Signal Generators Enable Pulsar Signal Testing

Why It Matters

By providing accurate Pulsar signal simulation, Rohde & Schwarz accelerates device qualification, reducing time‑to‑market for manufacturers and supporting Xona’s rollout of a next‑generation PNT service.

Key Takeaways

• R&S adds Pulsar simulation to SMBV100B and SMW200A generators
• Xona's Pulsar aims to provide LEO PNT services globally
• New software lets manufacturers verify device compatibility with Pulsar signals
• Generators will join Pulsar's verified ecosystem program
• Compatibility testing speeds market entry for Pulsar-enabled devices

Pulse Analysis

The surge in low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) constellations is reshaping the global positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) landscape. Unlike traditional GNSS satellites, LEO platforms such as Xona Space Systems’ Pulsar can deliver centimeter‑level accuracy and reduced latency because of their proximity to the Earth. However, the novel signal structures and frequency bands introduce compatibility challenges for existing receivers. Manufacturers therefore need a reliable way to emulate Pulsar’s waveforms during design and production, ensuring that devices meet performance specifications before the network becomes operational.

Rohde & Schwarz addresses that need with a software add‑on for its SMBV100B and SMW200A vector signal generators. The option reproduces Pulsar’s LEO‑specific modulation, bandwidth and timing characteristics, allowing test engineers to inject precise, repeatable signals into receivers under lab or production‑line conditions. Because the generators already support a wide frequency range and high‑resolution IQ output, they can emulate both legacy GNSS and the new Pulsar waveforms on a single platform. This consolidation reduces equipment costs, shortens test cycles, and provides the traceability required for regulatory compliance.

The integration also positions the two generators for inclusion in Pulsar’s verified ecosystem program, a certification framework that flags devices and test systems as officially compatible. As more OEMs adopt the certified workflow, the barrier to entry for Pulsar‑enabled products drops, accelerating commercial uptake and expanding the market for both Xona’s services and Rohde & Schwarz’s test equipment. In the broader GNSS arena, the move signals a shift toward hybrid constellations where LEO and traditional satellites coexist, prompting a wave of new standards and validation tools across the industry.