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  • An Engineer’s Guide to CRPA Testing

    This guide discusses applications and use cases for CRPAs, and methods for testing them. It explores various test solutions available today, and helps you choose the right solution for your specific application. Home • PNT Library • An Engineer’s Guide to CRPA Testing An Engineer’s Guide to CRPA Testing DOWNLOAD PDF By Tim Erbes Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of GPS navigation and positioning, Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas (CRPAs) are revolutionizing defense and critical infrastructure. These advanced systems are crucial for protecting against jamming and spoofing threats, which can disrupt operations in high-stakes environments. We are providing a comprehensive overview of CRPA testing methods, technologies, and best practices based on the insights from Safran Federal Systems' white paper, Engineer’s Guide to CRPA Testing. For the full white paper and in-depth analysis, download the PDF . Who Should Read This White Paper? • GNSS/RF Test Engineers • GNSS/RF Systems Engineers • PNT Engineers • Navigation Engineers • NAVWAR Engineers • Signal Processing Engineers • Avionics Engineers • Program Managers What Are CRPAs, and Why Are They Important? CRPAs, or Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas, are multi-element antenna systems designed to reduce RF interference. By forming nulls in the direction of jammers or spoofers, CRPAs ensure that GPS receivers only process true satellite signals. These antennas are increasingly common in the defense sector, where robust anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities are essential. Key benefits of CRPAs include: • Dynamic Threat Adaptation : Nullifies interference in real-time. • Enhanced Navigation Security: Maintains signal integrity under adverse conditions. • Wide Application: Used in UAVs, ground vehicles, and naval systems. Why Is CRPA Testing Critical? Rigorous testing ensures that CRPAs perform reliably in real-world scenarios. Without proper validation, these systems may fail to counteract advanced jamming and spoofing threats. Testing not only validates the design but also identifies performance limits and areas for improvement. CRPA Testing Methods 1. Record Replay Testing This cost-effective method uses recorded GPS data for simulations. While realistic, it lacks flexibility since recorded data cannot be modified. 2. GNSS Simulation GNSS simulators, like Safran’s Skydel-powered systems, allow for fast iteration speeds and high flexibility. These simulators support: • Threat simulations (jammers and spoofers). • Encrypted signals for classified defense systems. • Scalable architecture for multi-element testing. 3. Anechoic Chamber Testing An anechoic chamber provides a controlled environment for over-the-air (OTA) testing of CRPAs. It evaluates both antennas and electronics, ensuring comprehensive system performance validation. However, it requires significant upfront investment and setup. 4. Field Testing Field testing replicates real-world conditions by introducing actual threats. While effective, this method is costly and limited by environmental variables and regulations. Wavefront Simulation: A Game-Changer for CRPA Testing What is Wavefront Simulation? Wavefront simulation uses software-defined radios to simulate GNSS signals and threats, delivering unmatched precision and scalability. Key features include: • Phase Alignment: Ensures accurate signal timing across antenna elements. • Real-Time Jamming and Spoofing: Simulates hundreds of threats simultaneously. • Scalability: Supports up to 16 antenna elements and thousands of signals. • Automation: Enables quick setup and repeatable tests with minimal manual intervention. Advantages Over Traditional Methods Wavefront systems are lab-ready and do not require complex installations like anechoic chambers. They allow for dynamic simulations, enabling engineers to test under extreme conditions without leaving the lab. Key Features of a Robust CRPA Testing System When selecting a testing system, look for the following: • Built-In Jamming and Spoofing: Essential for simulating real-world threats. • Encrypted Signal Support: Critical for classified defense applications. • Scalability: The system should adapt to future needs, including additional elements or signals. • Automation: Streamlined calibration and testing workflows to save time. • Cost Efficiency: Long-term savings through software-defined, upgradeable systems. Common Questions About CRPA Testing How do CRPAs counter jamming and spoofing? CRPAs dynamically nullify interference using null steering and beamforming techniques, isolating true satellite signals while ignoring others. What’s the best way to test CRPAs? The ideal approach combines methods. GNSS simulation offers flexibility and speed, while anechoic chambers provide comprehensive OTA testing for full systems. How scalable are modern CRPA testing systems? Safran’s wavefront systems are highly scalable, supporting additional elements, signals, and future updates with minimal hardware changes. Is it possible to convert scenarios from my legacy platform? Short answer—Yes! Switching systems can be overwhelming—we feel you. Let us handle the heavy lifting: we make it easy to migrate your scenarios so you can transition seamlessly—without starting from scratch. Conclusion Testing CRPAs is no longer an optional step—it’s a critical process to ensure navigation security in high-threat environments. Safran Federal Systems’ innovative solutions, including wavefront simulation and Skydel technology, provide defense professionals with the tools needed to validate performance, identify vulnerabilities, and prepare for evolving threats. DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Orolia Defense & Security Awarded $1.7M U.S. Military Contract

