u-blox AG: Facebook Chooses u-blox Timing Technology to Speed up their Data Centers

Rhea-AI Summary

u-blox announced that Facebook has selected their ZED-F9T GNSS receiver for a new timing solution, enhancing data center performance through improved synchronization. This open-source design allows industries requiring nanosecond-level timing, such as 5G networks and power grids, to adopt advanced timing solutions. The Time Card, utilizing the ZED-F9T, features a backup miniaturized atomic clock to minimize clock drift. The design specifications are available on GitHub, supporting modernization efforts in infrastructure.

Positive

• Facebook's adoption of u-blox ZED-F9T may enhance u-blox's brand visibility in the technology sector.
• Open-sourcing the Time Card design can lead to broader industry adoption of u-blox's timing technology.
• Potential for increased sales growth in sectors requiring precise timing solutions, such as 5G and smart grids.

Negative

• None.

Facebook has open-sourced the design of their Time Card, which features the ultra-precise u-blox ZED-F9T timing module, providing easy access to nanosecond-level timing.

THALWIL, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / October 5, 2021 / u-blox (SIX:UBXN)(OTC PINK:UBLXF), a leading global provider of positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has announced that Facebook has chosen the u-blox ZED-F9T global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver module for their timekeeping solution. By improving the synchronization of networked computers, Facebook's Time Card can significantly speed up the performance of their data centers and distributed databases.

By open-sourcing their designs, Facebook has bolstered the adoption of highly accurate timing solutions based on u-blox technology. These solutions can easily be adopted by other industries requiring nanosecond-level timing, such as 5G cellular networks or smart power grids.

A better precise timing solution built on the ZED-F9T

Facebook set out to create a precise timing solution that reduces the computational overhead required when synchronizing the timing between different computers in a network. They used a u-blox ZED-F9T multi-band GNSS receiver to sync up their solution with the highly accurate atomic clocks onboard dozens of orbiting GNSS satellites. To bridge possible gaps in GNSS coverage and keep clock drift to a minimum, the Time Card also contains a backup source of timing: a miniaturized atomic clock that is continuously synchronized with GNSS time.

Easy access to nanosecond-level timing accuracy

To maximize the impact of their solution, Facebook decided to open-source the design of their Time Card, which fits onto a PCIe form factor. As a result, anyone with experience working with microelectronics can turn any PC built on an x86 architecture and featuring a network interface controller into a nanosecond-level-accurate timing and synchronization solution.

Easy access to nanosecond-level timing accuracy - based on the u-blox RCB-F9T timing board, which hosts the u-blox ZED-F9T GNSS receiver - opens new avenues in industry segments that rely on highly synchronized signals, such as 5G network base stations that require tighter synchronization than those of previous generations. As power distribution networks become more complex to accommodate a growing share of decentralized renewable energy, they are becoming more reliant on reliable and accurate timing solutions. And following Facebook's example, data centers and computer networks will be able to modernize infrastructure management to speed up performance and reduce latencies.

Facebook has shared the GitHub repository including the specs, the schematics, the mechanics, the bill of material, and the source code in partnership with the Open Compute Project (OCP) under the Time Appliance Project (TAP): www.ocptap.com.

About u-blox

u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global technology leader in positioning and wireless communication in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Their smart and reliable solutions, services and products let people, vehicles, and machines determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules, and secure data services and connectivity, u-blox is uniquely positioned to empower its customers to develop innovative and reliable solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA. (www.u-blox.com) Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter @ublox and YouTube

u‑blox media contact:

Natacha Seitz
Senior Manager PR and Content Marketing
Mobile +41 76 436 0788
natacha.seitz@u-blox.com

SOURCE: u-blox AG

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/666796/u-blox-AG-Facebook-Chooses-u-blox-Timing-Technology-to-Speed-up-their-Data-Centers

FAQ

What is the significance of Facebook choosing u-blox ZED-F9T?

Facebook's choice of u-blox ZED-F9T indicates a commitment to enhanced synchronization in data centers, potentially improving performance and efficiency.

How does the open-sourcing of the Time Card impact u-blox?

Open-sourcing the Time Card allows other industries to utilize u-blox technology, potentially leading to increased market penetration and sales opportunities.

What industries can benefit from the u-blox ZED-F9T technology?

Industries such as telecommunications (5G networks) and energy (smart grids) can significantly benefit from the highly accurate timing solutions offered by u-blox ZED-F9T.

When was the announcement about u-blox and Facebook made?

The announcement about Facebook choosing u-blox technology was made on October 5, 2021.

What is the stock symbol for u-blox?

The stock symbol for u-blox is UBLXF.