GPS World

Tag: precision timing

  • NAL Technologies unveils ALTM-T optimized for precision timing

    NAL Technologies unveils ALTM-T optimized for precision timing

    NAL Technologies (Naltec), a provider of assured positioning, navigationand timing (APNT) solutions, has added to its Alternative Location and Timing Module (ALTM) family with ALTM-T. The ALTM-T module is engineered for applications and infrastructure demanding precise location, timing and synchronization redundancy with other APNT sources.

    Critical network infrastructure — power grids, financial markets, transportation, data and centers — are heavily reliant on GNSS/GPS signals where precise timestamps, synchronization and transaction integrity, and operational continuity are key.

    ALTM-T is an ultra-low size, weight and power (SWaP) receiver ptimized for precision timing at <50ns RMS. It also conforms to the M.2 3042 B-key standard form factor and uses less than 600MW consumption, making it suitable for SWaP-constrained systems.

    “APNT technology complements GNSS/GPS, which is the invisible backbone of modern infrastructure,” said APNT Solutions Director, Rob Gillette, NAL Technologies. “Without additional timing sources such as APNT by Naltec, a failure of GNSS/GPS can trigger consequences that could cascade rapidly across utilities, transportation and financial markets. With ALTM-T, users will benefit from enhanced performance delivered from APNT by Naltec, to ensure resilient precision timing synchronization.”

    The embeddable ALTM-T receiver leverages the Iridium PNT signal to provide a complementary APNT source that is approximately 1,000 times stronger than GNSS/GPS. The APNT signal can penetrate indoor environments as well as mitigate intentional and unintentional GNSS interference for ultimate reliability.

    Naltec provider of Iridium PNT-enabled modules, with more than 13,000 receivers deployed since its first ALTM launch in 2019. ALTM-T is commercially available and now shipping.

  • Hoptroff to deliver resilient precision timing to financial markets through LSEG’s platform

    Hoptroff to deliver resilient precision timing to financial markets through LSEG’s platform

    Hoptroff, a precision timing specialist, has partnered with the London Stock Exchange (LSEG) through its Hosting & Connectivity Partner Platform, which enables financial markets customers to access third-party applications and services via LSEG’s global connectivity services.

    The move reflects a fundamental shift in how financial services views timing infrastructure. No longer just a technical requirement, time has become a strategic investment in cybersecurity and digital resilience.

    Timing precision has long been a regulatory necessity in financial markets. Rules such as MiFID II and FINRA CAT NMS define exactly how accurate trade timestamps must be. What’s changing is the expectation that timing infrastructure itself be resilient and independently verified.

    Emerging EU and US guidelines now urge firms to mitigate over-reliance on GNSS/GPS and to implement terrestrial, traceable time sources that are protected against jamming, spoofing and cyberattacks. Time is under threat, and for financial institutions, dependable time is now a core element of regulatory resilience and audit confidence.

    “Partnering with LSEG is significant,” said Tim Richards, CEO of Hoptroff. “As one of the world’s most influential financial institutions, their recognition of Hoptroff’s timing solutions demonstrates the strategic importance of resilient time that is easily accessible.”

    Hoptroff combines precision timing with the reliability and uptime the sector demands, then pairs it with software that makes compliance straightforward. “Everything is plug-and-play, so firms get instant access without heavy upfront infrastructure costs,” Richards said.

    Hoptroff addresses both established and emerging regulatory requirements for time synchronisation. The company holds ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications and exceeds the precision standards financial markets require, offering accuracy across a terrestrial network that connects directly to national timing authorities, including NIST, NPL and RISE. This allows firms to meet global financial services regulations, such as MiFID II, FINRA CAT, and the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), without sacrificing trading accuracy or uptime.

  • EndRun introduces compact, high-performance time and frequency standard

    EndRun introduces compact, high-performance time and frequency standard

    New GPS-synchronized Ninja Precision Timing Module provides a myriad of time and frequency outputs with high performance in a small, low-power platform.

    Photo: EndRun
    Photo: EndRun

    EndRun Technologies, a provider of precision time and frequency solutions, has released the high-performance Ninja Precision Timing Module (PTM). The third-generation Ninja — optimized for size, weight and power (SWaP) — can be easily integrated into 1U host systems or deployed as a cost-effective standalone solution.

    The resilient GPS-synchronized Ninja is based on the core of EndRun’s Meridian II Precision TimeBase instrument. Up to nine optional, user configurable, time and frequency outputs are available with accuracy, stability and ultra-low phase noise. Ninja’s network interface includes a robust Network Time Protocol (NTP) server as well as secure management.

    Three OCXO reference oscillators are available to meet price-performance requirements. Advanced users can optimize Ninja with EndRun’s innovative Real-Time Ionospheric Corrections (RTIC) to directly measure and compensate for ionospheric delay of received GPS signals in real-time.

    “The Ninja Precision Timing Module is another breakthrough solution from EndRun that provides an abundance of outputs in a small form factor without compromising performance,” said Michael Korreng, senior R&D engineer, EndRun Technologies. “The high-level of integration and output versatility readily integrates into many mission critical applications including SATCOM, tactical communications, signal intelligence, security camera synchronization, digital broadcast, network synchronization, range timing, and many more.”

    Key Ninja performance specifications with Ultra-Stable OCXO, Real-Time Ionospheric Corrections, and calibration are:

    • Time accuracy of <10 nanoseconds RMS to UTC(USNO)
    • Frequency accuracy better than 4×10-14 (100k second average)
    • Short-term stability 4.0×10-13 at 1 second
    • Ultra-low phase noise 10 MHz (<-110 dBc @ 1 Hz offset)
    • Programmable Pulse Rates from 1 PPS to 10 MPPS
    • Ethernet port with a Stratum 1 NTP server (2500 packets per second)
    • IEEE 1588 PTP grandmaster option (future release)
    • Low power (<6 watts) with 9-18 VDC input. (External AC/DC supply available)
    • Chassis: 1.5”H x 4.44”W x 5.3”D

    The Ninja PTM is available now.