Arbiter Systems 940A User manual

MODEL 940A
TIMING SYSTEM ANALYZER
OPERATION MANUAL
Arbiter Systems, Inc.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
U.S.A.

Notice
This manual is issued for reference only, at the convenience of Arbiter
Systems. Reasonable effort was made to verify that all contents were
accurate as of the time of publication. Check with Arbiter Systems at
the address below for any revisions made since the original date of
publication, found on page v.
Contact Information
Arbiter Systems, Inc.
1324 Vendels Circle, Suite 121
Paso Robles, CA 93446
[phone]
[phone]
www.arbiter.com
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
ii

LIMITED WARRANTY
Arbiter Systems makes no warranty, expressed or implied, on any
product manufactured or sold by Arbiter Systems except for the following
limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship on
products manufactured by Arbiter Systems.
Products manufactured by Arbiter Systems are guaranteed against
defective materials and workmanship under normal use and service
for one year from the date of delivery. The responsibility of Arbiter
Systems under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement, at
Arbiter Systems’ option, of any product found to be defective. Arbiter
Systems shall have no liability under this warranty unless it receives
written notice of any claimed defect, within the earlier of:
• Thirty days of discovery by Buyer or;
• One year from the date of delivery.
For warranty service or repair, products must be returned to a service
facility designated by Arbiter Systems. Buyer shall prepay all shipping
charges to Arbiter Systems, and Arbiter Systems shall pay shipping
charges, via ground, incurred in returning the product to Buyer. How-
ever, Buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties and taxes for products
returned to Buyer in a country other than the United States of America.
THE WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN CONSTITUTES THE ONLY
WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS OF ARBITER SYSTEMS, EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY, BY OPERATION OF LAW OR
OTHERWISE. ARBITER SYSTEMS DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
AND BUYER EXPRESSLY WAIVES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES.
This limited warranty does not extend to any product, which has been
subject to:
I Improper use or application, abuse, or operation beyond its rated
capacity, or contrary to the instructions in the operation and mainte-
nance manuals (if any);
II Accident;
III Repair or maintenance performed by Buyer, except in accordance
with the operation and maintenance manuals, if any, and any special
instructions of Arbiter Systems;
IV Modification without the prior written authorization of Arbiter Sys-
tems (whether by the substitution of non-approved parts or other-
wise).
The remedies provided herein are Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
In no event shall Arbiter Systems be liable for direct, indirect, incidental
iii

or consequential damages (including loss of profits), whether based on
contract, tort, or other legal theory.
FOR THE FASTEST POSSIBLE SERVICE,
PLEASE PROCEED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Notify Arbiter Systems, Inc., specifying the instrument model
number and serial number and giving full details of the difficulty.
Service data or instrument-return authorization will be provided
upon receipt of this information.
2. If instrument return is authorized, forward prepaid to the manufac-
turer. If it is determined that the instrument is not covered by this
warranty, an estimate will be made before the repair work begins,
if requested.
See Contact Information on page ii.
iv

Arbiter Systems, Inc.
Model 940A
Timing System Analyzer™
Operation Manual
Notice & Contact
Warranty
Contents
Features
Configuration Screens
Display Screens
Specifications
940A Utility Software
Appendix A – IRIG-B Information
Copyright ©Arbiter Systems Incorporated January 2021 All rights re-
served. International copyright secured.
PD0054700E
A PDF version of this manual is available for download at
www.arbiter.com. To reorder the printed manual contact Arbiter Sales
and order Part No. AS0106800.
v

Contents
Overview 1
Multi-View Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Input Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Output Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
AUX I/O Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Micro USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Flashlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Powering ON or OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Power Supply and Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Power Supply/Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Battery charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Battery Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Connecting Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Coaxial Cables (BNC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Twisted Pair Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Home Screen 5
Navigating the Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Home Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Gear Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Return Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Pause Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Play Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Slider Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Zoom In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Zoom Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Toggle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
vi

Configuration Screens 7
Configuring Input 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Configuring Input 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Configuring SOURCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
IRIG Source Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Custom Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Source IRIG-B Bits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Setting the DST Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Unmodulated IRIG-B Source Level . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Source DC Voltage Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Modulated IRIG-B Source Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Source Modulation Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1 PPS Source Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1 PPS Source Output Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
DCF77 Source Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Configuring System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Manually Setting the Real Time Clock (RTC) . . . . . . . 21
Display Screens 22
Display Input 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Unmodulated IRIG-B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Modulated IRIG-B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
PPS: Pulse-Per-Second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
DCF77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Display Input 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Display Input 1+2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Display Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Example: Source Unmodulated IRIG-B . . . . . . . . . . 30
Source 1 PPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Specifications 32
The 940A Utility 34
Updating Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Firmware Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Driver Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Updating the 940A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
IRIG-B Information 37
vii

