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Time Source Tab

At Time Source, configure the trigger and synchronization setup and, in case the CMC test set works as
an IRIG-B generator, specify the time code parameters.

The available time sources are GPS (GPS = Global Positioning System), PTP (PTP = Precision Time
Protocol, a protocol used to synchronize clocks throughout a computer network) and IRIG-B (IRIG =
Inter Range Instrumentation Group; the IRIG standardized the different time code formats).

When doing end-to-end testing, make sure to use the same synchronization mode, that is, either GPS,
or PTP, or IRIG-B for all test sets involved.

First select the time source of your choice from the upper left list of available configurations. Depending
on your selection, the illustration below the list reflects the typical setup of the hardware components.

If you see this symbol next to a time source configuration, this particular configuration will not work
with the connected hardware. Why does that happen? The specific settings are saved with the test
document of the respective test module. Once this test document is re-opened, but this time with a
different hardware connected - a hardware that does not support the time source configuration -, this
symbol notifies you about this discrepancy.

<not used>

None of the available time sources is used for synchronization. On the test module's Trigger tab, select a
binary trigger condition or a user interaction, or none.

Trigger via GPS using a CMGPS

A CMGPS synchronization unit is connected to the test set's external Interface input (a connector at
the rear side). The trigger is generated from the CMGPS output pulses. The Time Source tab requires
no settings.

To set the test start time and the trigger period, click Time Trigger on the Home tab. Then click the
Modify... button to open the Modify Pulse Data window.

Click here to view the "CMGPS" manual...

Notes:

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• CMGPS is a meanwhile discontinued product.

• The CMC 430 test set does not support CMGPS.

Trigger via GPS using a CMGPS 588

A CMGPS 588 synchronization unit is connected to one of the test set's Power over Ethernet ports
ETH1 or ETH2. The CMC test set synchronizes its internal clock to the CMGPS 588, and generates
trigger signals based on this internal clock.

The CMGPS 588 synchronization unit can be used as a PTP grandmaster clock according to the IEEE
1588-2008 standard.

Click here to view the "CMGPS 588" manual...

To set the test start time and the trigger period, click Time Trigger on the Home tab. Then click the
Modify... button to open the Modify Pulse Data window.

The usage of a CMGPS 588 requires a CMC test set equipped with a NET-1B, a NET-1C or a NET-2
board.

To learn more about the NET-1x and NET-2 interface boards, → How do CMC Test Sets
Communicate with a Test Universe computer?. Alternatively, launch the relevant CMC test set PDF
manual from the CMC Test Sets and Amplifiers topic...

Trigger via PTPv2

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The CMC test set synchronizes its internal clock to a PTPv2 time source, and generates trigger signals
based on this internal clock. Connect a suitable PTPv2 time source to one of the test set's Ethernet ports
ETH1 or ETH2.

PTP Settings

• Profile:
Test Universe supports both the Power profile according to IEEE C37.238-2011, and the Utility
profile.
• Domain:
All PTP devices that should synchronize to each other must use the same domain number
(0 ... 255).
• Enable VLAN:
Note: VLAN options are available for the Power profile, only.
◾ Option selected: Accept incoming telegrams only with the specified VLAN ID or without a
VLAN tag. Send outgoing telegrams with the specified VLAN ID.
◾ Option cleared: Accept any incoming telegrams with or without VLAN tag. Send outgoing
telegrams without VLAN tag.
• VLAN ID:
The Power profile requires an IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tag. This value (0 ... 4095) represents the VID
(VLAN Identifier) field (12 bits) within the TCI (Tag Control Identifier). See "VlanId" in IEEE
C37.238-2011.
• VLAN priority:
The Power Profile requires an IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tag. This value (0 ... 7) represents the PCP
(Priority Code Point) field (3 bits) within the TCI (Tag Control Identifier). See IEEE C37.238-
2011, clause 5.6.

To set the test start time and the trigger period, click Time Trigger on the Home tab. Then click the
Modify... button to open the Modify Pulse Data window.

The usage of PTP requires a CMC test set equipped with a NET-1B, a NET-1C or a NET-2 board.

To learn more about the NET-1x and NET-2 interface boards, → How do CMC Test Sets
Communicate with a Test Universe computer?. Alternatively, launch the relevant CMC test set PDF
manual from the CMC Test Sets and Amplifiers topic...

Trigger via IRIG-B using a CMIRIG-B

The CMC test set works as IRIG-B decoder. An IRIG-B generator (a third party product; for example, a
satellite synchronizing clock) is connected to the CMC test set's external Interface input via a

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CMIRIG-B. The IRIG-B generator is connected to IRIG-B/PPS IN, the test object to PPX OUT, the
CMC test set to CMC.

The trigger is generated from the received IRIG-B time reference. The PPX OUT pulse sequence is in
synchronization with the CMIRIG-B input on IRIG-B/PPS IN.

