The information in this document has been carefully reviewed and is believed to
be accurate and up-to-date. Orolia assumes no responsibility for any errors or
omissions that may be contained in this document, and makes no commitment
to keep current the information in this manual, or to notify any person or organization of updates. This User Manual is subject to change without notice. For
the most current version of this documentation, please see our web site at
spectracom.com.
Orolia reserves the right to make changes to the product described in this document at any time and without notice. Any software that may be provided with
the product described in this document is furnished under a license agreement
or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of those agreements.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal
use without the written permission of Orolia.
Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.
Orolia USA, Inc. dba Spectracom
• 1565 Jefferson Road, Suite 460, Rochester, NY 14623 USA
• 3, Aven ue du Canada, 91974 Le s Ulis Ce dex, France
The industry-leading Spectracom products you depend on are now brought to
you by Orolia, the global leader in Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing
Solutions.
Do you have questions or comments regarding this User Manual?
è E-mail: techpubs@spectracom.com
Warranty Information
For a copy of Orolia's Limited Warranty policy, see the Spectracom website:
The following topics are included in this Chapter:
1.1 Product Overview2
1.2 About this Manual2
1.3 Designated Use of this Product4
1.4 Technical Specifications5
1.5 Front Panel Overview10
1.6 Rear Panel Overview12
1.7 The VelaSync Web UI13
1.8 YOUR SAFETY17
1.9 Regulatory Compliance20
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual
1
1.1 Product Overview
1.1 Product Overview
VelaSync® 1232 High-Speed Time Server is an enterprise-class time serving appliance
designed for high-frequency trading and other network applications that require low latencies.
VelaSync’s customized configuration, comprising state-of-the-art network synchronization
software, precision GNSS (GPS) timing technology, and reliable server hardware allows it
to provide high-performance time management over multiple network interfaces.
VelaSync 1232 (part number 1232-xxxx-xxxx) is the latest version of this unit. For
the user manual for an original VelaSync 1225 (part number 1225-xxxx-xxxx) see
the VelaSync User's Manual, archived on the Spectacom website.
Hardware
The customized Supermicro® server platform is a 1U server comprised of a standard
chassis and motherboard, as well as a GNSSreceiver plus oscillator (OCXO, or Rubidium),
two hard disks (RAID), two power supplies, and several time, frequency, and communication ports.
Software
The pre-installed Spectracom time synchronization and management software allows to
distribute very accurate time throughout a network, supporting NTP and PTP protocols. In
day-to-day operation, the software allows system administrators to centrally monitor time
synchronization accuracy throughout the network in an efficient manner.
Figure 1-1: VelaSync High Speed Time Server
1.2 About this Manual
This User Manual for the VelaSync High-Speed Enterprise Time Server provides you with:
descriptions of features and functions, as well as
installation and configuration guidance
instructions for specific tasks related to using this product
safety-related information
2
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
1.2 About this Manual
technical specifications
other reference information.
The main objectives of this User Manual are:
a.
to assist you with the installation and configuration of this product in a safe and efficient manner
b.
to help you familiarize yourself with VelaSync’s user interfaces, features and functionality.
This User Manual is written for a professional audience, targeting experienced system
integrators and PC technicians.
Other relevant documentation
Note: VelaSync 1232, is the latest version of this unit. For the user manual
for an original VelaSync 1225, see the VelaSync User's Manual, part number 1225-5000-0050, archived on the Spectacom website.
This Spectracom User Manual is complemented by the Spectracom VelaSync Quick Reference Guide (PN: 1232-5000-0051), a printed copy of which is shipped with the unit, and
the user documentation for the Supermicro™ SuperO® SuperServer 5018R-WR, which
can be found under:
This chapter describes the main features of VelaSync, its hardware operating elements,
and status indicators. Furthermore, the introductory chapter also includes VelaSync's technical specifications, and regulatory information.
CHAPTER 2: Installation
This chapter describes the preparatory measures, as well as the actual steps necessary to
install VelaSync in a server rack. Also included are SAFETY notes, and typical configuration
steps required prior to, or after initial powering on the system.
