Search Results
Search this site
157 results found with an empty search
- Multi Domain Operations | Safran Federal Systems
ENABLING MISSION-CRITICAL DOMINANCE ACROSS MULTI-DOMAIN OPERATIONS Modern missions depend on trusted positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) in environments where GPS/GNSS signals may be degraded, denied, or disrupted. The need for reliable PNT capabilities spans various environments, such as airborne operations, maritime settings, or electronic warfare scenarios. The complexity of these operational environments continues to increase, emphasizing the importance of integrated and interoperable technologies. Explore how PNT challenges vary across operational environments and how integrated capabilities support mission continuity in contested conditions. MAINTAINING PRECISION TIMING TIME NETWORK SYNCHRONIZATION Maintaining operational continuity requires timing architectures that can deliver trusted synchronization across distributed environments without any complexity or extensive system redesign. Safran Federal Systems timing solutions are built for demanding operational conditions and support secure timing requirements. With a combination of rugged designs to M-code enabled technology and flexible integration with existing architectures, warfighters are supported with trusted synchronization that ensures mission continuity and confidence. DISCOVER TIMING SOLUTIONS VALIDATING SYSTEM RESILIENCE TEST FOR THE UNEXPECTED As threats continue to evolve, organizations need GNSS simulation solutions capable of replicating complex operational environments with confidence. Our advanced GNSS simulators support testing across multiple satellite constellations, contested signal conditions, and evolving mission scenarios, helping teams validate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) performance before deployment. Our software-defined simulators provide the flexibility to test, validate, and refine system performance while keeping scalability in mind. FIND YOUR BROADSIM FIT LAND Land operations demand resilient, assured PNT to navigate complex terrain, electronic warfare, and GPS‑denied conditions. When GPS signals degrade or GPS jamming/spoofing intensifies, ground units rely on inertial navigation, hardened anti‑jam technologies, and realistic GNSS simulation to maintain mobility and coordination. Secure timing architectures ensure continuity across every phase of the fight. Explore Products GNSS Testing & Simulation Assured PNT Navigation Warfare Inertial Navigation Systems for Land BUILT FOR MODULARITY & INTEROPERABILITY As threats evolve and operational demands accelerate, we advance with them. Safran Federal Systems ensures every system is built for the threat and ready for the mission. We are a proud member of the Sensor Open Systems Architecture™ Consortium. FLEXIBLE Modular solutions that adapt to any platform or threat environment, delivering layered resilience without redesigning your architecture SCALABLE Architectures that expand with evolving mission requirements, force structure changes, and emerging threats INTEROPERABLE Open systems engineered to plug into existing architectures with ease, accelerating deployment and reducing integration risk AVAILABLE NOW Field‑proven capabilities ready for immediate deployment—no waiting, no delays, just operational advantage when you need it ELECTRONIC WARFARE & NAVWAR In today's modern battlefield, electronic warfare plays a crucial role in navigating the complex landscape of attacks targeting the Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) realm, particularly within the realm of Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR). Safran Federal Systems has been a leader in this field for over 30+ years, with expertise in Timing, Navigation, Simulation and NAVWAR. Safran Federal Systems continues to lead the defense against interference and ensure the reliability of PNT systems amidst evolving threats. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE LEARN MORE TECHNICAL RESOURCES & INSIGHTS Button Test.Detect.Defeat. Explore the NAVWAR Toolkit LEARN MORE Button Discover Approaches to GNSS Jamming & Spoofing EXPLORE Button Read Our Technical Papers For All Applications ACCESS LIBRARY Explore Solutions Tailored to Your Mission SPEAK TO AN EXPERT
- Custom Solutions | Orolia Defense & Security
Safran Federal Systems offers custom defense solutions to meet your mission requirements, enhancing flexibility & interoperability. Discover solutions. Home • Products • Custom Solutions Custom Solutions We work with you to accommodate your mission requirements. Our open architecture approach allows for so many possibilities, no idea is out of the question. Browse Solutions SOLUTION | Personnel Recovery Device World's First Cospas-Sasat Certified Second-Generation Beacon Our Personnel Recovery Device is the world’s first personal locator beacon built specifically for the US Army that utilizes the Second Generation Cospas-Sarsat signaling technology for the most demanding search and rescue environments. It’s an innovative robust, ruggedized, dual-mode, user-friendly beacon. PERSONNEL RECOVERY DEVICE SOLUTION | VersaSync Flex Flexible Time and Frequency Reference Built on the Versa platform, the VersaSync Flex has an expanded chassis that is ideal for land, sea and airborne applications. Its design can be outfitted to match your needs, no matter the mission. Built to endure the most demanding conditions, the VersaSync Flex delivers reliable, uninterrupted signals. VERSASYNC FLEX SOLUTION | Open Systems PNT Card Open-architecture framework delivering A-PNT A modular, open-architecture approach for delivering assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) within threat-filled environments. This Open Systems PNT Card demonstrates how PNT assurance can be achieved using MOSA-aligned, standards-based building blocks rather than proprietary, monolithic solutions. OPEN SYSTEMS PNT CARD SOLUTION | PSPT Portable Survivable Precision Time Clock Founded on Safran’s SecureSync® precision time and frequency technology. The PSPT provides a portable precision master clock capabilities that can be easily transported. PSPT Integration Options Our layered, modular platform allows you to pick and choose which elements to integrate into your system. Our experts will help you decide what is needed based on your requirements. Work with our team to customize a solution by reaching out today.
