Tag: Adtran

Adtran launches Galileo OSNMA authentication for Oscilloquartz

Adtran‘s Oscilloquartz synchronization platforms now support Galileo’s Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA). OSNMA is a GNSS authentication service designed for civilian use.

By verifying that timing data originates from genuine Galileo satellites, OSNMA ensures authenticity and integrity at the point of reception. The new feature, available via firmware update for supported multi-band GNSS receivers, adds an extra layer of protection against spoofing and manipulation, empowering existing deployments to strengthen security without hardware changes or service disruption.

OSNMA support from Adtran brings a new level of GNSS security to critical infrastructure. Available for multi-band GNSS receivers in the OSA 5412, OSA 5422, OSA 5430 and OSA 5440 product lines, the feature integrates with Galileo’s Open Service, using digital signatures and TESLA chain keys to authenticate navigation data. This ensures that timing and positioning information is verified as authentic and protected against spoofing or manipulation.

Adtran’s Oscilloquartz Syncjack probing adds a second layer of defense, detecting record-and-replay attacks – also known as meaconing – by comparing GNSS signals against trusted PTP sources. This dual-layer approach helps identify subtle timing manipulations and delay attacks that traditional receivers may miss.

“From 5G and smart power grids to financial networks and data centers, bringing authentication to GNSS is a game changer for critical infrastructure,” said Gil Biran, GM of Oscilloquartz, Adtran. “By enabling our customers to defend against sophisticated threats, including meaconing, we’re helping them achieve greater timing integrity for their networks. Existing customers can access this new GNSS security feature with a simple firmware update, helping them stay protected as threats continue to evolve.”

October 28, 2025
Adtran launches Oscilloquartz SFP grandmaster clock for precise edge timing in 10G networks

Adtran has launched the OSA 5401XG SyncPlug, an SFP-based grandmaster clock that delivers precise PTP and NTP synchronization for 10Gbit/s edge and access networks. The new Oscilloquartz device enables timing distribution through a compact, plug-in form factor that requires no rack space or complex installation, empowering network operators to extend synchronization into space- and power-limited deployments.

With multi-band GNSS support, compliance with PRTC‑B and compatibility with 10Gbit/s-only host platforms, it offers an efficient way to upgrade timing capabilities across sectors, including telecom, energy, defense, enterprise and more, according to Adtran.

“As networks evolve, precise timing has to reach further, faster and into more constrained environments. That’s exactly what the 5401XG SyncPlug is built for. It’s a no-compromise solution that fits directly into existing infrastructure, requires almost no space or power and delivers the performance needed for next-generation services,” said Gil Biran, GM of Oscilloquartz, Adtran. “By integrating advanced GNSS capabilities in a 10Gbit/s-ready SFP module, we’re giving our customers an easier, smarter way to deploy resilient timing, whether modernizing legacy sites, extending coverage at the edge or rolling out new, timing-critical applications.”

The OSA 5401XG SyncPlug is a fully featured SFP-based synchronization device that supports PTP grandmaster, boundary and slave clock modes, Stratum 1 NTP server functionality, and SyncE for frequency synchronization. It plugs directly into standard 1Gbit/s or 10Gbit/s ports and consumes less than 2.5W, making it ideal for space- and power-sensitive locations. With multi-band GNSS (L1 and L5), the device enables compliance with enhanced timing standards such as PRTC-B and supports regional systems, including India’s IRNSS. It also offers advanced spoofing and jamming detection, extended holdover and up to 500,000 NTP transactions per second, ensuring performance and security at scale.

“Demand for precise synchronization is growing rapidly across edge and access networks, and it has to be delivered with minimal footprint and maximum resilience,” commented Igal Pinhasov, VP of product line management at Oscilloquartz, Adtran. “From mobile backhaul and energy grids to secure government and business networks, the OSA 5401XG SyncPlug fits directly into existing infrastructure to deliver full grandmaster functionality over 10Gbit/s. There’s no need for extra cabling, appliances or rack space. It’s an ideal solution for operators looking to modernize timing in challenging environments while simplifying deployment and strengthening performance.”

