Advantech’s Integrated HIL System Enhances and Streamlines GNSS Receiver Testing

Location: Europe

Introduction

In the world of precision positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, accuracy is of the utmost importance. Even simply ensuring the performance and reliability of these systems demands intricate testing methodologies. Manufacturers developing and building PNT systems, especially for automotive, aerospace, and military applications, require robust solutions capable of withstanding real-time testing applications. 

System Requirements

The development of precision PNT systems presents significant challenges, particularly in the testing phase. Manufacturers are tasked with ensuring the accuracy, performance, and reliability of these systems across diverse applications. To meet these demands, an advanced hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation system is essential. 

However, most existing solutions fall short in providing the computing power, real-time performance, and virtualization capabilities necessary for comprehensive testing. Accordingly, manufacturers and equipment builders are in urgent need of a robust HIL system that can be seamlessly integrated into their testing workflows for accurate simulation and validation of PNT systems.

System Description

To meet the demands of GNSS receiver testing for precision PNT systems, Advantech’s ASMB-927+HPC-7484 4U industrial server equipped with  NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada GPU card was provided to serve as an industrial-grade HIL simulation system. 

The ASMB-927+HPC-7484 solution is built with 5th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors for delivering unparalleled processing power. Featuring 16 DDR5 memory slots that support up to 2TB of RAM, this server facilitates high-performance real-time simulation applications. At the same time, comprehensive connectivity options, including PCIe x16 slots, SATA3.0 ports, and dual 10GbE networking, allow for seamless integration into diverse environments. The shock-resistant disk drive bay supports 8 hot-swappable SAS/SATA drives, ensuring convenient data storage, while the inclusion of up to 7 FH/FL expansion slots guarantees flexible scalability for adjusting to changing needs in the future.

Additionally, this 4U server is equipped with an NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada GPU card for high-fidelity 3D graphics rendering, leveraging NVIDIA’s Turing GPU architecture to deliver exceptional visual fidelity and performance for immersive visualization of complex test scenarios.

System Diagram

Benefits

• High Computing Power: The dual 5th Gen Intel® Xeon® SP processors and DDR5 memory configuration provide the computational power required to run complex plant models, including vehicle dynamics, satellite motion, atmospheric conditions, and signal characteristics, in real time.
• Real-Time Simulation: Virtualization support ensures seamless operation as both a real-time target machine and host PC, facilitating efficient testing and validation of GNSS receivers.
• Enhanced Visualization: The inclusion of the NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada  facilitates immersive 3D graphics rendering, empowering engineers to visualize test scenarios with unprecedented clarity and precision.
  
• Flexible Customization: The HPC-7484 chassis supports cosmetic customization, allowing equipment builders to accommodate specific design requirements for enhanced brand identity and customer satisfaction.  
• Longevity and Scalability: The focus on product longevity and revision control mechanisms ensures system compatibility with evolving real-time simulation software, safeguarding investments and future-proofing testing capabilities.
  

Conclusion

Overall, Advantech’s ASMB-927+HPC-7484 industrial server with NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada GPU card provide a comprehensive hardware solution for GNSS receiver developmental testing. By providing the necessary computational power, real-time capabilities, and advanced visualization capabilities, this integrated hardware solution empowers manufacturers to validate and optimize their precision PNT systems with greater accuracy and reliability, ultimately driving innovation and competitiveness in the market.