Rakon introduces new GNSS Receiver with advanced clock for NewSpace applications

Rakon proudly announces the latest addition to our GNSS Receiver lineup: the GNSS Receiver TIMING. Building on the success of GNSS Receiver SINGLE and DUAL released in 2023, this innovative space GNSS solution combines GNSS Receiver functionality with GNSS Disciplined Oscillator (GNSSDO) capability. By integrating and synchronising Rakon’s proprietary Ultra Stable Oscillator (USO), RK409NS, within the GNSS receiver, the system delivers advanced GNSS timing functionality, offering the combined benefits of a GNSS Receiver and a GNSSDO.

The GNSS Receiver TIMING is the first NewSpace GNSS Receiver in the world that includes an integrated clock GNSSDO, all in one COTS product. The GNSS subsystem with RK409NS USO delivers a robust and precise clock, necessary to provide advanced solutions like GNSS data monitoring, innovative navigation algorithms and clock synchronisation.

The RK409NS provides ultra-reliable short-term stability, while the increased long-term accuracy is ensured via the GNSSDO performed in a microcontroller that disciplines the oscillator with GNSS PPS signals. Advanced algorithms allow for seamless synchronisation, avoiding frequency jumps or glitches to maintain consistently high accuracy.

The GNSS Receiver TIMING provides unparalleled frequency and timing performance:

• Free-running initial frequency accuracy:
  Frequency drift minimised to ±20 ppb.
• GNSSDO locked to PPS signal:
  Allan deviation (ADEV) achieved an exceptional stability of 0.01 ppb on the 10 MHz output.
• Holdover mode and Maximum Time Interval Error (MTIE):
  Time stability maintained at 10 µs stability for a 24-hour holdover from -20°C to +60°C, within
  a 1.5-hour sinewave cycle.

The GNSS Receiver TIMING offers low power consumption and supports multi-band and multi-constellation functionality. Processing signals from up to 448 channels ensures high-performance positioning, velocity, and timing across various GNSS constellations, including GPS, GALILEO, BEIDOU, GLONASS, QZSS, NAVIC, and SBAS. This receiver is ideal for New Space applications requiring high precision positioning and timing such as navigation, telecommunications or science.

Supported Constellations and Bands

GNSS Receiver TIMING Block Diagram

Key Features and Technologies

1. Advanced GNSS receiver: COTS receiver with multi-constellation, multi band support with up to 448 channels acquisitions and tracking.
2. Position Accuracy: Achieves horizontal accuracy of 1.2 meters and vertical accuracy of 1.9 meters at an 800 km altitude (RMS).
3. Time to First Fix (TTFF): Warm start TTFF is under 20 seconds, and cold start TTFF is under 45 seconds.
4. PPS Output: Provides one PPS output under RS422 standards, enhancing resilience against interference.
5. Rad-hard microcontroller: High performance and reliable rad-hard microcontroller that manages GNSS receivers, disciplines the RK409NS on GNSS PPS and provides advanced custom navigation algorithms capabilities.
6. Clock output: Provides 10 MHz highly stable and low noise output from Ultra Stable Oscillator (USO) RK409NS.
7. Advanced TM/TC: Full TM/TC communication bus based on RS422 UART interface.

For complete details, please refer to the GNSS Receiver TIMING datasheet. Rakon offers a full range of NewSpace GNSS Receivers that offers options around PC104 or full housing, mono/bi/tri antennas and clock management functions. All GNSS Receivers come as a COTS product but can equally be customised to fit customer requirements

In addition to the GNSS Receiver range, Rakon offers timing and frequency distribution products (MROs) and SDR (Software Define Radio) devices as part of its NewSpace Equipment portfolio.

For further information, contact our Sales team or visit www.rakon/newspace to explore our NewSpace product portfolio.