Express Timing Module bc637pcle (GPS)

Product Information

GPS Referenced PCI Express Time & Frequency Processor

Microsemi’s bc637PCIe PCI Express timing module provides unparalleled precise time and frequency to the host computer and peripheral systems. Time is typically acquired from GPS or time code signals such as IRIG B.

Acquiring Precise Time

Extremely precise time is acquired from the GPS satellite system or from time code signals provided to the host computer. GPS synchronisation provides 170 nanosecond RMS accurate time to UTC (USNO) and enables the bc637PCIe to be an ideal master clock for precisely synchronizing one or more computers to UTC.

Integration of the module is easily facilitated with standard drivers for Windows, Linux, and Solaris available for download.

Supporting extensive time code generation and translation, the bc637PCle outputs either IRIG A, B, G, E, IEEE 1344, NASA 36, XR3 or 2137 in both amplitude modulated (AM) and DC level shift (DCLS) formats. The translator reads and may be used to discipline the 10 MHz oscillator to either the AM or DCLS format of IRIG A, B, G, E, IEEE 1344, NASA 36, XR3 or 2137-time codes.

The module also has a state-of-the-art DDS rate synthesizer capable of 0.0000001 PPS to 100 MPPS. Three Event Time Capture registers provide a means of latching time of external events. A key feature of the bc635PCIe is the ability to generate interrupts on the PCI bus at programmable rates. These interrupts can be used to synchronize applications on the host computer as well as signal specific events.

Key Features

• GPS synchronised with 170 nanosecond RMS accuracy to UTC
• IRIG A, B, G, E, IEEE 1344, NASA 36, XR3 & 2137 time code inputs and outputs
• Simultaneous AM and DCLS time code inputs and outputs
• 100-nanosecond clock resolution for time requests
• Programmable
• 1, 5, or 10 MPPS rate generator output
• 1 PPS and 10 MHz inputs
• 3 external event time capture/interrupts
• Programmable time compare output/interrupt
• Zero latency time reads
• Battery backed Real Time Clock (RTC)
• Low profile PCI Express form factor
• Linux, Solaris & Windows software drivers/SDKs for download
• Optional OCXO Upgrade

Key Benefits

• Precise sub-microsecond time available to host computer applications
• Easy integration facilitated with included Windows, Linux & Solaris SDKs & drivers
• Extremely fast time reads
• Programmable time & frequency functions to quickly customise for specific applications
• Wide Variety of time codes facilitate easy integration with existing systems
• Dedicated and responsive technical support to assist in PCIe card integration
• Well documented for easy & fast system integration

The Chronos difference

Our specialist team will help you select the best solution for your application.