Description

The ICS T8480C is a high-stability precision timing and synchronization module developed by Integrated Control Systems(ICS)—a trusted provider of time/frequency solutions for defense,telecommunications,power utilities,and aerospace.Designed as a Stratum 1 grandmaster clock,the ICS T8480C delivers ultra-accurate time,frequency,and phase references using integrated GPS/GNSS receivers and high-performance oven-controlled crystal oscillators(OCXOs).

It supports modern synchronization protocols including IEEE 1588-2008(PTP),NTP,SyncE,and legacy IRIG-B,making it ideal for 5G mobile networks,smart grid substations,radar systems,and secure command-and-control facilities where microsecond-level timing integrity is non-negotiable.

Application Scenarios

At a Tier-1 European telecom operator deploying 5G TDD(Time Division Duplex)radios,base stations began experiencing interference due to timing drift exceeding±1.5µs—a strict 3GPP requirement.The network team installed the ICS T8480C as a primary PTP grandmaster at the regional aggregation site.Leveraging its dual OCXO architecture and multi-constellation GNSS(GPS+Galileo),the unit maintained<±50 ns time error even during week-long GNSS outages thanks to its ultra-low-drift holdover(<50 ppb).Inter-cell interference vanished,and 5G throughput increased by 22%.This deployment highlights how the ICS T8480C transforms timing from a background utility into a performance-critical enabler of next-gen wireless.

Parameter

Main Parameters Value/Description

Product Model ICS T8480C

Manufacturer Integrated Control Systems(ICS)

Product Category Precision Timing Grandmaster/Stratum 1 Clock

Time Reference GPS,GLONASS,Galileo,BeiDou(multi-constellation GNSS receiver)

Oscillator Type Dual redundant OCXO(optional Rubidium upgrade)

Holdover Stability<50 ppb over 24 hours(typical with high-stability OCXO)

Timing Outputs 10 MHz,1 PPS,IRIG-B(AM/DC),RS-422/485,10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet

Protocols Supported IEEE 1588-2008 PTP(v2),NTP v4,SNTP,SyncE,DHCP,SNMPv3

PTP Profiles ITU-T G.8265.1,G.8275.1,AES67,SMPTE ST 2059-2

Cybersecurity TLS,RADIUS,TACACS+,ACLs,Secure Boot,FIPS 140-2(optional)

Operating Temperature 0°C to+50°C(commercial);-40°C to+75°C(ruggedized variants available)

Form Factor 1U rack-mount or standalone industrial enclosure

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1:Multi-Layer Timing Redundancy

The ICS T8480C combines dual OCXOs,multi-GNSS,and network-based PTP backup to ensure continuous time integrity—even during prolonged satellite jamming or fiber cuts.

Innovation Point 2:Sub-Microsecond PTP Grandmaster Accuracy

Hardware-timestamped PTP packets and adaptive servo algorithms enable<±30 ns RMS time error under normal conditions,meeting the most stringent 5G and broadcast standards.

Innovation Point 3:Cyber-Hardened Time Infrastructure

Unlike commodity NTP servers,the ICS T8480C includes role-based access,encrypted management,and audit logging—critical for NERC CIP,DoD,and IEC 62443 compliance.

Innovation Point 4:Universal Protocol Gateway

Simultaneously outputs IRIG-B for legacy SCADA,PTP for 5G radios,and NTP for IT servers—acting as a unified time distribution hub across hybrid OT/IT networks.

Application Cases and Industry Value

In a U.S.Air Force radar modernization program,aging cesium clocks were replaced with ICS T8480C units to synchronize distributed AESA(Active Electronically Scanned Array)elements.The system achieved phase coherence across 2 km with<100 ps jitter—enabling finer target resolution.During GPS-denied exercises,the OCXO holdover kept radars operational for 72+hours without recalibration.

Similarly,a smart grid operator in Brazil deployed the ICS T8480C in 40+substations to support IEC 61850-9-3(PTP for power systems).The result:fault location accuracy improved from±500 meters to±15 meters,slashing outage restoration time by 40%.

Related Product Combination Solutions

ICS T8480C-RB:Rubidium-enhanced variant for ultra-long holdover(>30 days)

ICS T8400 Series Antennas:Multi-band GNSS antennas with lightning protection

Microchip(formerly Microsemi)SyncServer S650:Competitive alternative

Orolia SecureSync:Comparable military-grade timing platform

Cisco ASR 9000/NCS 5500:PTP-aware routers that pair with ICS T8480C

SEL-2488:Substation automation device synchronized via ICS T8480C PTP

Tekron T1000A:Alternative utility-focused grandmaster

ICS TimeLens™Software:Centralized monitoring and audit for fleets of T8480C units

Installation,Maintenance,and Full-Cycle Support

Installation of the ICS T8480C involves mounting the unit,connecting a GNSS antenna(with surge suppressor),linking to the network,and configuring PTP/NTP profiles via web interface or CLI.For critical sites,dual units can be deployed in active/standby mode using BMC(Best Master Clock)protocol.

Maintenance is minimal:firmware updates are delivered securely over HTTPS,and health metrics(oscillator aging,GNSS C/N0,PTP offset)are accessible via SNMP or REST API.Built-in self-tests validate output integrity continuously.

We supply only factory-original or ICS-certified refurbished T8480C units,each validated for:

GNSS lock acquisition time

PTP grandmaster accuracy(<100 ns)

Holdover drift over 24h

Output signal integrity(IRIG-B,10 MHz)

Every unit includes a calibration certificate traceable to NIST and comes with a 24-month warranty.Our timing engineers provide site surveys,PTP profile design,and cybersecurity hardening services.

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