GPS World

Tag: Microsemi

  • Portable Time-Loader ready for field deployment

    Portable Time-Loader ready for field deployment

    Image: Focus Telecom
    Image: Focus Telecom

    Focus Telecom has introduced a new timing product for defense and mission-critical applications, the Time-Loader.

    The Time-Loader can be deployed in environments where GNSS signals are denied or disrupted, to support any ground, naval and airborne system that needs real time of day (TOD) and 1PPS external synchronization aligned to UTC or GNSS.

    In this emerging era of rapid tactical deployment of defense systems, communications intelligence, missile defense systems, radar/electro-optical sensors and UAS batteries in the field are often in GNSS-denied or jammed environments. This situation creates challenges for access to real time and accurate time of day.

    To solve this problem, the Time-Loader generates a GPS L1 C/A code RF output as if the signal were coming from a live-sky GPS antenna. It provides full-constellation GPS output and is compatible with external GNSS receivers. It encodes times with nanosecond accuracy for GPS timing receivers.

    The Time-Loader’s GPS-disciplined oscillator (GPSDO) is the Microsemi MAC-SA53/55, which provides excellent UTC accuracy with outstanding hold-over rubidium clock performance.

    The Time-Loader is the size of a suitcase, hand-carried and easily deployed. It activates quickly from a cold start or when sensors are deployed for the first time.

    Included in the Time-Loader is a self-contained, miniature GPS simulator that provides real-time extremely accurate signals. The 18-channel full-constellation simulator stores location/time/date data in internal memory and stores complex vector data to simulate dynamic scenarios. The simulator also can be used to transcode NMEA or SCPI position/velocity/time (PVT) data into GPS RF signals.

    Learn more about the Time-Loader.

  • ViaLite supports Raytheon with mission critical, extended length GPS over fiber

    ViaLite supports Raytheon with mission critical, extended length GPS over fiber

    ViaLite GPS Link: Blue OEM module and rack chassis card hardware formats shown. (Photos: ViaLite)
    ViaLite GPS Link: Blue OEM module and rack chassis card hardware formats shown. (Photos: ViaLite)

    ViaLite is supplying Raytheon Technologies with its GPS over Fiber Extension Kit for Microchip GPS servers. The kit provides mission-critical GPS timing and synchronization for systems requiring extremely accurate clock signals.

    Standard transmission distances for the extension kit can be up to 10 km, while solutions are available for distances as long as 50 km.

    “The ViaLite kit was chosen for its unique performance with Microsemi’s S650 timing server, along with our best-in-class quality, reliability and support,” said Craig Somach, ViaLite director of Sales North America.

    The ViaLite GPS link is designed to provide a remote GPS/GNSS signal or derived timing reference to equipment located where no signal is available, such as inside buildings or tunnels. By using optical fiber instead of traditional coaxial cable, extreme distances are possible with no radio frequency loss and zero introduction of noise.

  • Distributing high-precision time over optical networks in the 5G world

    Distributing high-precision time over optical networks in the 5G world

    Image: ChakisAtelier / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Plus
    Image: ChakisAtelier / iStock /Getty Images Plus /Getty Images

    By Eric Colard
    Head of Emerging Products, Frequency & Time Systems
    Microchip Technology

    Mobile operators are investing heavily in the deployment of LTE-Advanced and 5G networks that will transform cellular communications and connectivity.

    They face big risks, though: the high-performance mobile services delivered over these networks are extremely dependent on precise time from GPS and other similar regional constellations broadly known as GNSS so they can synchronize radios, enable new applications and minimize interference.

    If GPS/GNSS becomes unavailable due to jamming, spoofing, failures or other events, the resulting service disruption would have a catastrophic impact on system performance.

    Just like the energy grid is extremely vulnerable to climate, heat, winds and dry vegetation that can lead to fires on a large scale as seen in California recently, 5G networks are vulnerable to disruptions in the distribution of precise time that can lead to total systems outage.

    New technologies enable mobile operators to protect their networks from these threats. These technologies make use of existing deployments while creating new architectures for distributing very high-precision time over long distances. They minimize additional costs while offering the necessary performance to meet the demanding requirements of 5G.

    Technology landscape

    The latest LTE-Advanced and 5G mobile networks bring tremendous capacity and bandwidth gains that are being used to deliver new services to consumers, industries, cities and specific market segments. From high-bandwidth video delivery for smartphones to autonomous vehicles, smart cities and the internet of things (IoT) for smart factories, these new services all rely on the synchronization of numerous sensors, base stations and other devices.

    Accomplishing this requires the delivery of very precise time over long distances. Without it, mobile operators cannot maximize deployment investments by minimizing disruptions and risk.

