TCR180USB: IRIG Time Code Reader for the Universal Serial Bus (USB)



The TCR180USB is a time code receiver for decoding amplitude-modulated (AM) and pulse-width modulated DC Level Shift (DCLS) IRIG, AFNOR, and IEEE time codes. It is designed to be powered by and transmit data over USB interfaces and can be used to synchronize a directly connected PC, even if the PC has no dedicated RS-232 interface or available PCI slot.

The basic TCR180USB-EL model operates exclusively as a time code receiver. A model of the TCR180USB is also available that is operable as a time code generator, allowing time code signals, programmable pulses, and other synchronization signals (based on TTL levels) to be output.

The TCR180USB is available in three variants:

  • TCR180USB-EL (Base model - no additional outputs)
  • TCR180USB/PP-2 (additional 2x programmable pulse outputs via SMA connection)
  • TCR180USB/PP-1/TCAM-1 (additional 1x programmable pulse output and 1x time code AM output via SMA connection)

Key Features

Warranty Period (Years): 3 RoHS-compliant



Product Description

The TCR180USB provides a professional solution to your time synchronization requirements in mobile applications like field data acquisition with a laptop/notebook and can be deployed whenever you need to synchronize a standalone PC, laptop or server when no PCI or serial port is available.

With this device a technician can check the quality and validity of an IRIG signal in the field, due to the compact package and simple cabling (only one USB connection for both power and data is required).

AM Time Code
With modulated codes, the time information is transmitted by modulating the amplitude of a sine wave carrier. Unmodulated IRIG codes transmit the time information by varying the width of pulses.

The automatic gain control of the receiver for modulated codes allows the decoding of IRIG signals with an amplitude of the sine carrier of 800 mVpp to 8 Vpp The potential-free signal input via SMB connector has an impedance of 600 Ohm.

DCLS Time Code
The input for unmodulated or DCLS (DC Level Shift) time codes also has an SMB connector. The receiver circuit of the TCR180USB-EL is galvanically isolated from the signal input via an integrated optocoupler.

TCR180USB Configuration
The device is configured under Windows using the Meinberg Monitoring Tool MbgMon, which is included in the free driver package, or using the command-line tool mbgtools, which is available for both Linux and Windows.

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.

The Meinberg Single-Driver-Concept simplifies driver installation dramatically - there is only one driver who supports all Meinberg PCI and USB devices and if you use our free API to access your Meinberg timing device from within your own applications, you can use the same source code for both PCI and USB devices.



Characteristics

Receiver Type Integrated IRIG time code reader, supports modulated (AM) and unmodulated (DCLS) IRIG signals
Synchronization Time Less than one minute after connecting an IRIG input signal
Accuracy free run Automatic switching to crystal time base, accuracy approximately 2 * 10-9 if decoder has been synchronous for more than 1h.
IRIG Time Code Input IRIG - A132/A133, A002/A003, B122/B123, B002/B003, B126/B127, B006/B007, IEEE 1344, AFNOR NFS 87-500 and C37.118 (other codes on request)
Precision of timebase ± 1 µsec compared to IRIG reference marker
Required accuracy of time code source: ±100 ppm
Input signal connector SMB-Subminiature-coaxial-connector
Current Draw max 50 mA
Physical Dimensions 73 mm x 117 mm x 24 mm (L x W x H)
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 Timecode Reader, 1.8 m USB cable
Warranty Three-year warranty
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.


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