September 16, 2025
Australian Defence selects Adtran optical cesium clock for PNT research

Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), part of the Australian government’s Department of Defence, has selected Adtran’s Oscilloquartz high-performance optically pumped cesium clock to support research at its Adelaide facility.

The OSA 3300 HP will serve as a time and frequency reference for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) research. Delivered in collaboration with local partner CoverTel, the deployment marks the first integration of optical cesium technology within Australian defense research.

“DSTG’s selection of our optical cesium reflects a broader shift toward autonomous, long-term synchronization solutions,” said Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA and APAC sales at Adtran. “Defense organizations around the world are reassessing how they ensure timing resilience, particularly as reliance on GNSS becomes more of a risk.”

The OSA 3300 HP will give national infrastructure precision and adaptability, supporting DSTG’s research into new strategies for assured PNT. DSTG selected the OSA 3300 HP to support advanced PNT research within its Sensors and Effectors division.

Using optical pumping technology that measures 100 times more atoms than traditional magnetic cesium clocks, the device delivers outstanding frequency stability and precision, Adtran said. Its all-digital design ensures consistent performance, while its 10-year operational lifespan offers long-term value.

With its compact form factor, robust construction and advanced atomic technology, the OSA 3300 HP provides the reliability needed to support Australia’s evolving synchronization requirements and critical scientific initiatives.

The clock will help DSTG explore new approaches to synchronization and build greater resilience into the Australian Defence Force’s long-term PNT capabilities, especially in contested environments where GNSS jamming and spoofing are prevalent. It will lay the groundwork for systems that rely on precise, dependable timing — from secure defense communications to advanced sensing and navigation.

August 21, 2025
NextNav, Oscilloquartz partner to bolster 5G-based timing solutions for critical infrastructure

New collaboration to demonstrate how terrestrial 5G-based timing can provide scalable solutions to complement and backup GPS.

NextNav and Oscilloquartz, a division of Adtran, have partnered to demonstrate how 5G-powered terrestrial positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technology combined with Oscilloquartz’s established synchronization systems can serve as a scalable complement and backup to GPS. The initiative aims to maintain the operation of critical infrastructure, such as data centers, utilities, and emergency services, during GPS outages by distributing precise, coordinated universal time (UTC) over existing 5G networks for both indoor and outdoor environments.

The collaboration integrates Oscilloquartz’s synchronization technology with NextNav’s terrestrial 5G PNT platforms to introduce an additional timing source, thereby reducing end-user dependence on GPS alone. This effort addresses increasing demand for secure and redundant timing solutions in light of threats to GPS reliability. The companies are aligning their technologies with ongoing Federal Communications Commission initiatives to encourage complementary PNT solutions.

According to the companies, this approach responds to national security and public safety concerns by prioritizing the development of resilient infrastructure. The demonstration of these integrated terrestrial timing capabilities is intended to provide a practical example of how industry can build more robust timing networks and reduce the risks associated with relying solely on GPS.

August 5, 2025
Adtran releases clock upgrade for precision timing applications

Adtran has launched its Enhanced Short-Term Unit (ESTU) precision timing module for its OSA 3300 series optical cesium clocks.

The module is designed to meet the demands of industries requiring ultra-stable short-term timing. According to the company, the module can achieve performance levels comparable to the passive hydrogen maser, which is no longer available in the Western market.

The ESTU module improves short-term frequency stability, measured through Allan Deviation, a key metric for timing accuracy. This improvement is particularly valuable for sectors such as metrology, space exploration and defense, where precise synchronization is crucial for data collection, satellite communication and measurement operations. Designed to optimize short-term frequency stability, the ESTU module is a versatile addition to Adtran’s Oscilloquartz synchronization technologies. It supports both 5MHz and 10MHz output frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of high-precision applications, including those that previously relied on passive hydrogen masers.

February 6, 2025
Adtran launches Oscilloquartz Time Scale System

Photo: Adtran

Adtranhas launched its Oscilloquartz Time Scale System, designed to meet the precise timekeeping requirements of national metrology institutes, scientific research facilities and other applications demanding the highest levels of accuracy and traceability.