List of Figures
1 940A Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Male BNC Breakout with Terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Input 1 Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5 Source Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6 IRIG-B Source Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7 IRIG-B Source Custom Time Configuration Screen . . . . 10
8 IRIG-B Source Bits Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . 11
9 IRIG-B Source DST Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . 12
10 IRIG-B Source Output Level Configuration Screen . . . . 13
11 IRIG-B Source Voltage Level Configuration Screen . . . . 14
12 IRIG-B Mod. Source Output Level Configuration Screen . 15
13 IRIG-B Mod. Source Voltage Level Configuration Screen . 15
14 IRIG-B Mod. Source Modulation Ratio Configuration
Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
15 1 PPS Source Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 17
16 1 PPS Source Output Level Configuration Screen . . . . 18
17 1 PPS Source Voltage Level Configuration Screen . . . . 18
18 DCF77 Source Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 19
19 System Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
20 Real Time Clock Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . 21
21 Home Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
22 IRIG-B Unmodulated Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . 23
23 Pulse Jitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
24 IRIG-B Modulated Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
25 1 PPS Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
26 DCF77 Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
27 DCF77 Signal Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
viii

28 Input 1+2 Text Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
29 Input 1+2 Waveform Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
30 IRIG-B Source Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
31 1 PPS Source Display Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
32 940A Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
33 940A Utility Serial Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
34 940A Utility Reading Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
35 940A Firmware Ready to Upload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
36 940A Upload Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
37 1 PPS & IRIG-B Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ix

x

Overview
The Model 940A is a powerful diagnostic tool designed to provide both a
graphic view and a descriptive view for analyzing timecodes. It features
two timing input ports (may be used independently or as a method to
compare two timecode signals), one timing output port, a micro USB
charging port, a variable output flashlight, a speaker, and an auxiliary
port.
Input signals:
Unmodulated IRIG-B
Modulated IRIG-B
IRIG-B Manchester
1 Pulse Per Second (PPS)
DCF77
Output signals:
Unmodulated IRIG-B
Modulated IRIG-B
1 PPS
DCF77
Included accessories:
Soft carrying case HD0086000
USB wall charger AP0015300
Micro USB Cable CA0033700
BNC coax cable M/M (8 ft) CA0033808
Quick setup guide PD0055400
BNC Breakout F to Wires AP0008900
BNC Adapt M to 2 Pos Term. AP0014900
BNC “T” Conn F-M-F CN0003500
Terminal Block, Plug, 2 Pin CN0019202
1

Multi-View Display
The time signal displays are split into two parts: descriptive and
graphical. The descriptive view provides a text display of the decoded
input signal, such as time, date, day of year, time offset, etc. The graphic
view provides a time domain display much like an oscilloscope. Each bit
of the time code is identified and decoded for easy verification.
Construction
The 940A is housed in a tough polycarbonate/polyester alloy, designed
for durability and easy handling. The 5-inch diagonal, color graphic,
touch screen display is made of tempered, scratch-resistant glass. A
bail assembly is provided for propping up the instrument.
Source (output)
USB - charging,
firmware update
Input 2Input 1
FlashlightSpeaker
(under bail assembly)
Bail
Auxiliary I/O Port
Figure 1: 940A Connections and Features
Input Connectors
Two female BNC connectors to connecting two different timing signals.
Output Connector
One female BNC connector to source a timing signal.
AUX I/O Port
The RJ-45 port is available for future features and accessories.
2

Micro USB Port
The micro USB port provides communication, power, and charging for
the batteries..
Flashlight
An LED flashlight helps brighten the work area.
Powering ON or OFF
Press (ON/OFF button) at the bottom of the front panel to energize
and de-energize the 940A. NOTE: If charging, then press again to
energize.
Power Supply and Batteries
The Model 940A operates from the internal batteries or the battery
charger. NOTE: The backlight uses the most power. Reducing the
backlight intensity from 80 % to 20 % will double the battery life, up to 24
hours.
Power Supply/Charger
The included high quality module and heavy duty micro USB cable
provide the highest charging rate. The 940A is compatible with other
modules and cables, however, the charging rate may not be optimal.
Battery charging
Typical charging time is less than 8 hours but may be longer if the
batteries are completely depleted.
Checking Battery Status
Check the battery status while the unit is turned off and being charged
by pressing (ON/OFF button).
3

