Microsemi announces innovative Global Navigation Satellite System solutions for the communications market

     Microsemi Corporation announces Integrated GNSS Master (IGM) solution for Small cell site synchronization. Designed for indoor installation, the IGM is the first Megalo SEMi solution to fully integrate the 1588v2 PTP master clock and GNSS receiver and antenna in a small, fully enclosed package. Microsemi's IGM addresses the industry's frequently encountered indoor synchronization challenge, which has been a significant barrier to achieving cost-effective indoor deployment of small cells.

     According to the Small Cell Forum, 80% of small cell site demand is for indoor applications. With this in mind, Microsemi expects the new IGM solution to revolutionize indoor small cell site deployments, eliminating the need for rooftop antennas and the expensive power, wiring and installation costs required to connect GNSS antennas to the 1588 master clock in a typical small cell site deployment.

     The IGR report states that the average cost of deploying a small cell site is approximately $31,000, which is significantly more than the cost of the small cell site itself. Similarly, the cost of deploying a GPS antenna on a roof is typically $15,000 to $25,000, and more likely up to $60,000 in a high-rise building, in addition to the annual expense of renting the roof.

     By eliminating the need for outdoor antennas, Microsemi IGM significantly reduces the cost of resource allocation for procurement, installation, and maintenance of a typical GNSS antenna system. This innovative and very sensitive GNSS receiver and the patented Megasome clock algorithm result in an indoor GNSS clock solution that can be used in many different indoor environments. By using standard Ethernet facilities, IGM makes use of power-over-Ethernet (PoE) to simplify installation, and no more than 12.95W of Power is used directly from the Ethernet cable. Simply mount the IGM on the wall or ceiling and connect to the network via PoE, the device can automatically configure and lock the GNSS signal, and then use its industry-best 1588v2 PTP master clock to provide precise frequency and phase for small cell base station operation.

     Eric Colard, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Microsemi's Frequency and Time Clock division, said: "With the introduction of IGM products, Megalo Semi fulfills its ongoing commitment to helping customers address difficult and market challenges within the clock and synchronization space. The IGM solution complements our flagship clock offering, and the two work together to provide a true end-to-end clock and synchronization solution."

     Richard Webb, mobile network backhaul analyst at Infonetics, a market research firm recently acquired by IHS, said: "Deploying small cells indoors to provide better coverage and increase capacity is becoming a priority for operators, however, the demanding synchronization requirements of LTE have been an insurmountable challenge; "Our innovative IGM solutions enable mobile operators to accurately synchronize their indoor small cell sites and reduce deployment costs."

     Earl Lum, president of EJL Wireless Research, said: "Now is the perfect time for Microsemi to launch an innovative breakthrough solution like IGM. The industry is stepping up the deployment of small cells, and Megalomy solves the cost and technical challenges that are critical to operators. IGM's compact form factor, plug-and-play capabilities, and support for customer capacity scalability are also optimal for indoor small cell projects."