    They also must devise plans they can leverage in case of GPS/GNSS malfunction. At the same time, they need to take advantage of optical networks and other existing infrastructure so that they don’t require expensive new investment in dark fiber.

    Photo: iStock.com/NicoElNino
    Photo: iStock.com/NicoElNino

    Meeting stringent requirements

    Standards bodies have defined stringent requirements for precise time and synchronization such as Prime Reference Time Clock (PRTC), which includes 100-nanosecond (ns) PRTC Class A (PRTC-A), 40-ns PRTC Class B (PRTC-B) and 30-ns enhanced PRTC (ePRTC) performance specifications.

    To meet these requirements, a high-quality source of time is an absolute must and a very resilient, efficient and performant distribution mechanism is required to transport time from the source to the various devices consuming time (for example, base stations, sensors and vehicles).

    The problem with relying on GPS/GNSS for meeting these requirements is that its deployment can be expensive given the increasing densification of endpoints. There is also a technical vulnerability associated with GNSS receivers located at cell sites.

    If the GNSS receiver cannot track satellites properly for whatever reason, the radio must be removed from service quickly to avoid interference issues due to the short holdover period of the oscillator technologies used in the radios. Because of these technical and financial considerations, operators are very motivated to find solutions where GNSS dependency is reduced or even eliminated at many locations.

    Another set of considerations for operators includes:

    • the distribution of time from the source to the endpoints using the network;
    • the network nodes; and
    • the various synchronization capabilities these network nodes can support.

    Typically, a precision time protocol (PTP) grandmaster is located at the beginning of the timing chain and complies with 100ns PRTC-A or 40-ns PRTC-B so it can deliver precise time to the end of the chain within +/-1.5 microseconds. The network nodes on the path typically embed a Time Boundary Clock (T-BC) capability that meets either Class A (50-ns) or Class B (25-ns).

    A new type of time-distribution architecture is needed to address these requirements and considerations so operators can protect their mobile network against GNSS disruption and distribute precise time over long distances for national coverage. This architecture must also deliver the necessary performance to meet end-to-end budgets for 5G needs.

    A different time-distribution architecture

    There are multiple capabilities a high-precision time-distribution architecture should feature so that operators can most effectively mitigate GPS/GNSS vulnerabilities and solve other challenges in their 5G networks. The architecture should:

    • leverage the existing optical network (thus avoiding high cost dark fiber expenses)
    • use a dedicated lambda in order to transport time in the most rapid manner
    • protect, to the utmost level, a redundant source of time that meets the highest, 30ns ePRTC performance and uses a combination of Cesium and GNSS as the source of time
    • have two directions for the flow of time (East and West) so that a redundant path can be leveraged in case of any issues along the way from source to endpoint
    • have a chain of high-precision boundary clocks (HP BCs) that can meet the highest level of performance defined by today’s standards (T-BC Class D 5ns)

    A multi-domain architecture of this type offers the redundant, sub-microsecond end-to-end timing capabilities that are required to affordably deliver the high performance, 5-nanosecond per node distribution of precise time over hundreds of miles.

    An example of this type of solution is Microchip’s TimeProvider 4100, which can be configured as either an ePRTC at the source of the timing chain with PRTC-A and PRTC-B time-delivery capabilities to various end nodes, or an HP BC on the optical network path.

    This type of product can also be configured for application-specific requirements, end to end, with up to nanosecond precision time-delivery capabilities over long distance.

    Assuring precise timing

    The success of a coming generation of high-performance mobile services will depend on how well operators address today’s critical GPS/GNSS vulnerabilities. Jamming, spoofing, failures or other events can disrupt the precise GPS/GNSS timing that 5G networks need for synchronizing radios, enabling applications and minimizing interference.

    The latest high-precision time-distribution architectures mitigate these risks with minimal additional cost and give operators the performance they need to support demanding new 5G services ranging from IoT-based applications to receiving high-bandwidth video on smartphones.

    Microchip has released version 2.1 for its TimeProvider 4100 timing grandmaster.

    Eric Colard leads product line management for Microchip’s TimeProvider 4100 and Integrated GNSS Master solutions for the telecom, utility and other industries. Colard’s leadership includes product definition, customer interaction, outbound promotions and business development.

    He has held successive technical and leadership roles at technology companies in the U.S. and Europe. He began his career as an engineer in the networking arena on X.25, frame relay and other protocols at companies including Alcatel and Cap Sesa Telecom. He later held successive product management and business development leadership roles in networking, security, and other areas at Novell, Tumbleweed, FaceTime and Vernier Networks.