The comprehensive system integrates Adtran’s Oscilloquartz grandmaster clocks, GPS/GNSS receivers, and high-performance optical cesium atomic clocks alongside a combination of the phase comparator, reference generator, and time interval counter. This ensures synchronization with coordinated universal time (UTC) and provides robust protection against cybersecurity threats.

With its customizable design, real-time monitoring, and seamless transition capabilities, the Oscilloquartz Time Scale System addresses the increasing need for resilient and accurate time synchronization across various sectors to ensure operational continuity and data integrity.

September 19, 2024
Launchpad: Tactical-grade IMUs, Spirent simulator upgrades, atomic clocks and more

A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the July 2024 issue of GPS World magazine.

MAPPING

Mobile Mapping System
With integrated inertial labs INS/lidar

The Meridian mobile mapping system integrates the Mosaic X camera with Inertial Labs inertial navigation system (INS) and lidar to improve mapping accuracy.

The Meridian system offers panoramas with a 74 MP native resolution and 13.5 K resolution using precisely synchronized camera modules. The design minimizes image overlap to offer clearer and more consistent panoramas. The integrated INS system has a vertical accuracy of 2 cm to 3 cm and a precision of 2 cm to 4 cm.

It features seamless, out-of-the-box operations with fully integrated and calibrated components. The Meridian system is designed for ease of use and requires only minutes of training. In addition, it features a rugged design to ensure performance in challenging environments.

Mosaic, mosaic51.com

OEM

INS
Combines a GPS master clock with an INS

The Geo-APNT serves applications requiring precise navigation data and an accurate time reference. The Geo-APNT combines a versatile GPS master clock with an INS to
offer assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) under all circumstances, including temporary loss of GPS signal. It minimizes size, weight and power (SWaP) due to the integration of positioning and timing that are typically achieved by two independent subsystems.

It can be easily integrated into existing systems and supports RTK and PPK positioning and offers support for MEMS, fiber optic gyro and ring laser gyro inertial measurement units (IMUs). The system also includes GPS antenna and cables.

AEVEX Aerospace, aevex.com

Tactical-Grade IMUs

For unmanned applications

This line of tactical-grade IMUs is engineered to address the evolving needs of unmanned applications and 2 space-based operations.

The IMUs include Iconyx, a high-performance HRG-based IMU that significantly outperforms legacy technologies, the company says. It offers improved accuracy and reliability for demanding navigation needs. It also features a small tactical IMU (STIM) ideal for applications requiring lower size, weight and power (SWaP).

The company is upgrading its Geonyx inertial navigation system (INS), which is based on HRG technology, to incorporate M-Code capability. The fully integrated solution can perform in GPS- denied or spoofing environments, offering reliable navigation in challenging environments.

Safran Federal Systems, safranfederalsystems.com

GPS-Aided INS
For land, marine and aerial applications

The INS-FI, a GPS-INS, is designed for enhanced performance and reliability across various platforms including land, marine and aerial applications.

The INS-FI is built with tactical-grade fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) technology and an IP67 rating, indicating its robustness and resistance to electromagnetic and environmental interference. This system integrates an IMU that combines fiber optic gyroscopes and MEMS accelerometers, along with an all-constellations GNSS receiver supporting multiple bands.

It offers horizontal and vertical positioning with approximately 0.1% error of distance traveled for land applications and a drift of five nautical miles per hour for aerospace applications without GNSS signal. INS-FI is fully compatible with Inertial Labs’ Air Data Computer (ADC), visual inertial navigation systems (VINS) and a stand-alone magnetic compass (SAMC).

INS-FI incorporates sensor fusion filter technology, navigation and guidance algorithms and calibration software to ensure optimal performance and reliability. The system aims to provide precise horizontal and vertical positions, velocity, and absolute orientation (heading, pitch and roll) for any mounted device, maintaining high accuracy for both stationary and dynamic applications.

