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Programmable Frequency Out [1204-13, -2F, -30]

Programmable Frequency Output option modules provide output square waves at programmable pulse rates, or sine waves at programmable frequencies. The output frequency, which is adjustable via the SecureSync Web UI, is locked to the SecureSync system-disciplined oscillator.

These option cards can be used for a variety of applications requiring programmable frequency outputs. The RS-485 model of this card can be operated as an N.8 frequency synthesizer.

Depending on your card model number, the outputs are available in different formats:

  • RS-485 on a pluggable terminal block
  • TTL square wave on BNC, or
  • Sine wave on BNC

Each output can be phase-offset between 0-360° in 0.1°-increments.

Programmable Frequency Card 1204-13 (Sine Wave, BNC): Specifications

  • Outputs: (4) independently programmable sine wave outputs
  • Signal Type: +13 dBm
  • Wave Form: sine
  • Connector: BNC
  • Output Load Impedance: 50 Ω
  • Output Pulse/Frequency Rates: 1Hz to 25 MHz in 0.1-Hz increments
  • Accuracy: Function of input synchronization source (GPS, IRIG, 1 PPS, etc.)
  • Synchronization: Output frequency locked to SecureSync disciplined 10 MHz
  • Jitter, cycle-to-cycle: n/a
  • Phase Noise:
    • -120 dBc/Hz @ 1kHz offset
    • -130 dBc/Hz @ 10-kHz offset
    • -140 dBc/Hz @ 100-kHz offset
  • Harmonics: <-30 dBc
  • Spurious: <-60 dBc
  • Maximum Number of Cards: 6
  • Ordering Information: 1204-13, Programmable Frequency Card, sine wave, BNC

Model 1204-13 option card rear plate

Programmable Frequency Card 1204-2F (TTL, BNC): Specifications

  • Outputs: (4) independently programmable square wave outputs
  • Signal Type: TTL (BNC)
  • Wave Form: square
  • Connector: BNC
  • Output Load Impedance: 50 Ω
  • Output Pulse/Frequency Rates: 1PPS to 25 MPPS in 0.1-PPS increments
  • Accuracy: Function of input synchronization source (GPS, IRIG, 1 PPS, etc.)
  • Synchronization: Output frequency locked to SecureSync disciplined 10 MHz
  • Jitter, cycle-to-cycle: <10 ns
  • Phase Noise: n/a
  • Harmonics: n/a
  • Spurious: n/a
  • Maximum Number of Cards: 6
  • Ordering Information: 1204—2F, Programmable Frequency Card, TTL, BNC

Model 1204-2F option card rear plate

Progr. Frequ. Card 1204-30 (TTL, RS-485): Specifications

  • Outputs: (4) independently programmable square wave outputs
  • Signal Type: RS-485
  • Wave Form: square
  • Connector: Terminal block
  • Output Load Impedance: n/a
  • Output Pulse/Frequency Rates: 1PPS to 25 MPPS in 0.1-PPS increments
  • Accuracy: Function of input synchronization source (GPS, IRIG, 1 PPS, etc.)
  • Synchronization: Output frequency locked to SecureSync disciplined 10 MHz
  • Jitter, cycle-to-cycle: <10 ns
  • Phase Noise: n/a
  • Harmonics: n/a
  • Spurious: n/a
  • Maximum Number of Cards: 6
  • Ordering Information: 1204—30, Programmable Frequency Card, TTL, RS-485

Model 1204-30 option card rear plate

Model 1204-30 terminal block pin assignments

Pin No. Function
1 Frequ. Output 1 +
2 Frequ. Output 1 –
3 GND
4 Frequ. Output 2 +
5 Frequ. Output 2 –
6 Frequ. Output 3 +
7 Frequ. Output 3 –
8 GND
9 Frequ. Output 4 +
10 Frequ. Output 4 –

Programmable Frequency Output: Edit Window

To configure a Programmable Frequency Output, go to its Edit window. For instructions, see: Configuring Option Card Inputs/Outputs.

The Web UI list entry for this card is: Prog Freq Out, Sine [or: TTL, or: RS-485, respectively].

The connector numbers are: J1…J4 [J1 for the RS-485 model].

Note: SecureSync starts numbering I/O ports with 0 (only 1PPS and 10 MHz outputs start at 1, because of the built-in outputs).

The Edit window allows the configuration of the following settings:

  • Signature Control: Controls when the output will be present. See also: Signature Control.
  • Frequency: Enter the desired output frequency. The ranges are as follows:
    • Sine wave output frequency (model no. 1204-13): 1 to 25,000,000 Hz
    • Pulse rate output in Hertz (model no.’s 1204-2F/-30): 1 to 25,000,000 PPS
  • Phase: Adjust the phase by entering a phase offset (0.1 to 360°), if required.

Note: The phase offset will lose its reference at a SecureSync reboot, and hence the value will be reset to 0 (ZERO).

The reference will also be lost if you enter a new output frequency for a port – however in this case, the value will not be reset to 0, but instead remain unchanged. In both cases you will need to re-enter the required phase offset value.

Programmable Frequency Output: Status Window

To view the settings of a Programmable Frequency Output, go to its Status window. For instructions, see: Viewing Input/Output Configuration Settings.

The Web UI list entry for this card is named: Prog Freq Out, Sine [or: TTL, or: RS-485, respectively].

The connector numbers are: J1…J4 [J1 for the RS-485 model].

Note: SecureSync starts numbering I/O ports with 0 (only 1PPS and 10 MHz outputs start at 1, because of the built-in outputs).

The Status window displays the following settings:

  • Signature Control: Controls when the output will be present. See also: Signature Control.
  • Frequency: Indicates the configured frequency.
  • Phase: Displays the configured phase offset (e.g., to account for delays caused by different cable lengths, or other latencies).
  • Lock: Shows, if the output frequency is locked to the SecureSync system-disciplined oscillator.

Note: Even if an output frequency status is LOCKED, it will not be available at the output port, if the Signature Control for that port has been DISABLED.