NI OctoClock 8-Channel Clock Distribution Module

The NI / Ettus Research OctoClock/OctoClock-G 8-Channel Clock Distributions Modules can provide both frequency and time synchronization for up to eight Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) devices by amplifying and splitting an external 10 MHz reference and PPS (pulse per second) signal 8-ways through matched-length traces. The OctoClock-G adds an internal time and frequency reference using an integrated GPSDO (GPS-disciplined oscillator). A switch on the front-panel allows the user to choose between the internal GPSDO and an externally supplied reference. Both OctoClocks allow users to easily build MIMO systems and work with higher channel-count systems that might include MIMO research, direction finding, beamforming, transmitter geolocation, and more.

The Ettus Research Octloclock provides 10 MHz and PPS inputs on the front panel of the device that are then distributed to each of eight 10 MHz and PPS SMA outputs. Each output signal is amplified to maintain level and signal integrity after being divided eight ways.

The Ettus Research OctoClock-G distributes 10 MHz and 1 PPS signals generated from an internal GPS-disciplined oven-controlled oscillator (GPSDO) or an external source. The user can switch between these two sources with a front-panel switch, and there is automatic switch-over capability in case of failure or source disconnect.

The GPSDO serves as an accurate reference that can be synchronized to the GPS timing standard. This allows developers to time-align multi-channel systems across the globe to within a few 100 ns. When the GPSDO is not locked to the GPS constellation, it still provides 10 MHz/1 PPS signals, with accuracy better than 25 ppb.