
Systems) sensor simulation software. SimSENSOR is targeted at the R&D
environment and enables performance testing of sensor fusion algorithms in
navigation systems that include MEMS inertial sensors and multi-GNSS.
SimSENSOR works in tandem with
Spirent’s multi-GNSS constellation simulators by simulating MEMS sensor outputs
on a common trajectory with the simulated GNSS signals. Trajectories that
include representative human motion gestures, such as arm movements, are
included with SimSENSOR. The ability to test fusion algorithms that take inputs
from a wide variety of sensors is supported, including accelerometers, gyroscope,
magnetometer, digital compass and barometric height sensors. Representative
MEMS noise models and errors such as bias and drift are also included and are
available under user control.
“SimSENSOR is designed for customers
who want to optimise sensor fusion architectures,” said Rahul Gupta, product
manager with Spirent’s Positioning Technology business. “Sensor fusion is
increasingly being used to enable a wide range of applications including indoor
positioning. SimSENSOR is a unique tool for accelerated, lab-based R&D in
support of this ground-breaking work. It will also help to extend Spirent’s
leadership in testing hybrid positioning technologies in mobile devices.”
Spirent has extensive experience of
test systems for blended GPS-inertial technology. In 2007 Spirent launched
SimINERTIAL to test inertial navigation systems involving high grade
GPS/inertial units suitable for military applications. SimSENSOR benefits from
the experience gained by Spirent, in particular in relation to ensuring
coherency and stability between GNSS and simulated sensor output streams.