CHAPTER 3: Managing Time
The software running on VelaSync not only serves time during normal operation, but also
represents the main user interface for configuring and monitoring VelaSync. CHAPTER3
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
3
1.3 Designated Use of this Product
guides you through the web user interface, WebUI, explaining its features and functions.
CHAPTER 4: System Administration
Frequently executed tasks are described in CHAPTER4, broken down into the categories,
including, "Hardware Tasks" on page163, "Notifications" on page166, and "Managing
Users and Security" on page175.
APPENDIX
The document appendix includes "Troubleshooting" on page208 , as well as admin-
istrative information, how to contact Spectracom Support, and license notices.
1.3 Designated Use of this Product
This product has been designed and built in accordance with state-of-the-art standards
and the recognized safety rules. Nevertheless, its use may constitute a risk to the operator
or installation/maintenance personnel if used under conditions that must be deemed
unsafe, or for purposes other than the product's designated use.
The VelaSync High-Speed Enterprise Time Server is intended for use in restricted access
areas. A restricted access area can be accessed only through the use of a special tool, lock
and key, or other means of security.
Installation and maintenance of this device should be performed by experienced technicians only.
For additional information on how and where to use this product, see also "Selecting the
Right Installation Location" on page24 and "YOUR SAFETY" on page17.
4
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
1.4 Technical Specifications
1.4.1 Hardware
1.4.1.1 Server
Supermicro SuperServer 5018R- WR rackmount server with 1U chassis and
X10SRW-F motherboard:
Four 8cm counter-rotating PWM fans
One passive CPU heatsink
Two riser cards
Four hot-swap 3.5" drive bays (SATA)
Intel 1.8 GHz Quad-Core Xeon Processor
1.4 Technical Specifications
8 GB RAM
Two Western Digital Re 1 TB Enterprise-Class Hard Drives in RAID Mirroring configuration
Two redundant, hot-swap power supplies, 100-240 VAC auto-switch, 50-60 Hz,
500W each, with IEC60320 C14 inlet coupler
Connectivity:
I/O connectors: See "Rear Panel Overview" on page12.
1.4.1.2 GPS/GNSS Receiver
Connector: SMA, +5V to power active antenna (SMA-to-Type-N-adapter cable
included)
Frequency: GNSS L1 (1575.42 MHz)
Satellite tracking: 1 to 50, T-RAIM satellite error management
Warm start < 5 minutes (assumes current almanac downloaded)
GNSS Antenna system: See antenna installation guide (antenna sold separately)
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
5
OCXORb
Accuracy to UTC
(1 sigma locked to
GPS)
50 ns25 ns
Holdover Accuracy
(loss of GPS signal after 2 weeks locked, constant temperature)
After 4 hours1μs0.2 μs
After 24 hours25 μs1μs
1.4 Technical Specifications
1.4.1.3 Oscillator
Table 1-1:
Oscillator accuracies
Notes:
• Accuracy to UTC is measured by comparing the internal 1PPS with the GPS ontime point.
• When ordering a VelaSync unit, either an OCXO or Rubidium oscillator must be specified.
• The specifications are subject to a steady environment temperature.
1.4.2 I/O Connectors
1.4.2.1 Timing Connector
The pre-installed TSync-model 25-pin Micro D-Sub Connector, when combined with the
adaptor cable and breakout cable (both included), provides the following I/O options:
6
Inputs:
1 PPS Input
1 Hz pulse, rising edge or falling edge active (selectable); 100 ns minimum
pulse width
Amplitude: 0V to +5.5V input range, +0.8V
Input impedance: <150 pF capacitive
IRIG AM Input
Accepts IRIG formats A, B, G; NASA36; IEEE 1344
Amplitude: 500mV
Modulation ratio: 2:1minimum, 6:1maximum
Input impedance: 10 kΩ minimum
DC Common Mode Voltage: ±150VDC maximum
Input Stability: Better than 100 ppm
p-p
to 10V
p-p
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
, +2.0V
VIL
VIH
IRIG DCLS Input
TCXO OCXO
OCXO (Rugged
Option, cPCI & VPX
only)
Accuracy to UTC
(1-
sigma locked to GPS)
±50 ns±50 ns ±25 ns
Accepts IRIG formats A, B, G; NASA36; IEEE 1344 pulse width codes (does
not accept Manchester modulated codes)
RS-485 differential input: –7V to +12V common mode voltage input range,
200mV
p-p
Single-ended input:
1.4 Technical Specifications
differential voltage threshold
GPIO Inputs
Outputs
1 PPS Outputs
+1.3V
VIL min
+1.45V
Amplitude: 0V to +5.5V input range, +0.8V
VIL typ
, +2V
, +1.85V
VIH max
VIH typ
, +2.0V
VIL
VIH
Polarity (selectable): Positive or negative
Input impedance: <150pF capacitive
50ns active pulse width minimum; 50ns minimum between pulses
Repetition rate. More than 10,000 events per second
Resolution: 5 ns
1Hz pulse, rising edge or falling edge active (selectable)
40 ns to 900 ms active pulse width (selectable, 200 ms default)
Rise time: <10 ns
Signal level: TTL compatible, 4.3V
, base-to-peak into 50Ω
min
[PCIe only: TTL compatible, 2.2 V minimum, base-to-peak into high impedance]
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
Accuracy: Positive edge within ±[X] nanoseconds of UTC when locked to a
valid 1PPS input reference (for [X], see table below).
