Spectracom's Master Clock
2 problems need to be solved in any time-related application:
(1) Which clock is used as the reference for all other clocks
(2) How to transfer the time from the reference clock to all other clocks
The solution to time as a reference is a master clock. The method by which the accuracy of the master clock is transferred to another, slave, or secondary clock, is known as synchronization. Spectracom offers a variety of master clocks, synchronization clocks, and master clock systems to meet the requirements for your application of accurate time. Typically, GPS satellite signals are utilized for synchronization to ensure accurate time, but other references may be used such as case of local atomic clocks or other time standards.
What is a master clock?
Master Clocks normally take one or more precise timing reference signals as inputs, then convert and distribute those timing references to other devices so their clocks are almost as accurate as the master clock.
Master clock systems are used in a wide variety of applications and industries including aerospace and defense, broadcast, radio, and telecom, network systems, financial services, emergency operations and call centers, and healthcare -- essentially anywhere reliability of data and signals are paramount.
Network master clocks distribute their timing references over local or wide area networks. Master clocks with wireless transmitters enable synchronization of devices (like display clocks) without having to run wires between them for the synchronization signal. There are also highly accurate master clock solutions that utilize copper or fiber connections for signal distribution of precise analog and digital signals such as IRIG timecode, and HaveQuick and STANAG timecodes.
Master clocks can also differ in the source of their timing reference. It is a rare case for a master clock to be free-running and not synchronized, or at least compared with, an external reference continuously or regularly. So a core feature of all master clock systems is that they are accept precise timing references signals as inputs. Spectracom's SecureSync modular time and frequency synchronization system can accept over 14 different signal types to discipline its local clock that can generate a similar number of signal types to synchronize other devices. In case of loss of the external reference (or more than one for redundancy), the local clock maintains timing accuracy until the reference(s) can be restored. Several different local clock oscillators are offered depending on the accuracy required during the "hold over" period.
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Synchronize to a variety of time and frequency signals, maintain and process that time very accurately, and generate a wide range of time and frequency signals and protocols including IRIG, STANAG/HaveQuick, NTP, PTP and many other precise analog and digital signals for virtually any device that requires a high degree of synchronization. |
Other Rackmount Instruments, Display Clocks, Plug-in Cards, OEM Boards & Modules.
In addition to the SecureSync synchronization system, Spectracom offers synchronized time display clocks and systems, GPS NTP network time servers, and application specific rack mountable instruments. It also offers PC cards, OEM boards and modules that can be used as master clocks in other devices.
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Use a master clock source from GPS, a network master clock, or other time source to ensure display clocks throughout a facility are synchronized. |
Common Uses of Master Clocks
Spectracom master clocks offer Legally Traceable Time to all time-keeping functions in any enterprise network. Over 4,000 NetClock master clocks are in use to record 9-1-1 events to improve response times and to settle legal disputes. Commercial enterprises can benefit from the same synchronized network operations for records accuracy, troubleshooting, security, and to enable time-sensitive applications to the extremely high levels of accuracy.
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Synchronize enterprise networks and critical operations such as 9-1-1 call centers by distributing legally traceable time from a built-in GPS receiver and other sources via IP networks through protocols such as NTP or PTP. Slave clocks in computers and other hardware may be running client synchronization software that is more reliable than built-in time clients. |
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