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

You may be interested in our white paper on ‘GNSS Timing Services for Data Centers using ViaLite RF over fiber’.

View all of our GPS/GNSS products.

Datasheets

Product Inquiry

ViaLite GPS over fiber system: a typical installation

ViaLite Launch Mil Aero Black OEM IP55-rated

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 is a popular enclosure for the GPS link.

The ViaLite GPS fiber optic 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.

ViaLite GPS over Fiber Extension Kits

ViaLite‘s RF over fiber GPS extension kits are designed for timing and synchronization applications. They are ideal for providing a remote GPS/GNSS signal or derived timing reference to equipment where no GPS signal is available. For example, inside a building, tunnel or underground mine.

The kits can carry signals to 10+ km. Plus, through the use of fiber instead of traditional coax, these and longer distances are possible with no RF loss and negligible signal degradation from noise and interference. The kits are suitable for GPS (L1, L2, L5), GALILEO, GLONASS and BeiDou bands.

In timing and synchronization applications, multiple Network Time Protocol (NTP) server networks are required to maintain extremely accurate clock systems. ViaLite’s kits are compatible with the leading providers’ NTP servers, including Microchip and Meinberg.

Integrated GPS Splitter for RX side

The ViaLiteHD GPS Splitter can be used for the Rx side of your system. The Splitter is available with 1-4 RF over fiber receivers and 8-32 outputs, and only uses 1RU of rack space. View the GPS Splitter product page.

Datasheets

Please see the Downloads tab for the Kit datasheets.

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 a Monitoring & Control Module and dual power supply modules. A 1U chassis accepts three RF cards or two RF cards with a Monitoring & Control Module.

– 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.

– Black OEM Module

The Black OEM module covers a wide frequency range from 10 MHz to 6 GHz, has been designed with harsh environmental conditions in mind and is IP55 rated for outdoor use.

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
Transmitter (Tx) gain, default	-5 +/- 0.5 dB (typ) ^a
Receiver (Rx) gain, default	+5 +/- 0.5 dB (typ) ^a
Link gain (Tx & Rx), default	+0 +/- 1.5 dB (typ) ^a
Tx gain adjustment range	15.5 dB (typ)
Tx gain adjustment from default gain	+1/-4 dB (min) ^d
Rx gain adjustment range	15.5 dB (typ)
Rx gain adjustment from default gain	+/- 3 dB (min) ^d
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

^a nominal input power @ 0dB optical loss
^d guaranteed minimum adjustment from default gain

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 range	-20 °C to +60 °C ^e
Storage temperature	-40 °C to +70 °C

^eDatasheet parameters based on temperature range -10 °C to +50 °C, refer to user manual for performance parameters at -20 °C to +60 °C.

HRT-G1-8M-10-S1310
Transmitter, GPS & Galileo 1000-1800 MHz, 50 Ohm SMA, Singlemode SC/APC, Blue OEM link, LNA feed to RF Connector, Wavelength 1310 nm.

HRR-G1-8M-60
Receiver, GPS & Galileo 1000-1800 MHz, 50 Ohm SMA, Singlemode SC/APC, Blue OEM link, GPS & LF Load Simulator, 5 dB RF Gain

HRR-G1-8M-66
Receiver, GPS & Galileo 1000-1800 MHz, 50 Ohm SMA, Singlemode SC/APC, Blue OEM link, GPS & LF Load Simulator, 25 dB RF Gain

ViaLiteHD GPS Link Datasheet (version HRx-Gx-DS-3)
Blue2 Link 9-Way Datasheet (version HRx-xx-xQZ-2)
Blue2 Link 15-Way Datasheet (version HRx-xx-xP-W-3)
Blue OEM Datasheet (version HRx-xx-xM-DS-4)
Blue OEM Power Supply Datasheet (version HPS-CB-xx-DS-1)
Yellow OEM Datasheet (version HRx-xx-xN-DS-3)
ViaLiteHD RF Link Handbook (version HRx-HB-9)