Symmetricom 1100, 1000 manual Overview, Shelves

Chapter 1 Overview of the TimeProvider

Overview

Overview

The TimeProvider is Synchronization Supply Unit (SSU) designed specifically to meet the needs at the network edge. In small offices where core office synchronization solutions are critical, an edge clock like the TimeProvider is ideal because of its compact size and flexibility. Using the integrated GPS features, you can use the TimeProvider in a “small” Central Office to act as a Primary Reference Source (PRS).

The TimeProvider’s unique design incorporates the input, output, and clock functions in a single card, available with either a Rubidium or quartz oscillator. This allows you to simplify the storage inventory required for future expansion needs. The TimeProvider shelf requires only three plug-in cards to operate with full redundancy: dual Input/Output/Clock cards (IOCs) and a single Information Management Card (IMC), which serves as a communications/alarm interface. When dual IOCs are installed, you can mix any combination of Rubidium and quartz oscillators (for example, Rb/Rb, Rb/Qz, or Qz/Qz) to the needs of the network. The main shelf provides up to 32 redundant universal timing outputs; an optional Expansion Panel provides an additional 32 redundant outputs.

Using Symmetricom’s SmartClock™ technology design, the oscillators within the IOCs are enhanced with improved performance and accuracy. Using intelligent firmware algorithms, SmartClock “learns” the effects of the ageing of the clock while it is locked to a reference signal and stores this information in its memory. If the reference signals are lost or disqualified, SmartClock uses the stored data to compensate for frequency changes while the TimeProvider continues to distribute highly stable synchronization signals.

The TimeProvider also uses Symmetricom’s BesTime® algorithm when the GPS input is activated. By using other inputs as references, Bestime calculates and determines a weighting factor for each of the inputs and ensembles them in the overall timing scheme to provide very accurate timing outputs. In the event of GPS signal loss, BesTime continues to predict GPS timing information to provide reliable system timing outputs and holdover performance, ensuring that system reliability is maintained. See BesTime, on page 43 for more information.

Shelves

The TimeProvider is available in two shelf models. Each shelf supports up to 32 redundant output channels.

The TimeProvider 1000 is a 175 mm tall ETSI shelf that meets the requirements of ETSI 300 119-4 January 1994. Figure 1-1shows the TimeProvider 1000 shelf.

The TimeProvider 1100 is a 130 mm tall rear-access shelf; indicators are on the front panel and connections are available on the rear panel. Figure 1-2shows the front panel of the TimeProvider 1100.

20 TimeProvider User’s Guide 097-58001-02 Revision G – April 2008