DXD-16
UNIVERSAL CLOCK
DXD-16 Universal Clock
A PTP Grandmaster, GPS capable, merged with a precision Reference Generator
DXD-16 Universal Clock combines PTP, GPS and legacy Sync to keep traditional Audio/ Video equipment and the IP network in perfect sync, making the DXD truly Universal
Features
Flexibility and easy integration
- 4 independent Ethernet ports
- PTP Grandmaster, Slave or Boundary Clock
- Supports PTP v2, PTP v1 (Dante) and gPTP (AVB)
- Synchronizes to a PTP network, a legacy reference or GPS
- 6 separate reference generators
- Each can generate WC, AES, VID Sync or 10MHz
- 16 BNC outputs for generated references (user-defined)
- 2 BNC inputs for external references with failover
- NTP Server
- NTP Client
- Generates TOD Time Code (option)
- Remote control via web browser
- Available options: GPS receiver, OCXO, Time Code
IEEE 1588 Network Sync
The PTP module supports PTP v2, PTP v1 (Dante) and gPTP (AVB). The DXD-16 can be either a PTP Grandmaster, slave or Boundary Clock. Precision Time Protocol (PTP) has been broadly adopted as the network synchronizing standard, which means that the DXD-16 can work in a number of systems. Several PTP profiles are included: AES67, SMPTE 2059 and gPTP.
As a Boundary Clock, the DXD-16 can follow an external Grandmaster on one of its attached networks, synchronize its internal clocks to that Grandmaster, and distribute the same Grandmaster time in its role as PTP master to the remaining attached networks. Alternatively it can itself fulfill the function of Grandmaster and be PTP master on all attached networks.
Four Gigabit Ethernet ports (RJ45) are available. The different ports can be used independently or as primary and secondary pairs. Each network connector supports an electrically and logically independent network, with the DXD-16 acting as a PTP timing bridge. The DXD-16 is not a network switch, and for security reasons, no information flows from any network port to any other.
Customize Your Units with User-Assignable BNC Outputs
The DXD-16 generates up to 6 independent sync signals simultaneously and routes them to the 16 BNC outputs. These user-definable outputs offer great flexibility compared to dedicated outputs as they can be configured for any of the generated references, video or audio. This includes all standard SD and HD video sync formats (Black Burst and HD tri-level sync), word clock and AES-3id (at rates from 32 to 384 KHz, plus all the necessary pull-up/down, including 24:25 conversions, even VSO) and 10MHz. With the time code option installed, LTC is also included
Accurate and Versatile Clock Generator
A high-accuracy internal crystal oscillator (TCXO) provides a very stable frequency reference (+/- 1ppm). An optional oven-controlled oscillator (OCXO) can be installed.
External legacy signals can also be used as reference, such as Word Clock, AES, Video Sync (SD & HD) or a 10MHz tone. The generated outputs have extremely low jitter. The output rates are independent from the reference rate which means that any rate can be generated from any reference such as 59.97 from 25FPS for example.
PTP Slave or Grandmaster
The DXD-16 can be a PTP slave or a PTP Grandmaster giving the operator exceptional flexibility:
- As a PTP slave, it can generate legacy sync so that the legacy equipment locks to the network;
- As a PTP master, it can lock to an external legacy sync source so that the network locks to the legacy equipment;
- As a stand-alone master, locked to its internal oscillator or GPS, it provides sync to the network via the PTP port and to the legacy equipment via the BNC outputs, simultaneously.
GNSS / GPS
A GPS receiver can be installed in the DXD-16. GPS not only provides an extremely accurate timing source, it also enables DXD’s in remote locations to be locked and in phase with one another. Additionally, with the GPS option, the DXD will have a higher priority as a PTP Grandmaster.
Remote Web Control
Firmware 3.00 (free download) brings Remote Control functionality to the DXD-8 and DXD-16 Universal Clocks via embedded web pages. This new GUI allows an operator to control and monitor the DXD from a standard web browser.
Auto Fail-over
When using an external reference, a second source can be connected as fallback in case of failure. If the external reference becomes unusable, the DXD-16 continues generating, locked either to the alternate source or to the internal oscillator and re-locks to the reference when it reappears. These transitions occur smoothly and gradually with no sync shock to the system.
