CHAPTER FOUR
4-2
bc620/627AT Time and Frequency Processor
Symmetricom, Inc.
MODE 0
TIME CODE DECODING MODE
The TFP uses an input time code as the timing reference. The following codes are supported
(see packet “H”): IRIG A, and B; 2137, XR3; and NASA36. Both modulated carrier and DC
level shift formats are supported (DC level shift is not supported for 2137 or XR3 codes). The
TFP locks its crystal oscillator to the input code rate. The oscillator has a control range of +/- 30
PPM for the standard VCXO version, and ± 2 PPM for the optional oven (OCXO) version. If
the input code is outside these limits the TFP will exhibit periodic slips (i.e., if the TFP reference
deviates from the input source by more than ± 1 millisecond a forced jamsync is performed). If
the input code is lost or removed the TFP will continue to “flywheel” at the last known code rate.
Typical accuracy is less than five parts in 10E7 (two milliseconds of drift per hour).
MODE 1
FREE RUNNING MODE
This mode is virtually the same as mode 2. Without a 1pps input the TFP runs at the last known
oscillator frequency. Major time can be set with the “B” packet. The TFP time base can be
adjusted with packet “D.”
MODE 2
EXTERNAL 1PPS MODE
The TFP synchronizes to the external 1pps input signal. Major time can be loaded with the “B”
packet. The acquisition range is the same as described in mode 0.
MODE 2 is used when a primary time standard such as a GPS receiver is available. In this case
the 1pps output of the standard is input to the TFP.
MODE 3
REAL TIME CLOCK MODE
The TFP synchronizes to a 1pps signal from the on-board real time clock (RTC) IC, and the
major time is also derived from the clock IC. The RTC is battery backed. This mode is not
recommended when using the oven oscillator because the accuracy of the RTC is not high
enough to ensure that the oven will be able to track it with slippage. See Mode 0 description.
MODE 4
GPS MODE (bc627AT GPS Satellite Receiver)
This optional mode is discussed in the bc627AT GPS Satellite Receiver Addendum User’s
Guide.
The bc620.c file has an example function, mode(), which sets the TFP operational mode as
described above.
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