GatesAir introduces timing and signal reference generator

GatesAir will soon ship a new timing and signal reference solution for broadcast and telecom facilities that speaks to modern navigation technologies used in second-generation global navigation satellite systems. GatesAir is demonstrating this innovation, the Maxiva GNSS-PTP, at the upcoming 2022 NAB Show, April 23–26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth W7426.

The new Maxiva GNSS-PTP is a standalone 1RU solution with a sophisticated switching algorithm that assures high-precision 10MHz and 1 PPS reference signals to mission-critical components in the signal chain, including transmitters, networking, and studio equipment. Each GNSS-PTP device feeds up to twelve 10 MHz and 1 PPS references in the technology infrastructure, removing the need to integrate a standalone timing source in each component. GatesAir says this will substantially reduce equipment costs and installation timelines while providing engineers with a single, yet highly redundant, point of failure. 

Improved redundancy

GatesAir claims this high level of redundancy assures precise timing and frequency generation. The product design includes redundant AC power supplies with built-in battery back-up for “always-on” protection and diverse timing sources, including redundant GNSS receivers. Those receivers have OCXO temperature control to prevent frequency changes and support all major global satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS). Timing sources also include a hardware-based PTP module and an external 10 MHz and 1 PPS reference. Built-in switching control logic ensures reliability and flexibility for always selecting the highest priority source as a reference. 

A bonus for users is the integrated web interface that allows them to select frequency bands for each GNSS system easily and configure timing source selection in automatic and manual modes. The user interface also offers helpful visual aids, including detailed tracking maps and tables, satellite status and signal quality. 

“GatesAir has strong experience in timing and synchronization for video, audio and telecom networks, and the Maxiva GNSS-PTP represents a major step forward in timing reliability, network redundancy and cost reduction,” said Keyur Parikh, GatesAir’s vice president of engineering. “Our Intraplex SynchroCast solutions have long provided timing and frequency reference generation to synchronize SFN networks. The GNSS-PTP product builds upon that capability to provide precision timing to broadcast and telecom networks. Our customers can rest assured that they have a proven solution that will work in any broadcast studio, RF plant and telco facility worldwide with the rock-solid reliability they expect from GatesAir.”