For the Only test if synchronized to ext. time base  option, see below...

To set the test start time and the trigger period, click Time Trigger on the Home tab. Then click the
Modify... button to open the Modify Pulse Data window.

You can find basic information about the IRIG time codes standard in the Help topic Basic Information
about the IRIG Time Codes Standard . For a comprehensive covering of IRIG-B and its
parameterization refer to the IRIG standard revision 200-04.

Click here to view the "CMIRIG-B" manual...

IRIG-B Generator Master using a CMIRIG-B

The CMC test set works as IRIG-B generator and provides its generated time reference to the
CMIRIG-B input CMC. At the CMIRIG-B output IRIG-B OUT the time reference is available for the
test object (for example, a phasor measurement unit).

The pulse sequence at PPX OUT (fixed to 1 pulse per second) is in synchronization with CMC's
internal time base.

Operating the CMC test set as IRIG-B generator enables the IRIG-B parameters section at the right.

You can find basic information about the IRIG time codes standard in the Help topic Basic Information
about the IRIG Time Codes Standard . For a comprehensive covering of IRIG-B and its
parameterization refer to the IRIG standard revision 200-04.

Click here to view the "CMIRIG-B" manual...

IRIG-B Generator following PPS using a CMIRIG-B

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The CMC test set works as IRIG-B generator following an external pulse sequence (1 pulse per second)
fed into the IRIG-B/PPS IN input. The CMC provides its generated time reference to the CMIRIG-B
input CMC. At the CMIRIG-B output IRIG-B OUT, the time reference is available for the test object.

The pulse sequence at PPX OUT (fixed to 1 pulse per second) is in synchronization with the external
pulse sequence.

For the Only test if synchronized to ext. time base  option, see below...

The absolute start time for the CMIRIG-B output is generated from the IRIG-B Source Settings set in
the Hardware Configuration window. The CMC triggers on PPX sequence.

IRIG-B Generator following GPS using a CMIRIG-B and a CMGPS

The CMC test set works as IRIG-B generator following a 1 pps pulse sequence from a CMGPS
synchronization unit fed into the CMGPS input. The CMC provides its generated time reference to the
CMIRIG-B input CMC. At the CMIRIG-B output IRIG-B OUT, the time reference is available for the
test object.

The pulse sequence at PPX OUT (fixed to 1 pulse per second) is in synchronization with the 1 pps
pulse sequence from the CMGPS synchronization unit.

The absolute start time for the CMIRIG-B output is generated from the IRIG-B Source Settings set in
the Hardware Configuration window. The CMC triggers on PPX sequence.

If you use the CMIRIG-B in combination with the CMGPS synchronization unit, make sure to connect
the 100 - 240 VAC/18 VDC power supply unit to the CMGPS. Else, Test Universe cannot detect the
CMGPS.

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Notes:

• CMGPS is a meanwhile discontinued product.

• The CMC 430 test set does not support CMGPS.

IRIG-B Generator following GPS using a CMIRIG-B and a CMGPS 588

The CMC test set works as IRIG-B generator following a synchronization signal from a CMGPS 588
synchronization unit fed into the test set's ETH1 or ETH2 Ethernet port. The CMC provides its
generated time reference to the CMIRIG-B input CMC. At the CMIRIG-B output IRIG-B OUT, the
time reference is available for the test object.

IRIG-B and its parameterization is comprehensively covered in IRIG standard revision 200-04. For
the PTP settings, refer to the Trigger via PTPv2 option above.

The usage of PTP requires a CMC test set equipped with a NET-1B, a NET-1C or a NET-2 board.

To learn more about the NET-1x and NET-2 interface boards, → How do CMC Test Sets
Communicate with a Test Universe computer?. Alternatively, launch the relevant CMC test set PDF
manual from the CMC Test Sets and Amplifiers topic...

IRIG-B Generator following PTPv2 using a CMIRIG-B

The CMC test set works as IRIG-B generator following a synchronization signal from a PTPv2 time
source fed into the test set's ETH1 or ETH2 Ethernet port. The CMC provides its generated time
reference to the CMIRIG-B input CMC. At the CMIRIG-B output IRIG-B OUT, the time reference is
available for the test object.

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IRIG-B and its parameterization is comprehensively covered in IRIG standard revision 200-04. For
the PTP settings, refer to the Trigger via PTPv2 option above.

The usage of PTP requires a CMC test set equipped with a NET-1B, a NET-1C or a NET-2 board.

To learn more about the NET-1x and NET-2 interface boards, → How do CMC Test Sets
Communicate with a Test Universe computer?. Alternatively, launch the relevant CMC test set PDF
manual from the CMC Test Sets and Amplifiers topic...

