Microsemi Corporation announced a new high performance precise time and frequency product, the SyncSystem 4380A Master Timing Reference, for use in metrology, defense, communications, aerospace and other applications where performance and reliability are vital. The device is particularly well-suited for applications requiring accurate synchronization as well as repeatable timing performance which demand the highest levels of reliability.
World-Class Timing Performance
Microsemi's new SyncSystem 4380A employs an internal rubidium oscillator and an L1/L2 GPS receiver to ensure accurate synchronization of the 4380A with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/U. S. Naval Observatory (USNO) and repeatability customers can depend upon every single day of operation. L1-only GPS receivers are plagued by unpredictable events such as solar storms, which impact timing performance by stimulating an increase in the total electron count (TEC) of the ionosphere. These events degrade the performance of timing systems unless an L1/L2 receiver is used, as it enables a direct measurement and correction for the delay of GPS signals through the ionosphere. Microsemi's SyncSystem 4380A's L1/L2 GPS receiver is a must-have for applications requiring repeatable timing performance with the highest levels of reliability.
Included with the standard 4380A is an L1/L2 GPS antenna that enables the system to precisely locate its antenna position with millimeter-level accuracy. This is accomplished by using the auto-survey mode of the 4380A to generate a RINEX observation file that can be uploaded to online processing utilities to provide a differential GPS solution for the position of the antenna. The same technique is used to precisely track plate-tectonic movements of the Earth. This attention to detail is critical in guaranteeing system performance of <10 ns RMS because the largest error contributor is the calibration bias (which includes errors in antenna position).
Configurable and Scalable
The SyncSystem 4380A is well-suited to satisfy today's timing needs and provides the scalability to meet future requirements as well. Each 4380A has six expansion ports for hot-swappable output modules that provide an array of timing signals. Output modules exist for most conceivable timing signals, and new modules are routinely developed to support specialized timing signals for users with unique requirements.
Although the 4380A already employs an internal rubidium oscillator, the standard 4380A also has the ability to use an external frequency reference (e.g., 5071A, MHM 2010) when available. This further enhances the performance of the 4380A without requiring additional upgrades.
Key Features
- Timing accuracy: <10 ns RMS
- Frequency accuracy: <1E-13 at 1 day
- Phase noise: -110 dBc/Hz (at 1 Hz offset)
- Holdover: 250 ns at one day
- Network Time Protocol (NTP)
- Hot-swappable input/output modules
- Redundant and hot-swappable power supplies
- L1/L2 GPS receiver mitigates effect of ionospheric delay changes and supports advanced GPS processing
- GPS log access via network
- Remote software upgrades via network
- External frequency reference input enables augmented timing performance
4380A Product Demonstrations at ION GNSS+ Conference
Microsemi's technical experts will be showcasing the new SyncSystem 4380A in booth #601 at ION GNSS+, the world's largest technical meeting and showcase of GNSS technology, products and services. ION GNSS+ will take place Sept. 14-18, 2015 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.
