VIAVI CLAW GPS Simulator desktop unit, RF output side
CLAW

AccuPNT CLAW GPS/GNSS Simulator and Transcoder, 18-Channel Desktop Unit

Compact 18-channel full-constellation GPS L1 C/A simulator and legacy transcoder for manufacturing, R&D and field test, with jamming and spoofing simulation.

Output Bands
1575.42 MHz (GPS L1 C/A)
Channels
Up to 18 simultaneous channels
Power Level
-100 to -145 dBm
Power Resolution
0.1 dB
Datasheet

Overview

The VIAVI CLAW GPS Simulator is a compact, 18-channel, full-constellation GPS/GNSS simulator. It converts NMEA and SCPI PVT (position/velocity/time) data into GPS RF signals and can simulate GNSS jamming and GPS spoofing scenarios. It is intended for manufacturing and R&D environments that require consistent, repeatable local GNSS signals, as well as field test.

The CLAW also functions as a legacy transcoder. It can be used to retrofit legacy GPS clocks with newer generations of GNSS receivers, such as Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, SAASM, M-code, or receivers with INS capability. It supports testing of legacy and modern receivers including DAGR, GB-GRAM, MicroGRAM and u-blox receivers.

Operation

Built-in simulation logic allows standalone operation without a host PC. Location, time and date data, or complex vector files for dynamic scenarios, can be stored in internal non-volatile memory and executed automatically when power is applied, so only a USB power source is required. The unit can also transcode NMEA data streams from external RS-232 sources in real time, accept uploaded NMEA files, and take scripted SCPI commands over USB or RS-232. Live-sky or customer-supplied almanacs can be uploaded to align the simulation with the real GPS constellation at any time, and simulations can run with real or user-defined past or future dates.

Monitoring and Receiver Verification

A built-in u-blox GNSS receiver connected to the L1 RF output provides background monitoring of output power and signal quality. An external NMEA-compatible receiver can be connected over RS-232, and the CLAW then displays its horizontal, vertical and 1 PPS timing errors relative to simulator truth.

SimCon Software

SimCon is a free Microsoft Windows application for configuring and controlling the CLAW. It provides a SCPI terminal window, organised control panels, maps and satellite tracks, a motion panel for designing dynamic scenarios, device health indicators, real-time performance plots for an external receiver, and a standalone preview mode that runs without hardware.

Key Features

  • 18-channel GPS L1 C/A simulation
  • Real-time transcoding of NMEA data streams
  • Fully self-contained; stores location/time/date data or complex vector data in internal NV memory
  • Powered by USB or external DC source
  • Standalone operation without an external computer
  • RF output power control with 0.1 dB resolution
  • Random scenario generation, including leap second and week 1023 rollover events
  • Multipath simulation using the full 18-channel capability
  • Built-in RF signal generator with sweep, CW and random noise functions for jamming and spoofing simulation
  • Built-in u-blox GNSS receiver for monitoring the RF output
  • Display of external receiver horizontal, vertical and 1 PPS timing errors versus simulator truth
  • 10 MHz and 1 PPS inputs and outputs; accepts external 10 MHz reference
  • Upload of live-sky or customer-supplied almanacs
  • In-field software upgrade
  • FCC-certified
  • Free SimCon Windows control application

Specifications

RF Output
Output Bands 1575.42 MHz (GPS L1 C/A)
Channels Up to 18 simultaneous channels
Power Level -100 to -145 dBm
Web page states 100 dBm to less than –130 dBm; datasheet value used
Power Resolution 0.1 dB
RF Power Accuracy ±1.5 dB
Typical
Position Accuracy < 0.5 m RMS
Timing Accuracy < 5 ns RMS
DC Block Protection to 16 VDC
When enabled
DC Load Up to 6 VDC, 186 ohms
Spectral Purity
In-Band Spurious < -33 dBc
L1, ±20 MHz
Out-of-Band Spurious < -80 dBm
Harmonics of L1 < -150 dBm
Internal GNSS Receiver
Monitoring Functions Background monitoring of RF output power and RF signal quality
Receiver Type u-Blox EVA-M8Q-0
External GNSS Receiver Compatibility
NMEA Sources Any NMEA-compatible source
Direct Control Rockwell Collins/BAE Systems GB-GRAM, MicroGRAM SAASM GPS, and u-Blox GNSS Receivers
I/O Connectors
10 MHz Input 16-pin Hirose connector – pin 13, CMOS or TTL
1 PPS Input 16-pin Hirose connector – pin 11, CMOS or TTL
10 MHz Output 16-pin Hirose connector – pin 5, 3.3 V CMOS
1 PPS Output 16-pin Hirose connector – pin 10, 3.3 V CMOS
RF Output SMA(f)
USB Control Mini-USB, Power and SCPI-99 Control at 9.6 k, 19.2 k, 38.4 k, 57.6 k, 115.2 k baud rates supported
Serial Control RS-232, SCPI-99 Control; 16-pin, 2 mm Hirose DF11C-16DP-2V-57
USB SCPI Control/Monitoring Port Compatible with any terminal program, JLTerm, GPSCon, SimCon software
Power
Power Consumption <1.2 W typical
Power Supply (USB) Mini-USB (4.5 V to 5.5 V, 5 V nominal)
Power Supply (DC) DC Supply (6.5 V to 32 V, 12 V nominal)
Environmental
Operating Temperature -40°C to +70°C
MTBF > 600,000 Hours at +40°C
Regulatory and Compliance
Regulatory Standards RoHS
Military Standards MIL-PRF-28800F (Class 3 Device)
Physical
Weight 3.68 oz (103 g)
Width 2.3 inches (5.842 cm)
Depth 3.8 inches (9.652 cm)
Height 1.1 inches (2.794 cm)
Ordering Information
Catalog Number 22174895
CLAW Desktop Simulator 18 Channel - RoHS

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

  • Manufacturing test of GNSS receivers
  • R&D GNSS testing
  • Field testing of GPS equipment
  • GNSS jamming simulation
  • GPS spoofing simulation
  • Retrofitting legacy GPS clocks with newer GNSS receivers
  • Hardware-in-the-loop NMEA transcoding
  • Anechoic chamber testing of GPS devices with built-in antennas

Included

  • 6 ft, 1.83 m Mini-USB Cable (for power input and operational control)
  • SMA DC Block
  • SMA Fixed Attenuator 10 dB
  • SMA Fixed Attenuator 20 dB
  • North America Plug-in Power Adapter – 12 V, 2 A, 24 W, 16 pin connector

Options & Accessories

Option Description
22174895 CLAW Desktop Simulator 18 Channel - RoHS

Documents & Resources