One solution to help in testing
NovAtel Launches Affordable Rollover Test Tool for Y2K and EOW system testing
CALGARY, Alberta, Canada, Jan 19, 1999 --- NovAtel Inc. (Nasdaq:NGPSF) has
launched an innovative and affordable simulation tool that allows users to test
the effect of date/time transitions on systems which rely on GPS as a basis for
date and time stamping.
Using NovAtel's GPS Timing Simulator (GTS), users responsible for equipment
testing will be able to test how complex, interconnected systems react to events
such as the GPS end-of-week (EOW) rollover and the Y2K rollover.
"The GTS provides a cost effective alternative for those who don't require a
full-featured GPS signal simulator," says Leslie Reinke, Product Manager. "For a
fraction of the cost of what is currently available on the market, NovAtel's GTS
provides a customizable, flexible tool to test specific date/time conditions or
thresholds."
Product Features
The GTS consists of modified firmware which runs on a standard NovAtel
MiLLennium(r) GPSCard. The GTS allows a user to add an offset to GPS time in
order to simulate future times and dates. It has the ability to switch between
operating as a 12 L1/L2 channel, geodetic-quality GPS receiver and a timing
simulator. It is also DGPS capable operating as a base or rover station,
provided that the complementary station is in the same time mode. The GTS
produces real-time GPS satellite data, not simulated output. It can be used in
either standalone or embedded configurations.
Specific Applications
The GTS can be used in any application in which a user wishes to simulate
specific date/time conditions or thresholds. Examples include the following:
* Y2K rollover
* GPS end-of-week rollover
* leap year transitions
Target Markets
A system which relies on GPS for date and time stamping can interface to the GTS
in order for a user to evaluate how well it can cope with irregular timing
transitions. For example, telecommunications companies or utilities responsible
for power generation and transmission could benefit from this technology. In
these cases, the timing simulator could be used to test how
GPS-time-synchronized networks will respond to EOW and Y2K rollovers.
Availability
The GTS is available as of January 1999 directly from NovAtel's manufacturing
facility located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
NovAtel Inc. designs markets and supports a broad range of products that
determine precise geographic locations using the Global Positioning System
("GPS"). NovAtel's GPS products are used principally for applications in
high-end markets such as surveying, geographic information systems, aviation,
marine, mining and machine control and agriculture.
Product Information Contact: Leslie Reinke, Product Manager,
Phone: (403) 295 - 4513 Fax: (403) 295
- 4506
Investor Contact: Sonia Ross
Phone: (403) 295 - 4532 Fax: (403) 295
- 4501
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