Operating Manual

Operation

3 — Operation

Neither the 5401 nor the 5402 have any external manual controls. Signal output amplitude is controlled by internal potentiometers, which are located as described in Chapter 2. All operational control of the DRO is accomplished by means of an RS-232 input/output port.

RS-232 Input/Output

The DRO has been equipped with an RS-232 interface using a 13-pin MS type connector designated as J14 RS232 on the 5401, and using a DB15 connector designated as J3 on the 5402. This serial port can be used to communicate with the DRO from a computer or a 'smart terminal.' All communication is in the ASCII format. The standard character protocol is 9600 BAUD, one start bit, eight data bits, none for parity, and one stop bit.

The connector pin assignments and designations for both connectors are given in Chapter 4.

All communication to the DRO comprises two or three categories of characters. The first category is a single character which is always an ASCII $ (Hex 24). This is the attention/log-on character. The second category is an ID ASCII character which is a command to the unit. The third category (which may or may not be applicable) is a series of ASCII data bits to input data into the DRO. Leading zeros must be used where necessary. For example, if the number to be input is fifty-two, and if the data field is a four digit number, then it must be entered as 0052.

If a mistake is made while inputting new characters (prior to the last character), issuing the "$" character will cause a reset, and the new (correct) characters can be input.

All command message inputs and response outputs end with Carriage Return (CR), Line Feed (LF).

When burst status is on, the unit will not send a response. However, configuration parameters can still be changed.

Table 1 on page 8 shows the functions available. The ASCII character is shown followed by its HEX equivalent. Comments pertaining to that specific function are also included for clarity.

PN 8500-0150, Rev. A, May 2005

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Symmetricom 5401, 5402 manual RS-232 Input/Output, Operating Manual Operation

5401, 5402 specifications

The Symmetricom 5402 and 5401 are highly regarded timing and synchronization solutions designed for telecommunications and data networking applications. These devices are part of the renowned line of precision timekeeping products developed by Symmetricom, which is now known as Microchip Technology.

The Symmetricom 5402 offers advanced capabilities, including GPS and precision time protocol (PTP) synchronization. It provides an accurate and stable time reference, crucial for industries that require precise timing to ensure system integrity and communication efficiency. The 5402 supports various synchronization protocols including IEEE 1588v2, ensuring interoperability with existing systems. This allows organizations to implement cutting-edge technologies while maintaining compatibility with older infrastructure.

On the other hand, the Symmetricom 5401 serves as a more compact and economical option tailored for specific applications where full GPS capabilities may not be necessary. This unit simplifies the synchronization process while still offering reliable performance. The 5401 provides multiple outputs including T1/E1 and 10 MHz, making it versatile for different network configurations.

Both models incorporate advanced oscillator technology that ensures accuracy and stability. They have a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) or optional oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) that provides superior frequency stability across a wide range of operating conditions. These devices also feature high-performance phase-locked loops (PLLs), which enhance their ability to maintain synchronization over time and under varying operational environments.

Additional features include robust network management capabilities, allowing for real-time monitoring and diagnostics through a user-friendly interface. The devices are equipped with multiple input/output ports that facilitate seamless integration into existing network architectures. The Symmetricom 5402 and 5401 support both local and remote management, enabling network administrators to maintain optimal synchronization performance.

In summary, the Symmetricom 5402 and 5401 deliver reliable, high-precision timing solutions designed to meet the demands of modern telecommunications infrastructures. With their advanced synchronization technologies, versatile connectivity options, and robust performance characteristics, these devices are essential components for ensuring accurate timekeeping in any network. Whether organizations choose the feature-rich 5402 or the cost-effective 5401, they can be confident in the reliability and precision these products deliver.