u-blox ZED-X20T delivers secure, high-accuracy GNSS timing
u-blox has announced the ZED-X20T, its new flagship global navigation satellite system (GNSS) timing module. Designed for telecommunications networks, data centres and power grids, the module helps equipment manufacturers maintain reliable synchronisation as critical infrastructure becomes more distributed and increasingly exposed to interference.
Extending the u-blox X20 platform into precision timing, the ZED-X20T combines nanosecond-level accuracy with advanced security and resilience features. It also provides existing ZED-F9T customers with a pin-compatible upgrade path.
From cellular base stations coordinating handovers to data centres recording events across servers and power-grid operators comparing measurements from distant locations, critical infrastructure depends on a reliable common time reference. As these systems become more complex, operators must be able to trust that reference even when GNSS signals are disrupted or targeted.
The ZED-X20T is designed to help equipment manufacturers address these challenges while building on existing timing designs.
Accurate GNSS timing without additional correction complexity
The ZED-X20T receives signals across the L1, L2, L5 and L6 GNSS frequency bands. By combining measurements from multiple constellations and frequency bands, the module can improve mitigation of ionospheric errors and maintain greater robustness when parts of the radio spectrum are affected.
The module also receives Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) corrections directly from satellites via the E6 signal. These corrections reduce satellite clock and orbit errors without requiring a separate correction receiver, an internet connection for correction data or a correction-service subscription.
Under clear-sky conditions, the ZED-X20T achieves timing accuracy of better than 2.5 ns (1-sigma) without Galileo HAS corrections and better than 2.0 ns (1-sigma) when HAS corrections are used.
This performance can support synchronisation across equipment distributed over streets, cities or wider regions.
Security and resilience for critical infrastructure
A precise time reference is only useful if it can be trusted. The ZED-X20T combines secure boot, authenticated GNSS navigation data and interference detection and mitigation capabilities.
These features help equipment designers identify interference or suspicious signal conditions and protect timing integrity in demanding environments.
In telecommunications networks, trustworthy synchronisation supports service continuity. In data centres, consistent timestamps help maintain audit trails and data integrity. For increasingly dynamic power grids, synchronised measurements across distributed assets provide greater visibility as renewable generation from sources such as solar and wind becomes more widespread.
“As communication and energy infrastructure becomes more distributed, trusted synchronisation is becoming increasingly important to service continuity,” said Samuli Pietilä, director of product management, Timing and Infrastructure GNSS at u-blox.
“The ZED-X20T brings the all-band performance and advanced security of the u-blox X20 platform to timing, while giving established ZED-F9T customers a practical and seamless path towards the next generation of their designs.”
A practical upgrade path for existing timing designs
The ZED-X20T retains the established 17 × 22 mm ZED form factor and is pin-compatible with the ZED-F9T. This can help manufacturers reduce hardware redesign effort when adding all-band timing capability.
The ZED-F9T remains part of the u-blox portfolio, while the ZED-X20T provides an additional option for customers requiring updated timing performance, security and resilience.
The module is designed for telecommunications equipment, including cellular base stations and grandmaster clocks, as well as data-centre infrastructure and power-grid monitoring systems.
Two variants support different system architectures:
ZED-X20T-00B: incorporates an internal temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO).
ZED-X20T-10B: supports an external frequency reference.
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