Spectracom EPSILON EC1S User Manual

EPSILON

CLOCK

MODEL

EC1S

USER’S MANUAL

95 Methodist Hill Drive

Rochester, NY 14623

Phone: US +1.585.321.5800

Fax: US +1.585.321.5219

3 Avenue du Canada

91974 Les Ulis, France

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

www.spectracomcorp.com

www.spectracom.fr

Ref. Number 14002-D0

Manual Revision D0

09 June 2008

Copyright © 2008 Spectracom Corporation. The contents of this publication may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of Spectracom Corporation.

Specifications subject to change or improvement without notice.
Spectracom, EPSILON CLOCK, NetClock, Ageless, TimeGuard, TimeBurst, TimeTap,

LineTap, MultiTap, VersaTap, and Legally Traceable Time are Spectracom registered
trademarks. All other products are identified by trademarks of their respective
companies or organizations. All rights reserved.

SPECTRACOM LIMITED WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY

Spectracom warrants each new product manufactured and
sold by it to be free from defects in software, material,
workmanship, and construction, except for batteries, fuses, or
other material normally consumed in operation that may be
contained therein AND AS NOTED BELOW, for five years after
shipment to the original purchaser (which period is referred to
as the “warranty period”). This warranty shall not apply if the
product is used contrary to the instructions in its manual or is
otherwise subjected to misuse, abnormal operations, accident,
lightning or transient surge, repairs or modifications not
performed by Spectracom.

The GPS receiver is warranted for one year from date of
shipment and subject to the exceptions listed above. The
power adapter, if supplied, is warranted for one year from date
of shipment and subject to the exceptions listed above.

THE TIMEVIEW ANALOG CLOCKS ARE WARRANTED FOR
ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF SHIPMENT AND SUBJECT TO
THE EXCEPTIONS LISTED ABOVE.

THE TIMECODE READER/GENERATORS ARE
WARRANTED FOR ONE YEAR FROM DATE OF SHIPMENT
AND SUBJECT TO THE EXCEPTIONS LISTED ABOVE.

THE WIRELESS CLOCK SYSTEM TRANSMITTERS AND/OR
TRANSCEIVERS AND CLOCKS ARE WARRANTED FOR
TWO YEARS FROM DATE OF SHIPMENT AND SUBJECT
TO THE EXCEPTIONS LISTED ABOVE.

THE EPSILON CLOCKS, BOARDS, AND
SYNCHRONIZATION UNITS ARE WARRANTED FOR TWO
YEARS FROM DATE OF SHIPMENT AND SUBJECT TO THE
EXCEPTIONS LISTED ABOVE.

The Rubidium oscillator, if supplied, is warranted for two years
from date of shipment and subject to the exceptions listed
above.

All other items and pieces of equipment not specified above,
including the antenna unit, antenna surge suppressor and
antenna pre-amplifier are warranted for 5 years, subject to the
exceptions listed above.

WARRANTY CLAIMS

Spectracom’s obligation under this warranty is limited to in­factory service and repair, at Spectracom’s option, of the
product or the component thereof, which is found to be
defective. If in Spectracom’s judgment the defective condition
in a Spectracom product is for a cause listed above for which
Spectracom is not responsible, Spectracom will make the
repairs or replacement of components and charge its then
current price, which buyer agrees to pay.

Spectracom shall not have any warranty obligations if the
procedure for warranty claims is not followed. Users must
notify Spectracom of the claim with full information as to the
claimed defect. Spectracom products shall not be returned
unless a return authorization number is issued by Spectracom.

Spectracom products must be returned with the description of
the claimed defect and identification of the individual to be
contacted if additional information is needed. Spectracom
products must be returned properly packed with transportation
charges prepaid.

Shipping expense: Expenses incurred for shipping
Spectracom products to and from Spectracom (including
international customs fees) shall be paid for by the customer,
with the following exception. For customers located within the
United States, any product repaired by Spectracom under a
“warranty repair” will be shipped back to the customer at
Spectracom’s expense unless special/faster delivery is
requested by customer.

Spectracom highly recommends that prior to returning
equipment for service work, our technical support department
be contacted to provide trouble shooting assistance while the
equipment is still installed. If equipment is returned without first
contacting the support department and “no problems are
found” during the repair work, an evaluation fee may be
charged.

EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED WARRANTY STATED ABOVE,
SPECTRACOM DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY
KIND WITH REGARD TO SPECTRACOM PRODUCTS OR
OTHER MATERIALS PROVIDED BY SPECTRACOM,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Spectracom shall have no liability or responsibility to the
original customer or any other party with respect to any liability,
loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly by any
Spectracom product, material, or software sold or provided by
Spectracom, replacement parts or units, or services provided,
including but not limited to any interruption of service, excess
charges resulting from malfunctions of hardware or software,
loss of business or anticipatory profits resulting from the use or
operation of the Spectracom product or software, whatsoever
or howsoever caused. In no event shall Spectracom be liable
for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages
whether the claims are grounded in contract, tort (including
negligence), or strict liability.

EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE

Extended warranties can be purchased for additional periods
beyond the standard five-year warranty for those products
covered under five-year warranty. Contact Spectracom no later
than the last year of the standard five-year warranty for
extended coverage.

www.spectracomcorp.com

www.spectracom.fr

Spectracom Corporation EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S

EPSILON CLOCK User’s Manual iii

Table of

Table ofTable of

Table of Contents

Contents Contents

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................1-1

1.1 Basic Configuration 1-2

1.2 Standard Features 1-2

1.3 Optional Functions 1-2

1.4 Oscillators 1-3

1.5 Inventory 1-3

1.6 Inspection 1-3

1.7 Terminology 1-4

1.8 Mechanical Characteristics (Dimensions in mm) 1-5

2 INSTALLATION ...............................................................................................................2-1

2.1 Preparing for Use 2-1

2.2 Preliminary Connections 2-1

2.3 Connections Quality 2-2

2.4 Power Connection 2-3

2.4.1 Mating Power Connector 2-3

2.4.2 Power Characteristics 2-4

2.5 Interface connector 2-4

2.6 Starting the Clock 2-5

2.7 Turning Off the Clock 2-6

3 FEATURES.......................................................................................................................3-1

3.1 Frequency Output 3-1

3.2 1PPS Output 3-2

3.3 Remote Control Interface (RS232C) 3-2

3.4 TOD Output 3-3

3.5 Alarm Output 3-4

3.6 Power Supply 3-4

3.7 GPS Antenna Input/Output 3-5

3.8 Operating Environment 3-5

4 SDH/E1 OPTION .............................................................................................................4-1

4.1 2.048 MHz Output 4-1

4.2 2.048 MHz Input 4-1

5 REMOTE CONTROL INTERFACE.................................................................................5-1

5.1 General 5-1

5.2 Protocol 5-1

5.3 Commands description 5-2

5.3.1 TOD output setup 5-2

5.3.2 TOD output transmission period 5-2

5.3.3 Clock reset 5-2

5.3.4 GPS mode setup 5-2

5.3.5 GPS positioning 5-3

5.3.6 Local time 5-3

5.3.7 Antenna delay correction (phase correction) 5-3

5.3.8 Leap second 5-3

5.3.9 Force holdover mode 5-4

EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S Spectracom Corporation

EPSILON CLOCK User’s Manual iv

5.3.10 Display 5-4

5.3.11 Alarms limits 5-4

5.4 Time distribution on the remote control interface 5-5

5.5 Command or query syntax 5-6

6 FLAT ANGLE BRACKETS...............................................................................................6-1

6.1 Front of the Cabinet 6-1

6.2 Inside the Cabinet 6-2

7 INTERCONNECTION SAS CABLES KIT........................................................................7-1

7.1 Composition 7-1

7.2 Procedure 7-1

Spectracom Corporation EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S

EPSILON CLOCK User’s Manual 1-1

1111 Introduction

IntroductionIntroduction

Introduction

The EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S generates and distributes a highly accurate and stable
frequency source disciplined using GPS input. The clock has autonomous control of GPS
system integrity features (TRAIM) and rejects defective satellites.

The time reference thus obtained is processed by efficient algorithms that control the built-in
oscillator, which generates inner frequency and time signals. The clock continues to distribute
time and frequency signals even if the GPS input signal is lost. Furthermore, “learning” from its
behavior in different situations (effects attributed to aging and to temperature variations) while
the GPS reference signal is present, the frequency driver improves on the accuracy of time and
frequency distribution (when the GPS signal is lost).

