The laboratory hosts equipment for experimental activities for the elaboration and application of satellite system-transmitted signals, focusing on the ones dedicated to PNT (Position, Navigation and Time) services such as those that come from GPS systems and Galileo.
Experimental activities in the laboratory involve:

• studying new algorithms in a simulated environment;
• analysis and monitoring of satellite signals transmitted during the pre-operational phase;
• frequency bands monitoring for radionavigation and intentional interferent signals (jamming, meaconing and spoofing) generation to define efficient countermeasures;
• prototyping of satellite receivers and IoT devices in software defined radio technology on embedded systems (ARM platforms with Linux OS),
• studying radionavigation technology integrated with land systems, such as inertial systems and opportunity signals;
• developing and testing remote sensing based on the elaboration of reflected satellite signals.

The laboratory’s equipment enables the preparation of measurement systems for field trials in different environments, the evaluation of performances of new commercial products and the characterisation of new prototypes in development stage.
The main available tools in the laboratory are:

• Radiofrequency GPS/Galileo signal generators (FEN NavX Navigation Constellation Simulator);
• Reconfigurable front-end for the reception and playback of 0 to 6 GHz radiofrequency signals;
• Commercial antennas and front-end for professional (timing, geodesy, avionics systems) and consumer-grade (automotive, mobile applications) application;
• Atomic clocks (standard rubidium) and inertial sensors;
• Electronic disruptors (jammers and spoofers) of varying power;
• Microprocessor cards for prototyping in defined radio and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) software technology;
• Measuring tools, signal and function generators, spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes.