KSI TPRO-IP Synchronizable Timecode Generator with IP Bus Interface

The Spectracom / Odetics / KSI TPRO-IP Synchronizable Timecode Generator with IP Bus Interface is a precision clock that can be read through a host IP carrier. The TPRO-IP automatically synchronizes to standardized time code signals. It is used for time tagging. Time tagging can be done by reading the clock through four 16-bit time registers or by a logic pulse from the outside world (an "external event"). The 16-bit reads are usually used for software initiated time tagging (for example time-tagging the time a block of data transfer starts or completes). Reading the first 16-bit time register (for units of microseconds through units of milliseconds) also freezes the tens of milliseconds through hundreds of days.

External events are usually used for time-tagging hardware related events (for example the exact time of a radar transmit pulse) because the added error of variation in software delays degrades the accuracy or a software initiated time tag. The time tag data for external events is transferred to the host through a byte wide hardware FIFO as a sequence of 10 bytes.

Inputs to the TPRO-IP are modulated timecode, host commands (not usually needed) and external event pulsed as required for the application.

Outputs are DC level shift IRIG-B time code, and a match pulse that occurs at user commanded times. The TPRO-IP also can generate interrupts to the host system as enabled and selected by the host system. Interrupt sources include external event data FIFO not empty and start or stop time match.

The clock will automatically synchronize to specified time code signals . Status bits advise the host of synchronization status. If there is no synchronization source the TPRO-IP will start counting at 000 days ..00 seconds at power-on. The clock time can be set by user commands.