Description
The Elproma NTS-pico3 is an ultra-compact GNSS network time server built for small networks that need accurate, reliable, and continuous time synchronisation. Despite its miniature size, it delivers enterprise-grade timing performance using NTP, SNTP, PTP IEEE 1588-2008, and gPTP 802.1AS TSN.
Designed for 24/7 operation, the NTS-pico3 features a built-in GNSS antenna module and includes a 30 metre SMA-ended coax cable with a marine antenna. It supports GPS and GLONASS simultaneously, allowing the server to maintain precise UTC reference time directly from satellite sources.
With hardware timestamping, the NTS-pico3 can achieve accuracy of less than 200 ns, making it ideal for industrial automation, control systems, time-sensitive networks, and other applications where precise synchronisation matters.
Ultra-miniature industrial time server
Small form factor with natural air cooling, ideal for installations where space is limited.
GNSS synchronisation
Built-in multi-constellation receiver supports:
- GPS
- GLONASS
High-accuracy timing
- < 200 ns accuracy with hardware timestamping
- GNSS receiver accuracy better than 15 ns (2 sigma)
Fast startup synchronisation
Very fast Time To First Fix (TTFF) with synchronisation startup of less than 0.5 ms ± 1 ppm.
NTP, SNTP, and PTP support
Supports a wide range of network timing protocols including:
- NTP v2, v3, v4
- SNTP
- PTP v2 IEEE 1588-2008
- gPTP 802.1AS TSN
IPv4 and IPv6 networking
Single 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port supports modern IP networks.
Holdover stability
The built-in TCXO holdover oscillator helps maintain time during temporary GNSS loss:
- Better than 4 ms error in the first hour
- Maximum 100 ms error after 24 hours
1PPS output
Can operate as a 1PPS frequency reference clock and includes 1 SMA 1PPS output.
Secure time delivery
Supports cryptographic authentication for NTP to improve timing security.
Flexible power input
Powered by 9–30 VDC, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial environments.
Typical Applications
- Industrial automation systems
- Small & medium networks
- SCADA and PLC environments
- Marine and transport systems
- Time-sensitive networking (TSN) applications
- Security and surveillance systems
- Broadcast and telecom timing
- Test and measurement systems
Technical Specification
| model NTS-pico3 | Miniature Time Server | Antenna interface | 1x SMA |
| holdover OSC | TCXO | std. GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU* |
| sync PROTOCOL | NTP, PTP IEEE1588, PTP IEEE 802.1AS | Anti-jamming Anti-spoofing Multipath mitigation | Yes |
| NTP | NTP v2, v3, v4 (RFC1305, RFC1119, RFC5905, RFC5906 , RFC5907, RFC1769 | #SBAS | EGNOS, WAAS, GAGAN |
| SNTP | RFC4330, RFC2030, RFC1769 | FREQ #1 | 1575.42MHz (L1 GPS) |
| PTP | IEEE1588: 2008 | FREQ #2 | 1598.06-1605.38MHz GLONASS |
| 1pps OUTPUT | 1x SMA | #CHANNELS | 32 |
| Time/DAYTIME | RFC(867-8)* | antenna DISTANCE | 30m coax H155 |
| #LAN | 1 | interface RS232 | 1x RJ45 |
| LAN speed | 100/10Mbps (RJ45) | interface USB 2.0 | 1x Micro-USB |
| TCP/IP | IPv4, IPv6*, TCP, UDP | weight NETTO | 0.3kg (3kg BRUTTO) |
| MANAGEMENT | HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, TELNET*, NTPQ/NTPDC, SNMP* | operating TEMP. | -20C to +70C |
| SECURITY | Autokey*, DSA, SSL, MD5*, RSA | storage TEMP. | -40C to +85C |
| SYSLOG | yes | %HUMIDITY | up to 95% (non-condensing), conformal coating option* |
| hardware STAMPING* | accuracy < 200ns | POWER | 9-30VDC |
| NTP-PTP software* cross timestamping: | 1.5µs (typ. <1µs) | * extra feature |
If you need a small GNSS time server with NTP and PTP support, the Elproma NTS-pico3 offers an excellent balance of size, accuracy, and capability. It is particularly well suited to projects where space is tight but reliable and precise synchronisation is still essential.