Table 1-2:
1 PPS output accuracy
7
TCXO OCXO
OCXO (Rugged
Option, cPCI & VPX
only)
Holdover
(constant temp after 2 weeks of GNSS lock)
After 4 hours12 μs3 μs1 μs
After 24 hours450 μs100 μs25 μs
1.4 Technical Specifications
10 MHz Output
10 MHz sine wave output from oscillator
Output impedance: 50 Ω nominal
Output load: 50 Ω minimum
Output harmonics: < -40 dBc
Output spurious: < -70 dBc
IRIG AM Output
Output formats A, B, E (100Hz, 1kHz), G; NASA36; IEEE 1344
Amplitude:
0.5V
1V
p-p
Output impedance: 50 Ω nominal
Output load: 50 Ω minimum
Modulation ratio: 3:1 nominal
Accuracy: ±2 to 200 microseconds (IRIG-format dependent)
IRIG DCLS Output
Outputs formats: A, B, E, G; NASA36; IEEE 1344 pulse width codes (does not
generate Manchester modulated codes)
RS-485 differential signal:
1.8V
1.5V
Single-ended amplitude (100 Ω load):
to 6V
p-p
to 12V
common mode output voltage (RS-485 compatible)
max
to 3.3V max differential output voltage swing
min
into 50 Ω, user settable
p-p
into > 600 Ω
p-p
GPIO Outputs
Periodic Output:
8
0.5V
max, +2.5 V
VOL
min (TTL compatible)
VOH
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
1.4 Technical Specifications
Amplitude: TTL compatible, 4.3V
[PCIe only: 2.2 V minimum, base-top-peak into high impedance]
Pulse width: 50ns to 999ms active pulse width, in 20ns increments
Period: 100ns min, 60s max, in 20ns increments
Polarity (selectable): Positive or negative
Time-Match/Alarm Output
Amplitude: TTL compatible, 4.3 V minimum, base-to-peak into 50 Ω; 2.2 V
minimum, base-to-peak into high-impedance
Range: 100 days in 5 ns steps
1.4.2.2 Communication Ports
2x 10 GbE SFP+ (optionally 4x, or 2x 10Gb plus 2x 40Gb1)
2x 1GbE RJ-45 with hardware time stamping
1x IPMI (V.2.0)
1x RS-232 (Fast UART)
4x USB 2.0
, base-to-peak into 50Ω
min
1x VGA
1.4.3 Environmental Specifications
Operation: 10°C to 35°C, RH: 8 to 90% (non-condensing @ 35°C)
Storage: –40°C to +50°C , RH: 5 to 95% (non-condensing @ 35°C)
1.4.4 Size, Weight & Power
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 437 x 43 x 650 mm (17.2 x 1.7 x 25.6 in.)
Weight: 23.5 lbs. (10.7 kg)
AC input: 100 - 240V
For additional hardware specifications, see the User's Manual of the Original Equipment
Manufacturer:
UNIT ID ("UID"): Unit identifier button – to identify this unit, press this button (or
activate via IPMI) to turn the blue "i" LED in front and back of unit on/off.
