Sync Defender

Sync Defender aligns your systems with precise stratum 1 NTP timing, enabling synchronised operations across multiple networks. Built with security at its core, Sync Defender's proprietary NTP server network stack strips away vulnerabilities, delivering rock-solid protection for your critical systems.

Build an ultra-resilient timing infrastructure with Sync Defender's multi-constellation support, anti-jam technology, and precision oscillators. Add redundancy in mission-critical installations with dual GNSS decoding. Scale to your needs with flexible modular architecture.

• Everything in sync

  Securely synchronise all your systems. Ensure accuracy for time-sensitive operations and transactions.

• Enhanced security

  Prevent time-based security vulnerabilities. Improve the reliability of encryption protocols and digital signatures.

• Regulatory compliance

  Meet strict timekeeping requirements. Provide accurate audit trails for regulatory reporting.

• Improved performance

  Optimise network protocols that rely on precise timing. Reduce latency and improve overall network efficiency.

• Low maintenance

  Reduce your maintenance burden. Choose a solution with a purpose-built secure network stack.

• Scalability

  Future-proof your network. Easily add additional hardware outputs as your needs change.

• Security hardened

  Purpose built secure network stack. Only implements essential timing protocols.

• GPS anti-jamming

  Incorporates anti-jam technology features to prevent the effects of GPS jamming.

• Modular architecture

  Scalable design. Available with 1-5 independent LAN ports.

• Superior GNSS decoding

  Class-leading high-performance design with 32 satellite parallel tracking. Multi GNSS constellation operation with selectable support for GPS, GLONASS and Galileo.

• Dual redundant GNSS

  Optional dual redundant secondary GNSS input. Operates using an alternative GNSS constellation or as an identical live backup.

• Optional legacy outputs

  RS-232 and RS-485 serial outputs to synchronise legacy equipment. High accuracy PPS output for precision timing. IRIG-B timecode output to control third-party systems.

• Holdover technology

  TCXO and OCXO holdover options to provide accurate time count during periods of synchronisation loss.

• 30 nsec UTC accuracy

  Accurate to with 30 nsec of UTC when synchronised to GNSS satellites.

• Active antenna monitoring

  Real time system diagnostics and active antenna monitoring.

• Firmware updates

  Free-of-charge firmware updates for the lifetime of your Sync Defender.

• Five-year warranty

  Backed up by an industry leading five-year warranty.

• Lifetime support

  Unlimited free-of-charge technical support for the lifetime of your Sync Defender.

• SYNC DEFENDER 50
• SYNC DEFENDER 100
• SYNC DEFENDER 200
• Security hardened network stack All versions of Sync Defender incorporate a purpose built secure network stack
• 1 x Ethernet timing LAN Sync Defender 50 / 100 models have one physical LAN port with NTP/SNTP support
• 2 x Ethernet timing LANs Standard Sync Defender 200 models have two independent physical LAN ports, each with NTP/SNTP support
• 3 x Ethernet timing LANs Sync Defender 200 is optionally available with three independent physical LAN ports, each with NTP/SNTP support
• option
• 4 x Ethernet timing LANs Sync Defender 200 is optionally available with four independent physical LAN ports, each with NTP/SNTP support
• option
• 5 x Ethernet timing LANs Sync Defender 200 is optionally available with five independent physical LAN ports, each with NTP/SNTP support
• option
• 30 nsec UTC accuracy When synchronised to GPS, the internal time count is accurate to within 30 nsec of UTC
• Multi-constellation GPS/GNSS support Sync Defender has selectable support for GPS, GLONASS and Galileo
• 32 satellite parallel tracking The high-performance GNSS decoder design provides 32 satellite parallel tracking
• GPS/GNSS anti-jam technology Sync Defender incorpoates features to ensure a GPS/GNSS jamming or spoofing event doesn't affect the timing on your network
• Active antenna monitoring Sync Defender incorporates active antenna monitoring, warning you if a fault occurs
• Dual redundant GPS/GNSS Sync Defender is optionally available with a second dual redundant GNSS input
• option
• option
• option
• Temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) The temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) offers economical holdover performance, providing stable timing during short periods of synchronisation loss
• Oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) The oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) provides a good balance between cost and performance, offering improved holdover performance at a competitive price
• option
• option
• High stability oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO-HS) The high stability oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO-HS) delivers superb holdover performance during extended periods of synchronisation loss
• option
• option
• RS-232 serial data output The optional RS-232 expansion card provides a serial time and date output and PPS output at RS-232 signal levels. Data can be transmitted in one of 27 different data formats
• option
• option
• option
• RS-485 serial data output The optional RS-485 expansion card provides a serial time and date output at RS-485 signal levels. Data can be transmitted in one of 27 different data formats
• option
• option
• option
• Pulse per second (PPS) output The optional Pulse Per Second (PPS) output provides a high accuracy pulse at the second edge
• option
• option
• option
• IRIG-B timecode output The optional IRIG-B expansion card provides a 1KHz amplitude modulated IRIG-B timecode output
• option
• option
• option
• 100-250V universal mains power supply
• Dual redundant mains power supply
• option
• option
• option
• DC power input
• option
• option
• option
• 5-year warranty
• Free-of-charge lifetime firmware updates
• Free-of-charge lifetime technical Support

Oscillator Upgrade Options

Sync Defender will switch to holdover mode if it loses synchronisation with GNSS satellites. The length of time Sync Defender can operate reliably in holdover mode is dependent on the oscillator fitted.