    As the industry rapidly progressed, Colard increasingly became involved in wireless data compression and TCP/IP optimization. In 2007 he joined Symmetricom and architected and built the SyncWorld ecosystem with partners Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Nokia Siemens and Cisco. Through acquisition Symmetricom became part of Microsemi, which today is part of Microchip.

    Colard holds bachelor of science and master of science degrees in computer science, both from Ecole Nationale Superieure des Telecommunications (now Telecom ParisTech) in Paris, France. He is a member of the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), Open Compute, Telecom Infra Project and Small Cell Forum. He has received an award for his industry contributions from the Small Cell Forum.

  • EU contracting for GNSS interference detection network

    Request for proposals to be issued

    The Official Journal of the European Union (EU) will publish a funding opportunity in the near future for a GNSS “Advanced Interference Detection and Robustness Capabilities System,” according to officials familiar with the project.

    Advance notice of this procurement was first given in August of last year, with an award projected for the first quarter of 2019. Some observers have speculated that the procurement delay was related to a change in how the final system is envisioned. The current version of the notice asks for a crowdsourcing, software and networked-based solution.

    The advance notice calls for the vendor to both establish the system and operate it.

    The purpose of the present tender is to establish a new mechanism to detect interference at receiver and antenna level based on crowdsourcing and sharing information coming from any user (individuals or associated ones) and run the service for a period of two years.

    While for many “crowdsourcing” suggests the participation of large numbers of individuals, this will likely not be part of the scheme. Speaking to a government advisory board, Jean Yves Courtois, CEO at Orolia, said that battery drain on cell phones would prevent this from being practical. “Privacy concerns would also be an issue,” he said. Each individual would have to affirmatively agree to have their location information used continuously. This additional administrative burden would be significant.

    Much easier and preferable would be using Information from already deployed networks of fixed receivers, such as base stations. Unchanging locations and existing network connections make the engineering easier and thorny privacy concerns would be minimized. These ideas are also reflected in the current version of the advance notice:

    The activity shall also focus on identifying and engaging users (such as entities currently monitoring vast networks of devices integrating GNSS receivers) by means of an appropriate enrolment scheme ensuring the provision of the data. The design of the system shall ensure that the sensitivity of the data (GNSS vulnerabilities) is always protected.

    Crowdsourcing and collating such information is seen by many in industry as a relatively straight-forward engineering problem. Representatives from Orolia and Microsemi, for example, included ideas about crowdsourcing disruption data in recent presentations to the U.S. PNT Advisory Board. Both agreed, though, that there are few commercial incentives to do such work without a government customer.

    It is perhaps not a surprise that the EU is taking the lead in this field while other GNSS providers seem to have little interest.

    Unlike GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou, which are first and foremost national security systems, Europe’s Galileo was built and is operated by a civil organization focusing on economic and civil benefits. Interference with signals directly undercuts these benefits and can be easily seen in direct economic costs.

    Many European countries are using GNSS for road tolling, for example. Small GNSS jammers are easy to acquire off the internet and their illegal use is likely costing nations millions of euros in lost tolls each year. Without the ability to regularly detect, sanction, and deter this activity financial losses will continue to mount.

    The interference with tolling problem is not specifically addressed in the EU’s advance notice. It may well be that tolling authorities and others will be expected to install their own application specific interference detectors and then encouraged to link them to the EU backbone and database.

    The European Commission has been aware of this vulnerability for some time. In 2015 it contracted with Nottingham Scientific Ltd. in the UK to lead a multi-nation team and assess the extent of the problem.

    The STRIKE3 project was in operation from February 2016 to January 2019. Its goals were to sample and classify interference events, recommend a standard event reporting scheme, and assess the vulnerability of different types of GNSS receivers.

    The project’s sampling activity in 23 different countries detected nearly 500,000 interference events. Of these, 59,000 were classified as deliberate attempts to disrupt GNSS signals.

    Within the deliberate events the STRIKE3 team were able to identify about 300 jammer “families,” according to Mark Dumville, Co-Founder and Director at Nottingham Scientific. Along with the jammers they were able to classify into groups, there were “some very interesting outliers,” Dumville said. “These are likely evidence of jammer technology continuing to develop and evolve.”

    STRIKE3 is viewed as a very successful project by most everyone in the international PNT community, and certainly within the EU, according to officials.

    The upcoming announcement and future establishment of an on-going interference detection capability are some of the next logical steps to better securing Europe’s PNT services.

  • Microchip showcases BlueSky GNSS Firewall at ION GNSS+ 2019

    Microchip, formerly known as Microsemi, showcased its BlueSky GNSS Firewall at ION GNSS+ 2019 in Miami. Microchip’s Greg Wolff shares details about the product, which the company says provides secure, continuous timing integrity in GPS-denied environments.