    The U.S. military selected Orolia Defense and Security to supply multiple BroadSim™ advanced GPS simulator systems to upgrade testing facilities and field test assets. Orolia Defense & Security Awarded $1.7M U.S. Military Contract ROCHESTER, NY, June 18, 2020 In a recently awarded contract, the U.S. military selected Orolia Defense and Security to supply multiple BroadSim™ advanced GPS simulator systems, a contract valued at $1.7 million (USD), in an effort to upgrade testing facilities and field test assets. These new simulator systems will enable better testing of widely deployed military GPS receivers, which are integrated into air and ground-based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems. BroadSim will be leveraged with Orolia’s PANACEA™ test suite, currently utilized by the U.S. military to conduct automated testing and analysis for PNT system performance, vulnerabilities, and more. BroadSim will bring versatility to the testing process by supporting diverse test methods and environments such as a laboratory setting, or an Over-The-Air (OTA) field test event. BroadSim was selected based on its flexibility to support the ever-changing military tasks at hand. It can be easily configured to support laboratory testing one day, and field testing the next with its four independent RF outputs, removable drives, and software-defined architecture. “Equipping our actively deployed warfighters with state-of-the-art technology is of utmost importance and can mean the difference between mission success and failure. To help achieve that goal, Orolia’s GPS testing and simulation solutions ensure that these systems are battlefield ready,” said Tyler Hohman, Orolia Defense and Security’s Director of Products. Now more than ever, strong relationships between government and industry are vital to drive innovation and maximize the impact of available resources. The U.S. military and other federal agencies such as DHS host several test events per year where industry partners are invited to participate, such as GPS Testing for Critical Infrastructure (GET-CI) . Orolia will host a webinar on this topic on Thursday, July 16 at 2:00 PM EDT, titled “PNT Vulnerability Testing for Critical Infrastructure - Lessons Learned from Defense.” The federal government considers PNT to be a critical aspect of mission success, as outlined in this recent C4ISRNET Whitepaper “Protecting the U.S. Military PNT Advantage from GPS Jamming and Spoofing” and defined in the PNT Executive Order . For the 2021 federal fiscal year, the U.S. Army alone budgeted over $275 million towards Assured PNT Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), as published in the 2021 Defense Budget. For more information about Orolia Defense & Security, visit www.OroliaDS.com . About Orolia Defense & Security Orolia Defense & Security provides Resilient PNT solutions and custom engineering services to U.S. Government agencies, U.S. defense organizations, and their contractors. Orolia Defense & Security is approved to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects and is positioned to support strategic partnerships in the development of key PNT technologies for the defense market. About Orolia Orolia is the world leader in Resilient PNT solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of critical, remote or high-risk operations, even in GPS denied environments. With a presence in more than 100 countries, Orolia provides virtually fail-safe GPS/GNSS and PNT solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. www.Orolia.com Contact: Rachael Smith 614-736-3736 rachael.smith@oroliaDS.com 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

  • Orolia Selected by Raytheon to Support US Missile Defense System

    Orolia Defense & Security has been selected by Raytheon Missiles & Defense to support the US Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar program... Orolia Selected by Raytheon to Support US Missile Defense System ROCHESTER, NY, July 8, 2020 Orolia, the world leader in Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), through its Orolia Government Systems business, has been selected by Raytheon Missiles & Defense to support the US Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar program with its low SWaP (Size, Weight and Power), rugged time and frequency system. Raytheon Missiles & Defense was selected by the United States Army in October 2019 to provide the next-generation LTAMDS, which is an advanced air and missile defense radar. The LTAMDS system will help the U.S. Army defeat advanced threats, including hypersonic weapons. Orolia was chosen for the LTAMDS program based on its core expertise in resilient timing and configurable ruggedized PNT systems for challenging environments, together with its proven track record of successfully delivering time and frequency platforms for other Raytheon Programs of Record. Orolia was the first company to receive approval for a time and frequency reference system on the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) Approved Products List for network interoperability, with its flagship SecureSync system. “Ultra-precise mission timing and sync technology are fundamental building blocks for the Resilient PNT systems that warfighters rely on for continuous operations in contested environments,” said Hironori Sasaki, President of Orolia Defense & Security. “We are proud to be a Raytheon Missiles & Defense partner on LTAMDS and other programs that utilize GPS signals for timing, frequency and network synchronization across critical military systems.” From critical timing solutions to GPS/GNSS simulation, interference detection, and mitigation, Orolia is the industry leader in end-to-end NAVWAR and Resilient PNT solutions to protect, augment and strengthen military systems for GPS-denied environments. 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 denied environments. With a presence in more than 100 countries, Orolia provides virtually failsafe GPS/GNSS and PNT solutions to support military and commercial applications worldwide. Time and Location You Can Trust™. 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. For more information about Orolia Defense & Security, visit www.OroliaDS.com . Contact: Rachael Smith 585-250-1545 rachael.smith@oroliaDS.com VIEW PDF