Inertial Labs, inertiallabs.com

TRANSPORTATION

GNSS Receiver

Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance

The M100X GNSS receiver is built with the Quantum-III SoC Chip, designed to provide full-constellation and multi-frequency capabilities, specifically engineered for high-accuracy vehicular positioning and heading.

The M100X features GNSS/INS integrated technology to provide real-time high- precision positioning, velocity and heading data, even in challenging environments.

The receiver provides accurate positioning and heading information across various applications, including autonomous mining trucks, intelligent ports, mapping and autonomous buses. It is designed to safeguard vehicles as they pass through areas with poor signal reception, even in obstructed environments such as urban canyons, city overpasses, underground garages, tunnels and parks.

The M100X has a data update rate of up to 100Hz, allowing it to perform well in
very dynamic environments, such as vehicles traveling at high speeds. This rapid update capability enables continuous and real-time tracking of vehicle positions for reliable computation and instant updating of navigation information. It also facilitates quick responses to changes in vehicle dynamics during travel. These features are essential for maintaining seamless operation in high- speed environments and ensuring high levels of safety and performance.

Constructed with aluminum alloy and rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, the receiver is built to withstand harsh operational environments. It also features a shock-resistant design, capable of surviving a drop from 1 m without damage. It can connect to 4G, LAN, Bluetooth and multiple I/O ports for seamless integration with various systems and networks.
The M100X can be used with the Navigation Master software, an Android app for quick device configuration and effective remote management. Using Bluetooth connectivity, users can configure their M100X devices for optimal performance. Additionally, its cloud platform, NaviCloud, offers instant access to projects and data from any location.

ComNav Technology, comnavtech.com

SIMULATORS

Spirent Simulator Upgrades

Now implementing PULSAR

Spirent has implemented Xona Space Systems’ PULSAR production signals for seamless integration into the existing SimXona product line. The PULSAR X1 production signal implementation has passed Xona certification and the PULSAR X5 signal verification process is currently underway. It is expected to pass certification during the summer of 2024. Spirent is now accepting orders for SimXona with production signals capability.

Xona is developing PULSAR, a high-performance PNT service built on a backbone of low-Earth orbit (LEO) small satellites. Xona’s smallsat signals will improve PNT resilience and accuracy by augmenting GNSS while operating with an independent navigation and timing system architecture. Xona is fully funded to launch its production class satellite, the In-Orbit Validation mission, in 2025.

Spirent is the leading provider of PNT test solutions and recently launched a sixth-generation simulation system, PNT X. Designed for navigation warfare (NAVWAR) testing, PNT X is an all-in-one solution with native implementation of SimXona.

Spirent, spirent.com

GNSS Simulator

Compatible with Satgen simulation software

The LabSat 4 GNSS simulator is designed to meet the demands of modern GNSS signal testing. It is equipped with three radio frequency channels, each of which can be configured with up to 12-bit I&Q quantization and a bandwidth of up to 60 MHz. This allows users to precisely control recording parameters and optimize file sizes based on their specific testing requirements. Additionally, synchronized record and replay of external data sources such as CAN, CAN-FD, RS232 and digital event capture are designed to further enhance complex test scenarios.

Users can save custom record settings for efficient setup and repeatability. Additionally, a user-friendly, web-based interface allows for easy configuration and management of the simulation environment.

LabSat 4 offers file management capabilities with 7.6 TB internal storage and robust data transfer options via Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0. This technology accommodates the high- volume data needs of modern GNSS testing without sacrificing speed or performance.

It is small, portable and cost-effective, making it suitable for use both in the field and in the laboratory. LabSat 4 is fully compatible with SatGen Simulation Software, which allows users to create GNSS RF I&Q scenario files based on custom trajectories. This integration enables the simulation of scenarios involving multi-stop routes, time zone transitions, leap seconds and more, using any specified time, date and location.

LabSat, labsat.co.uk

Warfare Simulator

Tests military receivers

BroadSim Duo is a dual-frequency GNSS simulator designed specifically for testing military receivers in an unclassified environment.