- Safran Federal Systems selected by DARPA for Robust Quantum Sensor development
Safran Federal Systems has been awarded a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Robust Quantum Sensor (RoQS) program, a key initiative supporting the Department of Defense’s drive to deliver assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in contested and GPS-denied environments. Safran Federal Systems selected by DARPA for Robust Quantum Sensor development Rochester, NY, October 2nd, 2025 Safran Federal Systems has been awarded a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Robust Quantum Sensor (RoQS) program, a key initiative supporting the Department of Defense’s drive to deliver assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in contested and GPS-denied environments. As part of this effort, Safran will develop quantum sensors that are inherently resistant to environmental disruptions, ensuring they can operate reliably without sacrificing performance. These sensors are expected to enable reliable navigation across multiple domains helping reduce dependence on GPS and strengthening operational readiness for U.S. and allied forces. The award covers the first phase of the program in which Safran will complete the quantum sensor development, including tests on a military helicopter, to demonstrate effectiveness in one of the most challenging environmental conditions. “This program marks a critical step forward in delivering operational quantum sensing capabilities to the warfighter,” said Dr. Robert Compton, Senior Technical Fellow. “Safran has a long legacy in inertial navigation, and RoQS represents the next evolution, which combines proven expertise with cutting-edge quantum technology to meet DoD modernization priorities.” DARPA’s RoQS program emphasizes collaboration between sensor developers and platform integrators to accelerate transition from research to operational deployment. Safran’s work will help shorten development timelines and deliver field-ready quantum sensors capable of meeting tomorrow’s operational challenges The Rochester, New York, team will focus on ruggedization, prototyping, and early integration with DoD platforms. Initial field demonstrations are planned during the first phase of the program. Safran Federal Systems is a trusted DoD mission partner and industry leader in Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT), providing cross-cutting and cost-effective solutions bred through innovation. Our expertise in simulation, NAVWAR, and open systems architecture enables rapid delivery of emerging technologies to the warfighter across all domains, from the lab to the field. For more information: www.safranfederalsystems.com Follow us on: @SafranFedSys Safran Federal Systems Safran Federal Systems Safran Federal Systems Press Contact: Rachael Smith rachael.smith@safranFS.com +1 (585) 747-6131 Charles Jones Communications & PR Safran Defense & Space, Inc charles.jones@safran-dsi.com +1 (603) 289-3743 VIEW PDF
- STIM Hermetically Sealed Product Suite | Tactical Grade IMU
Hermetically glass-to-metal sealed STIM377H/380H tactical‑grade IMUs deliver reliable attitude orbit control systems, launcher, guidance & defense navigation. Home • Products • Inertial Navigation Systems • STIM Hermetically Sealed Product Suite STIM Hermetically Sealed Product Suite High-End MEMS Gyro Market STIM Hermetically Sealed Product Suite PRODUCT | INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Weight < 0.13 lbs Size < 2.2 in³ Gyro bias instability 0.3 °/h Accelerometer bias instability 0.04 mg ANY QUESTIONS? GET QUOTE About What sets Safran apart is the exceptional performance, reliability, and high accuracy of our inertial measurement unit sensors. Our IMUs are designed to thrive in challenging environments, offering superior precision and robustness. With Safran’s IMU sensors, you can expect: Unparalleled in-run bias stability (IRBS) Compact and efficient form factors Superior weight-to-performance ratios Integrated auxiliary capabilities Whether you’re navigating complex aerospace systems or embarking on industrial ventures, Safran’s inertial measurement units are engineered to enhance your success. Click to download the Hermetically Sealed STIM data sheet. VIEW DATA SHEET VIEW EVALUATION TOOLS
- Geonyx™ M-Code | Robust North Finding with M-Code Capability
Geonyx™ M-Code incorporates secure, anti-spoofing military M-Code GPS capability to provide resilient PNT in denied environments for land & amphibious navigation. Home • Products • Inertial Navigation Systems • Geonyx ™ M-Code Geonyx™ M-Code Reliable strikes under any conditions Geonyx ™ M-Code PRODUCT | INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEMS Consumption <17 W Pointing accuracy <0.5 mils MTBF >100,000 hours ANY QUESTIONS? GET QUOTE About Integrating the HRG Crystal™, Geonyx™ offers a real breakthrough in the INS navigation grade market in terms of operational efficiency, flexible systems integration, robustness, reliability, and M-Code resilience. Features Along with being able to receive copious amounts of data from the receiver, users can also control receivers with one or many of the built-in command buttons. Operational Efficiency First-of-class pointing accuracy under the harshest conditions, market’s shortest alignment time. Robustness and reliability Hard-mounted without external support, long lifetime supported by the reliable HRG Crystal™. Flexible systems integration Can be mounted on any orientation on devices. Withstands high shock due to being hard-mounted. M-Code resilience Safran Federal Systems has the latest M-Code solutions. Click to download the Geonyx ™ M-Code data sheet. VIEW DATA SHEET
