Technical information

Timecode (option)
Abstract
The transmission of coded timing signals began to take on widespread importance
in the early 1950´s. Especially the US missile and space programs were the forces
behind the development of these time codes, which were used for the correlation of
data. The definition of time code formats was completely arbitrary and left to the
individual ideas of each design engineer. Hundreds of different time codes were
formed, some of which were standardized by the "Inter Range Instrumentation
Group" (IRIG) in the early 60´s.
Except these "IRIG Time Codes", other formats like NASA36, XR3 or 2137 are still
in use. The board GPS-TC however generates the IRIG-B, AFNOR NFS 87-500 code
as well as IEEE1344 code which is an IRIG-B123 coded extended by information for
time zone, leap second and date. Other formats may be available on request.
Principle of Operation
The Board GPS-TC has been designed for the generation of IRIG, AFNOR and
IEEE1344 standard time codes. Apart from the digitally generated amplitude-
modulated code, GPS-TC also provides the unmodulated DC-Level shift code. The
modulated sine wave carrier and the board´s internal time pattern are derived from the
radio clock´s disciplined oscillator.
Block Diagram Timecode
124
microcontroller
modulator
EPLD
D/A converter
driver
50 unbalanced Ω
digital
sinewave
generator
timecode
10 MHz
modulated timecode
unmodulated timecodes
high- and low-active
PPS