The Microchip/Datum bc635cPCI is a PCI-based time and frequency processor that delivers precise synchronization and frequency control for demanding applications. It acquires time from time code signals (primarily IRIG B) or GPS satellites (bc637PCI model only) and maintains accuracy through a disciplined 10 MHz oscillator with 100 nanosecond clock resolution. The card provides zero-latency time access across the PCI bus, decodes IRIG A, IRIG B, and NASA 36 time codes, and generates synchronized IRIG B outputs in both AM and DCLS formats. When the input synchronization source fails, the flywheel capability preserves time continuity. A battery-backed clock with 10 PPM accuracy protects against power loss.
Technical Specifications
• Disciplined Oscillator: 10 MHz
• Clock Resolution: 100 nanoseconds
• Time Access: Zero latency across PCI/CPCI bus
• Frequency Outputs: 1 MHz, 5 MHz, or 10 MHz
• Time Code Translation: IRIG A, IRIG B, NASA 36 (IRIG G, E, IEEE 1344, XR3, 2137 supported on bc635PCIe variant)
• Time Code Generation: IRIG B synchronized to input; IRIG A, G, E, IEEE 1344, NASA 36, XR3, 2137 on bc635PCIe variant; AM and DCLS formats simultaneously supported
• Power Loss Timekeeping: 10 PPM battery-backed clock
• Operating Voltage: 5V PCI signaling voltage
– Key Features
• Time acquisition from GPS satellites (bc637PCI model) or time code signals
• Programmable periodic outputs and time strobe outputs with interrupt capability
• External event capture register with interrupt support (three event capture channels on bc635PCIe)
• 1 PPS to 100 MPPS DDS rate synthesizer output on bc635PCIe variant
• Flywheel operation maintains time during synchronization loss
• Rate-matched disciplined operation to input source
– Typical Applications
• High-precision time synchronization in data acquisition systems
• Frequency control in networked test and measurement environments
• Time code translation and generation for legacy and modern timing protocols
• Event timestamping at 100 nanosecond resolution
– Compatibility & Integration
Operates on standard PCI Local Bus or CompactPCI architectures. Supports GPS antenna/receiver input, multiple time code inputs (IRIG, NASA 36), 1 PPS and 10 MHz external inputs, and corresponding output interfaces for time codes and frequency signals.