  • Women In Leadership: Suzanne Kwak | SafranFederalSystems

    Women In Leadership: Suzanne Kwak As we celebrate Women’s Month, we take this opportunity to recognize the women who are paving the way for future generations— especially in fields where they have been underrepresented. In this special feature, we sit down with Suzanne Kwak, a leader who has navigated challenges, seized opportunities, and carved out a path of success for herself and many more women to come. She shares her defining moment in her journey, highlights women who have inspired her career and explores the opportunities available for women in this space today. Grab your coffee or beverage of choice and join us as we talk about ambition, resilience, and the power of women in leadership. Encouraging Women and Girls As we reflect on the significance of Women’s Month, it’s essential to consider how we can contribute to shaping the future. Encouraging more women and girls to explore STEM careers is crucial in ensuring the industry's continuous growth and diversity. Suzanne shares her thoughts on how we can all play a role in fostering an environment that encourages women and girls to pursue STEM careers. “From my perspective, I think that we have to encourage women to be curious. We have to encourage them to be comfortable with a healthy amount of competition. We also need to encourage women to be- and show grace to themselves. So, what do I mean by that, from a curiosity again, in particular, I'm in product development, so be curious about any problem that you're faced with. Just have a natural curiosity and a willingness to learn. I think that will take you incredibly far in your journey. The other piece is healthy competition, I'm a sports fan. I'm an advocate of having fun. And I noticed that women who can embrace competition have a tenacity, and they can get through things. So if you look at your male counterparts, right, they do a great job of having fun and heckling each other. Try that. It actually works to diffuse stress and build bonds, and it will help you in your career. And then lastly, show yourself some grace. I think too often women have a tendency to expect perfection from themselves and that's just not realistic. It's not realistic for us to expect it of ourselves or others. And so, I would encourage you to just show yourself a little grace. And if you don't know everything, be curious, ask questions, try your hardest and learn from it.” By nurturing curiosity, fostering healthy competition, and practicing self-compassion, we can create an environment where women feel empowered to pursue a career without the fear of limitations and know they are supported every step of the way. Leadership Is a Series of Lessons For Suzanne, leadership isn’t defined by one single event, but a series of moments that provide valuable lessons. A defining moment that helped her become the leader she is today is that leadership is a continuous journey— one that requires being open to learning and growing. “I reflected on this question, and quite honestly, my perspective is that leadership is a series of lessons and that you really need to be open to those lessons and you need to pay attention. If you can show up every day with the spirit of improving and getting better and learning from whoever happens to be around you, that will make you a better leader. Your leadership is really an aggregation of all of those life lessons and applying them to the situation at hand.” This perspective is a game changer for Suzanne in how she approaches leadership and growth. By showing up with the intent to get better each day, you evolve into a confident and more effective leader. Women Who Inspire The women who inspire us often come from different corners of our lives, shaping our decisions and guiding us through successes and setbacks. Those who continue to influence and inspire her are her three daughters. “I'm going to answer that with the present. So I have three daughters, actually all in STEM fields. But really, my inspiration is raising them to be all they can be. So they push me to do all I can do. But they also help me be confident, help me show them what can be possible. So for me, it's about the next generation. There's a myriad of people that stood before me, and by no means were they not important. But really for me, it's the next generation, which happens to be my three daughters.” Their influence is a constant source of inspiration, fueling her to inspire and create opportunities for other women in the field. Opportunity Awaits In this rapidly evolving defense industry, the opportunities for women are growing and Suzanne believes women bring a lot of great abilities to the table. “The opportunity for women to contribute in product development in any kind of stem is about the uniqueness, I think, that women show up with. So it's been my observation that women are very good at assimilating information. They're very good at taking in a variety of inputs and then creating an action plan and making a decision. So what is unique for women is not about, you know, the specific position. It's not about the business needs, those don't change. It's how women show up and drive results. And I think they do it in a very, very proactive way. I think women tend to be decisive and they tend to be able to pull information and people together. So that's unique, right? I think that is the crux of leadership, how do you propel the business forward? How do you propel people forward? And I think women do that very well.” Their ability to bring people together, inspire collaboration, and lead with purpose makes women invaluable assets. As women continue to showcase these strengths, they will continue to unlock great opportunities for leadership and impact in the space. It’s clear that women are shaping the present and driving the future of industries like STEM and defense. Suzanne's insights remind us that leadership is a continuous learning journey and that by fostering an environment where women are encouraged to grow, we are building a future of inclusivity and innovation. Let’s continue to support, uplift, and celebrate the women who are shaping the world around us today and every day. Feeling inspired? Explore career opportunities at Safran Federal Systems CAREERS

