Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 5401A Dante Leader Clock, Issue 4, Page 2
An integrated web server allows fast and flexible monitoring
and configuration of the unit’s networking, clocking, and Dante
performance. Front-panel LED indicators, an LCD display, and
pushbutton switches provide users with direct access to key
operating parameters.
The Model 5401A can be powered by 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
mains or a source of 12 volts DC. Both can be simultaneously
connected to provide redundant operation. The lightweight
enclosure mounts in one space (1U) of a 19-inch equipment
rack. Industry-standard connectors are used for Ethernet, DC
power, and AC mains interconnections. Updating the Model
5401A’s operating software can be easily performed using a
standard USB flash drive.
Applications
Applications for the Model 5401A include broadcast and post-
production facilities, college and university audio networks,
arenas, stadiums, corporate installations, and virtually any
application where substantial numbers of Dante-compatible
devices are utilized. The Model 5401A will serve as a stable
and consistent Leader clock for the entire Dante “network.”
And, as expected, the Model 5401A is compatible with all
Dante devices, no matter what their function or manufacturer.
Applications that utilize devices compatible with AES67 will
also benefit from the Model 5401A’s resources.
Why a Dedicated Dante Leader
Clock?
With Dante ubiquitous in fixed and mobile facilities of all sizes
and types, the need arose for a cost-effective, purpose-de
-
signed, dedicated Leader clock. While an inherent strength of
Dante networking is its carefully implemented use of the IEEE
1588 standard to ensure that all connected devices maintain
a common timing reference, the actual performance can vary
widely depending on the specific Dante devices in use and
the overall number of devices on a network. There are many
Dante-compatible devices that can provide adequate basic
performance as a Leader clock, but with the Model 5401A
networked audio systems get the benefits of a high-perfor
-
mance Primary Leader Clock, along with additional unique
capabilities. The unit’s feature set, along with the associated
internal hardware and software, was designed to provide
optimum performance, flexibility, and system integrity.
Timing Sources
The Model 5401A can provide excellent Leader clock perfor-
mance using its temperature- stabilized internal oscillator,
which exceeds the capability of standard Dante devices by at
least an order of magnitude. While its standalone performance
is excellent, the Model 5401A can also be “locked” to a variety
of external signals for integration into facilities that include a
central or main timing reference. Compatible signals include
word clock, video reference, and 10 MHz.
Word clock is a square wave signal that is often used as a
timing reference in audio-only facilities. Several common
word clock rates, including 48, 96 kHz, and the more-exotic
192 kHz, are compatible with the Model 5401A’s sync input.
Video reference (“sync”) signals are found in most broadcast
and post-production facilities. The Model 5401A supports
the most-common video format/rate combinations including
“black burst,” bi- and tri-level HD, and several that are specifi
-
cally intended for 4K applications. Industrial and commercial
facilities often utilize a GPS-disciplined source of 10 MHz as a
timing reference. This sine wave signal is typically compatible
with the Model 5401A’s sync input.
Word Clock Output
The Model 5401A generates a precise word clock output signal
that can be used as a timing reference for related equipment.
It’s specifically intended for “locking” digital audio devices
in applications that use the Model 5401A to provide timing
reference signals for the associated Dante equipment. In this
way, all devices in an installation will share a common timing
reference.
The word clock output rate can be 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4,
or 192 kHz. The underlying timing source for the word clock
output is derived from the Model 5401A’s main timing source.
As previously reviewed, the internal oscillator, if desired, can
be “locked” to an external source. The main timing source is
divided and processed by the Model 5401A’s logic circuitry to
create the highly stable word clock output. This ensures that
the word clock output is synchronized with the unit’s PTPv1
and PTPv2 server functionality.
Audio Tone Generator
The Model 5401A generates eight sine wave audio tones
intended for general-purpose use. These audio tones are
available from the Model 5401A by way of Dante transmitter
(output) channels and can be connected, using the Dante