BriadSim Duo integrates dual-frequency capabilities within a single compact GPS military signal testing unit. The simulator has dual-frequency capability, which is essential for testing P-Code and AES-M-Code. It features a new software-defined radio in an M.2 form factor, offering robust and reliable performance. It also seamlessly integrates with the Skydel simulation environment for improved versatility and functionality.

Safran Federal Systems, safranfederalsystems.com

TIMING

Atomic Clocks

For PNT services

Adtran has released two optical cesium atomic clocks, the OSA 3300 Super High-Performance (OSA 3300 SHP) and the OSA 3350 Super Enhanced Primary Reference Clock+ (OSA 3350 SePRC+). The devices use optical pumping technology to meet evolving demands across applications from scientific research to critical PNT infrastructure.

The OSA 3300 SHP offers stability and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for metrology institutes and scientific research facilities. The OSA 3350 SePRC+ is specifically designed to enhance holdover capabilities for PNT services.

It maintains 100 days of 100-nanosecond precision, providing continuous and accurate timing even in environments where GNSS is compromised or unavailable. This makes it a crucial

component for ensuring the integrity of mission-critical networks and supporting vital infrastructure and defense operations with reliable backup timing.

Adtran, adtran.com

MOBILE

Smart Atenna

For surveyors and construction professionals

The Zenith60 Pro GNSS smart antenna is designed for surveyors and construction professionals. It is a real-time kinematics (RTK) rover that features calibrated free tilt compensation to measure otherwise inaccessible points. The antenna is suited for harsh climates, urban areas, dense canopy coverage or other challenging terrains.

This multi-constellation, multi-frequency GNSS receiver features a GNSS board with more than 800 channels and IP68 protection against dust and water. It also connects with GeoMax total stations and X-PAD field software to create an efficient and flexible workflow.

GeoMax Positioning, geomax-positioning.com

Helical Atenna

House or embedded

The HC979XF antenna is designed to provide optimal support for the entire GNSS band, including GPS/QZSS L1/L2/L5 (QZSS L6), GLONASS G1/G2/G3, Galileo E1/E5a/b/E6, BeiDou B1/B2a/b/B3, NavIC L5 and L-Band corrections services.

The key new feature of the HC979XF and HC979EXF antennas is the support for Galileo’s Global High Accuracy Service (HAS) and QZSS’s regional Centimeter Level Augmentation Service (CLAS). Both correction services are broadcast in the E6/L6 band (1258- 1300 MHz).
The radio frequency spectrum has become congested worldwide due to the activation of many new LTE bands. Their signals or harmonic frequencies can affect GNSS antennas and receivers.

In North America, the planned Ligado service, which will broadcast in the frequency range of 1526 to 1536 MHz, can affect GNSS antennas that receive space-based L-band correction service signals (1539 – 1559 MHz). New LTE signals in Europe [Band 32 (1452 – 1496 MHz)] and Japan [Bands 11 and 21 (1476 – 1511 MHz)] have also affected GNSS signals. Calian’s XF models are designed to mitigate the effects of these new signals.

The Calian HC979XF housed helical antenna weighs 42 g and is enclosed in a military-grade IP69K plastic enclosure. The embedded HC979EXF helical antenna weighs 8 g. It is easily mounted with an optional embedded helical mounting ring, which traps the outer edge of the antenna circuit board to the host circuit board or any flat surface. An MCX connector is installed in the base of the antenna.

Calian, calian.com

UAV

Mapping software

Designed for UAVS

WingtraCLOUD software is designed to simplify data collection and streamline the onboarding of surveyors and pilots.

WingtraCLOUD offers a user-friendly flight planning experience, plus time-saving features including site-based file organization, advanced 3D planning, coordinate system by sites and improved connectivity via cloud syncing in a single environment.
It aims to simplify and streamline site setup and team collaboration. WingtraCLOUD’s features accelerate planning and introduce anew level of transparency among stakeholders with enhanced wireless functionality. Users can now provide insights to regional and global site managers across projects.

