Trimble Introduces Mini GPS Clock for Precise Timing

Trimble has introduced a miniature Global Positioning System (GPS) disciplined clock for precise synchronization of wireless networks -- the Mini-T GPS Clock. Every wireless voice and data system requires its own unique slice of the radio spectrum. In order to optimize its assigned spectrum across very large geographical areas, wireless systems must be carefully timed and synchronized. Trimble's Mini-T takes GPS disciplined clocks to a new level of integration and provides a simple, cost effective and high performance solution in Trimble's smallest form factor to date.

The announcement was made yesterday at CeBIT, the world's largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments.

GPS clocks provide superior performance for precise timing applications such as maintaining Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) holdover specifications, Enhanced 911 (E911) location positioning using Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), maximizing bandwidth for Wireless Local Loops (WLL), WiMax (wireless broadband connectivity) and broadcasting (DAB, DVB and VSAT). The Mini-T GPS Clock captures the features that these applications require, such as stable 10 MHz reference frequency and a precision 1 PPS output. An automatic self survey mode provides for a more accurate and stable reference source with faster recovery from power interruptions. Timing Superpackets technology from Trimble offers the user all of the timing information required by the host application, in an easy-to-use format.

GPS is used to discipline or calibrate the oscillator to remove small biases in the frequency. By eliminating a quartz oscillator's natural tendency to drift, the unit gives a long term stability that rivals atomic clocks. The Mini-T receiver takes this process to the next step by combining the latest in GPS receiver technology, control circuitry and high-quality ovenized oscillator on a single compact board that allows for higher reliability and lower cost. The Mini-T operates with Trimble's Bullet III GPS antenna in hostile RF-jamming environments often encountered at wireless network transmitter sites. In addition, Trimble's proprietary Time-Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (T-RAIM) carefully validates the satellite signals, ignoring inaccurate information that could interfere with the precision outputs.

"Wireless providers around the globe are in a phase of launching next generation data and voice services, all of which require sophisticated management of bandwidth allocation," said Karen Guldan, director of Trimble's Timing products. "The Mini-T disciplined clock provides an unprecedented level of integration that allows OEMs and system designers to embed a low-cost precise time and frequency reference to deliver products which maximize communications infrastructure investments."

The Mini-T GPS Clock is available now through Trimble's distribution network. It is also offered in custom frequencies and form factors and is RoHS-compliant. A starter kit is also available for customer evaluations.