  • Valiant 153M |GNSS Receiver Testing | Safran Federal Systems

    Valiant 153M: A GB-GRAM/GB-GRAM-M interface card that enables simultaneous operation and testing of a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) receiver and a GB-GRAM/M. Valiant 153M GB-GRAM/GB-GRAM-M Interface Card Valiant 153M PRODUCT | GNSS TESTING & SIMULATION Compatibility GB-GRAM Type I GB-GRAM Type II GB-GRAM-M Type I GB-GRAM-M Type II Size 4.1" x 2.9" (length x width) Weight approx. 60 grams Power < 0.5W (without GB-GRAM/M) Operating Temperature -20 ͦ C to +65 ͦ C ANY QUESTIONS? GET QUOTE About Valiant 153M is a GB-GRAM/GB-GRAM-M (GB-GRAM/M) interface card that allows the simultaneous operation and testing of a commercial- off-the-shelf (COTS) receiver and a GB-GRAM/M. Both receivers are powered and communicate using a single USB mini cable. By integrating a COTS receiver onto the Valiant 153M, users can perform cross-checks to determine if the military receiver is connected and communicating data properly. Both receivers communicate via the onboard USB mini or RS-232 serial connectors. The Valiant test fixture was designed to be nearly the same size as the GB-GRAM/M type I card. Applications The Valiant 153M excels within valuable criteria for testing in lab and field test environments. COTS Receiver GB-GRAM/M The integrated COTS receiver allows test engineers to confirm that their setup and receiver is properly configured. By observing the data output, engineers can know for certain that their antenna, power, and communication is successfully connected to the Valiant interface card. From there, cross-checks can be performed to make sure the military receiver is reporting the same data as the COTS receiver. The COTS can also act as another unit under test (UUT) during the field test. It is slightly larger than the type I card so that the GB-GRAM/M can be fully placed inside the case. The Valiant 153M can be powered by a USB mini cable, or a 5V wall wart providing options for test engineers. Not only does the USB mini power the board and both receivers (legacy GB-GRAM) but it can also provide data communication for both the GB-GRAM/M and the integrated Ublox receiver. Finally, with one RF input, you can provide GPS signals to two receivers allowing for more UUT’s. The proper operation of the two receivers can be examined using Safran’s software suite, RxStudio. This software suite allows a user to communicate to the receivers simultaneously and visually examine their performance (C/No, SVs tracked, SVs used, LLA, time, code types, assurance, frequency, etc). VIEW RXSTUDIO Compatibility a. GB-GRAM Type I b. GB-GRAM Type II c. GB-GRAM-M Type I d. GB-GRAM-M Type II Size, Weight, Power, and Temperature" RF In GB-GRAM/M RF HD15 Keyfill Connector with Key Switch Zeroize Pushbutton GB-GRAM/M Data with Logic Level (Interface) GB-GRAM/M Pulse Per Second Outputs Three High LEDs Power Switch Barrel Power USB Power and Communication GB-GRAM/M Auxiliary Power with Switch GB-GRAM/M Power Switch (POF) Auxiliary GB-GRAM/M Interfaces (Key Pins, PPS IN, TOD, Key Success)" Ublox GNSS Receiver Valiant 153M Specs 2 Three High LEDs a. Bottom: GB-GRAM/M Pulse Per Second b. Middle: Ublox Pulse Per Second c. Top: Power Power Switch Barrel Power USB Power and Communication GB-GRAM/M Auxiliary Power with Switch GB-GRAM/M Power Switch (POF) Auxiliary GB-GRAM/M Interfaces (Key Pins, PPS IN, TOD, Key Success)" Ublox GNSS Receiver Specifications Click to download the Valiant 153M data sheets. VIEW DATA SHEET

