IMS Clock Modules: GNSS Satellite Receiver, PZF Receiver and Time Code Reader

The GPS, GNS (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BeiDou), the long wave (PZF) clock modules as well the TCR time code readers are the central synchronization elements in an IMS system. The internal clock carries a highly stable oscillator that is utilized to generate the base synchronization signals which are distributed to all I/O module slots via the backplane. In case of a complete loss of all external synchronization sources, the clock module will enter hold-over mode and allows the output modules to continue to work for a certain amount of time.

Each IMS system requires at least one clock module and can be turned into a redundant solution by adding a second clock module and a signal changeover unit such as the RSC.

The available clock modules always come with an integrated receiver for external GNSS/radio signals and accept a large selection of other synchronization sources like pulses, frequencies, time codes and serial time strings when combined with either an MRI or ESI card.

Currently available clock modules:
IMS GPS: Meinberg GPS Receiver
IMS GNS: GPS / GLONASS / Galileo / BeiDou Receiver
IMS GNS-UC: GPS / Galileo Receiver with Up Converter
IMS GNM: GPS / GLONASS / Galileo / BeiDou Multi Band Receiver
IMS PZF: Correlation Receiver (DCF77)
IMS-TCR: Time Code Reader and Generator

Overview: IMS Clock Modules

IMS-GPS

The IMS-GPS is a clock module with an integrated GPS receiver for Meinberg's IMS platform. This GPS receiver is capable of receiving and decoding GPS satellite signals using the included Meinberg GPSANTv2 antenna and decoding them to synchronize the integrated clock. This module also supports the use of alternate reference sources via the IMS system's MRS functionality (Multi Reference Source).

IMS-GNS

The IMS-GNS is a clock module with an integrated multi-GNSS receiver for Meinberg's IMS platform. This receiver is capable of receiving and decoding GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and GLONASS satellite signals using the included Meinberg Multi-GNSS L1 Antenna and decoding them to synchronize the integrated clock. This module also supports the use of alternate reference sources via the IMS system's MRS functionality (Multi Reference Source).

IMS-GNS-UC

The IMS-GNS-UC is a clock module with an integrated GNSS receiver for Meinberg's IMS platform. This GNSS receiver is capable of receiving and decoding GPS and Galileo satellite signals using the included Meinberg GPSANTv2 antenna and decoding them to synchronize the integrated clock. This module also supports the use of alternate reference sources via the IMS system's MRS functionality (Multi Reference Source).

IMS-GXL

Engineered by Meinberg's experts using the mosaic-T GNSS receiver module from Meinberg partner Septentrio, the IMS-GXL leverages not only the Mosaic-T's numerous internal anti-spoofing features but also its support for the AtomiChron® service operated by Dutch geo-data specialists Fugro™ for the external validation and authentication of incoming GNSS messages for optimum security.

IMS-GNM

The Meinberg GNM181 multi-band GNSS receiver module with nanosecond-level timing accuracy meets the most stringent 5G timing requirements, is ideal for global deployments due to GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, and GLONASS reception, and is unaffected by ionospheric errors.

IMS-PZF

Besides various standard frequencies, the board provides a programmable frequency output. Additional features of IMS-PZF clock are pulses per second (PPS) and per minute (PPM) and IRIG timecode outputs.

IMS-TCR

The frequency locking of the master oscillator to the time code system enables this module to generate fixed and programmable standard frequencies with high accuracy and stability. Various oscillator options allow the cost efficient implementation of different requirements concerning the accurracy of the outputs.

The generator of the IMS-TCR module generates pulses per second and per minute and per hour. Four programmable outputs are also available. The pulses are synchronized to UTC-second.

IMS-RSC

This module is required for redundant clock module configurations and switches the synchronization signals from the selected clock module to the IMS backplane (most I/O modules use these backplane signals to generate their output signals). A new feature offers a phase neutral switchover for LIU output cards, avoiding phase jumps for telecommunication signals (E1/T1). The RSC can be configured to automatically switch between the two clock modules based on their status but it is also possible to manually select the clock module using the selection switches.