Battery Backup
An internal backup clock (RTC) is powered by an on-board battery to keep it running while power is off.
Power Redundancy
An internal 100-240 VAC power supply is provided as is a DC input for an external 12VDC source. The unit can operate with either of these power sources and either can act as a back-up for the other with auto switch-over in the event of a failure.
Alarm and Remote
GPIO inputs (3) and outputs (3) are included.
All functions and settings can be monitored and altered via a web browser.
DXD-16 Specifications
| PTP: | 4 independant Gigabit Ethernet ports (RJ-45) Configurable as a Grandmaster, PTP Slave or Boundary clock Complies with IEEE-1588 V2 & V1 (Dante) and gPTP (AVB) Unicast / Multicast operation |
| Reference Generator: |
Generates simultaneously up to 6 different rates in any of these formats:
|
| Universal Outputs: | 16 outputs – in 6 different groups BNC – 75Ω Output signal: any of the generated legacy references |
| Oscillators: | TCXO: +/- 1ppm OCXO: +/-10ppb (option) |
| External Sync Sources: | Word clock AES Video sync (Black Burst or HD tri-level sync) 10MHz GPS (option) PTP |
| Universal Inputs: |
2 BNC input connectors w/ 75Ω termination switch
|
| NTP Server: | The DXD-16 System Time is distributed to the NTP Clients connected to the Server port |
| NTP Client: | The Time-of-Day from an External NTP Server can be manually transferred to the DXD-16 System Time |
| Remote control: | Web browser 3 GPIO inputs (DB-25) |
| Alarm: | 3 GPIO outputs (DB-25) |
| Battery backup: | An on-board battery keeps the internal backup clock (RTC) running while power is off |
| Presets: | 10 presets can be programmed for quick recall |
| Display: | 2.4” TFT LCD – 240 x 320 resolution |
| Power: | AC: 100-240 VAC – Internal power supply with IEC inlet DC: 12 VDC @ 5A – 4 pin circular input connector for external DC power source Dual power sources with auto switch-over in case of failure for redundancy |
| Dimensions: | 19” x 1.75” x 8” |
| GNSS/GPS Internal Receiver (option): |
The DXD-16 can be fitted with an Internal GNSS/GPS receiver. The option includes an SMA antenna input connector. An antenna is required (not included). |
DXD-16 Resources
Manual & Data Sheet
DXD-16 FAQs
How many different sync signals and rates can the DXD-16 generate simultaneously?
The DXD-16 can generate up to 6 different sync signals similtaneously in any combination of WC, AES, Video Sync or 10MHz. These sync signals are then sent to the 16 universal outputs. At any standard (and non-standard) rate.
Can the DXD-16 be set up to have 16 video sync outputs, 1080p tri-level sync for example?
Yes, the Universal Outputs can be set to any of the formats mentioned in FAQ #1 above, which means that, if 16 outputs of 1080p tri-level sync is what is needed, the DXD-16 can be set up to do just that.
Are the 4 DXD-16 Ethernet ports identical?
Each network connector supports an electrically and logically independent network. From a PTP standpoint, the 4 ports are identical but firmware updates and remote control are from port #4 only.
What is the purpose of the DXD-16 Real Time Clock (RTC)?
The RTC is a backup clock used by the DXD-16 to guarantee that Time-of-Day (TOD) will always be present. Here is how it works:
Just after power up, the DXD-16 transfers the date & time information from the RTC to the main System Time (TOD); when the DXD-16 locks to a new reference, if that reference does not have date & time, the TOD simply continues counting along its current time sequence; if it has date & time, that information is transferred to the TOD.
The RTC is battery-powered and is continuously running. It can be adjusted manually or set for automatic update from GPS or NTP in menu 8.2.
What is the best way to use the DXD-16 NTP client?
Menu 6.2 refers to a ‘Pseudo’ Client Mode because, when enabled, the NTP time is not automatically sent out to the server side. Instead, the Time-of-Day received from the external NTP server can be
- transferred manually to the System Time (menu 6.2) or
- transferred automatically to the Real Time Clock (menu 8.2).
When NTP is available, it is recommended to set it to update the RTC automatically in menu 8.2 (AUTO UPDATE RT CLOCK > NTP). This way, the DXD-16 will always start with a relatively accurate TOD (see previous FAQ on the RTC).