  • SecureSync 2400 Ensuring Mission-Critical Time Synchronization

    Ensure mission-critical time synchronization with SecureSync 2400 time server. Military-grade, resilient PNT for navigating GNSS disruptions. Learn more! Home • PNT Library • SecureSync 2400 Ensuring Mission-Critical Time Synchronization SecureSync 2400 Ensuring Mission-Critical Time Synchronization DOWNLOAD PDF By Safran Federal Systems Time Synchronization Data is Foundational to PNT Performance Fundamentally, time synchronization is the alignment of independent clocks to the same time and frequency. It provides critical functionality for services that depend on precise, synchronized timing to manage device security, availability, and efficiency and supports a wide array of business and infrastructure systems. Defense time synchronization applications directly support warfighters in theater through vital Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) functionality. PNT applications leverage GNSS/GPS location data for navigation and precise timekeeping to support operational efficiency and seamless communications. As satellites continuously broadcast their own time and position information, receivers trilaterate, calculating the distance between the receiver and each satellite to determine position and time details for the end user and their equipment. This supports mission-critical communication, movement, and collaborative processes. In military PNT applications, time synchronization for defense requires the highest levels of accuracy and consistency for real-time operational support. In modern theaters, as Electronic Warfare (EW) domains become both more prevalent and more contested, warfighter operations dependent upon PNT functions are increasingly at risk. Escalating AI and machine-to-machine communications capabilities provide new tools for adversaries to disrupt PNT systems and operations and must be accounted for. Figure 1: GPS data provides continuous precise positioning and timekeeping. SecureSync 2400 Delivers Reliable PNT Data Across Domains As industry leaders in the PNT space, Safran Federal Systems (SFS) has developed the SecureSync 2400 - a GNSS time server with a layered-defense approach to address GNSS threats and maintain PNT integrity. In the SecureSync platform, threats are mitigated by building redundancy into the timing system architecture. Redundancy is achieved through the integration of high-performance internal oscillators and strong modularity with a choice of customizable input interfaces. This design approach makes the SecureSync 2400 highly resilient and adaptable. Figure 2: SFS Oscillator Performance Key capabilities of the SecureSync 2400 include: Multi-GNSS receiver built-in M-Code supported Multi-reference failover reliability Modular and scalable with option cards Built-in networking capabilities Comprehensive management and monitoring interfaces High availability with hot swap redundant power supply option Figure 3: SecureSync as an NTP Server and PTP Grandmaster. The platform leverages both Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) for a diverse suite of use cases and applications. NTP applications are cost effective and software-driven internet solutions for general IT networks and database servers with millisecond accuracy . PTP applications are high-performance hardware solutions cast on local area networks (LAN) with much tighter tolerances offering microsecond accuracy. They are used for RF communications, radar systems, data transmission, power synchronization, and scientific instrumentation. In military applications, the SecureSync 2400 supports fundamental Command and Control and Datacenter operations. Command and Control : Requires resilient and accurate time and frequency to synchronize systems monitoring and control elements over the network, along with low phase noise frequency references for RF transmitters (radar). May also provide time and frequency for communications and test equipment (radio communications). Datacenter: Resilient and accurate network timing for single or multi-tenant networks. When defense time synchronization and PNT efforts are disrupted, warfighters can suffer communications failure, lose sight and tracking of equipment and personnel, and fail to execute. This risk becomes more pronounced without resilient PNT tools. A secure time server for defense applications, like the SecureSync 2400, mitigates the risk of disruption through an ecosystem of solutions to GNSS threats. Military-Grade Time Synchronization for Resilient PNT Performance For military- and defense-focused applications, time servers need to offer additional performance features beyond commercial NTP and PTP functionality. Resilient Securing time reference acquisition and timescale keeping during GNSS interference differentiates military from commercial applications. Military time servers need varied solutions to address dynamic threats in theater without performance loss. The SecureSync Interference Detection and Mitigation (IDM) suite builds an operational awareness into the solution to mitigate threats. Modular In military use cases, individual time servers generally need to be dynamic and customizable to support evolving threats and requirements while offering field serviceability. This is achieved through modular, open-system designs, like SecureSync, which provides more than 40 installable option cards for additional power and functionality. M-Code Enabled Encrypted M-Code signals provide unique operational benefits to warfighters including strengthened jamming resistance and anti-spoof capabilities. As such, M-Code integration has become a key feature of contemporary military time servers. The SecureSync 2400 is engineered to integrate with M-Code inputs for enhanced protection in challenged environments. Evolution of the SecureSync Platform As both the need for comprehensive time synchronization tools and GNSS threats evolve, the SecureSync time & frequency platform continues to develop. The SecureSync 2400 represents a step forward in resilient timing. The upgraded platform maintains compatibility with the previous SecureSync option card set and emphasizes a renewed focus on critical operations through: Network capability, security, redundancy, & monitoring to support critical operations An advanced SoC system architecture with increased processing capability Improved internal frequency performance and distribution Additionally, the SecureSync 2400 supports multiple NTP and PTP option cards and an ALTNAV module that are unavailable on the SecureSync 1200. Conclusion Warfighter domains are constantly evolving, bringing about new risks to communications and operations through GNSS threats. In order to mitigate these risks, operating forces can leverage military-grade time servers like the SFS SecureSync 2400. This reliable and resilient time server supports complex objectives in GNSS-challenged domains by providing accurate time signals that are critical for mission success. Equipped with powerful oscillators and a proven architecture, the SecureSync 2400 ensures time accuracy and continuity even in the face of GNSS disruptions. With its adaptable and redundant threat detection and mitigation strategy, this time server keeps operations secure and mission-critical tasks running smoothly. In conclusion, the SecureSync 2400 is designed to be Secure , Resilient , Monitored , and Scalable to perform now but also adapt to future GNSS challenges, making it an invaluable asset for military operations. DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Breaking Barriers: Women In Science | SafranFederalSystems

