Test & Measurement


GPS time and frequency receiver

19 January 2011 Test & Measurement

Comtest Technologies has introduced Symmetricom’s XL-GPS time and frequency receiver to the South African market. This GPS-based instrument generates precise time and frequency signals referenced to coordinated universal time (UTC).

It is a networked, managed instrument for test and measurement, central timing systems, process automation, range timing and power industry applications.

As part of Symmetricom’s ultra precise XLi time and frequency family of products, the XL-GPS offers modularity and extensibility through multiple option slots and modules. At its core is a high performance disciplined oscillator. The internal, time optimised GPS receiver provides exceptional accuracy for time


(< 30 nanoseconds to UTC) and frequency (better than 1x10-12). A high performance oven oscillator option is available for improved stability and holdover performance.

A robust time code reader synchronises to an existing time code as an alternative or backup to GPS. Time codes supported include IRIG A, B; IEEE 1344 and NASA 36 in both amplitude modulated and DC level shift formats. The instrument generates signals to synchronise a broad array of time and frequency equipment. Standard outputs include a 10 MHz sine wave and pulse rates from 1 pulse-per-second (PPS) to 10 mega-pulses-per second (MPPS). A time code generator output supports synchronisation of remote devices.

Easy configuration, control and monitoring is provided with multiple user interfaces. The bright LCD front panel display and keypad supports a convenient interface with at-a-glance system status or time-of-day. The built-in network port supports remote operation via telnet and SNMP monitoring. Local control is supported via a serial port and an alarm output can drive an alarm monitoring system.

A number of options are available to extend the standard suite of functions to meet application requirements. The network time server (NTS) option enables the XL-GPS to function as a Stratum 1 network time protocol (NTP) server to synchronise networked computers and devices. The device can optionally function as a sophisticated measurement device to analyse frequencies and pulses. The frequency measurement option supports analysis of 1,5,10 MHz frequencies. The time interval/event timing option supports precise event pulse time tagging and time interval measurements with 5 nanosecond resolution.

An option module bay is available to extend the standard set of hardware outputs. The expansion module provides independent time code and pulse rate outputs. A 1,5,10 MHz/ MPPS module provides additional frequency outputs, while a Multicode module supports a wide range of IRIG time codes.

For more information contact Comtest, +27 (0)11 608 8520, [email protected], www.comtest.co.za



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