Spirent Communications, the UK-based test and assurance specialist recently acquired by Keysight Technologies, has unveiled a new global navigation satellite system (GNSS) simulation platform designed to make high-performance positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) testing more accessible across the product development lifecycle.
The new platform, known as PNT Xe, aims to lower the cost and complexity of reliable GNSS testing by offering Spirent’s established simulation capabilities in a compact, multi-purpose system suitable for both laboratory and field use.
As PNT technology becomes increasingly central to industries ranging from defence and aerospace to automotive and consumer electronics, Spirent said the new system would help manufacturers validate performance more efficiently amid compressed development cycles.
“Until now, many organisations have had to rely on unreliable simulators or live-sky signals for production testing,” said Peter Terry-Brown, Divisional Chief Executive of Spirent’s Positioning business. “PNT Xe changes that by making Spirent’s high-performance simulation technology available for every workstation, every engineer, and every project phase.”
The company said that PNT Xe’s compact hardware supports all major GNSS constellations and frequencies, and can be either rack- or desk-mounted. It also features a simplified interface for rapid scenario creation and testing. Designed to withstand temperature and vibration variation, the system is aimed at both commercial and military users.
Rob VanBrunt, Chief Executive of Spirent Federal Systems, described the platform as a “game-changer” for defence customers. “Its ease of use will be key to deploying new PNT technology faster, enabling software engineers to test minor code changes right at their desks,” he said. The device also allows unclassified testing of AES-encrypted military signals, such as GPS M-Code, without requiring secure laboratory facilities.
Marie Hattar, Chief Marketing Officer of Keysight Technologies, said the new platform would support developers working on emerging technologies such as 6G, autonomous vehicles, and advanced defence systems. “Access to accurate, high-performance simulation is critical,” she said. “PNT Xe ensures innovators can validate performance, reliability, and resilience at every stage of development.”
Spirent said the system draws on more than four decades of experience in signal generation, targeting use cases across the drone and vehicle economy, space and defence applications, and consumer devices.
The launch marks one of Spirent’s first major product introductions since becoming part of Keysight Technologies earlier this year, as the combined group seeks to expand its footprint in the growing PNT testing market.
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