- Terms and Conditions of Purchase | Safran Federal Systems
If you are considering a purchase, it's important to be aware of our terms and conditions. Home • Terms & Conditions Terms & Conditions If you are considering a purchase, it's important to be aware of our purchasing terms and conditions. PDF DOWNLOADS Special Terms & Conditions of Purchases - U.S. Defense Button General Terms & Conditions of Purchase Button General Terms & Conditions of Sale for the Orolia Group Button SecureSync and VersaSync EULA Button
- Safran Federal Systems Earns Dual 2026 Top Workplaces Honors from USA TODAY and The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Safran Federal Systems is proud to announce that it has earned two prestigious workplace recognition awards for 2026: a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award and a Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Top Workplaces award. Both honors are based solely on confidential employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. Safran Federal Systems Earns Dual 2026 Top Workplaces Honors from USA TODAY and The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle ROCHESTER, NY - May 29 2026 Safran Federal Systems is proud to announce that it has earned two prestigious workplace recognition awards for 2026: a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award and a Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Top Workplaces award. Both honors are based solely on confidential employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2026 The USA TODAY Top Workplaces award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. Winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners online and at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Top Workplaces 2026 The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Top Workplaces recognition uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, among others. Safran Federal Systems ranked #7 among companies sized 125–399 employees and also received a special distinction for employee Well-Being. Both awards are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. Results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance. "These recognitions reflect what we already know to be true — that our people are the foundation of everything we do. To be honored not once but twice, and to earn a special distinction for Well-Being, speaks to the culture our team has built together. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and remain committed to fostering an environment where every employee can thrive." — Hironori Sasaki, President and CEO of Safran Federal Systems "Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization's credibility and commitment to a people-first culture. This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it's proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today's competitive market." — Eric Rubino, CEO, Energage About Safran Federal Systems Safran Federal Systems is a trusted DoD mission partner and industry leader in Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) and Geospatial Intelligence. Our cross-cutting capability set spans GNSS simulation, NAVWAR, inertial navigation, and AI — with continued investment in emerging areas like Quantum Sensing. Through open systems architecture and a commitment to relentless innovation, we deliver proven solutions to the warfighter across all domains. For more information: www.safranfederalsystems.com Follow us on: @SafranFedSys Safran Federal Systems Safran Federal Systems Safran Federal Systems About Energage Making the world a better place to work together.™ Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com . Contact: Rachael Smith rachael.smith@safranFS.com +1 (585) 747-6131 VIEW PDF
- Orolia’s GNSS Simulators Now Support an Ultra-Low Latency of 5ms
Orolia recently announced the launch of its Real-Time Performance capability that achieves an ultra-low latency of five milliseconds. The latest advancement from Skydel utilizes software-defined advantages to deliver limit-defying real-time performance. Orolia’s GNSS Simulators Now Support an Ultra-Low Latency of 5ms ROCHESTER, NY, June 17, 2021 Orolia recently announced the launch of its Real-Time Performance capability that achieves an ultra-low latency of five milliseconds. The feature will be standard on all Skydel-powered GNSS simulators. Skydel is the software-defined simulation engine that powers Orolia’s advanced GNSS simulators including its BroadSim (available via Orolia Defense & Security) and GSG product lines. “Skydel is known by users for its intuitive nature and ability to be quickly re-deployed for a variety of projects. Delivering Real-Time Performance with latency as low as five milliseconds further shows that Orolia is a market leader empowering our customers by exceeding their expectations,” said Orolia Defense & Security Director of Engineering Tim Erbes. Skydel’s software-defined architecture, offering unparalleled flexibility and adaptability, is designed to meet the most demanding GNSS