  • Microsemi launches latest version of precise timing grandmaster

    Microsemi launches latest version of precise timing grandmaster

    Microsemi has released its TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0, the latest version of its TimeProvider 4100 precise timing grandmaster.

    The TimeProvider 4100 is a grandmaster complemented by extensive port fan-out for PTP, Network Time Protocol, sync and legacy building integrated timing supplies. According to the company, the TimeProvider 4100 offers multiple ports for current, legacy and future networks that can be connected to multiple base stations for 4G and 5G deployments.

    Microsemi launched its TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0, the latest version of its TimeProvider 4100 precise timing grandmaster. (Photo: Microsemi)
    Microsemi launched its TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0, the latest version of its TimeProvider 4100 precise timing grandmaster. (Photo: Microsemi)

    Version 2.0 of the TimeProvider 4100 includes a number of new features, including an optional expansion module with 10GE support for 1G/10G/100M fan-out, offering four SFP and four SFP+ ports; increased capacity to 790 PTP clients (up from 512 previously) at a full rate of 128 packets per second; a boundary clock that supports Class C and class D; support for Primary Reference Timing Clock Class B (ITU-T G.8272); and support for multiple operation modes.

    The unit can still behave as a fully functional grandmaster from an outputs standpoint and also has the capability to monitor various kinds of inputs, the company added. It also features a new operation mode for a high-performance boundary clock.

    According to Microsemi, TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0 adds support for PRTC-B in addition to PRTC-A. In addition, it adds support for monitoring presentation through Microsemi’s TimePictra 10 synchronization management system.

  • Microsemi qualifies ViaLite high-performance GNSS/GPS fiber extension kit

    Microsemi qualifies ViaLite high-performance GNSS/GPS fiber extension kit

    ViaLiteHD Blue OEM module, one of the available formats for the GPS RF over fiber link. (Photo: ViaLink)
    ViaLiteHD Blue OEM module, one of the available formats for the GPS RF over fiber link. (Photo: ViaLink)

    Carrying timing signals over optical fiber links to 10+ km, ViaLite’s new GNSS/GPS Fiber Extension Kit has been successfully qualified for use with Microsemi’s timing and synchronization products.

    Included in the kit is the ViaLiteHD GPS Link, which is designed for providing a remote GNSS/GPS signal or derived timing reference to equipment located where there is no reception, such as inside buildings, tunnels and mines.

    ViaLite designs and manufactures RF over fiber links/systems, support modules, rack chassis and outdoor enclosures. It is a division of Pulse Power & Measurement.

    The kit is suitable for GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou bands, and the links provide a wide dynamic range with negligible signal degradation from noise or interference.

    ViaLite worked closely with Microsemi engineering and product management teams to create the optimized extension kit. Simple single-link extensions are available from both Microsemi and ViaLite, and more complex distributed systems can be defined and supplied by ViaLite.

    “We are honored to have been selected by Microsemi as a global supplier for GNSS fiber-optic link equipment,” said ViaLite director of sales Craig Somach.

    Microsemi provides synchronization services that assist customers with the planning, deployment and maintenance of synchronization infrastructure.

    Their systems need to meet various levels of redundancy, provide multiple timing and frequency outputs, and apply the most accurate GNSS and satcom techniques for measuring offsets between geographically dispersed clocks.

    The systems are employed across a wide range of industries, including communications, data centers, aerospace, defense, industrial, financial services, government, oil and gas, power and transportation.

  • Microsemi upgrades TimeProvider for 5G deployments

    Microsemi upgrades TimeProvider for 5G deployments

    Photo: Microsemi
    Photo: Microsemi

    Microchip Technology Inc., via its Microsemi subsidiary, has added the TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0 to its Precision Time Protocol (PTP) PackeTime portfolio.

    TimeProvider keeps services operating through GNSS lapses due to vulnerabilities such as jamming, spoofing or loss of signal. It is also designed to meet one of the biggest 5G network deployment challenges —synchronizing higher volumes of more densely packed base stations.

    Microchip is also introducing Release 3.0 to its Integrated GNSS Master (IGM) family.

    TimeProvider 4100. Release 2.0 adds 10 Gigabit Ethernet support, a boundary clock operation mode that lowers operational costs, and other enhancements to improve how timing flows are distributed from multiple sources to a network’s base stations and other endpoints.

    The 72-channel GNSS receiver coupled with Microsemi’s patented active thermal compensation technology provides excellent accuracy of <10 ns RMS to UTC (USNO). With the time source provided through GNSS satellite input, it is essential to provide flexible support for constellations of choice depending on the region. TimeProvider 4100 supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, and SBAS in its standard version.

