What is tested in a CRPA?
Multi-element antenna
The physical reception pattern, element geometry and channel relationships define the spatial information available to the anti-jam processor.
Channel integrity
Multi-channel systems depend on coherent, stable and well-characterised RF paths from antenna elements through the receiver electronics.
Adaptive response
Adaptive processing can be characterised repeatedly while algorithms, firmware and integration parameters are refined.
Established CRPA testing methods
GNSS simulator
Creates repeatable satellite, navigation and interference scenarios for receiver and system development. Well suited to rapid engineering iteration and regression testing.
Wavefront testing
Applies coherent signals for individual antenna channels directly to CRPA electronics. This allows controlled geometry, phase and interference conditions without requiring a radiated chamber for every development test.
Anechoic chamber
Exercises the physical antenna together with its electronics in a controlled RF environment and is valuable for integrated spatial and pattern evaluation.
Record / replay
Captures and reproduces RF environments for repeatable regression and scenario analysis.
Field testing
Evaluates the integrated system under representative platform and environmental conditions after controlled development work.
Dynamic waveform testing
Adds controlled time-varying interference profiles to characterise adaptive response, recovery and convergence behaviour as RF conditions change.
Why combine methods?
No single method replaces the others. A practical programme can use simulation and conducted testing for fast, repeatable development; chamber testing to include the physical antenna; record/replay for regression; and field trials for integrated validation. Specialist waveform generation can then extend those methods where engineers want finer control over how interference characteristics vary with time.
Reference → Stress → Compare
A useful AWSG test sequence is to establish a repeatable reference condition, apply a controlled time-varying waveform profile, and compare measured CRPA behaviour. Depending on the system under test, engineers can examine metrics such as output interference level, adaptive response time, recovery, navigation performance and other observable system outputs. The purpose is to measure the response rather than assume a particular CRPA implementation will behave in a predetermined way.
Waveform dynamics and spatial wavefronts are different test dimensions
AWSG focuses on controlled waveform and spectral variation. AWSG Field provides four independently configurable conducted interference channels, but these channels are not presented as a phase-coherent spatial wavefront and do not by themselves emulate angle of arrival. A phase-coherent wavefront simulator remains the appropriate tool when the test requirement is controlled spatial geometry across CRPA antenna-element inputs. The two approaches can therefore be complementary.
Where K9 Electronics fits
AWSG is not positioned as a replacement for a GNSS simulator, wavefront system or anechoic chamber. It is a complementary waveform-generation platform for CRPA and anti-jam development. The system provides repeatable CW and time-varying profiles for investigating adaptive processing under controlled changing-interference conditions.
For test-equipment manufacturers and system integrators, K9 can also discuss OEM waveform-generation modules and custom channel configurations for integration into existing CRPA or resilient-PNT test platforms.
View AWSG products OEM modules & integrationFurther reading on CRPA test methodology
Safran Navigation & Timing publishes a useful overview of CRPA test approaches, including GNSS simulation, conducted/wavefront testing, anechoic testing, record/replay and field testing. K9's approach is intended to complement these established workflows.
Safran Navigation & Timing — What is a CRPA, and how do I test it? ↗