simulation testing requirements in the automotive, military, space and other high-tech industries. Skydel also supports Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations without sacrificing ultra-low latency and high-end performance. The user interface boasts a sophisticated dashboard, where the Real-Time Performance graphs are located. The tool enables users to grade the simulator’s performance, interpret data, diagnose inefficiencies, and optimize scenarios on the fly. In the video tutorial , Orolia demonstrates how the simulation engine processes data and how easy it is to read the graphs through its distinct visualization and precise indications. As the system reaches its limits, it remains stable and fully operational, preserving the integrity of the simulation. Erbes said the Real-Time Performance graphs not only instill confidence in the simulator but allow for better integration in the testbed. “For example, instead of just hoping their hardware-in-the-Loop configuration is working, users can view the real-time data and see that low latency is being maintained,” he added. “This feature provides enhanced visibility not only into the performance of the simulation but also into the reliability of the hardware-in-the-loop integration, resulting in a more robust solution. This is critical when generating complex environments with high dynamics, jamming, spoofing, repeating, and alternative PNT sensors.” About Orolia Orolia is the world leader in Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of critical, remote or high-risk operations, even in GPS/GNSS denied environments. With a presence in more than 100 countries, Orolia provides virtually fail-safe GNSS and PNT solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. www.Orolia.com About Orolia Defense & Security Orolia Defense & Security provides Resilient PNT solutions and custom engineering services to U.S. Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Orolia Defense & Security is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in addition to supporting strategic partnerships for key defense PNT technologies. www.OroliaDS.com Orolia Defense & Security operates as a proxy-regulated company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Orolia. Contact: Rachael Smith Orolia Defense & Security +1 614-736-3736 VIEW PDF
- SecureSync M-Code | Mission Timing & Synchronization Clock
Explore SecureSync M-Code for precise gps clock synchronization for mission-critical operations. Reliable, secure and flexible to support Resilient PNT. Home • Products • Assured PNT • SecureSync M-Code SecureSync M-Code Mission Timing and Synchronization SecureSync M-Code PRODUCT | RESILIENT PNT Modularity Choice of more than 40 option cards Input/Output 10 MHz and 1 pps TTL pulse, RS232/RS485, IRIG AM /DCLS2 Reliability Dual (redundant), hot swappable power supply with AC, 12 VDC or 24/48 VDC power modules Monitoring Detailed event logs, real-time health and operation status, timing performance graphs, and alerts. ANY QUESTIONS? GET QUOTE About SecureSync® M-Code is an advanced mission timing and synchronization solution that offers exceptional reliability, security and flexibility to support Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT). It combines Safran's precision time and frequency technology with an ultra-secure M-code GPS receiver. M-Code The latest generation of modernized security architecture, modernized anti-spoofing and anti-jamming for GPS-degraded environments, operations in mixed P(Y)-code and M-Code constellations, accelerated Direct-Y and Direct-M code acquisitions, and Over-The-Air-Rekeying (OTAR). SecureSync M-code provides better than 41 dB J/S while tracking and better than 54 dB J/S while providing cryptographic key retention without battery backup. Features – Military M-code and P(Y)-code receiver – Multi-GNSS synchronization – Alternative Navigation option – GPS jamming and spoofing detection option – Internal precision timekeeping – Configure a wide variety of input/ output signals – Exceptional operating temperature range – High bandwidth NTP – PTP v2 Master/Slave Mission-critical military applications will benefit from SecureSync M-Code’s extreme reliability, security, and flexibility. Option Module Cards Add only the features you need by selecting SecureSync® option cards. Up to six cards can be accommodated per unit. Order them as part of the original configuration, or add them to an installed unit to keep up the changing needs of your system. If you do not see a feature that you need, please contact us to discuss customizing a card. VIEW OPTION CARDS DATA SHEET WHITE PAPER NTP vs PTP: Understanding Time Synchronization Protocols and Choosing the Right Mission-Critical Solution When it comes to ensuring precise time synchronization for mission-critical systems, organizations must carefully consider the choice between NTP and PTP protocols. NTP servers provide internal precision time by synchronizing with GPS time, offering reliable and accurate timekeeping for servers. On the other hand, PTP servers offer higher precision and synchronization for demanding applications. Understanding the key features and differences between NTP and PTP protocols is crucial in making informed decisions to effectively maintain the smooth operation of vital systems. Time synchronization is essential in modern technology, and selecting the right protocol can greatly impact the reliability and efficiency of server operations. Read the Full White Paper Click to download the SecureSync M-Code data sheet. VIEW DATA SHEET
