Product category:
Frequency Control Components
News Release from: Diamond Point International (Europe) | Subject: Trimble Mini-T
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 29 May 2007
GPS clock is on time for network
synchronisation
GPS receiver and ovenised quartz oscillator are combined to provide precision timing and synchronisation of wireless data and voice networks.
Diamond Point has introduced the miniature Trimble Mini-T GPS disciplined clock, a combined GPS receiver and ovenised quartz oscillator designed for the precise timing and synchronisation of wireless data and voice networks The module uses GPS signals to discipline or calibrate the quartz oscillator, eliminating its natural tendency to drift, delivering a precision that emulates atomic clocks
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 26 Jul 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Such precise timing and synchronisation is essential in order to optimise the assigned bandwidth of wireless systems capable of operating across very large geographical areas.
The Mini-T GPS clock is capable of 12-channel simultaneous operation and provides a stable 10MHz reference frequency and a precision 1pulse/s output of 20ns accuracy.
The module provides an update rate of 1Hz and an exceptionally low phase noise.
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The architecture of the clock is designed to maintain the stringent CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) holdover specification whereby synchronisation accuracy must be maintained for extended periods if the GPS signal is lost or if the GPS receiver malfunctions.
An automatic self survey mode provides for a more accurate and stable reference source with faster recovery from power interruptions.
Trimble's Timing Superpackets technology offers the user all of the timing information required by the host application, in an easy-to-use format.
Unlike previous devices, which used conventional ASICs, the satellite receiver of the module incorporates a commercially available general-purpose DSP chip.
This flexible DSP approach and the unprecedented level of integration used in the Mini-T enables OEMs and system integrators to embed a simple, high reliability, cost-effective and precise time and frequency reference source in the smallest available form factor.
The module, which measures just 129 x 35 x 16mm, provides 1pulse/s, 10MHz and antenna interfaces via SMA-f connectors.
Thanks to its flexibility, the Mini-T module will be upgradeable in the field to Galileo L1 compatibility when the code structure becomes available.
The Mini-T disciplined clock from Diamond Point provides superior performance in a host of environments including, maximising bandwidth for wireless local loops, WiMAX, DAB, DVB and VSAT terrestrial and satellite broadcasting and US E911 (Enhanced 911) mobile emergency caller location using TDOA (time difference of arrival).
It supports the TSIP (Trimble Standard Interface Protocol) standard.
The Mini-T is designed to operate with Trimble's Bullet III GPS antenna in the hostile RF-jamming environments often encountered at wireless network transmitter sites.
Furthermore, Trimble's proprietary T-RAIM (Time-Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring) carefully validates the satellite signals, ignoring inaccurate information that could interfere with the precision outputs.
The Bullet III GPS antenna, which is available in 5 and 3.3V versions from Diamond Point, offers a gain of 35+/-3dB, measures just 77.5 x 66.2mm, weighs 170g and is designed for fixed mounting via standard 0.75in pipe thread.
The clock module incorporates antenna open and short circuit detection and protection.
The Mini-T makes an ideal replacement for the previous Thunderbolt GPS disciplined clock.
All system components are manufactured lead free and are RoHS compliant.
Software/manuals are available electronically and a starter kit is also available from Diamond Point for customer evaluation.
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