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Chapter 1 Overview of the TimeProvider
Overview
20 TimeProvider User’s Guide 097-58001-02 Revision G – April 2008
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 1-1 shows 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 1-2 shows the
front panel of the TimeProvider 1100.