- Miniature Rb Atomic Clock Improves Military Communications Performance
This whitepaper was adapted from material presented at the 2021 Joint Navigation Conference by David Garigen (Orolia Defense & Security). Co-Authors Include: Alaiya Tuntemeke-Winter (Orolia Defense and Security), Serge Grop (Orolia), and Stavros Melachroinos (Orolia). Home • PNT Library • Miniature Rb Atomic Clock Improves Military Communications Performance Miniature Rb Atomic Clock Improves Military Communications Performance DOWNLOAD PDF By Multiple Contributors David Garigen (Orolia Defense & Security) Alaiya Tuntemeke-Winter (Orolia Defense and Security) Serge Grop, Stavros Melachroinos (Orolia) The mRO-50 is Orolia’s new low SWaP-C miniaturized rubidium oscillator. It is an innovative new atomic clock designed to meet core requirements for military ground and mobile radio communications applications. While maintaining the same volume as a standard oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), it provides better holdover and higher stability with the lowest power consumption amongst other miniature atomic clocks (MACs) in the market. It can be a drop-in replacement for many applications. The mRO-50 is lower cost than a Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC), and due to its superior performance, small footprint, and low power consumption, it can be applied to many different applications. Namely, in telecommunications systems, it can improve the data throughput performance of networking waveforms, along with many non-networking waveforms. It can do this because its superior holdover and Allan deviation reduce the size of the guard bands, maximizing the volume of information that can be passed between radios. Figure 1: Orolia's mRO-50 The transfer and acquisition of time in DoD and commercial applications from both GNSS and non-GNSS sources has become an important topic in recent decades with greater demands for precision. Many atomic clock products have been designed to strike a balance between performance and cost that allow these goals to be met. This paper describes how the use of the mRO-50 addresses problems that can be seen on ground or mobile platforms using the LTE waveforms as example. The importance of oscillator holdover and the benefits of synchronizing radios in the field are also discussed. The SWaP-C of the mRO-50 now opens the door for systems integrators to use atomic clocks in manpack and vehicular radio applications, replacing what has traditionally been a TCXO. Modern radio communication requires that the transmitter and the receiver are tightly synchronized. This is to allow faster frequency hopping as well as the ability to network at high data rates largely due to a reduction in the size of the “guard bands”. A great example of the benefits of time synchronization is LTE, a commercial networking waveform that is focused on high data throughput. The evolution of this waveform is indicative of the evolution of other, similar waveforms. Referencing table 1 below, one can see that the time/phase requirement of LTE is 1.5us, and the time/phase requirement of LTE-A is 500ns. In one generation, the waveform’s synchronization requirement got tighter by a factor of 3. Table 1: LTE and LTE-A Requirements For commercial radios, such as cell phones, a high precision sync can be achieved using commercial GPS.The problem with relying on GNSS signals is that, in military applications especially, they can become unavailable due to jamming and spoofing by adversaries- or by natural effects, such as “urban canyons”, or natural canyons, blocking a direct line of sight to satellites of interest. There are also instances in cities and in the field where devices can enter these areas for extended periods of time. In these GPS denied environments devices can no longer sync using GPS, forcing the device into holdover. When in holdover it is important for radios to maintain a precise clock. Though some waveforms have features to help keep them synced without GPS, these features limit data throughput because they use bandwidth for sending sync pulses instead of data. In many commercial devices the oscillator will quickly drift away from the actual time. Below we can see a comparison of holdover performance of common Oscillators using LTE and LTE-A as reference. Figure 2: mRO, OCXO, and TCXO Comparison When coming out of holdover, if a device is out of sync with its peers, it will need to synchronize before any meaningful communications can be performed. In this situation, many waveforms will need to enter a “cell search” mode or some equivalent form of peer synchronization prior to communicating. A cell search will waste time (it can take minutes for this sync to complete)- and it will force the user to perform multiple transmissions, increasing the opportunity of detection by an adversary. If, on the other hand, an atomic clock is used (such as an mRO-50)- and synchronization is maintained, the user can immediately start communicating- without the need for a cell search. Guard Bands The waveforms used in modern military radios operate by assigning time slots to users to allow them to simultaneously pass information (as observed