About the SXT GNSS Disciplined Oscillator

The SXT GNSS Disciplined Oscillator (GNSSDO) is a high-performance, multi-constellation timing receiver and frequency reference designed for engineers, researchers, and organizations that rely on extremely stable, traceable time. Built around the Septentrio mosaic-T module and the SiTime SiT5358 Super-TCXO, it provides robust timing performance without additional services — and unlocks incredible accuracy when paired with a Fugro AtomiChron® subscription.

With an Allan Deviation of 7×10⁻¹⁵ over 20000 seconds, the SXT GNSSDO is a high-powered, economical choice for your next timing project, whether you're researching quantum systems, securing financial infrastructure, or synchronizing networks.

Out of the box, the SXT GNSSDO provides:
  • High-precision GNSS timing (no subscription required)
    Multi-frequency and multi-constellation timing with <5 ns time-pulse precision and strong resilience against jamming and spoofing.
  • Ultra-stable 10 MHz frequency output
    The onboard SiT5358 Super-TCXO delivers ±50 ppb stability with excellent aging and temperature performance; ideal for labs, networks, and embedded systems.
  • Event timestamping <20 ns
    Capture, log, and correlate time-critical events with exceptional precision using the dedicated SMA event input.
  • Built-in control and remote access
    An integrated ESP32-WROVER provides a web console, USB-to-Ethernet capability, logging, and configuration without needing a separate microcontroller or host.
  • Flexible power and deployment
    USB-C, PoE, or barrel-jack power options plus a sturdy aluminum enclosure make it suitable for labs, server rooms, and field installations.
What You Unlock with AtomiChron®:

A Fugro AtomiChron® subscription transforms the GNSSDO into a reference-grade timing source previously accessible only through cesium clocks or hydrogen masers.

  • Sub-nanosecond accuracy (<1 ns)
    AtomiChron® delivers timing corrections over encrypted L-band, allowing the GNSSDO to achieve <1 ns timing accuracy — suitable for quantum systems, metrology, advanced networks, and financial timestamping requirements.
  • Frequency stability approaching hydrogen masers
    AtomiChron® provides stability levels that surpass high-caliber industrial cesium clocks and approach hydrogen maser performance without the cost, power, or maintenance.
  • Authenticated, spoof-resistant timing
    Corrections include Navigation Message Authentication (NMA), offering protection against non-genuine GNSS signals, a must for financial, security, and telecom applications.
  • No internet dependency
    All corrections are delivered over encrypted L-band broadcast. Even air-gapped systems can achieve top-of-the-line timing accuracy.
  • Global coverage and reliability
    A worldwide network of ground stations and multi-continental availability ensures highly reliable correction delivery and traceability.

Please Note: The mosaic-T firmware (4.14.4) supports RTCM input for RTK Rover positioning. However, RTCM output is not supported. You cannot use the mosaic-T as an RTK Base. The documentation suggests you can, but you cannot.

Included in the Box

  • Cased Timing Device

  • L1/L2/L5 Antenna

  • Interface, USB, CAT 6 & SMA to BNC Cables

  • Power Supply and Cable

  • 32GB microSD Card (Class 10)

  • 4 silicon bumpers

High-precision solution for time and frequency synchronization

The SXT - GNSSDO offers a high-precision solution for time and frequency synchronization under challenging conditions, such as during GNSS jamming or spoofing.

Technical Specifications

GNSS Details

Reception:
  • L1
  • L2
  • L5
GNSS Constellations:
  • GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Galileo
  • BeiDou

Timing Details

Timing Module:

mosaic-T from Septentrio

Oscillator:

SiTime SiT5358 (Super-TCXO) disciplined 10MHz output

Time Pulse Precision

5ns out of the box. <1ns w/ Fugro Atomichron® subscription.

Fugro AtomiChron® is a global, real-time, precise clock synchronisation and authentication service based on GNSS, for applications that require resilient, accurate and reliable time and frequency approaching hydrogen maser performance. Learn more here.

Device Details


Weight:

1.1lbs

Dimensions:

26cm x 26cm 7.5cm

Power Options

  • USB-C
  • Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
  • External DC power

Communications

An integrated ESP32-WROVER provides a web console, USB-to-Ethernet capability, logging, and configuration without needing a separate microcontroller or host.

Front of Device

Back of Device

Who should use a GNSS Disciplined Oscillator?

Precision Timing Use Cases

Quantum and Physics Laboratories

Sub-nanosecond timing in a research or laboratory setting can lead to important research breakthroughs, especially in the quantum field.

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Precision Metrology

Because the speed of light is a fundamental constant, precise time measurements lead to ultra-precise distance measurements.

Telecom and Network Operations

Cellular networks and data centers rely on precise timing for synchronization and data protection.

Critical Infrastructure

Power utilities, financial institutions, and transportation systems rely on precise timing for synchronization and navigation.

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Security

Precise timestamps can provide authentication and replay protection as well as provide forensic insight to data breaches and hacks.

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Navigation

Using satellite navigation, a 1-nanosecond error translates to about 30 centimeters of location error. Accurate timing maintains GNSS data integrity.

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page for more general information.

What's the difference between the SXT and the SXT-D?

The SXT and SXT-D share the same GNSS timing engine and timing accuracy. The difference is the oscillator: the SXT uses a Super-TCXO, while the SXT-D uses a Double-Oven OCXO for significantly better frequency stability and holdover performance during GNSS outages.

What exactly is a GNSS Disciplined Oscillator (GNSSDO)?

A GNSS Disciplined Oscillator (GNSSDO) combines a local precision oscillator with GNSS timing signals to create a highly stable and accurate time and frequency reference. The GNSS receiver continuously corrects the oscillator, providing long-term accuracy while maintaining short-term stability.

What is the difference between a GNSSDO and an atomic clock?

A GNSSDO derives its long-term accuracy from GNSS satellites, while an atomic clock generates its own reference using atomic transitions. A GNSSDO can achieve excellent accuracy and stability at a fraction of the cost, power consumption, and maintenance requirements of traditional atomic clocks.

How accurate are GNSS Disciplined Oscillators?

GNSSDOs can provides better than 5 ns timing precision using multi-frequency GNSS signals. In the case of SparkPNT's SXT and SXT-D, the real magic come with a Fugro AtomiChron® subscription, timing accuracy can be improved to better than 1 ns by sending timing correction data to the device.

Sub-nanosecond timing accuracy means the timing error is less than one billionth of a second relative to a reference timescale.

What is event timestamping?

Event timestamping records the precise time that an external event occurs. The SXT and SXT-D can timestamp events with better than 20 ns accuracy out of the box using the dedicated EventA input.

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