APX-TS100 GNSS Network Time Server
The APX-TS100 GNSS Network Time Server is a compact and practical network timing solution for applications that require accurate and reliable time synchronization across IP networks.
Based on GNSS reference timing, APX-TS100 supports NTP v1/v2/v3/v4 and SNTP protocols and provides precision network time and timestamp services for computer systems, process control, enterprise IT networks, database clusters, telecommunications, financial systems, industrial applications, transportation, power, and other distributed systems.
With GNSS synchronization accuracy of less than 30 ns RMS, typical local-network NTP accuracy of 0.1–2 ms, more than 2,000 NTP requests per second, and support for more than 32,000 clients, APX-TS100 provides a cost-effective foundation for network-wide time synchronization.
Key Features
- GNSS reference based on GPS, BeiDou, or GPS + BeiDou
- Supports NTP v1/v2/v3/v4 and SNTP
- GNSS synchronization accuracy of <30 ns="" rms="">
- Typical local-network NTP accuracy of 0.1–2 ms
- Complex-network NTP accuracy of <10 ms="">
- More than 2,000 NTP requests per second
- Supports more than 32,000 network time clients
- Standard Gigabit Ethernet network interface
- Optional dual physically isolated NTP network interfaces
- Optional OCXO internal reference clock
- Optional CDMA/4G reference input
- Optional 1PPS + TOD input
- Optional IRIG-B input
- Optional PTP input
- Optional PTP, IRIG-B and 10 MHz outputs
- Supports reference-source redundancy and automatic switching
- SNMP network management
- MD5-based NTP security
- SSH, Telnet and console remote management
- 1PPS timing output
- Compact 1U rack-mount form factor
- Optional desktop version for space-constrained deployments
GNSS-Based Network Time Synchronization
APX-TS100 uses GNSS as the primary external timing reference and can be configured for different satellite navigation systems according to the application.
Supported reference configurations include:
- GPS
- BeiDou
- GPS + BeiDou
- BeiDou-3
The receiver specifications provided for the platform include:
| GNSS Reference | Frequency | Channels | Cold Start | Warm Start | Re-acquisition | Timing Accuracy |
|---|
| GPS | L1 | 32 | 35 s | 1 s | 1 s | 30 ns |
| BeiDou | B1I | 32 | 35 s | 1 s | 1 s | 30 ns |
| GPS + BeiDou | L1, B1I | 32 | 35 s | 1 s | 1 s | 30 ns |
| BeiDou-3 + GPS | L1, B1I, B1C | 40 | 35 s | 1 s | 1 s | 30 ns |
The receiver supports single-system positioning and combined GPS/BeiDou positioning modes.
NTP and SNTP Services
APX-TS100 supports standard NTP and SNTP protocols for synchronizing computers, servers, network equipment, and distributed application systems.
Supported network protocols include:
- NTP v1/v2/v3/v4
- Unicast NTP
- Multicast NTP
- Broadcast NTP
- NTP Autokey
- SNTP
- Telnet
- SSH
- FTP
- SNMP v1/v2/v2c/v3
- MIB II / RFC 1213
- IPv4
- IPv6
- IPv4/IPv6 hybrid operation
The system can operate as a primary network time server and can also be configured for secondary-server applications.
Network Timing Performance
APX-TS100 provides the following timing and service performance:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| GNSS synchronization accuracy | <30 ns="" rms=""> |
| Typical local-network NTP accuracy | 0.1–2 ms |
| Complex-network NTP accuracy | <10 ms=""> |
| NTP service capacity | >2,000 requests/s |
| Client capacity | >32,000 |
| Average frequency accuracy | <1> |
| MTBF | >80,000 hours |
The actual network synchronization accuracy depends on network conditions, client equipment, and deployment environment.
Reference Redundancy and Timing Options
APX-TS100 supports multiple reference-source configurations and can automatically switch between configured reference sources according to priority.
Available reference options include:
- GPS
- BeiDou
- GPS + BeiDou
- BeiDou-3
- CDMA
- External 1PPS + TOD
- IRIG-B
- PTP
This allows the same platform to be configured for different network timing architectures and external timing-reference requirements.
Internal OCXO Reference
An optional high-stability OCXO can be installed as the internal timing reference.
The OCXO specifications provided for the platform include:
| Parameter | OCXO |
|---|
| Average frequency accuracy | <1> |
| Frequency stability | <5> |
| Daily aging | <5> |
| Phase noise | ≤−155 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz |
| Holdover accuracy | <1 ms=""> |
The optional OCXO provides holdover capability when the external GNSS reference is temporarily unavailable.
Timing Outputs
1PPS Output
The standard timing output includes a 1PPS signal:
- Accuracy relative to UTC: <30 ns="" rms="">
- TTL electrical level
- Positive-edge output
- Pulse width: 100 ms
TOD Interface
The TOD interface supports:
- RS232 electrical level
- 9600 baud
- 8-N-1
Optional IRIG-B Output
The optional IRIG-B output module supports:
- GJB2991A-2008 standard
- DC output
- TTL / RS422 electrical levels
- AC output
- Balanced or unbalanced configuration
- 3:1 modulation depth ratio
Optional PTP Output
The optional PTP output module supports:
- IEEE 1588 v2
- Gigabit Ethernet / SFP optical interfaces
- Unicast and multicast modes
- One-step and two-step operation
- AI/SI/DI configuration
- Up to 256 PTP clients per PTP network port
Optional 10 MHz Output
The system can be equipped with either 10 MHz square-wave or sine-wave output.
10 MHz Square-Wave Output
- LVTTL electrical level
- Accuracy and stability referenced to the internal clock
10 MHz Sine-Wave Output
- 50 Ω output impedance
- Output power >7 dBm
- Accuracy, stability and phase-noise characteristics referenced to the internal clock
External Timing Reference Inputs
APX-TS100 supports several optional external timing references:
1PPS + TOD
- TOD supports NMEA0183
- RS232 interface
IRIG-B
- RS422 electrical level
- Supports GJB2991A-2008
CDMA/4G
- Supports timing reference from CDMA/4G communication networks
PTP
- IEEE 1588 v2 compatible PTP input
These options allow APX-TS100 to be integrated into existing timing infrastructures where GNSS is not the only available reference.
Network Security and Management
APX-TS100 supports MD5-based NTP security and standard network management protocols.
Management functions include:
- SNMP network management
- Web-based configuration where supported by the selected configuration
- SSH remote login
- Telnet
- Console access
- System logging
- Reference-source monitoring
- Network status monitoring
The system can be integrated into network management environments through its SNMP interface.
SNTP Synchronization Software
The supplied SNTP synchronization software supports Windows environments and can be used to synchronize system time through the SNTP protocol.
Functions include:
- Automatic startup
- Background operation
- Configurable synchronization intervals
- Automatic periodic synchronization
- Manual time synchronization
Interfaces
The standard rack-mount configuration provides:
| Interface | Description |
|---|
| ANT | BNC GNSS antenna interface, 1 port, 5 V antenna power |
| LAN1 | RJ45, 10/100M adaptive Ethernet |
| CONSOLE | RJ45, RS232 console interface |
| TOD | DB-9 female, 2 ports, RS232 |
| 1PPS | BNC, TTL timing output |
| Power | 100–240 VAC |
| Optional network | Dual physically isolated NTP network ports |
| Optional timing I/O | PTP, 10 MHz, IRIG-B and external reference interfaces |
Compact Desktop Version
For applications where rack mounting is not required, the APX-TS100 platform can also be configured in a compact desktop form factor.
The source platform includes a desktop configuration with:
- GNSS antenna interface
- Console interface
- NTP network interface
- 1PPS output
- DC power input
- Compact desktop enclosure
This configuration can be used where installation space or equipment form factor is a primary consideration.
Front Panel
The rack-mount version includes a VFD display and status indicators.
The display can provide information including:
- Current time
- Reference lock status
- Satellite information
- Position information
- Network information
- System operating status
Status indicators provide information on:
- Power status
- GNSS lock
- 1PPS status
- Equipment alarms
Mechanical and Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Chassis | 19-inch 1U rack-mount |
| Dimensions | 433 × 44.5 × 365 mm |
| Weight | <5 kg=""> |
| Power supply | 100–240 VAC |
| Operating temperature | −10°C to +55°C |
| Antenna operating temperature | −40°C to +75°C |
| Storage temperature | −45°C to +85°C |
| Humidity | 95% RH, non-condensing |
| Power consumption | <25 w=""> |
Typical Applications
APX-TS100 is suitable for applications requiring a centralized GNSS-referenced network time source, including:
- Enterprise IT networks
- Computer networks
- Database clusters
- Financial systems
- Telecommunications
- Mobile communication networks
- Industrial automation
- Process control systems
- Power and energy systems
- Transportation systems
- Oil and gas
- Public-sector networks
- Specialized network environments
Website Category Positioning
Primary Category: GNSS & NTP Time Servers
Product Series: APX-TS Series
Product Positioning: Compact GNSS Network Time Server
APX-TS100 is positioned as an entry-level and compact APEX network timing platform for standard NTP/SNTP synchronization applications. It provides GNSS-referenced timing, essential network management functions, 1PPS output, and a range of optional reference and timing interfaces in a compact 1U platform.
Applications
Enterprise Network Synchronization
Provides a centralized time reference for servers, workstations, network devices, and database systems.
Industrial Automation
Provides synchronized network time for process control and distributed industrial systems.
Telecommunications
Provides GNSS-referenced timing for communication network environments.
Power & Energy
Supports synchronized time distribution for monitoring and control systems.
Financial & IT Systems
Provides a common network time source for distributed servers and applications.
Transportation
Supports network time synchronization for distributed transportation and control systems.