by the operator). This technique in telecommunications is known as time division multiple access (TDMA). Thus, if there are many users in a group, such as an infantry platoon, then they can all transmit and receive on the same frequency, as the precise transmit and receive times are sliced and allocated amongst the users. Each time slot, however, requires some time at the start and at the end, known as “guard bands”, to prevent the radios from “talking over each other” and destroying the message. If the radios are all perfectly synchronized, then the guard bands can be reduced to zero- and data throughput is maximized. In reality the radios are not well synchronized, and these guard bands can become significant, wasting valuable spectrum that could otherwise be used to pass more data. Thus, by improving the synchronization of the radios, the telecommunications system can maximize the data that can be passed over the air. The mRO-50 improves the timing synchronization, compared to a standard CSAC, by an order of magnitude due to its superior Allan deviation, bringing the system close to the ideal data throughput. Figure 3: Why does sync matter? Low SWaP-C, high precision atomic oscillators such as the mRO-50, also open the possibility for usage in UAV sensor payloads. These payloads often use GNSS to synchronize their clocks with other parts of the system. GPS outages can be problematic for both the UAV’s communications links and its inertial navigation systems (INS). The high stability of the atomic clock as the INS time base reduces the time integration error drift during extended GNSS outages, along with the telecommunications benefits already discussed. When the GNSS signal is disrupted, the UAV switches to the stable time base provided by the mRO-50 and can “coast” without a signal to maintain operations. The superior holdover time, offered by a mRO-50, allows the user to coast for a very long time. In fact, even when compared to a standard CSAC, the mRO-50 holdover time is more than 5x better in one day. New possibilities for telecommunications systems and UAV sensor payloads have been realized with the advent of low SWaP-C atomic clocks, such as the mRO-50. Early adaptations of these advanced technologies keep our warfighters equipped with the best technologies and provide them with the tactical edge on the battlefield. Conclusion The importance of precision in the acquisition of timing from GNSS and non-GNSS sources has increased in recent decades. Many atomic clock products have been designed to strike a balance between performance and cost that allow this new degree of accuracy to be met. The mRO-50 is Orolia’s new low SWaP-C Miniaturized Rubidium Atomic Clock, specifically designed to meet core requirements foreground, and mobile radio communications applications in terms of weight, size, and performance. It will enable more advanced telecommunications systems and the resilience of UAVs and other GNSS dependent technologies. This technology can be a drop-in replacement for a simple upgrade, yielding superior performance in various applications. DOWNLOAD PDF
- LEO PNT: Developing Simulation Environments Alongside New LEO Constellations Copy
This whitepaper explains the importance of simulation in response to new constellations, the benefits of developing a test environment alongside the development of the constellations, and how a flexible system is best equipped for the advent of new LEO constellations... LEO PNT: Developing Simulation Environments Alongside New LEO Constellations Copy DOWNLOAD PDF By Alaiya Tuntemeke-Winter As more technology utilizes satellites for PNT information, it is integral to develop ways to test the functionality of PNT systems before they are deployed. It has become increasingly useful to develop a test environment for LEO constellations alongside the development of the constellations themselves. A flexible simulation system that can evolve is best equipped for the advent of new LEO constellations. Developing simulation hand in hand with developing the constellation itself has several advantages. Simulation can be implemented at various stages of the process. By developing new constellations and simulation simultaneously, the PNT system can be thoroughly tested before the satellites are deployed. This can further streamline the process between the developers of the constellation and the receivers with quick feedback loops to assist in the design. It can lead to increased communication with the receiver developers and give more insight in addition to modeling. It also means that simulation capability can be available along with the introduction of the constellation itself. In the past, there have been instances of the constellation being deployed but there being few ways for the receiver manufacturers to test their solutions, slowing down the development process. By testing using simulation, developers can test functionality early in the development process, rather than awaiting deployment of the constellation for the chance to field test; receivers and systems can be tested during development for common problem scenarios, such as GPS denied environments via canyons or other outages as well as other types of vulnerabilities. This can give developers a head-start in vetting potentially unforeseen issues the receiver may experience using the new constellation. After implementation