System Description; Overview; Differential Timing; Architecture - Ublox RCB-F9T Integration Manual

RCB-F9T - Integration manual

2 System description

2.1 Overview

The RCB-F9T timing board enables multi-band GNSS timing in a compact form factor using the
ZED-F9T, the u-blox F9 high accuracy timing module. The ZED-F9T module provides nanosecond-
level timing accuracy in both standalone and differential timing modes.
In addition to the ZED-F9T module, the RCB-F9T timing board contains an SMB antenna connector
and 5 V power supply circuitry for an external active multi-band GNSS antenna. The 8-pin, 2.0 mm
pitch pin-header provides powering of the board, UART communications, and two independently
configurable time pulse signals.
2.1.1 Differential timing
The u-blox RCB-F9T high accuracy timing board takes local timing accuracy to the next level with
its differential timing mode.
In differential timing mode correction data is exchanged with other neighboring RCB-F9T timing
receivers via a communication network. In differential timing mode the RCB-F9T can operate either
as a master reference station, or as a slave station.
When RCB-F9T acts as a master reference timing station, it sends RTCM 3.3 differential corrections
to slave receivers.
When RCB-F9T acts as a slave receiver, it receives differential corrections RTCM 3.3 messages and
aligns its time pulse to the master reference station.

2.2 Architecture

The RCB-F9T timing board provides all the necessary RF and baseband processing to enable multi-
band GNSS timing. The block diagram below (Figure 1) shows the key functionality implemented in
the RCB-F9T.

2.2.1 Block diagram

Figure 1: RCB-F9T block diagram
An active antenna is mandatory with the RCB-F9T.
UBX-22004121 - R01 2 System description Page 6 of 64
C1-Public Early production information