Prepared for integration with external PTP, Sync-E and network listen

u-blox time and frequency products provide multi-GNSS synchronisation for cost-sensitive network edge equipment including Small Cell and Femto wireless base-stations. The LEA-M8F module is a fully self-contained phase and frequency reference based on GNSS, but can also be used as part of a complete timing sub-system including macro-sniff Synchronous Ethernet and packet timing.

The LEA-M8F module includes a low-noise 30.72 MHz VCTCXO meeting the master reference requirements for LTE Small Cells and provides 100 ppb autonomous hold-over across its full operating temperature range. The LEA-M8F module can also measure and control an external TCXO or OCXO for TDLTE, LTE Advanced and other applications requiring extended hold-over. External sources of synchronization are supported through time-pulse and frequency inputs and a message interface. This allows measurements from macro-sniff, Sync-E or packet timing to be combined with measurements from GNSS.

The u-blox time and frequency products include timing integrity alarms that report phase and frequency uncertainty both during normal operation and hold-over. They feature a high dynamic range radio with both analog and digital interference mitigation, supporting their inclusion as an integral part of a local area base station design.

Example application (Small Cell)

In a wireless Small Cell application, the LEA-M8F can distribute a disciplined low-phase noise 30.72 MHz reference signal directly to the RF transceivers. GNSS synchronisation is combined with network sources by an exchange of synchronisation signals, status and control messages with the base-band processor. Source selection and hold-over may be controlled by either the LEA-M8F or base-band application.