    Breaking Barriers: Women In Science Defense technology demands precision, reliability, and innovation—and women at Safran Federal Systems are at the forefront of making it happen. On National Women and Girls in Science Day, we are highlighting Lindsay Fitzgerald, a Senior Quality Engineer, whose expertise ensures that every system meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. Her journey in STEM is one of determination, problem-solving, and breaking barriers. Today, she shares what inspired her path, the impact of her role, and advice for the next generation of women in science. A Love For Science and Learning From an early age, Lindsay was drawn to the mechanics of how things worked. Whether she was solving complex problems or devising innovative solutions, she was captivated by the STEM world. “I am inspired by science, my love for learning sciences, and endless world of learning, and I love solving complex problems and being innovative. And my science career took off when I was a young girl.” This fascination led her to pursue a career in the STEM field, ultimately leading her to work in the defense industry, where she plays a crucial role. Ensuring Excellence Every system, product, and process she oversees must meet rigorous industry and government standards, leaving no room for error. Her work involves collaborating with different teams to ensure that the technology is both effective and secure. “I'm a quality engineer here and quality is a super critical role in making sure that our processes are sustainable and reliable, so that we're producing quality products that meet customer requirements and industry requirements. So in the defense industry, our end users our military operations, so it's super critical. That they receive products they can trust just given the high-stakes nature of the business.” Her role is not just about enforcing standards but ensuring that every component meets the demands of the end-users and industry. From Aspiration to Leadership Every career has a key moment that defines and strengthens an individual’s path. After years of hard work, persistence, and breaking barriers, Lindsay achieved her goal of becoming a leader in the quality industry. “A defining moment I would say is becoming a leader in the quality industry not only have I been able to achieve my career goals as a woman in science, I'm helping others do the same. So being a leader in the role has really helped shape who I am today.” Her journey is proof that persistence and self-confidence can break down barriers, opening more doors for women to rise in the science and engineering fields. With the position she has reached, she knows she can drive meaningful change as a woman in science. Owning Your Space The path into STEM isn’t always easy. There will be challenges along the way, but the future depends on diverse perspectives—on people who think creatively, solve problems uniquely, and bring new ideas to the table. Here is some advice for women considering a career in STEM: “Advice to other women, I would say set goals, start small but dream big. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve them and never be afraid to speak your mind and if STEM is a field that you're passionate about, then go for it. The world is yours.” Empowering Women in Science Lindsay’s story serves as both inspiration and a call to action for those interested in the field. For those considering a path in STEM, the opportunities to make a difference are limitless. The next breakthrough, the next advancement, the next leader in defense technology could be you. Feeling inspired? Explore career opportunities at Safran Federal Systems CAREERS

  • ION Joint Navigation Conference 2019 Abstract

    Impact of Temperature and High Vibration in Ground, Shipboard and Aircraft Platforms on GPS-disciplined, Low Phase Noise, Time and Frequency References. Home • PNT Library • ION Joint Navigation Conference 2019 Abstract ION Joint Navigation Conference 2019 Abstract DOWNLOAD PDF By Timothy Tetreault DOWNLOAD PDF

  • Safran Federal Systems Strengthens the Resilience of Next-Generation U.S. Radars

    Safran Federal Systems, a leading provider of Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) solutions, announced its continued role in the U.S. Army’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) program, delivering advanced timing solutions that are integral to the radar system’s mission success. Safran Federal Systems Strengthens the Resilience of Next-Generation U.S. Radars Arlington, VA, October 13th, 2025 Safran Federal Systems, a leading provider of Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) solutions, announced its continued role in the U.S. Army’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) program, delivering advanced timing solutions that are integral to the radar system’s mission success. The company was first selected for LTAMDS in 2020, reflecting its track record of delivering trustworthy technology for Department of Defense programs of record. Developed by Raytheon, an RTX business, LTAMDS is a next-generation radar designed to detect and defeat complex and emerging threats. As the program transitions into low-rate initial production, Safran’s VersaSync Flex system provides the precise, resilient timing architecture critical to the system’s 360-degree operational capability. The VersaSync Flex is engineered for low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) to meet stringent operational demands. “Our collaboration with Raytheon and the Army on the LTAMDS program demonstrates our commitment to resilient time synchronization technologies that support the modernization of U.S. and allied defense systems,” said Hironori Sasaki, President and Chief Executive Officer of Safran Federal Systems. “Being selected to support LTAMDS with our VersaSync Flex is a testament to our proven record of delivering PNT solutions in mission-critical environments.” “Safran Federal Systems has proven to be a reliable provider of advanced timing technologies to meet the demanding standards required for LTAMDS,” said Mike Mills, executive director for LTAMDS and GhostEye programs at Raytheon. Safran’s technologies support LTAMDS’ 360-degree detection capabilities that counter massive, coordinated attacks from adversaries.” LTAMDS is designed to counter evolving threats such as hypersonic weapons, advanced ballistic missiles and UAVs. Earlier this year, LTAMDS achieved the Department of Defense's Major Capability Acquisition Milestone C designation, initiating the production and deployment phase of the program. LTAMDS is now officially designated a program of record by the U.S. Army and ready to support both its U.S. homeland defense and expeditionary missions. Safran Federal Systems supports Safran Defense & Space, Inc. by providing APNT technologies across a range of defense and aerospace applications. 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. Your Assured PNT Mission Partner™ Safran Federal Systems is a proxy-regulated Safran Defense & Space, Inc. company For more information: www.safranfederalsystems.com Safran Defense & Space, Inc. is a leading provider of cutting-edge solutions designed to address the evolving challenges of U.S. national defense and advanced space missions across air, land, sea, and space domains. Safran DSI is a U.S. subsidiary of Safran, an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment, and interiors), defense and space markets. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of $28.8 billion in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. For more information: https://www.safran-dsi.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

