PEX511: DCF77 Computer Clock (PCI Express)

Key Features

PCI Express Interface
Plug and play
Pulses per second and per minute
RS-232 interface
Reception status indicated by LED
Buffered hardware clock
Configurable time zone
Driver software for all popular operating systems

Product Description

The board PEX511 has been designed for the reception of the DCF77 signal, the transfer of the time information to a computer with PCI Express interface and the translation of the received codes into a serial telegram.

The module is designed as a x1-board (single lane) in "low profile" format. It is equipped with a standard height bracket with integrated D-Sub connector making the serial interface, the pulses per second and the pulse per minute available. For installation in a "low profile" computer, an adequate bracket can be mounted that is included in delivery. The signals of the D-Sub connector are not available in this case.

The Windows driver package includes a time synchronization service which runs in the background and adjusts the Windows system time continuously and invisibly. This package also includes a monitor program to enable the user to check the status of the device and time adjustment service. If the monitor program is run with administrator rights, it can also be used to modify configurable parameters.

The Linux and FreeBSD driver packages include a kernel driver which allows the product to be used as a reference time source for the NTP daemon included in most Unix-like operating systems. This also allows the computer to be used as an NTP time server to provide accurate time to NTP clients on the network. Some command line tools can be used to modify configurable parameters and monitor the status of the clock in use.

Please contact Meinberg's Support Team for more information on using the card with other operating systems: techsupport@meinberg.de.

The device's serial port is not required for operation but can be used to update the card's firmware, or to provide another computer with the current time via a serial time string.

Characteristics

Receiver Type	Narrowband DCF77 quadrature receiver with automatic gain control, bandwidth: approx. 20Hz
Status Indicators	RF Signal: Indicated by LED, antenna alignment enhanced by utility program Free running: Indicated by LED and utility program, without RF signal the clock runs on quartz basis Modulation: Indicated by LED and utility program
Reception Monitoring	Incoming time string undergoes multiple checks Plausibility test using two full consecutive time strings
Pulse Outputs	Pulses per second (RS232/TTL level) and per minute (TTL level), pulse duration: 100 msec, active high (only available with "standard height" bracket or with additional "low profile" bracket).
Interface	One serial RS-232 interface (only available with "standard height" bracket or with additional "low profile" bracket).
Serial Time String Output	Baudrate: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 baud Framing: 7E2, 8N1, 8E1, 8N2 Output string: 32 ASCII characters with date, time and status information
Statusbyte	Informations about free running mode, daylight savings time and DST pre-switch anouncement, synchronization since last reset, GMT/UTC time and validity of the hardware clock data
Electrical Connectors	BNC female connector 9 pin sub D male connector (only available with "standard height" bracket or with additional "low profile" bracket)
Computer interface	Single lane (x1) PCI Express (PCIe) Interface PCI Express r1.0a compatible
Backup Battery Type	In case of supply voltage failure the on-board RTC keeps the time based on XTAL for more than 150 hours (buffer capacitor) Optional: lithium backup battery (life time: 10 years)
Board type	Low profile board (68,90 x 150 mm)
Supported Temperature	Operational: 0 - 50 °C (32 - 122 °F) Storage: -20 - 70 °C (-4 - 158 °F)
Supported Humidity	Max. 85 % (non-condensing) at 40 °C
Contents of Shipment	Scope of supply includes: - an active ferrite antenna AI01 and 5m of RG174 coaxial cable with BNC connectors. Optional: AW02 with RG58 and patch cord, other length of cable - "low profile" bracket
RoHS Status of Product	This product is fully RoHS-compliant.
WEEE Status of Product	This product is handled as a B2B (Business to Business) category product. To ensure that the product is disposed of in a WEEE-compliant fashion, it can be returned to the manufacturer. Any transportation expenses for returning this product (at end-of-life) must be covered by the end user, while Meinberg will bear the costs for the waste disposal itself.