APX-GTS100 Multi-GNSS Synchronization Clock
High-Precision GNSS Time Synchronization for Power, Telecom and Industrial Systems
The APX-GTS100 Multi-GNSS Synchronization Clock is a compact and reliable GNSS-based timing synchronization solution designed to provide accurate time and synchronization references for power systems, telecommunications, broadcasting, industrial automation, and other timing-sensitive applications.
The system uses a high-precision timing-grade GNSS receiver and precision time synchronization technology to provide accurate 1PPS and TOD timing references. A variety of timing and frequency output options are available, including 1PPS, TOD, 1PPM, 1PPH, IRIG-B, DCF77, NTP, E1, 1 MHz, 5 MHz and 10 MHz, allowing the system to integrate with different types of synchronization equipment.
APX-GTS100 supports GPS and BeiDou timing configurations and can be supplied in a compact standalone enclosure or a standard 19-inch 1U rack-mount configuration, depending on system requirements.
With a clear status display, multiple interfaces and low power consumption, APX-GTS100 provides a practical timing reference for distributed synchronization systems.
Key Features
High-Precision GNSS Time Synchronization
APX-GTS100 uses a timing-grade GNSS receiver to obtain satellite-based time references and generate precise synchronization signals for connected equipment.
The specified 1PPS timing accuracy can reach better than 30 ns RMS, providing an accurate reference for applications requiring precise time synchronization.
GPS and BeiDou Support
The APX-GTS100 platform supports GNSS-based timing configurations including GPS and BeiDou.
The APX-GTS100-BD configuration supports BeiDou timing in addition to GPS-based synchronization, providing greater flexibility for regional and multi-system timing deployments.
Multiple Timing Outputs
The system provides a wide selection of timing and frequency interfaces.
Standard or optional output configurations can include:
- 1PPS
- TOD
- 1PPM
- 1PPH
- IRIG-B AC
- IRIG-B DC
- DCF77
- NTP
- E1
- 1 MHz
- 5 MHz
- 10 MHz
This allows APX-GTS100 to serve as a centralized timing reference for different types of equipment within the same synchronization network.
High-Precision 1PPS Output
The 1PPS output provides a precise pulse-per-second timing reference.
The specified timing accuracy is:
≤30 ns RMS
The output supports TTL, RS232 and RS422 electrical configurations depending on the selected product configuration.
TOD Time Information
APX-GTS100 provides Time-of-Day information through the TOD interface.
The system can output satellite and system status information using standard serial communication formats, including:
The interface can be configured with RS232, TTL or RS422 electrical levels according to application requirements.
Clear Local Status Display
The 1U version includes an LCD display for displaying system information, date, time and operating status.
LED indicators provide basic power and reference status information, allowing users to quickly identify the operating condition of the timing system.
Compact 19-Inch 1U Design
APX-GTS100 is available in a standard 19-inch 1U rack-mount enclosure, making it suitable for installation in communication cabinets, power system cabinets, control rooms and equipment racks.
A compact standalone enclosure configuration is also available for applications where rack installation is not required.
Low Power Consumption
The system is designed with low-power industrial components and has a specified power consumption of less than 5 W, helping simplify installation in equipment rooms and distributed timing systems.
GNSS Timing Architecture
APX-GTS100 receives satellite timing information through its GNSS antenna and processes the reference through an internal timing-grade GNSS receiver.
The synchronized timing information is then distributed through multiple outputs according to the selected configuration.
GPS / BeiDou Satellite Signals
↓
GNSS Timing Receiver
↓
Precision Time Synchronization
↓
1PPS / TOD / IRIG-B / Frequency / NTP Outputs
↓
Power / Telecom / Broadcasting / Industrial Equipment
This architecture allows APX-GTS100 to operate as a centralized timing reference for multiple downstream devices.
Typical Applications
Power Grid Synchronization
APX-GTS100 can provide accurate timing references for power automation and electrical monitoring systems.
Typical applications include:
- Protective relays
- Fault recorders
- RTUs
- Power automation systems
- Substation monitoring
- Control and measurement systems
The system is designed to meet the requirements of distributed time synchronization applications in power-related environments.
Telecommunications
The multiple timing and frequency outputs allow APX-GTS100 to provide synchronization references for telecommunications equipment and network infrastructure.
Broadcasting
APX-GTS100 can be used as a timing reference for digital broadcasting and frequency synchronization applications, including:
- DAB
- DVB
- DTMB
- CMMB
- Digital broadcasting systems
Industrial Automation
Accurate time synchronization can be used for event timestamping, equipment coordination, monitoring and industrial control systems.