    TimeProvider 4100 2.0 with its 10 GE expansion module has been selected by SK Telecom in Korea for its delivery of 5G services in the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheong province.

    IGM 3.0. For service providers that need to deploy more compact PTP 1588 v2 Grandmasters to fewer base stations closer to the network’s edge, Microchip is also introducing Release 3.0 to its Integrated GNSS Master (IGM) family.

    IGM 3.0 combines an IEEE-1588v2 PTP grandmaster with a GNSS receiver and antenna to simplify indoor or outdoor installations. Each of the three IGM 3.0 additions deliver precise time and phase as well as new capabilities enabled by IGM Plus hardware models with enhanced oscillators and GNSS receivers.

    The new oscillator options extend time-keeping holdover performance while the enhanced receiver speeds satellite signal acquisition and improves security by accessing more GNSS constellations simultaneously.

    The receiver upgrade option supports GPS, Galileo, QZSS and GLONASS, and is Beidou-ready. The IGM 3.0 software includes higher PTP capacity to 60 clients along with IPv6 support for traffic and management flows.

    TimeProvider’s Gateway Clock. Extending the TimeProvider 4100’s Gateway Clock operation mode with Microchip’s high-performance boundary clock (HP-BC) operation mode enables it to support the latest high-accuracy ITU-T Class C & D boundary clock standards. These standards dictate extremely accurate time transfer over optical networks so operators can use dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology rather than dedicated fiber.

    Release 2.0 accommodates escalating bandwidth requirements of next-generation network devices through an optional expansion module that provides 10 GE interfaces. Expanded monitoring functions enable service providers to understand how time and phase performance is affected by network elements, the company added.

    PTP client capacity has been increased to 790 to provide the scalability that is critical for deployments in mobile network aggregation layers and new DOCSIS 3.1 Remote-PHY cable architectures.

    Both TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0 and IGM Release 3.0 are managed with TimePictra, the centralized and unified management platform for the company’s family of precise timing systems.

  • Microsemi introduces BlueSky GNSS Firewall at ION GNSS+ 2018

    Microsemi’s Greg Wolff offers a rundown on the company’s BlueSky GNSS Firewall at ION GNSS+ 2018, which took place Sept. 24-28 in Miami. According to the company, the BlueSky GNSS Firewall enables critical infrastructure providers to harden the security of their operations from GPS threats and deliver a more reliable and secure service. In addition, the product provides protection against GPS threats such as jamming, spoofing and complete outage.
     
     
    (Background image: iStock.com/imaginima)

  • BlueSky GNSS firewall from Microsemi provides secure, continuous timing integrity

    The signals transmitted from GPS and other GNSS constellations can be a threat vector that, if disrupted, could harm key critical infrastructure sectors including telecommunications, energy, transportation, emergency services and data centers.

    The susceptibilities of the GPS signal to attack, whether intentional or not, are viewed similarly as a cybersecurity threat.

    In recent months, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported GPS incidents, causing critical infrastructure providers to evaluate the security, reliability and resiliency of their GPS-based PNT dependency.

    The new BlueSky GNSS Firewall from Microsemi Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Microchip Technology Inc., enables critical infrastructure providers to harden the security of their operations from GPS threats and deliver a more reliable and secure service, the company said.

    The security-hardened system provides protection against GPS threats such as jamming, spoofing and complete outage. It also supports a range of precision timing technologies, including atomic clocks, to enable continuous operation when GPS may be completely denied for extended periods.

    In addition, Microsemi is expanding the GNSS portfolio with the introduction of a BlueSky option to its TimePictra software management suite, providing centralized control and visibility of GPS reception across regional, national and global geographic areas.

    “At last year’s ION GNSS+ show we launched the BlueSky GPS Firewall Evaluation Kit to help customers understand GNSS vulnerabilities and how a firewall approach could provide protection,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and manager of Microsemi’s Frequency and Timing business unit. “We received valuable feedback from customers as a result of those evaluations and have incorporated new features in our second-generation BlueSky GNSS Firewall. In addition to expanded monitoring and reporting capabilities, this robust, future-proof platform is now equipped with atomic clock technology to provide security-hardened resiliency, including the ability to operate in a GNSS-denied environment for more than 30 days.”

    Microsemi has applied the same principles of a firewall used for network security to defend against GPS threats coming from the sky. Within the new BlueSky GNSS Firewall, the incoming GPS signal is analyzed in real time to detect a wide range of threats before connected GPS receivers and related systems are affected.

    The BlueSky GNSS Firewall incorporates an optional internal rubidium miniature atomic clock (MAC) enabling continuous output of the GPS signal to the downstream GPS receiver in case of complete loss of live-sky GPS reception.