RESET button: Reboot the system
Power button: Apply/remove power from the power supply of the server. (Note:
Standby power continues to be supplied to the system, i.e. the power supplies and
the IPMI remain energized)
HDD Release Lever: Pull to release one of the two hot-swap RAID hard disks.
1.5.2 Control Panel LEDs
Info (red):
Red blinking fast (1x/sec): Fan fail
Red blinking slowly (1x/4 sec): Power fail
Red solid: CPU overheat
Info (blue):
Blue solid: Local UID button depressed
10
Blue blinking: UID has been activated via IPMI
NIC 2, 1: Activity on GLAN 1,2 when flashing green
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
HDD: IDE channel activity when flashing yellow
Power: Power is applied to power supplies (bright green)
1.5.3 Hard Disk Drives
Each hard disk drive (HDD) carrier has two LEDs:
Green LED: Indicates drive activity, when illuminated.
Red LED:
When blinking, the drive is rebuilding.
When solid, indicates drive failure (you should also receive an automatic mes-
sage from your system management software).
To release a hard disk drive carrier, in order to remove the hot-swappable hard disk drive,
push the red button for the carrier to release the lever, then pull the carrier out, using the
lever.
For additional instructions on how to replace a hard disk, see "Removing/Installing a Hard
Disk Drive" on page164.
1.5 Front Panel Overview
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
11
1.6 Rear Panel Overview
1.6 Rear Panel Overview
Figure 1-3: VelaSync rear panel
Legend:
1./2.: 1GbE ports (RJ-45)
3./4.: 10 GbE ports (SFP+)
5./6.: Optional 10 GbE ports (SFP+), or 40 GbE (QSFP+)
1
7.: GPS/GNSS antenna connector (SMB)
8.: VGA
9.: Spectacom TSync timing connector 2 Includes rear status LED's ("Status LEDs" on
page42).
10.: USB (4x)
11.: IPMI
12.: Serial
13./14.: Power supplies
Note: VelaSync does not support having multiple network interfaces on the
same subnet or multipath routing.
12
1
Please inquire about availability.
2
- PPS Output is 3.3V and should be terminated to 50 Ohms.
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
1.7 The VelaSync Web UI
VelaSync has an integrated web user interface (referred to as "WebUI" throughout this
documentation) that can be accessed from a network-connected computer, using a standard web browser. The WebUI is used to configure and monitor the unit.
Note: An integrated Command-Line Interpreter interface (CLI) allows the
use of a subset of commands that are integrated into the Web UI.
The minimum browser requirements for the Web UI are: Internet Explorer®9 or higher,
Firefox®, or Chrome®.
1.7.1 The Web UI HOME Screen
The HOME screen of the VelaSync web user interface ("Web UI") provides comprehensive status information at a glance, including:
1.7 The VelaSync Web UI
vital system information
current status of the references
key performance/accuracy data
major log events.
The HOMEscreen can be accessed from anywhere in the Web UI, using the HOMEbutton
in the Primary Navigation Bar:
The Primary Navigation Bar provides access to all menus:
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
13
1.7 The VelaSync Web UI
HOME: Return to the HOME screen (see above)
INTERFACES: Access the configuration pages for …
… references (e.g., GNSS, NTP)
… outputs (e.g. 10 MHz, PPS, NTP) and
… installed input/output option cards.
MANAGEMENT: Access the NETWORK setup screens, and OTHER setup screens
e.g., to configure Reference Priorities, System Time, and the Oscillator.
TOOLS: Opens a drop-down menu for access to the system maintenance screens
and system logs.
HELP: Provides Spectracom Service Contact Information and high-level system con-
figurations you may be required to furnish when contacting Spectracom Service.
1.7.2 The INTERFACES Menu
The INTERFACES menu on the Main screen provides access to VelaSync's:
External REFERENCES e.g., the GNSS reference input
Detected OUTPUTS, such as 10 MHz and 1PPS
Installed OPTIONS.
Clicking on any of the line items will open a status screen, providing real-time information
on the selected interface e.g., availability, performance data and events history.
To configure settings for the selected interface, click the GEAR icons or buttons provided
on most of the status screens. Icons like the INFO symbol provide access to more detailed
status information and history data.