simulation can be used to repeat any problems encountered in field tests for faster and more effective testing. Fixes can be implemented in a lab setting before going out again for field testing. This can save time and resources, as there is no need to go all the way to the field test stage every time a problem arises or to test a fix. Using a simulation test bed helps to speed up the development process and to save time and money throughout. Developing simulation alongside the development of the constellation gives simulators the time they need for the capability to be ready when the constellation deploys. If simulation development does not begin until after the constellation is deployed, the development of receivers that can use the new constellation data may be slowed by the inability to test and collect data. Some types of simulators take more time to develop the ability to simulate new constellations, as they may need to develop new software, hardware, or a combination of both. Parallel development of the new constellation and the simulation test bed allows for both simulation capability and constellation availability to time align in the development process. The BroadSim product line provides a dynamic simulator within its software-defined architecture. It is “future-proof” as it can grow and change with new constellations or changes in old ones. It also takes advantage of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products to increase system performance. This means two things; one, rather than focusing on hardware improvements, the engineers can focus on the simulation side of the system. Two, upgrade cycles are possible more frequently. BroadSim provides open-source libraries and plug-ins to increase the capability of their simulation solution. One major benefit of software-defined simulation systems regarding LEO constellations is that the GPU can handle the generation of more signals than a traditional FPGA-driven simulation solution. This is because in a true software-defined system there are no fixed hardware channels limiting the number of signals that can be generated. This is especially relevant in LEO constellations as there are more satellites in LEO orbit than there are in the GNSS constellations that have been simulated in the past. Another benefit is that if the limit is ever reached, a GPU can simply be added, and the same simulation tool can continue to be used. This leads to another benefit – the flexibility of the system. New constellations can be incorporated with software instead of additional hardware. This means when new constellations are complete, developers can access those new constellations with a mere software update. Software-defined simulators evolve to support LEO constellations and more rapid development. How simulation can aid development Examples of software-defined simulation in BroadSim BroadSim is an example of this flexibility in motion. With BroadSim, new constellations and signals become available in the tool as they are introduced or are more commonly used in receivers, such as QZSS, BeiDou, and M-Code. Simulators allow users to thoroughly test how receivers or whole systems work during specific scenarios, giving them the ability to see all-in-sky satellites and terrain effects, and provide refresh rates that translate into real-time processing for fast-moving applications. This makes it possible to test acquisition time, view relative receiver power data, and collect other relevant data to further development, as well as automate commands to speed up testing. The flexibility of the system is demonstrated by its proven ability to simulate existing LEO constellations. Using BroadSim powered by Skydel, there are multiple built-in ways to create LEO constellations. One such way is using BroadSim’s plug-in tool, which has already seen success. This tool allows users to develop features and integrate them into the BroadSim user interface and real-time simulation engine. BroadSim also provides the ability to modify existing constellations with custom signals and the addition of data sets to manipulate orbital and ephemeris data. In the future, a growing list of constellations will become available for selection within the tool. Orolia Defense & Security is integrating new constellations today, and can help do the same for yours. BroadSim Simulation In conclusion, developing simulation capability alongside the development of constellations is to the advantage of the engineer who will be able to test without delay. Those simulators can aid in the design process by allowing rapid testing and development, speeding up time to market, and increasing cost savings by reducing field test cycles and hours. Software-defined simulators are more equipped to handle LEO constellations. They are not limited in the number of signals they can produce via hardware; they are agile in that they can increase available constellations and capability without needing any hardware upgrades. New features and constellations are available with just a software upgrade, and the user community can create new ways to use the tool using open-source plug-ins to meet their needs. BroadSim already has initial support for LEO simulation using the plugin tool and Orolia is actively taking inquiries from users and providers to partner with them and integrate their solution. DOWNLOAD PDF