    Alternatively, Microsemi’s cesium clocks, such as the 5071A or TimeCesium 4400/4500, can be connected to the device, enabling UTC traceable time for more than 30 days.

    BlueSky GPS Firewall platform features optional BlueSky software incorporated into its TimePictra management system.

    To ensure the BlueSky GNSS Firewall is equipped to defend against an ever-evolving threat, Microsemi updates and continuously tracks GPS signal manipulation, spoofing threats, jamming attacks, multipath signal interference, atmospheric activity and many other issues which can create GPS signal anomalies, disruptions and outages.

    These updates are available through a BlueSky subscription service. To learn more about Microsemi’s GPS threat protection and security solutions, including videos demonstrating how the product provides secure and resilient protection, visit the website.

  • Microsemi debuts chip-scale atomic clock for space

    Microsemi debuts chip-scale atomic clock for space

    Microsemi Corporation has launched its SA.45s Commercial Space Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC), a commercially available radiation-tolerant CSAC suitable for low Earth orbit (LEO) applications.

    The device provides the accuracy and stability of atomic clock technology while achieving significant breakthroughs in reduced size, weight and power (SWaP) consumption, the company said.

    As the newest member of Microsemi’s CSAC product family, the Commercial Space CSAC provides excellent drift performance and built-in 1 pulse per second (PPS) input for GPS disciplining, making the device well-suited for holdover applications.

    It is targeted at several other commercial space and space research applications, including:

    • satellite timing and frequency control;
    • satellite cross linking;
    • assured position, navigation and timing; and
    • Earth observation.

    With many spacecraft manufacturers turning to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts to meet performance, schedule and cost requirements, the Commercial Space CSAC offers a solution for many satellite missions.

    “With the introduction of the Commercial Space CSAC, we now offer a space-deployable atomic precision clock reference with radiation tolerance in support of the space market’s desire to reduce mission costs and design times using COTS devices,” said Peter Cash, director of the clock business unit at Microsemi. “As the first atomic reference clock with low SWaP available for space, our new device is well-suited to applications requiring precise clock synchronization, including a variety of existing and emerging LEO applications.”

    According to a market intelligence report by Euroconsult titled, “Satellites to be Built & Launched by 2026 World Market Survey,” the total revenue for satellite manufacture and launch is expected to be $304 billion between 2017-2026. With revenues of $102 billion, LEO is expected to account for a third of the total market, with 82 percent derived from satellite manufacturing.

    “Harris provides the world’s most advanced sensors, payloads and communications technologies; receiving and information processing systems; and analytics, which provide our customers with the integrated information and actionable intelligence they need for mission and business success,” said Tim Lynch, general manager, Mission Solutions at Harris Corporation’s Space and Intelligence Systems segment. “Microsemi’s latest atomic clock will support Harris in delivering complete mission solutions to our customers.”

    As a stand-alone atomic clock with a 10-megahertz CMOS-compatible output, Microsemi’s Commercial Space CSAC is a timing module providing an impressive short-term stability (Allan Deviation) and frequency stability across the operating temperature (TempCo), the company added.

    A standard CMOS-level RS-232 serial interface is built into the device, which is used to control and calibrate the unit and provide a comprehensive set of status monitors. The interface is also used to set and read the CSAC’s precise internal time-of-day clock.

    Microsemi’s radiation-tolerant ruggedized oscillators also include OCXOs and EMXOs for applications that require higher accuracy and can support higher power consumption.

    Other key features include:

    • Power consumption of less than 120 milliwatts (mW)
    • Less than 17 cubic centimeters volume (1.6 in. × 1.39 in. × 0.45 in.)
    • Radiation-tolerant: 20 krad
    • Single event latch-up (SEL) and single event upset (SEU) tested to 64 megaelectron-volts per square centimeter/milligram (Mev-cm2/mg)
    • Short-term stability (Allan Deviation) of 3.0 × 10–10 at TAU = 1 sec
    • Frequency stability across temperature range (TempCo) less than 5×10-10
    • 1PPS output and 1PPS input for synchronization and time-keeping
    • RS-232 interface for monitoring and control
  • Launchpad: New RTK system for surveyors

    Launchpad: New RTK system for surveyors

    SURVEY & MAPPING

    RTK survey system

    Using a smartphone

    Tersus David RTK is a real-time kinematic solution for centimeter-level accuracy using a smartphone. By plugging into a smartphone with a USB cable, The Tersus David turns the phone into an RTK rover, geographic information system (GIS) collector and RTK base. It supports GPS L1/L2, BeiDou B1/B2 and GLONASS G1/G2 signals. The rugged design enables it to operate in harsh environments.

    Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

    Mobile mapper

    High speed for corridor mapping

    The Riegl VMX-2HA is a high-speed, high-performance dual-scanner mobile mapping system that provides dense, accurate and feature-rich data at highway speeds. With 2 million measurements and 500 scan lines per second, the turnkey solution is suitable for survey-grade mobile mapping applications. The powerful technology in the Riegl VMX-2HA is comprised of two Riegl VUX-1HA high-accuracy lidar sensors and a high-performance INS/GNSS unit housed in an aerodynamically shaped protective cover. A camera interface for up to nine optional cameras enables the lidar data to be complemented by precisely georeferenced images.

    Riegl, www.riegl.com

    3D laser scanner

    Rapid mapping indoors and out

    The ZEB-REVO RT is the next generation of the ZEB-REVO — GeoSLAM’s lightweight, handheld laser scanner that allows rapid, simple mapping of complex, indoor and multi-level spaces. The ZEB-REVO RT uses Wi-Fi technology to seamlessly connect the scanner to a mobile phone or tablet, allowing for real-time data visualization as the user walks and scans. The simultaneous scanning and processing of 3D data removes the need for post-processing, effectively slashing project survey times in half. The technology is so rapid, users can scan and process a three-story building in 30 minutes.

    GeoSLAM, geoslam.com

    ArcGIS add-on app

    Connects Esri ArcGIS data with Salesforce data

    MapAnything Connector for ArcGIS gives users a map view of Esri ArcGIS Online data inside Salesforce with their organizational data for strategic planning and analysis. The add-on app serves as a bi-directional integration layer between the programs, enabling customers to access their ArcGIS mapping and location intelligence inside the MapAnything Platform. Once connected, the MapAnything user interface helps Salesforce users view and interact with Esri maps and data alongside their existing customer and business data, exposing new opportunities to drive revenue and increase efficiency; improve decision making by aligning two core systems of record, the GIS system and the customer relationship management (CRM); and make it easy for GIS professionals to share insights seamlessly with their counterparts. The application has uses across retail, commercial real estate, telecommunications and economic development.

    MapAnything, mapanything.com

    OEM

    Simulator

    Generates Realistic Test Scenarios for a wide variety of applications

    The SMW200A GNSS simulator can be extended to up to four RF outputs and allows GNSS signals to be simulated simultaneously in multiple frequency bands for multiple antennas. It can internally simulate a complex interference environment in parallel with GNSS signals. To test multi-frequency and multi-antenna systems, users have access to 72 GNSS channels that can be assigned to up to four RF outputs. The SMW200A can generate QZSS and SBAS signals as well as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou signals, enabling users to quickly and easily verify the position accuracy of their receivers under realistic conditions. An internal noise generator can generate complex interference scenarios with multiple interferers.

    Rohde & Schwarz, www.rohde-schwarz.com

    RTK receiver

    Multi-frequency, four constellations for survey and GIS

    The Altus NR3 is a multi-frequency, quad-constellation (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo) RTK receiver for survey and GIS applications. It features Septentrio’s AIM+ interference mitigation and monitoring system, allowing continued operation in the presence of both intentional and non-intentional interference. It combines advanced GNSS features with a robust communications suite in a compact, low-power and easy-to-use unit. The Altus NR3 is configurable as either a rover or a base station. It offers one-touch logging and Septentrio’s on-board web interface so users can monitor and configure the unit as well as collect data using any Wi-Fi-capable device.

    Septentrio, www.septentrio.com

    Battlefield navigation

    Protects critical military and security networks

    VersaPNT provides virtually failsafe battlefield navigation, even in GPS-denied environments, to protect critical networks. The new, ground, air or sea vehicle-mounted unit is designed for military environments, with a ruggedized, compact, low-power and lightweight form factor. It provides continuous mission assurance and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) support, even in hostile environments.

    Spectracom, www.spectracom.com

    Timing server

    Incorporates SAASM for defense

    The SyncServer S650 SAASM server incorporates a Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM). The SAASM capability provides a highly secure, accurate and flexible time and frequency platform for synchronizing mission-critical electronics systems and instrumentation applications in the defense market. The SAASM received the GPS Directorate security approval to incorporate a military-grade, GPS SAASM receiver module, enabling U.S. armed forces to deploy features of the commercial SyncServer S650 in a military-grade configuration and allowing for a migration path to GPS Military Code (M-code) support.

    Microsemi, www.microsemi.com

    Antenna

    Superior multi-constellation tracking for uavs, survey vessels

    The multi-constellation D-Helix Antenna is capable of superior tracking of signals from GPS L1/L2 L-Band, GLONASS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2/B3 and Galileo. The quadrifilar helix design of low wind-resistance makes it suitable for UAV positioning and navigation. The increased antenna gain and beamwidth ensure better signal receiving performance at low elevation angles; the low noise design also reduces interference and improves signal quality. The antenna can be used in UAV patrol, UAV plant protection and for unmanned patrol and survey vessels.

