Metronome

This chapter provides details about Metronome, its specifications and features.

The Ixia Metronome Timing System is a precision test instrument enabling for large scale time synchronized testing within complex networks. Metronome solves the problem of sourcing time from external sources and translating that time into an IXIA proprietary time delivery interface. It recovers time from the actively selected external interface and time synchronizes the Metronome internal clock to the external source, distributes Metronome internal time downstream to IXIA endpoints, and generates aligned IXIA specific triggers to multiple downstream IXIA endpoints.

The following figures show the Metronome hardware:

Figure: Metronome Front Panel

Figure: Metronome Rear Panel

Metronome Extender Chassis

One Metronome Timing System EXTENDER (MTSx) is required for each MTS SyncOut Port that is in use (up to 8 per MTS chassis).

The following figure describes the Metronome Extender chassis:

  1. MTSx unit status indicator.
  2. Sync In:This port connects to a Metronome Sync Out port.
  3. Port status indicator.
  4. IN: This port connects to a XGS2-SD or XGS12-SD out port.
  5. OUT: This port connects to a XGS2-SD or XGS12-SD in port.

External Time Interfaces in Metronome

Multiple types of external timing sources are accepted through Metronome, like GPS, Sync In (ToD+1PPS), BNC, and PTP (Phase 2).

Rear Panel LEDs

A GPS status LED is present in the rear side of the Metronome chassis for the GPS interface.

Metronome GPS Status LEDs
Color Description

Solid Green

Indicates that the satellites are acquired and valid time information is being received from the Ublox GPS receiver IC.

Blinking Green

Indicates that a GPS “lock” is being acquired.

Solid Red

Indicates that an antenna fault is detected.

 

Metronome Specifications

The metronome specifications are contained in the following table.

 
Feature Description

Metronome Timing System Part Number

942-0090

Metronome Timing System Extender Part Number

942-0091

Note: Each timing link requires one MTSx adjacent to each chassis.

Chassis Supported

  • XGS12-SD
  • XGS2-SD

Dimensions

1U - 1.73x17.3x11

Operating Temperature

0° to 40° C

Storage temperature

–40°C to 70°C

Storage humidity

5 to 95% (RH), non-condensing

Input Voltage

100-240Vac

Input Frequency

47-63Hz

Max. Power Consumption

75W

Memory

1x 2GB @ 667MT/s, 64b data width (soDIMM)

Storage

1x 32GB microSD (boot code, application code, libraries)

Power

Worst case power = 2.5W

Cable Lengths Supported – MTSx to MTS

MTS to MTS Extender Distance - 5m / 50m /100m

Cable Type - Metronome Sync Cable

Product Number - 942-0096, 942-0097, 942-0098

Note: Ixia sells the cables listed above but you may construct cables of any length up to 200m.

Cable Lengths Supported – Chassis to MTSx

Chassis to MTS Extender Distance - 6 feet

Cable Type - Ixia Chassis Sync Cable

Product Number - 942-0095