- Rohde & Schwarz announces the integration of a new signal simulation capability into its R&S SMBV100B and R&S SMW200A vector signal generators. This capability is designed to support Pulsar, a satellite navigation service developed by Xona.
- This feature allows manufacturers to test the performance of their devices in production environments using Rohde & Schwarz signal generators.
- This enables the validation and deployment of devices compatible with next-generation positioning, navigation, and synchronization technologies.
The Pulsar constellation, developed by Xona and operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), is designed to complement existing GNSS infrastructures, such as GPS. It aims to provide stronger signals, improved accuracy, and increased resistance to interference and threats.
Bryan Chan, co-founder and vice president of strategy at Xona Space Systems, states that “Pulsar is designed to modernize the global navigation infrastructure while remaining compatible with existing GNSS devices. Test and measurement solutions play a key role in enabling manufacturers to assess the compatibility of their devices with the new signals.”
Availability as a software option
The new Pulsar signal simulation capability will be available as a software option for the R&S SMBV100B and R&S SMW200A vector signal generators. This will allow manufacturers to test the compatibility of their receivers with Pulsar signals as the constellation enters its large-scale deployment phase.
This integration allows developers and manufacturers to begin validating the compatibility of their devices with this new service, thus facilitating the transition to next-generation navigation technologies. The goal is to provide a scalable test infrastructure, necessary for moving from development to deployment.
Integration into the Pulsar Ecosystem
The R&S SMBV100B and R&S SMW200A signal generators will soon join the Pulsar Verified Ecosystem program, which recognizes devices and test solutions validated for their compatibility with Pulsar signals.
Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its navigation test solutions at Space Symposium 2026, taking place April 13-16 in Colorado Springs.