Battery Indication
100%
Charged, not connected to charger
15%
Battery very low, connect to charger!
52% H
Charging High, connected to charger1
1A letter below the battery symbol indicates the charge rate.
• L for low (100 mA)
• M for medium (500 mA)
• H for high (1000 mA)
Connecting Cables
Coaxial Cables (BNC)
Input and output timing connectors on the Model 940A are female BNC.
Coaxial cables are usually fitted with male BNC connectors, which
connect directly to the 940A.
Twisted Pair Cables
Use male BNC breakouts, see Figure 2, to adapt twisted pairs of wire to
the female BNC input connector on the Model 940A. TIP: observe the
polarity marking on the breakout. Do not tin stranded wire with solder.
Figure 2: Male BNC Breakout with Terminals
4

Home Screen
CONFIGURATION DISPLAY
INPUT 1 INPUT 1
INPUT 2 INPUT 2
SOURCE
SOURCESYSTEM
INPUT 1+2
100%
Figure 3: Home Screen
The Home Screen is the first screen after the start-up message. It
shows two Home menu categoriess – CONFIGURATION and DISPLAY.
CONFIGURATION DISPLAY
INPUT 1 – See page 7. INPUT 1 – See page 23.
INPUT 2 – See page 8. INPUT 2 – See page 27.
SOURCE – See page 8. INPUT 1+2 – See page 28.
SYSTEM – See page 20. SOURCE – See page 29.
5

Navigating the Menus
Touch activated areas are blue.
The Home Button
return to the Home Screen.
Gear Button
appears when further configuration is possible.
Return Button
return to the previous menu.
Pause Button
freeze the display.
Play Button
resume pausing.
Slider Bar
allows scanning through the entire signal range to view
other elements not in the current display.
Zoom In
zoom in.
Zoom Out
zoom out.
Toggle
Configuration: adjust the values.
Display: toggle between enlarging the upper text information and the
split screen.
6

Configuration Screens
Configuring Input 1
Figure 4: Input 1 Configuration Screen
1. Touch CONFIGURATION
INPUT 1
(see Figure 3) to enter the
Input 1 CONFIGURATION screen (see Figure 4).
2. Touch signal type or AUTO IRIG-B. AUTO IRIG-B will determine
which IRIG-B type is connected.
3. Touch the desired Load configuration buttons. High Z Input
improves performance for FET sourced signals by removing the
optocoupler and providing approximately 410 kΩimpedance.
4. Touch Compensate for 1 Second Delay to add one second to the
measured time and exactly matching the source time.
5. Touch BCD Year to limit the control function decoding to two-digit
year (IRIG-Bxx6)
6. Touch when finished.
7

Configuring Input 2
From the Home screen CONFIGURATION menu, touch
INPUT 2
INPUT 2
and
follow the same steps described for Input 1.
Configuring SOURCE
Configuring the source is very similar to configuring either Input 1 or
Input 2.
SOURCE CONFIGURATION
IRIG-B UNMODULATED
100%
IRIG-B MODULATED
1 PULSE PER SECOND
DCF77
DISABLED
Figure 5: Source Configuration Screen
1. In the Home screen CONFIGURATION menu, touch
SOURCE
.
2. In SOURCE SIGNAL SELECTION menu, touch desired signal –
for example, IRIG-B UNMODULATED.
3. Touch to configure other time settings, then touch to
return to the SOURCE SIGNAL SELECTION menu.
4. Touch to return to the Home screen.
Once a signal is selected, the 940A produces the timing signal at
source connector. When DISABLED, the 940A will not display the gear
symbol.
8

IRIG Source Configuration
The source signal can come from Input 1, Input 2, or Custom.
Figure 6: IRIG-B Source Configuration Screen
Use for either modulated or unmodulated IRIG-B.
1. Touch Input 1, Input 2, or Custom to select the signal source to
transmit IRIG-B from the Source BNC connector.
2. Touch Duplicate Input to exactly reproduce at the source the
signal connected to Input 1 or 2. This removes any custom code
changes but does allow changing the output level.
3. Touch Custom and then touch the Time/Date bar to manually set
the date and time – see page 10.
4. Touch UTC or Local to set the time zone. If Local, touch the Local
Offset value to adjust.
5. Touch 2005, 2011, YEAR No CF/SBS, or OFF to set which
revision of the C37.118 values to follow. YEAR No CF/SBS limits
the control functions to two-digit year (IRIG-Bxx6).
9

Custom Date and Time
CANCEL
CANCEL
SOURCE IRIG CONFIG
Custom User Time
SET TO RTC SET TIME
Month Day Year Hour Minute Second
SEP 29 2019 12 34 56
100% H
Figure 7: IRIG-B Source Custom Time Configuration Screen
Custom Time window provides a method to manually set the source
date and time.
1. Touch or to adjust each box.
2. Touch
SET TIME
after setting the time and date.
3. Touch
SET TO RTC
to set the custom clock to the Real Time
Clock.
4. Touch
CANCEL
to escape from this menu.
10