Multi-band, timing modules which concurrently support the L1 and L5 GNSS (global navigation satellite system) signals have been released by u-blox. The ZED-F9T-10B and LEA-F9T-10B timing modules, and the RCB-F9T-1 timing card deliver the nanosecond-level timing accuracy required to synchronise cellular network base stations and smart power grids.
Furthermore, the ANN MB1 L1/L5 multi-band antenna can be used to evaluate the performance of the timing modules and develop high precision for heavy machinery, ground robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The timing modules’ multi-band capability allows them to compensate the ionosphere error from all GNSS satellite constellations and reduce the timing error under clear skies to less than five nanoseconds without the need for an external GNSS correction service. To achieve maximum performance, the modules track signals from as many satellites as possible.
The L1/L5 signal combination complements u-blox’s existing portfolio based on L1 and L2 signals, and are timely as satellite constellations transmitting signals on the L5 band near completion. Modernised L5 signals are expected to deliver improved performance, especially in difficult urban conditions. The L5 signals fall within the protected aeronautical radio navigation service (ARNS) frequency band and are also less subject to RF interference.
The LEA-F9T-10B module has an extended -40 to +105 degree C temperature range. U-blox says it will enable robust products that leverage these new signals in the L5 frequency band to be developed.
In addition to offering a differential timing mode for highly accurate local timing, the modules include improved anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies to detect and flag malicious RF interference. There is also a secure boot function and secure interfaces which prevent intruders from tampering with the messages between the receiver and the host system. There is also time-receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (T-RAIM) which provides highest-level timing integrity, says u-blox.
The u-blox ANN-MB1 L1/L5 multi-band antenna supports the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou GNSS constellations. It simplifies the testing and deployment of L1/L5 multi-band GNSS solutions, says u-blox. It is available in magnetic and fixed mounting options.
In addition to tracking GNSS signals in the L1 and L5 bands, ANN-MB1 targets developers in industrial navigation and robotics developing precision technology to locate UAVs, ground robots, and agricultural equipment accurately and in real time.
Engineering samples of the u-blox ZED-F9T-10B, RCB-F9T-1, and ANN-MB1 will be available in May 2021, followed by the LEA-F9T-10B.
