bc637PCI-U

GPS Synchronized, PCI Time & Frequency Processor

Symmetricom’s GPS referenced bc637PCI-U receiver module provides precision time and frequency to the host computer and peripheral data acquisition systems. Precise time is acquired from the GPS satellite system or from time code signals such as IRIG B.

The bc637PCI-U has been discontinued:
 bc637PCI-U Discontinuance Notice (PDF)
bc637PCI-U Product Change Notice (PDF)

The replacement is the new bc637pci-v2 (PDF)

GPS synchronization provides 1 microsecond accurate time to UTC and enables the bc637PCI-U to be an ideal master clock for synchronizing multiple computers to UTC. The bc637PCI-U automatically supports both the 3.3V and 5.0V signaling of the PCI bus. Integration of the module is easily facilitated with optional drivers for Windows NT/2000/XP, Linux, Solaris or VxWorks.

High Speed Time Requests
Central to the operation of the module is a GPS disciplined 10 MHz oscillator and 100 nanosecond clock. Current time (days to 100 nanoseconds) can be accessed across the PCI bus with zero latency, which allows for very high speed time requests. The on-board oscillator is rate-matched (disciplined) to the input time source and drives the precision 10 MHz frequency output and time code generator circuitry.

Reliable and Redundant
If the time input is lost, the module will continue to maintain time (flywheel). An optional OCXO oscillator substantially improves flywheel drift performance. If power is lost, a battery-backed clock is available to maintain time.

Versatile
Both time code generation and translation are supported. The generator supplies IRIG B time code output that is synchronized to the input time source. The translator reads IRIG A, IRIG B and IEEE-1344 time codes.

Event Time Capture
An Event Time Capture feature provides a means of latching time for an external event input. The module can also be programmed to generate a periodic pulse rate as well as generate a single interrupt at a predetermined time (Time Compare).

Generate Interrupts at Programmable Rates
A key feature of the bc637PCI-U is the ability to generate interrupts on the PCI bus at programmable rates. These interrupts can be used to synchronize applications on the host computer as well as signal specific events.

Extremely Stable
The external frequency input is a unique feature allowing the internal timing of the

bc637PCI-U to slave to the 10 MHz output from a Cesium or Rubidium standard. This creates an extremely stable PCI based clock for all bc637PCI-U timing functions and is superior to any disciplining technique.