Facebook uses u-blox ZED-F9T to achieve nanosecond-level precision timing

Recently, u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global leading provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, announced that Facebook has adopted the u-blox ZED-F9T Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) multi-frequency timing module in its timing solution . By improving the synchronization of networked computers, Facebook Time Card can greatly improve the performance of its data centers and distributed databases.

Facebook will open source the design, making the high-precision timing solution using u-blox technology more accessible. This timing solution can easily be widely used in industries that require nanosecond timing , such as 5G cellular networks or smart grids.

Facebook is creating a precise timing solution to improve the efficiency of synchronizing timing between different computers in the network. The solution uses the u-blox ZED-F9T multi-band GNSS module to synchronize with high-precision atomic clocks on dozens of GNSS satellites in orbit. At the same time, Facebook Time Card also has a built-in miniaturized atomic clock that is continuously synchronized with GNSS time as a backup timing source to make up for possible gaps in GNSS coverage and keep clock drift to a minimum.

In order to make the solution accessible to a wider audience, Facebook decided to open source the design of the timing card, which uses a PCIe package. Therefore, any electronic engineer can turn a PC based on the X86 architecture and with a network interface into a nanosecond-level precise timing and synchronization solution.

The u-blox RCB-F9T timing board (including the u-blox ZED-F9T GNSS module) can easily achieve nanosecond timing accuracy, which can provide new opportunities for industries that rely on high-precision time synchronization, such as 5G network base stations, which require more accurate time synchronization than previous generations of products. In addition, as the share of distributed renewable energy in the power grid continues to increase and distribution networks become more complex, they are becoming more dependent on reliable and accurate timing solutions. Taking Facebook as an example, data centers and computer networks will be able to modernize infrastructure management to improve performance and reduce latency.

Facebook, in partnership with the Open Compute Project (OCP), has shared a GitHub repository under the Network Time Sync Open Source Project (TAP), including specifications, circuit diagrams, mechanical design, bill of materials, and source code: www.ocptap.com.

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/About u-blox/

Swiss u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a leading supplier of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. Its solutions enable accurate positioning of people, vehicles and machines and wireless communication over cellular and short-range networks. With a broad and diverse portfolio of chips, modules and a growing ecosystem of product-supported data services, u-blox is uniquely positioned to help its customers develop innovative solutions for the Internet of Things quickly and cost-effectively. Headquartered in Thalwil, Switzerland, u-blox currently has offices in Europe, Asia and the United States. www.u-blox.com

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#Keywords: u-blox, Facebook, ZED-F9T