GPS Link

The ViaLite GNSS/GPS over fiber link allows for timing distribution and accurate synchronization using GPS-derived timing signals. The links are a reliable method for transporting GPS signals from antennas to receivers/re-radiators, and provide a simple solution for signal distribution over long distances and to inaccessible locations.

Transmits all common GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS and BeiDou bands
L1 and L2 GPS frequencies
Link operation 1 m to 50 km
>50 km systems also available
GPS antenna powering and monitoring
Time server load input/spoofing
Simple plug and play
MiFID II standard
Fiber-Span replacement product
5-year warranty as standard

View our Fiber Optic System Configuration diagram (PDF)

Datasheets

Product Inquiry

ViaLite GPS over fiber system: a typical installation

Ultra-wide dynamic range

The ViaLite GPS link has been designed with very low noise and a lower minimum signal level – allowing for very low level signals to be transported from the antenna.

Redundancy

For situations where redundancy is required – for maximum signal uptime and integrity – the GPS is available in single or dual redundant configuration.

Alarm / antenna spoofing

All ViaLiteHD GPS products come with alarm and antenna spoofing as standard. This allows the GPS antenna to be sensed by the RF over fiber transmitter and – if the antenna fails – the transmitter switches off its laser, forcing a fault condition at the receiver end. This allows the user to know there is a fault in the system. In addition, the receiver supplies the resistive load needed by time servers to spoof a copper connection to the antenna. If there is a fault seen at the receiver, it will switch off this load causing a fault condition in the time server – again, allowing the user to know there is a fault in the system.

Point to Multipoint

With increased congestion on metropolitan roof space and increased costs for locating antennas on roof spaces, further to advances in distance and splitting techniques, it is now possible to have single antennas split multiple ways to different buildings or to multiple floors in a single building.

MiFID II standard

The MiFID is the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (Directive 2004/39/EC). MiFID has been in force since November 2007 and MiFID II is set to take effect from 3rd January 2018. The directive governs the provision of investment services in financial instruments by banks and investment firms and the operation of traditional stock exchanges and alternative trading venues. The ViaLite GPS link allows financial institutions etc. to comply with this standard.

Read about MiFID and GPS time distribution in data centers.

Enclosures

The ViaLite ODE-A4 GPS and Satcom6 units are popular enclosures for the GPS link.

The ViaLite GPS over fiber link is suitable for any application needing accurate timing, location or mapping information such as:

Communication network synchronization
Cellular BTS timing in tunnels
GPS re-radiation underground/buildings
Government secure networks
Military GPS synchronization & mapping
Meteorological stations.

The link is ideal for providing a GPS derived timing signal reference to equipment positioned where no GPS signal is available, for example in tunnels or underground mines. Cellular BTS sites and public mobile radio networks are examples where synchronized timing control is critical.

Microsemi

Microsemi provides synchronization services that assist customers with the planning, deployment and maintenance of synchronization infrastructure. Their systems need to meet various levels of redundancy, provide multiple timing and frequency outputs, and apply the most accurate GNSS and satcom techniques for measuring offsets between geographically dispersed clocks.

ViaLite Fiber Extension Kit

Carrying GNSS/GPS timing signals over optical fiber links to 10+ km, ViaLite’s fiber extension kit has been successfully qualified for use with Microsemi’s timing and synchronization products. Included in the kit is the ViaLiteHD GPS Link, which is ideal for providing a remote GNSS/GPS signal or derived timing reference to equipment located where there is no GNSS/GPS reception, such as inside buildings, tunnels and mines.

The kit is suitable for GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS and BeiDou bands, and the links provide a wide dynamic range with negligible signal degradation from noise or interference.

Datasheet

Extension Kit for Microsemi Datasheet

Applications

Microsemi systems are employed across a very wide range of industries, including communications, data centers, aerospace, defense, industrial, financial services, government, oil and gas, power and transportation.

The Metro GPS link is available in several formats:

– Single rack chassis card / Dual rack chassis card (Rx/Rx, Tx/Tx or Tx/Rx)

A fully populated 19” 3U ViaLiteHD rack chassis supports up to 26 links and accepts 13 RF cards, plus an SNMP card and dual power supply modules. A 1U chassis accepts three RF cards or two RF cards with an SNMP card.

– Blue OEM Link

The ViaLite standalone Blue OEM Link offers a compact, single link solution.

– Blue2 Link

The Blue2 Link is a dual-solution OEM which can be setup as 2x transmitters, 2x receivers or a transceiver, as required.

– Yellow OEM Link

The Yellow OEM Link has been designed for system integrators and equipment manufacturers to build the link into their own designs.

A range of support modules and accessories is also available, including indoor rack chassis units and weatherproof outdoor enclosures.

See our hardware formats guide for more information.

RF Performance Characteristics

	GPS link
Frequency Range	1000-1800MHz
Link gain (TX gain / RX gain), default	(-5 / +5), 0dB (nom)
Flatness (full band)	±0.3dB (typ)
Gain Stability	0.25dB (typ) @ 24 hrs
VSWR (50 Ohm)	1:1.5 (typ)
Noise Figure (at default gain)	15dB (typ)
Input P1dB	-8dBm (typ)
Input IP3 (at default gain)	4dBm (typ)
Maximum Input Power	13dBm (min)
SFDR	109dB/Hz ⅔ (typ)
LNA power	Internal +5V @ 80mA

Optical Performance Characteristics

	GPS link
Laser Type	DFB
Optical Wavelength	1310 nm ± 20 nm (1550nm/CWDM options)
Optical Power Output	4.5dBm (typ)

Temperature Characteristics

	GPS link
Operating Temperature	-20degC to +50degC
Storage Temperature	-40degC to +70degC

Popular Configuration Example

HRT-G1-6R-10-S1310
GPS link transmitter module with +5 V LNA feed and -5 dB nominal gain, plus 50 ohm SMA and FC/APC connectors

Technical note for customers using RF over fibre products for GPS/GNSS – Details on the 1024 week rollover on the timing clocks used in the GPS network (occurring April 2019).

ViaLiteHD GPS Link Datasheet (version HRx-Gx-DS-2)
Blue OEM Datasheet (version HRx-xx-xM-1)
Blue2 Link Datasheet (version HRx-xx-xP-1)
Yellow OEM Datasheet (version HRx-xx-xN-1)
ViaLiteHD RF Link Handbook (version HRx-HB-7)