Background

The timebase for ibaPDA systems is the clock of the respective ibaPDA computer. In case decentrally acquired data have to be correlated or a measurement has to be done at an absolute time, it is necessary in such distributed systems to synchronize all computers.

Basics

With the new time synchronization module ibaClock, several distributed iba systems can be precisely synchronized. ibaClock determines the time base for all connected systems and hence allows for data acquisition in a synchronized manner with a precision better than 150 ns.

For this purpose, FO connections from ibaClock to measurement computers are necessary.

ibaClock can use different time sources:

• GPS time signal
• Time code IRIG-B*
• Ethernet-based PTP (Precision Time Protocol) according to IEEE 1588 standard*

For synchronizing the time of iba or non-iba systems, there are several output signals available:

• Fiber optics for ibaPDA systems
• IEEE 1588 (PTP)*
• NTP/SNTP*
• DCF77*

*with future firmware versions

The device supports a special GPS smart antenna, that can be mounted with a cable length of up to 400 m from the device. The antenna, a suitable cable and an optional mounting bracket can be purchased from iba.