Time-stamping via NTP using the NTP Client in CMC

The Network Time Protocol (NTP; a networking protocol for clock synchronization between computer
systems over data networks) is a client/server application. Each device in a network, such as a
workstation, router, server, etc., that has to be synchronized with the network time server must be
equipped with an NTP client software.

In the case of a CMC test set this is done by the CMC firmware. Therefore, the CMC receives its time
from the networks time server if it is configured correctly.

Note that NTP Client does not provide the trigger functionality to start a synchronized operation of two
or more CMC test sets.

Unicast client

Unicast Client is the default setting. Unicast transmission, still the predominant form of transmission on
LANs and within the Internet, denotes a communication from one point to another point on the
computer network. In this case there is one sender, the network time Server (IP address or domain
name), and one receiver, the CMC test set. The Refresh rate determines the intervals for the time
information to be polled from the network time server.

Broadcast client

Broadcast transmission denotes a communication from one point to all other points on the computer
network. In this case there is one sender (the network time server), and its information is sent to all
connected receivers (clients).

Multicast client

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Multicast transmission denotes a communication where information is sent from one or more points to a
set of other points. In this case there may be one or more senders, and the information is distributed to a
set of receivers (there may be any number of receivers, or no receivers at all)

IP multicast transmission provides a dynamic many-to-many connectivity to simultaneously deliver data

packets between a set of senders (at least 1) to a group of clients.

Unlike broadcast transmission, which is mainly used on LANs, multicast clients receive a stream of
packets only if they have previously elect to do so by joining the specific multicast group Address.
Membership of a group is dynamic and controlled by the receivers, in turn informed by the local client
applications. The routers in a multicast network learn what sub-networks have active clients for each
multicast group, and attempt to minimize the transmission of packets across those parts of the network
that have no active clients.

The usage of NTP requires a CMC test set equipped with a NET-1x or a NET-2 board.

To learn more about the NET-1x and NET-2 interface boards, → How do CMC Test Sets
Communicate with a Test Universe computer?. Alternatively, launch the relevant CMC test set PDF
manual from the CMC Test Sets and Amplifiers topic...

Only test if synchronized to ext. time base - PermaSync (TM)

This option applies to the PermaSync functionality and is available for the configurations Trigger via
IRIG-B using a CMIRIG-B, IRIG-B Generator following PPS using a CMIRIG-B, and IRIG-B
Generator following GPS using a CMIRIG-B and a CMGPS; in other words: for configurations that
use an external time reference to synchronize the CMC test set's internal time base. Accordingly, a
CMC test set with a NET-1x or a NET-2 interface board is required.

The PermaSync functionality keeps the output sample clock of the CMC in permanent synchronism to
an external time source, avoiding any phasor drift between CMC units operating in parallel (for
example, decentralized PMU testing).

Since the decision to execute a test module only in case of synchronization is done individually per test
module in a test document, the Only test if synchronized to ext. time base option can be found in the
"Local" Hardware Configuration of the module. In a "Global" Hardware Configuration, i.e., in a
Hardware Configuration whose specified parameters apply to all subsequent test modules throughout
a Control Center document, this option is not available. More information about the distinction between
"Global" and "Local" Hardware Configurations can be found at What is the Hardware Configuration?
and the subsequent Help topics.

• Select the option Only test if synchronized to ext. time base to only execute the test module if
the CMC test set is able to synchronize to the external IRIG-B time reference. If the CMC test set
cannot synchronize, the module will not start the test, and the execution will continue with the
next module that follows in the test document.
• Clear this option to start the test at any rate. If the CMC test set should not able to synchronize to
the external time reference, the test will start with the test set's internal time base as reference,
bypassing the external PPS.

What prevents a CMC test set from synchronizing to an external PPS?

Naturally, a synchronization of a CMC test set is only meaningful when the synchronization source, i.e.,
the external time base, is highly accurate. The Test Universe software (or more precisely: the

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CM Engine component) verifies this accuracy, and if the external time base exceeds an offset of
± 10 ppm or a jitter of 2 ppm, the signal is assessed as inadequate. The CMC test set will then stay "not
externally synchronized", and with the option Only test if synchronized to ext. time base selected, the
test will not start.

The test module's status bar holds an icon that shows whether or not the CMC is synchronized to the
external time base ( = CMC synchronized to external time base; = CMC not synchronized to
external time base). Position the mouse cursor over this icon for about a second; the tooltip displays the
average offset and the maximum jitter in ppm.

In addition, both the quality assessment and the synchronization status (CMC synchronized/not
synchronized) are written to the CM Engine log file - a file with the extension .log with a user-created
name and path.

Furthermore, once a test was executed, its test report will hold an entry showing whether or not the test
was executed synchronized to external time base, regardless of the actual setting of the Only test if
synchronized to ext. time base option.

