VIAVI Avionics Test Equipment for Navigation, ADS-B and GPS

VIAVI Solutions Avionics Test Equipment: Reliable Testing of Modern Aircraft Systems

Modern aircraft rely on the reliable operation and interaction of numerous electronic systems. Navigation, radio communication, transponders, collision avoidance systems and satellite-based positioning perform different functions, each contributing to safe flight operations.

Specialized measurement and test equipment is required throughout the development, manufacturing and maintenance of these systems. It enables engineers and technicians to verify functions under defined conditions, investigate faults and evaluate test results in a structured manner.

VIAVI Solutions offers a portfolio of avionics test solutions covering a wide range of aircraft electronic systems. Applications include navigation and communication testing, transponder and ADS-B verification, GPS simulation and specialized military avionics.

As the contact for VIAVI avionics test solutions in Germany, EMCO Elektronik supports customers in selecting suitable test equipment for laboratories, production facilities, maintenance organizations and flightline operations.

Navigation and Communication: Testing ILS, VOR and VHF/UHF Systems

Aircraft navigation and communication systems process different RF signals and perform specific operational functions. Consequently, their testing requirements vary depending on the equipment and application.

The VIAVI portfolio includes test solutions for the following areas:

• ILS (Instrument Landing System): Testing systems used for instrument approach guidance.
• VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range): Verification of navigation systems providing directional information.
• Marker Beacon: Testing associated receiver and navigation functions.
• VHF/UHF Communication: Testing radio communication systems used in aviation.

When selecting a test system, it is essential to identify the onboard equipment and functions that need verification. Navigation and communication testing involve different signal characteristics, test procedures and parameters.

Matching the test equipment to the application helps support functional verification and systematic troubleshooting.

Transponder, ADS-B and TCAS: Testing Surveillance and Collision Avoidance Systems

In addition to navigation and communication, transponders, ADS-B and TCAS are important electronic systems in modern aircraft. They support different identification, surveillance and collision avoidance functions.

VIAVI provides specialized avionics test solutions for these applications:

• Transponders: Verification of transponder functions and relevant system parameters.
• ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast): Testing ADS-B performance and associated system functions.
• TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System): Test solutions for collision avoidance systems used in development, validation and maintenance.

Distinguishing between these applications is important when specifying test equipment. Transponder and ADS-B testing focuses on the relevant equipment functions and performance parameters, while TCAS testing addresses the operation of a collision avoidance system.

The supported procedures and measurement parameters depend on the selected VIAVI test system and must be checked against the requirements of the equipment under test.

GPS Simulation: Repeatable Test Conditions for Navigation Receivers

Validating GPS-based systems requires defined and repeatable test conditions. During the development and verification of integrated navigation systems, it is particularly useful to reproduce different positioning and movement scenarios in a controlled manner.

VIAVI offers GPS simulation solutions capable of simulating both static positions and dynamic flight routes.

The repeatability of these scenarios is technically important because it allows GPS receiver behavior to be tested repeatedly under comparable conditions. This supports systematic comparisons between development stages or test results.

The GPSG-1000 is a dedicated GPS simulation test instrument within the VIAVI avionics portfolio.

Military Avionics and Specialized Testing Applications

Beyond civil navigation, communication and surveillance systems, the VIAVI portfolio also includes test equipment for specialized avionics applications.

• IFF (Identification Friend or Foe): Test equipment for military identification systems.
• TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation): Test solutions for military navigation applications.
• Radio Altimeters: Test solutions for aircraft height-above-ground measurement systems.
• DME (Distance Measuring Equipment): Verification of aviation distance measurement systems.
• Fiber-Optic Avionics: Additional test solutions for optical systems and transmission technologies used in avionics.

These application areas demonstrate that avionics testing extends beyond conventional radio navigation. Depending on the aircraft, system architecture and maintenance requirements, different specialized test procedures may be needed.

AVX-10K, ATC-5000NG and GPSG-1000: Test Systems for Different Requirements

The VIAVI portfolio includes different instruments designed to address specific avionics testing tasks. Three solutions illustrate the range of supported applications:

• AVX-10K Flight Line Test Set: A compact test platform for verifying important aircraft electronic systems, designed for flightline testing applications.
• ATC-5000NG: Specialized test equipment for transponder and DME testing.
• GPSG-1000: A GPS simulator for generating repeatable positioning and flight route scenarios to validate GPS receivers and integrated systems.

These instruments address different testing requirements and should not be considered functionally equivalent alternatives. Equipment selection requires matching the available test functions to the specific aircraft systems and intended procedures.

The provided information does not specify the complete frequency ranges, measurement accuracies, interfaces, available options or supported test standards for each instrument. These technical details must be confirmed during the equipment selection process.

From Development to Flightline: Efficient and Traceable Test Processes

Avionics test equipment is used at different stages of the product lifecycle. Testing requirements vary between development, manufacturing, quality assurance and aircraft maintenance.

• Development and Validation: Verification of electronic functions under defined test conditions.
• Manufacturing and Quality Assurance: Repeatable test procedures for checking equipment and system functions.
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Systematic investigation of potential functional deviations.
• Flightline Operations: Practical testing of relevant onboard systems in aircraft maintenance environments.
• Maintenance and Return to Service: Support for functional verification within established inspection and maintenance processes.

Depending on the system and application, automated test sequences, repeatable test scenarios and structured result evaluation can support test execution and documentation.

Technical selection should consider the aircraft systems being tested, the required functions, the intended operating environment and the expected test result evaluation requirements.

EMCO Elektronik: Technical Consultation and VIAVI Test Equipment Selection

Selecting suitable avionics test equipment depends on the intended application and existing test environment. The key consideration is not only the instrument's functionality but also its suitability for the required testing tasks.

EMCO Elektronik GmbH is the contact for VIAVI Solutions avionics test equipment in Germany, supporting customers in evaluating and selecting appropriate systems.

Working with aircraft equipment manufacturers, development teams, maintenance organizations and MRO service providers, EMCO helps identify suitable instruments for specific testing requirements and existing test environments.

Contact EMCO Elektronik for technical consultation, individual equipment selection or a quotation for VIAVI Solutions avionics test systems.