  • NTP vs PTP Choosing the Right Time Sync Solution

    Synchronizing time to coordinate critical operations isn’t just a challenge—it’s essential in today’s high‑stakes environments. Explore NTP & PTP key differences. Home • PNT Library • NTP vs PTP Choosing the Right Time Sync Solution NTP vs PTP Choosing the Right Time Sync Solution DOWNLOAD PDF By Kevin Stottler How Modern Devices Keep Perfect Timing: Understanding NTP and PTP Synchronization With the increasing connectivity of everyday devices such as phones, cars, and televisions, manually setting clocks is becoming a thing of the past. Have you ever wondered how this technology works? This post will explain and compare Network Time Protocol and Precision Time Protocol, two methods for automatically synchronizing devices over IP networks, and provide some historical context. Carrying out activities at coordinated times applies to activities as simple as meeting a friend for coffee or as complex as military operations. In earlier decades, radio systems like NIST’s WWVB broadcast were used, phone modems dialed time references, and clocks were set by hand. As computer networks grew to hundreds or thousands of nodes, it became less practical for each node to use one of these methods. This historical context is crucial to understanding the evolution of time synchronization methods. What is Network Time Protocol (NTP)? How it Works and When It’s Accurate Enough The development of the Network Time Protocol solved this problem. In a network with a thousand nodes, only a few now had to synchronize themselves directly to primary references such as radio broadcasts, satellites, or atomic clocks. NTP is hierarchical, with servers connected to primary references considered “Stratum 1.” Additional servers can synchronize with Stratum 1 servers, becoming Stratum 2, and so on. This allows more capacity to be added and the network to scale up without adding more satellite receivers or atomic clocks. Some networks also use Anycast, which directs traffic to the nearest server, or Round Robin or pooling, where DNS is used to direct clients to one of many servers. These methods distribute requests evenly among a group of servers to balance load or provide redundancy. Like many other protocols, NTP works by a client sending a request to a server and receiving a response. With NTP, the client keeps track of the time at which the request was sent (t1), the server responds with the times the request was received (t2), and the reply sent (t3) to account for processing time. The client records when the response is received (t4). Using these four timestamps, the client can estimate how long the response took from the server (path delay) and calculate the difference between its own clock and the server’s. Without this delay compensation mechanism, the client’s clock would be offset by the path delay, which can be around 50ms on the Internet. This relatively simple technique, requiring only software on most nodes, can often synchronize machines to within 10ms over the Internet, and within 1ms over local networks where routing is more predictable. The primary source of error is if the delay is not symmetrical, such as on congested networks. However, this technique is plenty accurate enough for many use cases, such as timestamping log events or messages. Public vs. Private NTP Servers: Should You Rely on Public NTP Servers? There are many public servers on the Internet that can provide accurate time for free, operated by various software vendors, telecom providers, universities, and governments. This is usually fine for synchronizing workstations. However, these services are not guaranteed, and network conditions outside local control may affect accuracy or availability. Consider deploying a dedicated local NTP server such as the Safran SecureSync to provide resilient network synchronization for use cases needing greater accuracy, availability, or control. What is Precision Time Protocol (PTP)? High Accuracy Time Sync for Critical Systems For many general use cases, NTP is plenty accurate and cost-effective. For synchronizing humans, NTP works well. However, if you’re synchronizing machines, especially fast-moving ones, you may need the Precision Time Protocol (PTP). Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is defined in IEEE 1588 and is designed to enable tighter synchronization within a local network. PTP can usually synchronize two nodes to within microseconds, and with hardware timestamping, even sub-microsecond accuracy is possible. These are orders of magnitude better than NTP. The trade-off is greater complexity and cost to implement. There are no public servers like with NTP, so each network requires its own grandmaster to be configured at the top of the hierarchy. How PTP works: Sync Messages, Hardware Timestamps, and Network Aware Devices The protocol functions very similarly to NTP, with the timeTransmitter and timeReceiver nodes exchanging messages to calculate both the network delay and the offset of their clocks. However, the timeTransmitter initiates the exchange by sending a sync message, often as a multicast to all timeReceivers. Network interfaces designed to support PTP are also capable of hardware timestamping, recording the time when a packet is received or sent on the wire rather than relying on the operating system. Another significant difference is the behavior of the protocol when traversing routers or switches. In a PTP network, most intermediate devices like routers and switches must be PTP-aware. They should account for queuing or processing delays in passing PTP messages. These devices, referred to as either boundary clocks or transparent clocks, play a vital role in the seamless operation of the PTP network. Transparent clocks update the timestamps in the PTP messages and “transparently” pass them along. Boundary clocks act as timeReceivers to upstream devices and then act as timeTransmitters to downstream devices. Sectors where PTP is common are generally those where specialized networks are used, and increased accuracy is required. This includes telecom and other utilities, such as coordinating cellular handoffs or grid switching, high-frequency trading, and industrial automation, to ensure that separate machines can make coordinated movements. Safran offers several products, including SecureSync , that can provide PTP time, NTP and other outputs such as IRIG. For enhanced resilience, M-Code can be supported. PTP vs NTP: Key Differences in Accuracy, Use Cases, Complexity, and Cost Example Use Cases Choosing Between NTP and PTP: What’s Right for Your Application? The problem of synchronizing time to coordinate action is not just an old one, but a crucial one in our modern interconnected world. NTP and PTP, two common approaches, play a significant role in solving this problem. While NTP can synchronize humans, PTP is often needed to synchronize machines. The trade-off for the higher performance of PTP is its increased cost and complexity. Beyond PTP, a technology called White Rabbit is capable of nanosecond-level synchronization but requires dedicated hardware and infrastructure. Poor time synchronization can lead to out-of-order actions or event logs when designing a system, which can be challenging to troubleshoot. However, by considering this need earlier in the design process, scheduled tasks execute at the correct time, and logs reflect the actual time of events. This proactive approach can significantly enhance the efficiency of your system. Talk to us about NTP or PTP for your application by emailing sales@safranfs.com or filling out our inquiry form here . DOWNLOAD PDF