The first-time evaluation of the PPS signal, in the event that the CMC test set is not yet synchronized,
may take up to 11 seconds. With one of the above listed configurations selected, this evaluation phase
starts the moment the Hardware Configuration is closed by clicking the OK button.

When CMC test sets are connected via Ethernet and controlled by so-called "Sampled Values" data
streams, also those data streams can be synchronized. However, certain limitations apply. Read more
about this in the Synchronization when using Sampled Values topic...

Telegram format

The "Telegram format" field shows the time code format configuration that the CMC test set will
generate based on your selections at "Modulation" and "Coded Expressions". Test Universe supports the
IRIG-B telegram formats B00x and B20x, at which B inicates the format type (B = IRIG-B); digit two
the modulation technique (see below); digit three the counts included in the message
(frequency/resolution) and digit four (x) the coded expressions.
Time code format B has a time frame of 1 second with an index count of 10 milliseconds (100 pps) and
contains time-of-year and year information in a BCD format, and seconds-of-day in SBS (straight
binary seconds); see coded expressions below.
In case of the CMC-generated IRIG-B time code format, digit three of the telegram format always
remains 0, which deciphers as "no carrier/index count interval".
More information can be found in the IRIG SERIAL TIME CODE FORMATS publication on the
Internet.

Modulation

Modulation technique, digit 2 of telegram format:

PWM/DC level shift; telegram format B00x (pulse width modulation)
Manchester II = modified Manchester modulation; telegram format B20x.

Coded Expressions

Digit 4 of telegram format:

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0 BCDTOY, CF, SBS

1 BCDTOY, CF
2 BCDTOY
3 BCDTOY, SBS
4 BCDTOY, BCDYEAR, CF, SBS
5 BCDTOY, BCDYEAR, CF
6 BCDTOY, BCDYEAR
7 BCDTOY, BCDYEAR, SBS

The settings here (single or in combination) define the 74-bit time code that contains 30 bits of BCD
time-of-year information in days, hours, minutes and seconds, 17 bits of SB seconds-of-day, 9 bits for
year information and 18 bits for control functions (coded expressions).
Control functions:
All time code formats reserve a set of bits known as control functions (CF) for the encoding of various
control, identification, and other special purpose functions. The control bits may be programmed in any
predetermined coding system. For Format B, 18 control functions (control bits) are available. Control
functions are presently intended for internal range use, but not for interrange applications; therefore, no
standard coding system exists. The inclusion of control functions into a time code format as well as the
coding system employed is an individual user defined option. OMICRON supports control functions
that comply with the standard IEEE C37.118.
More information can be found in the IRIG SERIAL TIME CODE FORMATS publication on the
Internet.

Example:
A telegram format designated as B006 is deciphered as follows: Format B, pulse witdh modulated, no
carrier/index count interval, coded expressions BCDTOY, BCDYEAR.

IRIG-B Time Code Output

For the IRIG-B Generator modes, selecting or clearing the option Set date and time at test start either
in the Hardware Configuration of stand-alone modules, or in the local Hardware Configuration of
modules embedded in a Control Center document, distinguishes two cases:

1. If Set date and time at test start is cleared, and the CMC test set does not receive an absolute
time information from an external time source (i.e., it is the time master, or only receives a 1 pps
synchronization pulse as reference), the start date and time is 2000-01-01 00:00:00h. If the CMC
test set receives an absolute time information (i.e., from PTP or from a CMGPS 588), this time
will be used for the IRIG-B output. The CMC starts the IRIG-B time code format output as soon
as you click OK, or as soon as you click Cancel if Apply had been clicked before.
2. If Set date and time at test start is selected, the IRIG-B output will start with (or will be reset to)
the date and time as specified at IRIG-B Source Settings (see below) at the moment the test
module starts the test execution.

IRIG-B Source Settings

The IRIG-B Source Settings are only relevant in case the CMC test set is set up as IRIG-B generator,
and it does not receive an absolute time information from an external time source; i.e., it is the time
master, or it only receives a 1 pps sync pulse as reference, and only if Set date and time at test start is
selected (see above).

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At "UTC Date" and "UTC Time" set the absolute start time for the CMC-generated IRIG-B time code
format.
Once you have set a date and a time of your choice, click OK or Apply. The CMC test set starts the
IRIG-B time code format output with that date/time as soon as you click OK, or as soon as you click
Cancel if Apply had been clicked before..

Set date and time at test start

If you select Set date and time at test start, the IRIG-B generator (the CMC test set) is set to the time
specified at "UTC Date" and "UTC Time" the moment you start a test in the respective test module.
This applies to each individual start of a stand-alone test or of a test module embedded in a Control 
Center test document with this option selected in its local Hardware Configuration; therefore, you
won't get a continuos time reference.
Without this option the IRIG-B time reference remains unchanged when you start a test; i.e., the time
reference continues normally.

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