    Harxon, en.harxon.com

    UAV

    Operations software

    Helps enterprises efficiently manage their drone operations

    FlightHub is a new software solution that helps enterprises and drone service providers efficiently manage their drone operations from a single platform. A web-based service, FlightHub enables the secure management of real-time drone operations, flight data, drone fleets and pilot teams to meet the needs of the expanding global commercial drone industry. Users can view their teams’ remote drone operations from one place in real time.FlightHub provides enterprises a clear, centralized view of their company’s drone operations to enable onsite pilots to more effectively collaborate with offsite teams. The Map View and Real-Time View features display telemetry, camera and sensor data for faster, more informed decision making.

    DJI, www.dji.com

    Drone camera

    Addition to M-Series IP network camera line

    The new MR6442AX IP 4MP dome camera is suitable for demanding outdoor installations in challenging lighting conditions, such as schools, parking lots and sports stadiums, as well as city and perimeter surveillance. It features brilliant video quality, a 2.8 to 12 mm Varifocal-Auto iris lens, 100-db high dynamic range (HDR) and built-in Sense up+ low light technology. Intelligent video surveillance (IVS) functionality is a cornerstone of LILIN IP M-aeries cameras. The MR6442AX IVS analytics include advanced motion detection, object counting and tripwire detection, allowing the camera to detect when an object or person has breached an area such as the entrance to a building or parking lot. The MR6442AX is outdoor-ready out-of-the-box with an IP66 rating for rain and dust resistance, suitable for perimeter protection where early detection of an intrusion attempt is critical.

    LILIN Americas, www.lilin.us

    Quadcopter

    Specifically designed for agriculture

    The Parrot Bluegrass Agricultural Solution includes a powerful quadcopter equipped with a full high-definition front camera and embedded Parrot Sequoia advanced multispectral sensor; flight planning mobile application with Pix4Dcapture; data processing with AIRINOV FIRST+ cloud platform; and a long-range remote control, the Parrot Skycontroller 2. Parrot Bluegrass is easy to set up , fly and repair, with Pix4Dcapture autonomous flight capability. It can automatically cover up to 30 hectares at 70 meters / 230 feet flight altitude per battery (25 minutes per battery).

    Parrot, www.parrot.com

    UAS countermeasure

    Automatically detects, locates, tracks and takes over UAS controls

    The Airfence 5.0 UAS countermeasure platform, updated from Airfence One, provides new and improved directional finding along with detection, tracking and long-distance jamming capabilities. It is designed to protect militaries, airports, prisons and private companies from rogue drones in illegal and potentially life-threatening situations. Airfence 5.0 is certified rugged and offers compact out-of-the box setup and installation. The update incorporates lessons learned from key projects with the FAA, NASA, the U.S. Marine Corps and the European Commission. Airfence 5.0 includes updates focused on increasing the detection rate and level of data packets received, enabling for real-time actionable insights.

    Sensofusion, sensofusion.com

    TRANSPORTATION

    Connected car device

    Plug-in for older vehicles

    The HumX plug-in turns older model autos into smart cars. It equips the cars with features like using GPS for roadside assistance, Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, maintenance reminders and auto health diagnostics. HumX uses safety features such as speeding and boundary alerts, vehicle diagnostics, driving history and emergency assistance (with crash detection capabilities). It allows travelers to stay safe with pinpoint roadside assistance, turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic updates and a mechanics hotline for certified, expert advice. HumX is sold with an equipment fee, a one-time activation fee and a monthly subscription.

    Verizon, Hum.com

    Electronic logging for mobile devices

    Enables fleets to improve safety, productivity from a Samsung device

    Omnitracs and Samsung Electronics America are partnering to help the transportation industry address the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate. The solution combines Samsung smartphones, tablets and security solutions with Omnitracs’ XRS fleet management software to improve safety, data security and productivity for U.S.-based fleets. Drivers can use their mobile device to monitor hours of service (HOS) logs to comply with legal requirements during on- and off-duty management of vehicles. Electronic tracking of HOS increases speed and accuracy of reporting, because drivers can track their hours in real time instead of fixed increments, such as in manual entry methods. The solution provides fleets with key driver performance analytics, including fuel usage, drive time, speed, driving behavior, driver vehicle inspection reporting (DVIR) and trip data to improve driver safety, lower costs and increase productivity.

    Omnitracs, www.omnitracs.com; Samsung, www.samsung.com