  • The Blueprint for Engineering Success : Part 1 | SafranFederalSystems

    The Blueprint for Engineering Success : Part 1 We are proud to celebrate National Engineers’ Week, a time dedicated to recognizing engineers' impact on shaping the world around us. At Safran Federal Systems, we are fortunate to have an incredible team of engineers whose problem-solving skills, efficiency-driven innovations, and dedication propel our company forward. Their contributions deserve recognition, and this week we are honored to spotlight one of our own: Brent Abbott. This year’s theme, “Design Your Future”, is both a call to action and a celebration of the limitless possibilities in engineering. In this post we’re diving into the real world of engineering with Brent Abbott, shining a light on how collaboration can elevate your career and reflecting on some of his proudest moments. Whether you are starting your engineering journey or just curious about what it’s like, buckle up—because with Brent there are no dull moments. Demystifying the Engineering World When most people think about engineering, they picture a world of numbers and equations. It is more dynamic and collaborative than we tend to assume. “Most of the time when people think of engineering, it's typically very analytical its very math oriented. But the reality is that not only is it just really analytical, as well as really focused on the math, but more importantly, and most of what happens in your day to day is that it involves a lot of collaboration with other people, involves a lot of developing new innovative systems really pushing the edge of technology and really getting the opportunity to jump into complex problems that you don't normally see when you're just head down writing on paper or kind of solve problems themselves. So I'd say that ultimately it's the ability to grow and understand and try something different, try something new that you don't normally get the opportunity to do in other parts of the industry.” Demystifying the truth of what it feels to be in the engineering world. Sitting down with Brent gave us a glimpse of what it means to be an engineer who on the daily are driven to combine the worlds of analytical thinking, problem-solving and creativity to develop innovative systems that solve complex problems. Collaboration is Key No matter the role or industry, collaboration is an essential trait to possess. Whether you are brainstorming solutions, refining a design, or troubleshooting a problem, the ability to work well with others is what transforms good ideas into remarkable innovation. “Collaboration, I would say, is very important to the innovative and development process, mainly because from a team standpoint, you have to know the people that you're working with and get to understand where they're coming from, what those ideas can be as well as the opportunity to learn, grow, experience new opportunities and get feedback on what you're designing and collaborating on. Collaboration provides an opportunity to get a lot of new ideas into the design process that you don't normally get if you're just working on it yourself. With those new design experiences and those other opinions, you really get a more holistic design solution that provides technical capabilities to the customer as well as creates an overall better solution rather than just one that’s designed by an individual themselves.” The ability to challenge each other, bounce off ideas, and refine designs through discussion leads to effective solutions. At the end of the day, the best ideas are built together. The Blueprint — Starring Brent From engineering solutions to engineering his own success, Brent’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and collaboration. “If my engineering life were a movie and what I've done, I’d call it The Blueprint, let’s go with that. I call it blueprints because kind of in engineering you’re always designing something you always have to have some sort of architecture model to what you're developing, so it always is different…I guess the Blueprints because I like music and there's an album called The Blueprint 3 that I really enjoy.” Reflecting on Proudest Career Moments Loving your job is one thing, but true fulfillment comes from making an impact. For Brent, those proud moments happen continuously, each one reinforcing his passion for engineering and innovation. “I love the work that I do, love getting the opportunity to work on new technologies, new innovative things I would say. From a career standpoint, lately, I've gotten opportunities to work in and lead and develop teams that work on cutting-edge technologies that are either refactoring of what we've done today, or completely new architectures and give me the opportunity to work with the team to drive to a solution in the end is what helps drive me and makes me excited about what I do every day…Ultimately, when the customer comes back and says, thank you for what you did you delivered something that was difficult to make, but we're happy with what you provided.” In every career, there are moments when creativity and teamwork come together to build something amazing. For Brent, those proud moments are not just milestones but reasons why he keeps pushing forward and inspiring others to do the same. The Journey of an Engineer If you have ever wondered what it means to be an engineer, we have taken a deep dive through Brent’s perspective. His role is not only about driving cutting-edge technology, but leading, learning, and innovating alongside his team. However, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we dive deeper into his experiences, challenges, and other insights. Feeling inspired? Explore career opportunities at Safran Federal Systems CAREERS

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