The majority of the EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S functions are software controlled. At start­up, the clock carries out a series of automatic tests, including hardware tests and verification of
the built-in oscillator stability, before making an initial coarse adjustment to the distributed
frequency. The clock has a serial remote control interface that is used to input all the queries
and commands described in this manual.

THE EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S IS FACTORY CONFIGURED TO ASSUME
AUTOMATIC START-UP AND NORMAL OPERATION WITHOUT USING THE REMOTE
CONTROL INTERFACE.

EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S Spectracom Corporation

EPSILON CLOCK User’s Manual 1-2

1.1

1.11.1

1.1 Basic Configuration

Basic ConfigurationBasic Configuration

Basic Configuration

This document is applicable to the EPSILON CLOCK® Model EC1S. In its basic configuration,
the EPSILON CLOCK® Series EC1S is equipped with:

• 1 x GPS antenna input (TNC)

• 1 x DC power supply input (19 to 36 VDC, mini Mate-n-Loc connector)

• 1 x 10 MHz sine-wave output (SMA)

• 1 x 1PPS output (TTL / 50 Ω, SMA)

• 1 x Time Of Day interface (RS232C, SubD 9)

• 1 x remote control interface (RS232C, SubD 9)

• 1 x alarm output (relay contact, SubD 9)

• 2 x LEDs for the status display

Two additional connectors (AUX1 and AUX2) are available for optional inputs or outputs through
the addition of a piggy-back board.

The EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S supports a wide range of oscillators depending on the
customer’s synchronization accuracy needs.

1.2

1.21.2

1.2 Standard Features

Standard FeaturesStandard Features

Standard Features

The EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S is used to generate, maintain, and provide the following:

• A synchronized UTC(GPS) time reference. The clock distributes a 1PPS signal, a Time
Of Day message (TOD interface), and a time-coded message (remote control interface).

• A frequency reference (one sine-wave 10 MHz).

The clock is powered by one DC power supply (19 to 36 VDC)
A remote control interface provides information on clock status and allows the user to send

initialization and configuration commands. The working status of the clock is reported locally
using two LEDs on the front panel.

The relay contact output of the alarm is closed in the event of hardware or software failure.
The EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S is fully automatic. It requires no preventive maintenance.

1.3

1.31.3

1.3 Optional Functions

Optional FunctionsOptional Functions

Optional Functions

The EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S accepts the addition of a piggy-back board to allow
additional inputs or outputs such as:

• Time outputs ( 10MHz, 1PPS, IRIG B)

• SDH / E1 synchronization for SSU functionality and for GPS back-up for excellent

holdover performance

Spectracom Corporation EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S

EPSILON CLOCK User’s Manual 1-3

• DDS outputs (2 fixed or 2 software-adjustable frequencies)

1.4

1.41.4

1.4 Oscillators

OscillatorsOscillators

Oscillators

The EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S accepts a wide range of oscillators depending on the
customer’s synchronization accuracy needs.

The standard product uses a High Performance Single Oven OCXO. An optional Double Oven
OCXO is proposed for excellent temperature stability and very low aging. Spectracom also
offers a Low Cost OCXO for less demanding applications (refer to Features).

• EC1S-SO: High Performance Single Oven OCXO

• EC1S-DO: Double Oven OCXO

• EC1S-LC: Low Cost OCXO

Other oscillators can be fitted on request. Contact Spectracom for more information.

1.5

1.51.5

1.5 Inventory

InventoryInventory

Inventory

Before installing your Spectracom product, please verify that all material ordered has been
received. If there is a discrepancy, please contact Spectracom Customer Service. Customer
service is available by telephone at +33 (0) 1.64.53.39.80 (France), or +1.585.321.5800 (United
States). Updated contacts information are available on web site, see “Support” page.

CAUTION: Electronic equipment is sensitive to Electrostatic

Discharge (ESD). Observe all applicable ESD
precautions and safeguards when handling the
Spectracom equipment.

NOTE: If equipment is returned to Spectracom, it must be shipped in its original packing

material. Save all packaging material for this purpose.

