Spirent(R) Communications and University of Not...

PAIGNTON and NOTTINGHAM, England, May 7 /PRNewswire/ --

    - Spirent Delivers Satellite Navigation Signal Test and Simulation 
Capabilities for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)



    Spirent Communications plc (LSE: SPT) the leading provider of navigation 
and positioning test solutions, and the GNSS Research and Applications Centre 
of Excellence (GRACE), part of University of Nottingham's Institute of
Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG), have expanded their already
strong relationship to further advance the facility's satellite navigation
signal test and simulation capabilities. This collaboration provides GRACE
users access to a world-class Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
research laboratory and associated training services, an unsurpassed GNSS
applications development environment and exceptional GNSS simulation,
test-bed and testing facilities.



(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090220/SPIRENTLOGO)

    GRACE will use the advanced Spirent GSS8000 multi-GNSS hardware
simulation system to simulate current and future GPS signals at L1, L2 and L5
frequencies, Galileo E1, E5 and E6 signals, and WAAS and EGNOS Space Based
Augmentation System signals. The test system, which includes a two chassis,
16 channel GSS8000 system controlled by Spirent's SimGEN software, is one of
the first to be delivered in the United Kingdom.



    "This sophisticated Spirent solution enables GRACE to advance research
activity in numerous application domains to prepare for the forthcoming GNSS
signals," said Professor Terry Moore, head of the GRACE facility.



    The new simulation system will be available to small and medium
enterprises (SME) seeking to develop or test new applications. Providing
access to the latest GNSS test facilities can be a major benefit to SMEs and
it is anticipated that the system will build on GRACE's growing reputation in
the field of GNSS research and development.



    "Spirent has a long-term relationship with IESSG/GRACE and we are very
pleased to be providing one of our multi-GNSS simulators to support this
important new facility," said John Pottle, marketing director of Spirent's
positioning technology division. "We look forward to continuing our work with
Professor Moore and his team to support the research activities that the
simulation system will enable."



About the GNSS Research and Applications Centre of Excellence (GRACE)

    The GNSS Research and Applications Centre of Excellence (GRACE) is a
collaboration between the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) and the
University of Nottingham.



    GRACE provides regional, national and international business with access
to world-leading facilities that include customised incubation units, project
offices, state of the art testing equipment, secure research & development
laboratories and dedicated training suites.



About Spirent's Positioning Technology Division

    Spirent (www.spirent.com/positioning) is the world's leading provider of
GNSS test and simulation systems. In this capacity, Spirent is the first
choice of major manufacturers, integrators, test facilities and space
agencies worldwide for GNSS testing and simulation solutions. Today, Spirent
simulation systems are used throughout the world through a broad range of
clients in more than 30 countries across five continents and in over 50
governmental agencies. Spirent delivers navigation and positioning testing
equipment and services to all sectors of the navigation and positioning
community, from government agencies through to emerging commercial markets.



About Spirent Communications plc

For more information visit http://www.spirent.com/news/about_spirent.cfm