PEX511: DCF77 Computer Clock (PCI Express)
Key Features
- PCI Express Interface
- Plug and play
- Pulses per second and per minute
- RS-232 interface
- Reception status indicated by LED
- Buffered hardware clock
- Configurable time zone
- Driver software for all popular operating systems
Product Description
The board PEX511 has been designed for the reception of the DCF77 signal, the transfer of the time information to a computer with PCI Express interface and the translation of the received codes into a serial telegram.The module is designed as a x1-board (single lane) in "low profile" format. It is equipped with a standard height bracket with integrated D-Sub connector making the serial interface, the pulses per second and the pulse per minute available. For installation in a "low profile" computer, an adequate bracket can be mounted that is included in delivery. The signals of the D-Sub connector are not available in this case.
The Windows driver package includes a time synchronization service which runs in the background and adjusts the Windows system time continuously and invisibly. This package also includes a monitor program to enable the user to check the status of the device and time adjustment service. If the monitor program is run with administrator rights, it can also be used to modify configurable parameters.
The Linux and FreeBSD driver packages include a kernel driver which allows the product to be used as a reference time source for the NTP daemon included in most Unix-like operating systems. This also allows the computer to be used as an NTP time server to provide accurate time to NTP clients on the network. Some command line tools can be used to modify configurable parameters and monitor the status of the clock in use.
Please contact Meinberg's Support Team for more information on using the card with other operating systems: techsupport@meinberg.de.
The device's serial port is not required for operation but can be used to update the card's firmware, or to provide another computer with the current time via a serial time string.
Characteristics
Receiver Type | Narrowband DCF77 quadrature receiver with automatic gain control, bandwidth: approx. 20Hz |
Status Indicators | RF Signal: Indicated by LED, antenna alignment enhanced by utility program Free running: Indicated by LED and utility program, without RF signal the clock runs on quartz basis Modulation: Indicated by LED and utility program |
Reception Monitoring | Incoming time string undergoes multiple checks
Plausibility test using two full consecutive time strings |
Pulse Outputs | Pulses per second (RS232/TTL level) and per minute (TTL level), pulse duration: 100 msec, active high (only available with "standard height" bracket or with additional "low profile" bracket). |
Interface | One serial RS-232 interface (only available with "standard height" bracket or with additional "low profile" bracket). |
Serial Time String Output | Baudrate: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 baud Framing: 7E2, 8N1, 8E1, 8N2 Output string: 32 ASCII characters with date, time and status information |
Statusbyte | Informations about free running mode, daylight savings time and DST pre-switch anouncement, synchronization since last reset, GMT/UTC time and validity of the hardware clock data |
Electrical Connectors | BNC female connector 9 pin sub D male connector (only available with "standard height" bracket or with additional "low profile" bracket) |
Computer interface | Single lane (x1) PCI Express (PCIe) Interface PCI Express r1.0a compatible |
Backup Battery Type | In case of supply voltage failure the on-board RTC keeps the time based on XTAL for more than 150 hours (buffer capacitor) Optional: lithium backup battery (life time: 10 years) |
Board type | Low profile board (68,90 x 150 mm) |
Supported Temperature | Operational: 0 - 50 °C (32 - 122 °F)
Storage: -20 - 70 °C (-4 - 158 °F) |
Supported Humidity | Max. 85 % (non-condensing) at 40 °C |
Contents of Shipment | Scope of supply includes: - an active ferrite antenna AI01 and 5m of RG174 coaxial cable with BNC connectors. Optional: AW02 with RG58 and patch cord, other length of cable - "low profile" bracket |
RoHS Status of Product | This product is fully RoHS-compliant. |
WEEE Status of Product | This product is handled as a B2B (Business to Business) category product. To ensure that the product is disposed of in a WEEE-compliant fashion, it can be returned to the manufacturer. Any transportation expenses for returning this product (at end-of-life) must be covered by the end user, while Meinberg will bear the costs for the waste disposal itself. |
Downloads
Short Info Sheet
Manuals
- For drivers, SDKs, tools and utilities, please check our Download Section