WingtraCLOUD allows users to maximize Wingtra aerial data and services, offering UAV program scaling and business advantages across a variety of industries.

Wingtra, wingtra.com

AI Computer

For unmanned systems

FLYC-300 is designed 2 for advanced applications in UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and autonomous mobile robots. Weighing 297 g, the FLYC-300 features a low size,
weight and power (SWaP) form factor and delivers 100 TOPS AI performance. It supports autonomous navigation, object detection, real-time inference, and SLAM capabilities.

The FLYC-300 is suitable for industries such as inspection, logistics, rescue operations, security, agriculture and environmental monitoring. It supports a variety of sensors and cameras, accommodating RGB, infrared, hyperspectral, HDR and high-resolution cameras. It can seamlessly integrate with flight controllers, vehicles or robots.

The computer can operate with a wide voltage input range from 4S to 14S battery packs or 12 V to 60 V DC input via the XT30 DC-IN connector, making it versatile for different unmanned systems. It also supports 5G or 4G modules for real-time transmission of images, videos and data. The computer is available in two configurations, with or without an enclosure, to meet varying application needs.

Neousys Technology, neousys-tech.com

VOTL UAV

‘Drone-in-a-box” solution

The VTOL hangar drone combines the JOUAV JOS-C800 hangar with its new VTOL fixed-wing UAV, CW-15V.

This “drone-in-a-box” solution isdesigned to offer amore efficient and versatile solution for businesses looking to optimize their routine operations through automated aerial technology.

The JOS-C800 hangar system is composed of an automated hangar, a newly developed VTOL fixed-wing drone CW-15V, and the Jocloud management platform. This system enables complete management and monitoring of automated aerial missions through cloud-based remote operations.

Its key features include autonomous takeoff and landing, intelligent flight planning, automatic charging, data management, intelligent data analysis and report generation, enabling fully automated drone operations without the need for on-site personnel.

The JOS-C800 uses AI and AR algorithm integration to classify and identify potential hazards in the collected data, supporting the display and management of these hazards on Jocloud, and generating detailed hazard classification reports. The upgraded algorithms allow for real-time stitching and comparison of video data comparative analysis to identify new or changed hazards.

It supports multi-UAV, multi-hangar operations with staggered takeoffs, allowing for hop-and-fly operations. The CW-15V UAVs can be paired with various payloads such as gimbal cameras, lidar and oblique cameras.

JOUAV, jouav.com

Air Traffic Surveillance Solution

Supports BVOLS UAV operations

INVOLI, a specialist in cooperative air traffic surveillance solutions, has partnered with MatrixSpace to create a comprehensive air traffic awareness solution through a unified platform.

The partnership combines INVOLI’s cooperative detection technology with MatrixSpace’s advanced non-cooperative detection capabilities, facilitated by miniaturized primary radar technology. This integration allows for complete surveillance of both airborne and ground-based traffic, significantly enhancing UAV detection, counter unmanned aircraft system (CUAS) capabilities and safety for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

The integrated solution is designed to be low in size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C), and can be deployed quickly without the need for additional infrastructure or specialist training. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications, including surveillance of sensitive sites such as prisons and energy infrastructure, as well as supporting safe and efficient BVLOS UAV operations.

INVOLI, involi.com

DEFENSE

Anti-Jamming Receiver

Meets tight SWaP-C requirements

NavStorm-M is a gun-hardened integrated anti-jamming GPS receiver for artillery, bombs, missiles and unmanned systems.

It features a layered protection approach using beamforming, anti-spoofing, resiliency and software assurance. It is an assured positioning, navigation and timing (A-PNT) device featuring M-Code GPS technology. It offers GNSS protection of two bands (L1/E1+L2 or L1 + G1 or L1/E1 + L5) from up to three directions of jamming simultaneously.

NavStorm-M is designed to meet the tight size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) requirements of unmanned aircraft systems, loitering munitions, hypersonic platforms and other weapons — especially in gun-hardened applications. NavStorm-M offers precise GPS navigation as a stand-alone system or integrated with an INS.

