Duke Energy Using ViaLite GPS Links to Ensure Quality Distribution of Timing Signals

Technology

Wiltshire, UK: Energy companies need to guarantee the reliability of their mission critical IT systems and networks, and these need highly accurate timing and synchronisation signals for them to function. For this reason, Duke Energy is now using fiber optic links from ViaLite to distribute their GPS-derived timing signals. 

The state-of-the-art RF over fiber (RFoF) links have the big advantage that the signals can be sent over extremely long distances to inaccessible locations without suffering from the attenuation present with coaxial cables.

The GNSS/GPS links support a range of international standards for GPS and timing signals and are designed to be extremely low noise, as GPS signals are often very low intensity when they arrive at the rooftop antenna.

The equipment now in use includes three 1U rack chassis units, each with the capacity to house three card slots, allowing up to six channels per rack. The supplied GPS Link Tx and Rx chassis cards can operate across distances from 1 m to as far as 50 km.

ViaLite’s ability to consistently provide electro-optical devices with state-of-the-art performance, superior quality and high reliability is second to none,” said Craig Somach, ViaLite Director of Sales.

According to Duke Energy, “ViaLite’s equipment worked perfectly as designed, and was very easy to deploy thanks to its plug and play installation.”

Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and is one of America’s largest energy companies and collectively owns 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity.

ViaLite Communications is a division of Pulse Power and Measurement Ltd (PPM) and a world leading expert in high performing, reliable RF over fiber covering sectors including broadcast, satcom, mil-aero, LEO & MEO, GPS, radar, defense, test and measurement, and maritime.

ViaLite designs and manufactures RF over fiber links/systems, support modules (including an SNMP Monitor & Control module), rack chassis and outdoor enclosures (the ODE range). Recently launched products include the ODE-B3U outdoor enclosure, Mil-Aero 6 GHz Link Pair and Black OEM modules – IP55 rated for outdoor use without an enclosure.

ViaLite will be exhibiting at these upcoming shows: IBC (Amsterdam) and ITC (Las Vegas, USA) and their products are used in a variety of markets, including: Satcom, Broadcast, Cellular and Network Timing, Mil-Aero, Telemetry, Maritime, Government, Mining and Public Safety.