Networked Measurement Systems
The system can provide a common timing reference for distributed measurement equipment, allowing events and measurement data from different devices to be associated with a common time base.
Timing & Synchronization Outputs
APX-GTS100 supports a flexible output architecture for different synchronization requirements.
1PPS
- Output: 1PPS
- Interface: BNC
- Electrical level: TTL by default
- Optional: RS232 / RS422
- Accuracy: ≤30 ns RMS
- Rising edge:
- Pulse width: 100 ms
- Output polarity: Positive pulse
TOD
- Output: TOD
- Interface: DB-9
- Electrical level: RS232 / TTL / RS422
- Data rate: 9600 baud
- Data format: GPGGA / GPRMC
- Satellite and system status information supported
Optional Timing & Frequency Outputs
Depending on the selected configuration, APX-GTS100 can provide:
- 1PPM
- 1PPH
- IRIG-B AC
- IRIG-B DC
- DCF77
- NTP
- E1
- 1 MHz
- 5 MHz
- 10 MHz
This flexible output architecture allows one timing source to serve multiple types of equipment.
GNSS Receiver Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| GNSS Type | GPS / BeiDou |
| GPS Frequency | L1, C/A |
| GPS Frequency | 1575.42 MHz |
| Receiver Type | Timing-grade GPS receiver |
| Channels | 32 |
| Timing Accuracy | ≤30 ns RMS |
| Cold Start | <29 s=""> |
| Hot Start | <1 s=""> |
| Tracking Sensitivity | Up to -160 dBm |
| Positioning Mode | Single-satellite timing supported |
GNSS Antenna
APX-GTS100 can be supplied with an active GPS antenna designed for timing applications.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Antenna Type | Active GPS Antenna |
| Frequency | 1575.42 MHz |
| Connector | BNC |
| Polarization | Right-hand circular polarization |
| Noise Figure | ≤1.5 dB |
| Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V / 5 V DC adaptive |
The system can also support optional antenna accessories such as antenna lightning protection, different-length antenna cables, GPS signal amplifiers and signal splitters.
Physical & Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Compact Version | 19-inch 1U Version |
|---|
| Dimensions | 100 × 85 × 31 mm | 447 × 44.5 × 300 mm |
| Weight | <500 g=""> | <2 kg=""> |
| Power Consumption | <5 w=""> | <5 w=""> |
| Power Supply | 5 / 12 / 24 V DC options | 220 V AC ±20%, 47–63 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C | -10°C to +50°C |
| Antenna Operating Temperature | -40°C to +75°C | -40°C to +75°C |
| Storage Temperature | -45°C to +85°C | -45°C to +85°C |
| Humidity | 95%, non-condensing | 95%, non-condensing |
System Integration
APX-GTS100 can be deployed as the primary timing source in a centralized synchronization architecture.
A typical installation includes:
GNSS Antenna
↓
APX-GTS100 GNSS Synchronization Clock
↓
1PPS / TOD / IRIG-B / Frequency / NTP
↓
Synchronization Equipment
↓
Relays / RTUs / Network Equipment / Measurement Systems / Industrial Controllers
The wide range of available timing interfaces makes the system suitable for mixed-technology environments where different devices require different synchronization signals.
Applications
- Power Grid Time Synchronization
- Substation Automation
- Protective Relay Synchronization
- Fault Recorders
- RTU Synchronization
- Telecom Network Synchronization
- Digital Broadcasting
- DAB / DVB / DTMB / CMMB Systems
- Industrial Automation
- Network Monitoring
- Measurement & Instrumentation
- Distributed Data Acquisition
- Computer Network Time Synchronization
Product Variants
The APX-GTS100 platform can be configured according to the required GNSS source, enclosure and output interfaces.
APX-GTS100
Multi-GNSS Synchronization Clock
General-purpose GNSS timing synchronization solution for industrial, communication and automation applications.
APX-GTS100-BD
GPS & BeiDou Synchronization Clock
GPS and BeiDou-enabled configuration designed for applications requiring multi-system satellite timing references.
Additional output interfaces and timing formats can be configured according to project requirements.
OEM & Customization
APEX provides OEM and customized timing synchronization solutions for system integrators and equipment manufacturers.
Depending on project requirements, APX-GTS100 can be configured with:
- GPS / BeiDou timing reference
- Different timing output interfaces
- 1PPS / TOD
- IRIG-B
- NTP
- E1
- Frequency outputs
- Different power supply configurations
- Compact enclosure
- 19-inch 1U rack-mount enclosure
- Customized system interfaces
For project-specific timing requirements, contact the APEX technical team for configuration support.
