Trimble's New Smart GNSS Timing Antenna Adds GLONASS Capabilities for Network Synchronization

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May 08, 2012, 06:32 ET

NEW ORLEANS, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) introduced today its latest generation of timing receivers—the Acutime™ GG smart antenna with multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities. Slightly larger than a baseball and housed in a rugged, environmentally sealed enclosure, the Acutime GG provides a pulse-per-second (PPS) output synchronized to UTC within 15 nanoseconds (one sigma). It is a small, accurate and extremely cost-effective solution for adding GNSS timing and synchronization to any application where ease of installation and long-term reliability is critical.

The announcement was made at CTIA's Wireless 2012 Conference.

Using Trimble's latest GPS and GLONASS software technology, the Acutime GG smart timing antenna builds upon Trimble's field-proven expertise. In addition to GPS and GLONASS, the smart antenna also supports Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) and the Asian Pacific Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).

The new Acutime GG smart antenna is backwards compatible with applications built around previous generations of Acutime receivers. The antenna is an ideal solution for precise timing and network synchronization. It provides an independent GNSS timing source, within the firewall, for a variety of applications including:

Synchronization and timing of cellular and radio networks
Network fault detection systems
Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) applications
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems

"The Acutime GG smart antenna builds on Trimble's experience with GPS smart antennas," said Karen Guldan, general manager of Trimble's Timing Business. "We've implemented the next step in our product line strategy by adding multi-GNSS capabilities without changing the form factor of the product. This step brings the price and performance value needed in today's expanding wireless market."

Once powered, the Acutime GG automatically tracks satellites and surveys its position to within meters. It then switches to overdetermined time mode and generates a PPS, outputting a time tag for each pulse. The Acutime GG smart antenna's Time-Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitor (T-RAIM) algorithm ensures PPS integrity.

Designed for long-term reliability, the Acutime GG smart timing antenna is a pole-mounted GNSS receiver and antenna. It is corrosion-resistant and waterproof and has a rounded top that facilitates run-off from the elements. The RS-422 interface is ideal for the long cable runs required by buildings or towers. Standard cables are available in lengths up to 400 feet. Custom lengths up to 1800 feet are available.

The Acutime GG can operate in extreme temperatures (-40 to +85 degrees Celsius) and hostile RF-jamming environments typically encountered at wireless network transmitter sites. It requires less than 1 watt to operate and outputs Trimble's Standard Interface Protocol (TSIP) or industry-standard NMEA.

The Acutime GG Starter Kit makes it easy to evaluate the performance of the Acutime GG smart antenna. It includes the Acutime GG smart antenna (RS-422), a 100 foot interface cable, user guide, RS-422 to USB converter, and a Microsoft® Windows® software tool for monitoring and communication.

The Acutime GG smart timing antenna is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2012 through Trimble's Advanced Devices sales network.

About Trimble GPS Timing
Communication systems, financial networks, utilities, and other critical infrastructure all rely on precision timing for synchronization and operational efficiency. Trimble GNSS receivers provide the precision time and frequency for some of the world's largest communications and computer networking companies. Trimble offers precision time and frequency products to 3G/4G wireless, broadband and digital broadcast networks. More than 33 years of experience allow Trimble to take GNSS receivers and disciplined clocks to higher levels of integration and performance, providing superior technology, quality and cost benefit to customers.

About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location -- including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit: www.trimble.com.

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SOURCE Trimble