BAE Systems, baesystems.com

GNSS Receiver

For manned and unmanned group vehicles

GPSdome2 is a high-end anti-jamming and fully retrofit solution tailored for defending manned and unmanned ground vehicles and UAVs from jamming attacks. It can be integrated with various GNSS off-the-shelf receivers. Using up to four off-the-shelf active antennas, with dual-band protection — GPS L1+L2 or GPS L1+Glonass G1 — it protects from up to three jamming directions simultaneously in each band. With optional mil-spec compliance, it can serve smaller and lighter platforms.

infiniDome, infinidome.com

Loitering Munition

For air, land and sea

Atlas is a Group II loitering munition with robust capabilities in air, land and sea tactical scenarios. With a flight duration of more than two hours and a striking distance comparable to larger Group III aircraft, Atlas delivers mission flexibility and performance.

Designed for high-impact scenarios, it supports a range of operations such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)/detect, identify, locate and report (DILR), electronic warfare and direct-action engagements. The munition’s payload includes options for fragmentation or penetration effects, further enhanced by optional ISR capabilities.

AEVEX Aerospace, aevex.com

Portable UAV

Serves ISR applications

Zoe M4 is a portable and foldable quadcopter platform designed to rapidly deploy an overwatch capability for military personnel and units. It is easy to transport and set up, making it ideal for security, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), and emergency response applications.

It is equipped with the NextVision Raptor X80, a military-grade EO/IR gimbal that offers stabilized daytime and night-time imagery with 80x zoom and thermal imaging in high resolution. The NDAA-compliant quadcopter features the same rugged capabilities as the base Acecore Zoe model, including a robust carbon fiber construction, an all-weather waterproof design and the ability to survive winds of up to 29 knots.

The Zoe M4 is paired with Acecore’s Signav Ultra ground control station (GCS), a lightweight handheld device based upon the Panasonic FZ-M1 tablet and rated to MIL-STD-810G. It can be factory-configured for compatibility with existing military networks or frequency bands between 1625 to 2510 MHz.

Acecore, acecoretechnologies.com

July 29, 2024
Adtran launches atomic clocks

Photo: Adtran

Adtran has released two optical cesium atomic clocks, the OSA 3300 Super High-Performance (OSA 3300 SHP) and the OSA 3350 Super Enhanced Primary Reference Clock+ (OSA 3350 SePRC+). The devices use optical pumping technology to meet evolving demands across applications from scientific research to critical positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) infrastructure.

The OSA 3300 SHP offers stability and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for metrology institutes and scientific research facilities. The OSA 3350 SePRC+ is specifically designed to enhance holdover capabilities for PNT services. It maintains 100 days of 100-nanosecond precision, providing continuous and accurate timing even in environments where GNSS is compromised or unavailable. This makes it a crucial component for ensuring the integrity of mission-critical networks and supporting vital infrastructure and defense operations with reliable backup timing.

“In an era marked by rising global tensions and heightened risks of state-sponsored interference in satellite communications, our latest innovation has arrived at a pivotal moment. It will greatly enhance our capacity to address the demand for secure and reliable network timing around the world,” said Gil Biran, GM of Oscilloquartz, Adtran.

June 18, 2024
Canadian hydropower producer upgrades timing network

Photo: Adtran

A leading Canadian hydropower producer is using the Adtran Oscilloquartz grandmaster device combined with its optical cesium atomic clock to achieve new levels of precision, reliability and resilience in its power grid synchronization network.

The deployment addresses the urgent need to implement the highest standards of protection against GNSS disruptions — including jamming and spoofing cyberattacks — and helps bolster North America’s energy resilience. Featuring multi-source protection, the enhanced timing architecture offers a zero-trust approach to positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), ensuring robust and accurate synchronization. It also seamlessly supports existing services, which allows for a smooth transition from legacy timing to power grids with advanced PTP technology. For streamlined operations and assurance, the synchronization network is remotely managed through the Adtran Ensemble Controller with Sync Director.