14
The headings of each of the INTERFACES drop-down menus (white on orange) open
overview status screens for the respective menu items.
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
1.7.3 The Configuration MANAGEMENT Menu
The MANAGEMENT menu on the Web UI's Main screen provides access to VelaSync's con-
figuration screens and settings.
On the left side, under NETWORK, the following standard setup screens can be found:
Network Setup
HTTPS Setup
SSH Setup
SNMP Setup
NTP Setup
PTP Setup
Under OTHER, you can access non-network related screens:
Authentication: Manage user accounts, Security Policy, LDAP Setup, RADIUS
setup, Login Preference and Remote Servers. Change My Password is also available.
1.7 The VelaSync Web UI
Reference Priority: Define the order of priority for timing inputs.
Notifications: Configure the notifications triggered by VelaSync’s events. A noti-
fication can be a combination of a mask alarm and/or SNMP Trap and/or email.
Time Management: Manage the Local Clock, UTC Offset, DST Definition and Leap
Second information.
System Time Message: Configure a regularly delivered message of the system
time.
Log Configuration: Manage the system logs.
Disciplining: Manage oscillator disciplining.
Change My Password: Configure the admin password.
1.7.4 The TOOLS Menu
The TOOLS menu on the Web UI's Main screen provides access to:
The System Upgrade screen
System and network monitoring screens
Miscellaneous system administration screens
Log screens
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
15
1.7 The VelaSync Web UI
16
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
1.8 YOUR SAFETY
SymbolSignal wordDefinition
DANGER!
Potentially dangerous situation which may lead to personal injury or death! Follow the instructions closely.
CAUTION!
Potential equipment damage or destruction!
Follow the instructions closely.
NOTE
Tips and other useful or important information.
ESD
Risk of Electrostatic Discharge!
Avoid potential equipment damage by following ESD Best
Practices.
CHASSIS GROUND
This symbol is used for identifying the functional ground
of an I/O signal. It is always connected to the instrument
chassis.
Analog Ground
Shows where the protective ground terminal is connected inside the instrument. Never remove or loosen
this screw!
Recycle
Recycle the mentioned components at their end of life.
Follow local laws.
This product has been designed and built in accordance with state-of-the-art standards
and the recognized safety rules. Nevertheless, its use may constitute a risk to installation/maintenance personnel if used under conditions that must be deemed unsafe, or if
the warnings and precautions explained below are ignored.
Additional Safety Notes pertaining to hardware installation can be found under "Rack
Mounting: SAFETY" on page25.
1.8.1 SAFETY: Symbols Used
Note: The following symbols may be found in Spectracom technical doc-
umentation, or on Spectracom products:
1.8 YOUR SAFETY
Table 1-3:
Spectracom safety symbols
CHAPTER 1 • VelaSync 1232 User Manual Rev. 4
17
1.8 YOUR SAFETY
1.8.2 SAFETY Advisories
DANGER! ELECTRICAL HAZARD — DO NOT OPEN THE ENCLOSURE: No
user-serviceable parts inside (the product warranty will be voided, if the
Seal is broken). Should you ever decide to open the enclosure at your own
risk, unplug and remove BOTH power supplies first (the POWER button
will NOT de-energize the system!).
Caution: Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install,
replace, or service this equipment.
DANGER! — GROUNDING: A reliable ground must be maintained at all
times. To ensure this, the rack itself should be grounded. Particular attention should be given to power supply connections other than the direct connections to the branch circuit (i.e. the use of powerstrips, etc.).
Caution: CIRCUIT OVERLOADING — Consideration should be given to the
connection of the equipment to the power supply circuitry and the effect
that any possible overloading of circuits might have on overcurrent protection and power supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment
nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this concern.
DANGER! Hazardous voltage or energy is present on the back panel when
the system is operating. Use caution when servicing.
Caution: Do not use power supplies other than the p/s model installed in
your VelaSync, and do not mix power supplies with different power ratings.
NOTE: Replacement power supplies can be purchased directly from Spectracom (Part no. PS09R-
070J-SL01).
Please be sure to also consult local and national electrical codes, and the User's Manual of
the Original Equipment Manufacturer which can be accessed online under: