Innovative GNS system integrates clock-master technology for indoor small cells

Microsemi has announced its Integrated GNSS Master (IGM) solution for small cell synchronization. The IGM is the company's first solution that fully integrates a 1588v2 PTP grandmaster with a GNSS receiver and antenna in a small, fully-contained package, designed to mount indoors. The Microsemi IGM solves the often documented challenge of indoor synchronization which has been a significant hurdle for cost-effective small cell indoor deployments in the past. According to the Small Cell Forum, 80 percent of small cell needs are for indoor use. Microsemi expects the company's new IGM to revolutionize indoor small cell deployments by eliminating the need for an antenna on the roof top along with expensive power, cabling and installation costs associated with connecting the GNSS antenna to the 1588 grandmaster in a typical small cell deployment. IGR reports that the cost to deploy a small cell is approximately $31,000 on average and much higher than the cost of the small cell itself. Similarly, the cost of deploying a GPS antenna on a roof is typically $15,000 to $25,000 and can go up to $60,000 in high-rise buildings, in addition to the roof rental expense on a yearly basis. The Microsemi IGM eliminates the need for an outdoor antenna and therefore significantly reduces the purchase, installation and maintenance deployment costs for typical GNSS antenna systems. The innovative and extremely sensitive GNSS receiver and patented Microsemi timing algorithms result in an indoor GNSS timing solution that can be deployed in many different indoor environments. The IGM uses Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) to simplify installation by utilizing standard Ethernet within a facility and requires no more than 12.95 watts of power directly from the Ethernet cable. The IGM is simply mounted on the wall or ceiling, connected to the network via PoE and the unit will automatically self-configure, lock to GNSS signals and provide precise frequency and phase with its best in class 1588v2 PTP grandmaster needed for small cell operation. "The IGM product introduction is a continued commitment from Microsemi to address market and customer challenges in timing and synchronization," said Eric Colard, director of marketing and business development for Microsemi's Frequency & Time Division. "The IGM solution complements our flagship timing products and will work with them in tandem to provide a truly end-to-end timing and synchronization solution." Richard Webb, Analyst, Mobile Backhaul, at Infonetics, recently acquired by HIS, said: "Deploying small cells indoor to provide better coverage and enhance capacity is becoming a priority for operators. The challenge of tight synchronization requirements for LTE has been difficult to solve; Microsemi's IGM innovative solution enables mobile operators to precisely synchronize small cells indoor and lower deployment costs." Earl Lum, president, EJL Wireless Research, added: "The time is right for such an innovative and disruptive solution as IGM from Microsemi. Since Small Cells for indoor are now being readily deployed, Microsemi solves a critical cost issue and technical challenge operators are facing. The compact form factor, plug and play capability, and scalable client support of the IGM product hits the sweet spot for indoor small cell projects." The Microsemi indoor wall or ceiling mounted IGM combines a best-in-class 1588v2 PTP grandmaster with a GNSS receiver and a GNSS antenna; IGM entirely eliminates the need for an outdoor GNSS antenna with its expensive related cabling costs. An Ethernet connection is used to connect IGM to the equipment in the building such as switches, PoE midspans and small cells. The plug and play operation is meant for quick and easy installation similar to installing a typical indoor Wi-Fi hot spot. Once installed the IGM locks to GNSS signals and provides the accurate and precise PTP grandmaster synchronization needed for optimum small cell operations, says the company.