An upgraded oscillator option allows Sync Defender to operate in holdover mode for longer time periods, ensuring timing stability on your network during periods of synchronisation loss or a GPS jamming event.

LAN Expansion Card Option

Sync Defender 200 models can be fitted with additional timing LAN cards. Three additional cards can be fitted, providing a total of five LAN ports.

Each port has its own processor, is fully independent and is individually configurable. As well as ensuring segregation between your networks, this isolated multi-processor approach guarantees that high bandwidth utilisation on one physical network port will have no effect on the available bandwidth of another.

Serial and PPS Output Options

Sync Defender is available with a range of serial and pulse per second (PPS) expansion cards providing high accuracy time synchronisation for industrial systems and other equipment.

IRIG-B Timecode Output Option

Sync Defender is available with an optional IRIG-B timecode output.

Dual Redundant GPS/GNSS Option

For mission critical applications, Sync Defender can be fitted with a secondary dual redundant GPS/GNSS input. Depending on specific resilience needs, each input could be configured to use a different GNSS constellation. Alternatively, the second card could be configured as an identical live backup.

External Time Reference Option

Sync Defender can be synchronised from an external time reference in place of the standard internal GNSS decoder. The connection to the remote time reference can be made using existing CAT 5/6 structured cabling, significantly reducing installation costs in large buildings.

Realtime Clock Option

Sync Defender is available with a Realtime Clock option module. The Realtime Clock module maintains a time count whilst power is disconnected, allowing your Sync Defender to start operating immediately power is restored after a power failure.

Dual Redundant Mains / DC Power Input Options

Sync Defender is available with a choice of power supply options if the standard universal 100-250V AC mains power supply is not suitable for your application. Other power supply options are available to special order.

Antenna Options and Accessories

A GPS/GNSS patch antenna with a 3 m (9.8 ft) cable is supplied with your Sync Defender. For optimal performance, we recommend mounting the antenna outdoors. We offer a range of antenna options and cables to help in installations where the standard antenna is not suitable.

Timing LAN Specs

• Supported protocols:
• NTP v2/v3/v4, SNTP v3/v4, DHCP
• NTP performance:
• 5000 NTP packets per sec (each port)
• NTP timestamp accuracy:
• Within 30 μsec of internal timebase
• Link speed:
• 10Base-T/100Base-TX auto-sensing

Holdover Performance

• SD-301-TCXO:
• 2 msecs per day (at 20 °C, after 24 hours GPS sync)
• SD-302-OCXO:
• 500 μsec per day (at 20 °C, after 24 hours GPS sync)
• SD-303-OCXO-HS:
• 75 μsec per day (at 20 °C, after 24 hours GPS sync)

Internal GNSS decoder (version SD-101-GNSS)

• GNSS engine:
• 32 satellite parallel tracking
• GNSS constellations:
• GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
• Minimum acquisition sensitivity:
• -148 dBm (cold start)
• Minimum tracking sensitivity:
• -160 dBm
• Synchronised accuracy:
• 30 nsec (1 sigma)
• RF input:
• SMA connector

Front Panel

• Display:
• 20 x 2 alphanumeric backlit LCD
• Keypad:
• Capacitive touch sensing
• Status LEDs:
• 18 x white status LEDs

Firmware Update Port

• Update port:
• USB spec. 2.0 compliant type B full speed

PPS Expansion Card (SD-425-PPS)

• PPS accuracy:
• 50 nsec
• Output:
• BNC, TTL into 50 ohms

IRIG-B Expansion Card (SD-426-IRIG)

• Data format:
• 1KHz amplitude modulated IRIG-B
• Output:
• BNC, 3V p-p into 50 ohms

RS-232 Expansion Card (SD-420-232)

• RS-232 data accuracy:
• 50 μsec
• RS-232 PPS accuracy:
• 1 μsec
• Connector:
• DB-9 (DE-9) female D-Sub (DCE)

RS-485 Expansion Card (SD-421-485)

• RS-485 data accuracy:
• 50 μsec
• Connector:
• Detachable screw terminal block

Mechanical, Electrical and Environmental

• Enclosure dimensions:
• 430 x 220 x 44 mm (excl. rack brackets)
• 19” rack configuration:
• 1 U high 19" rack mounting
• Enclosure weight:
• 3 kg
• Packed weight:
• 4 kg
• Power consumption:
• < 40 watts
• Power inlet:
• 100-250VAC 50/60Hz double fused IEC C14
• Optional 2nd power inlet:
• 100-250VAC 50/60Hz double fused IEC C14
• Operating temperature:
• 0 to 50 °C
• Relative humidity:
• 0 to 95%, noncondensing
• Warranty:
• 5 years from date of supply

Certification Approvals

• Safety requirements:
• BS EN 62368-1: 2024
• Emission requirements:
• BS EN 55032: 2015 +A1:2020
• Immunity requirements:
• BS EN 55035: 2017 +A11:2020
• Radio equipment directive:
• EN 303 413: V1.2.1 (2021-04)
• CE / UKCA:
• Meets all applicable directives
• RoHS:
• RoHS compliant

Literature

Software

Compliance Documents