1.6

1.61.6

1.6 Inspe

InspeInspe

Inspection

ctionction

ction

Unpack the equipment and inspect it for damage. If any equipment has been damaged in
transit, please contact Spectracom Customer Service. Customer service is available by
telephone at +33 (0) 1.64.53.39.80 (France), or +1.585.321.5800 (United States). Updated
contacts information are available on web site, see “Support” page.

EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S Spectracom Corporation

EPSILON CLOCK User’s Manual 1-4

1.7

1.71.7

1.7 Terminology

TerminologyTerminology

Terminology

Auto Survey In automatic mode, the EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S calculates the

position of the antenna and, after testing the result, imposes the position
on the internal GPS receiver. The receiver therefore functions in GPS 0D
reception mode: The EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S is synchronized by
tracking at least one satellite.

DDS Direct Digital Synthesizer
Frequency Driver Frequency signal generated by the built-in oscillator.
GPS Global Positioning System

OCXO Oven Controlled XTAL (Crystal) Oscillator
Rb Rubidium oscillator

S/A Selective Availability
SSU Synchronization Supply Unit
TRAIM Time Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
UTC Universal Time Coordinated
1PPS One Pulse Per Second
1 PPS Driver Pulse signal obtained through division of the frequency driver
Holdover If the reference input signal is lost, the EPSILON CLOCK® maintains the

generation of information and of time and frequency signals.

Reliability Concerns the positioning mode of the antenna. In automatic mode, the

EPSILON CLOCK® calculates the position of the antenna and, after
testing the result, imposes the reliable position on the internal GPS
receiver. The receiver therefore functions in GPS 0D reception mode. The
EPSILON CLOCK® is synchronized by following at least one satellite.

Frequency driver Frequency signal generated by the built-in oscillator.
Reference input Time and frequency source used by the EPSILON CLOCK®.
IERS International Earth Rotation Service.

Spectracom Corporation EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S

EPSILON CLOCK User’s Manual 1-5

1.8

1.81.8

1.8 Mechanical Characteristics (Dimensions in mm)

Mechanical Characteristics (Dimensions in mm)Mechanical Characteristics (Dimensions in mm)

Mechanical Characteristics (Dimensions in mm)

Front side

MADE I N FRANCE BY TEKELEC SYSTEM

J1

1PPS

10MHz

POWER

GPS ANTENNA

status

lock

EPSILON CLOCK
Series 1

T E K E L E C

S Y S T E MES

AUX. 1 AUX. 2

102

41

/ 4.02

/ 1.6

1

Top side

10.7

/ .421

100

/3.94

10.8

/ .425

80

/ 3.15

127

/ 5.00

102

/ 4.0

2

4 mounting hole

M3 s crew

Maximun depth : 10

/ .394

Weight < 600g

Spectracom Corporation EPSILON CLOCK MODEL EC1S

EPSILON CLOCK User’s Manual

2-1

2222 Installation

InstallationInstallation

Installation

2.1

2.12.1

2.1 Preparing for Use

Preparing for UsePreparing for Use

Preparing for Use

Install the clock in the desired location. To facilitate the installation in user’s equipment, four
mounting holes with M3 screw threads (maximum depth screw 10mm) are provided on the top
of the unit

The clock may be installed in a 19 inch cabinet with two flat angle brackets (refer to Flat Angle
Brackets for more information).

Ideally, the clock should be located for natural air cooling.

CAUTION: Make sure the maximum operating ambient temperature

does not exceed 70°C.

2.2

2.22.2

2.2 Preliminary Connections

Preliminary ConnectionsPreliminary Connections

Preliminary Connections

Before starting the EPSILON CLOCK®, perform the following tasks:

• Position the machine so that the upper and lower air vents are not obstructed.

• Position the GPS antenna outside with an unobstructed view of the sky over 360

degrees (on top of a mast, for example).

CAUTION: The EPSILON CLOCK® is designed to be used with the

supplied GPS antenna ONLY. Using another antenna
may cause significant damage to the unit and will void
your Spectracom warranty.

• Plug the antenna cable into the TNC “Antenna” connector. To ensure the correct
reception of the GPS signal, the overall system of antenna/cable/protection requires a
gain between 15 and 30 dB, with optimum reception around 24 dB.