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:
- MTSx unit status indicator.
- Sync In:This port connects to a Metronome Sync Out port.
- Port status indicator.
- IN: This port connects to a XGS2-SD or XGS12-SD out port.
- 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.
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 |
|
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 |