By enhancing its timing framework with Adtran’s Oscilloquartz solution, the hydroelectric producer is designed to maintain the highest standards of cybersecurity and energy reliability in its critical infrastructure, the company said. The deployment aims to improve the stability and security of the energy supply across Canada and the United States.

The new solution includes Adtran’s OSA 3350 ePRC+ combined with the OSA 5422 to provide precision, stability and resilience against GNSS vulnerabilities. It has an all-digital design, which utilizes optical-pumping techniques, to guarantee timing accuracy and optimal stability for over a decade. This is twice the lifespan of conventional cesium clocks.

With the OSA 5422, the solution future-proofs the utility’s timing network and assures compliance with governmental regulations. It fortifies security and underscores the renewable energy utility’s commitment to maintaining a continuous, secure power supply.

May 21, 2024
Iridium partners with L3 Harris for FAA infrastructure protection

Iridium STL is being deployed by L3Harris to protect critical FAA data center infrastructure. (Photo: Iridium)

Iridium Communications has entered a five-year agreement with L3 Harris. Under the agreement, Iridium will provide its satellite time and location (STL) service to more than three dozen L3Harris-operated communications network backbone nodes and a similar number of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities throughout the United States.

L3Harris, responsible for operating a private network for the FAA, provides voice, data and video communications for the National Airspace System operations and mission support functions. Given the critical nature of timing synchronization within the L3Harris communications network, particularly for supporting various critical infrastructure applications, the Iridium STL service plays a pivotal role in the overall network timing architecture by eliminating dependencies on GPS as the primary timing source.

The solution for L3Harris includes compact devices provided by Adtran’s Oscilloquartz division, which are designed to receive Iridium STL signals. These devices seamlessly integrate into the network and meet nationwide network timing synchronization requirements.

In April 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles, a secure satellite-based time and location service provider.

April 11, 2024
Netnod bolsters Sweden’s national timing infrastructure

Netnod is implementing Adtran’s coreSync OSA 3300-HP, an optical pumping cesium atomic clock technology to fortify Sweden’s national infrastructure against emerging digital threats. This strategic upgrade aims to enhance the precision and reliability of timing services vital to the nation’s economy, spanning sectors from finance to next-generation telecommunications such as 5G.

Sweden’s leading position in digital services and telecommunications highlights the need for robust timing services, which are fundamental to the functioning and security of digital infrastructures. The introduction of coreSync OSA 3300-HP by Netnod — a company specializing in providing internet exchange, DNS, and time services in the Nordic countries — aims to enhance the accuracy, stability and durability of timing synchronization services across the country.

By deploying Oscilloquartz super ePRC technology across six pivotal timing centers nationwide, Netnod aims to address the growing concern over GNSS vulnerabilities. The optically pumped cesium technology of the coreSync OSA 3300-HP offers a highly stable and precise alternative timing source, providing frequency stability and an operational lifespan double that of traditional magnetic cesium clocks.

April 2, 2024
Vodafone Turkey deploys Adtran solution in national timing network

Image: Vodafone Turkey

Vodafone Turkey has integrated Adtran’s Oscilloquartz optical cesium atomic clock technology into its national network. The integration aims to enhance the resilience of network synchronization against disruptions in GNSS signals, a crucial step as the company progresses towards the implementation of 5G services.

The deployment establishes a network-wide synchronization solution capable of maintaining precise timing, even during GNSS outages. This technology is essential for ensuring continuous, reliable connectivity across Vodafone Turkey’s services.

The core of the solution, the Oscilloquartz OSA 3350 ePRC+, uses optical pumping technology for frequency stability. This device, combined with Vodafone Turkey’s existing grandmaster clocks and the Oscilloquartz clock combiner, forms the ePRTC+ system.

The system is designed to achieve a 100-nanosecond accuracy level for a period extending to 45 days, which surpasses the ITU-T G.811.1 standards for network timing.

Vodafone Turkey will implement a system across five strategic sites to mitigate risks associated with GNSS signal loss that can impact network operations and service quality. This aims to enhance redundancy and ensure network stability under challenging conditions including natural disasters and electronic interference.

March 12, 2024