Plura TCA User manual

TIMING SOLUTIONS
Measurement System
TCA
Timecode Analyzer with
LTC Reader and Generator
Operating Manual
Version: 1.0
September 19, 2022

Operating Manual TCA Page 3
CONTENTS
A1 REVISION HISTORY
A2 COPYRIGHT
A3 WARRANTY
A4 UNPACKING/SHIPPING/REPACKAGING INFORMATION
A5 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION 10
1.1. INTRODUCTION 10
1.2. FEATURES 10
1.3. DISPLAY 10
1.3.1. Function Keys 11
1.3.2. Time 11
1.3.3. User (Binary Groups) 11
1.3.4. Framerate, Flags 12
1.3.5. Dropout Counter 13
1.3.6. Delay Measurement 14
1.3.7. LTC Generator 14
1.3.8. MTD Timer 14
1.3.9. Level 14
1.3.10. Waveform 15
2. CONFIGURATION 16
2.1. THE CONFIGURATION PROGRAM 16
2.2. “PROFILE” TAB: STORE AND LOAD A COMPLETE SET-UP 17
2.3. “SYSTEM” TAB: VIEW AND CHANGE SYSTEM PARAMETERS 18
2.4. “LTC” TAB: LTC OUTPUT 19
2.5. “DISPLAY” TAB: DISPLAY 21
2.6. “KEYS” TAB: FUNCTION KEYS 22
3. FIRMWARE UPDATE 24
4. TECHNICAL DATA 25
4.1. CONNECTIONS AT THE REAR 25
4.2. SPECIFICATIONS 26
4.2.1. LTC Read 26
4.2.2. LTC Generate 26
4.2.3. Mechanical 26

Page 4 Operating Manual TCA
A1 Revision History
No.
Date
Subject
0.x
Preliminary documents, changes without notice.
1.0
2022-09-19
First release.
The latest document describes the functions of the latest product’s software. You can download
the latest software version from:
https://plurainc.com
A2 Copyright
Copyright © Plura Europe GmbH 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, translated into another language, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise
without the prior written consent of Plura Europe GmbH.
Printed in Germany.
Technical changes are reserved.
All brand and product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Information in this publication replaces all previously published information. Plura Europe
GmbH assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
For further information please contact your local dealer or:
Plura Europe GmbH
Binger Weg 12
D- 55437 Ockenheim
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Internet: http://www.plurainc.com

Operating Manual TCA Page 5
A3 Warranty
Plura warrants that their products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of two years from the date of shipment. If this product proves defective during the
warranty period, Plura, at its option, will repair or replace the defective product without
charge, provided this product is returned to Plura freight prepaid.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Plura of the defect before
expiration of the warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of
service. Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to
Plura, please notice the Shipping Information given below.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by abuse, misuse,
improper use, negligence, accident, modification, alteration, or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care.
This warranty is given by Plura with respect to this product in lieu of any other warranties,
express or implied. Plura and its vendors disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. Plura’s responsibility to repair or replace defective products is
the sole and exclusive remedy provided to the customer for breach of this warranty. Plura and
its vendors will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages
irrespective of whether Plura or the vendor has advance notice of the possibility of such
damages.

Page 6 Operating Manual TCA
A4 Unpacking/Shipping/Repackaging Information
This product has been carefully inspected, tested and calibrated before shipment to ensure
years of stable and trouble-free service.
The shipping carton and pads provide protection for the product during transit. Retain the
shipping cartons in case subsequent shipment becomes necessary.
Carefully unpack the product from its transit material and carefully check the product for signs
of damage. In the event that the product has been damaged during transit, contact the carrier
and your Plura dealer.
Please confirm that all items listed on the packing list have been received. Check the items
against your original order to ensure that you have received the correct parts. If any item is
missing, please contact your Plura dealer.
Ensure that all packaging material is removed from the product and its associated
components before installing the unit.
Products returned to Plura for servicing or repair should have a tag attached showing:
•Name and complete address of the owner and the name of the person that can be
contacted.
•Unit’s serial number and a description of the service required, or failure detected.
Products returned should be shipped prepaid in the original packaging material if possible. If
the original packaging is not available or is unfit for use, supply an adequate packaging
which should meet the following criteria:
•Packaging must be able to withstand the product weight.
•Product must be held rigid within the packaging.
•Allow at least two inches of space between the product and the container.
•The corners of the product must be protected.
•Seal the carton with shipping tape or an industrial stapler.
If the product is still within the warranty period, the product will be returned by prepaid
shipment after servicing.

Operating Manual TCA Page 7
A5 Safety Instructions
The general safety information in this part is for both operating and service personnel. Plura
products are only to be used as directed. Specific warnings and cautions will be found
throughout the manual where they apply.
Review the following safety instructions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or
any products connected to it.
•Read these instructions.
•Keep these instructions.
•Heed all warnings.
•Follow all instructions.
Safety Terms and Symbols
Terms and Symbols in this manual:
CAUTION: Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result
in damage to this product or other property.
Terms and Symbols which may be found on the product:
ATTENTION: Refer to the manual.
Observe precautions for handling electrostatic-sensitive devices.
Signal Ground.
Product Damage Precautions
PREVENT OVERHEATING
To prevent product overheating, position the unit only where sufficient air
circulation can be maintained. Good air circulation is essential to prevent
internal heat build-up, do not block any ventilation openings. Do not expose
the unit to direct sun light or any other strong lights. Keep the unit away from
heat sources.
PROVIDE PROPER ENVIRONMENT
Dust, humidity, shocks and strong electromagnetic fields must be avoided. Do
not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing water. Ensure that no
objects filled with liquid are placed on the apparatus.

Page 8 Operating Manual TCA
OBSERVE EMC REGULATIONS
The EMC regulations are observed only under the following condition:
Use high quality shielded cables at data inputs and outputs.
SUSPECTED FAILURES
Whenever it is likely that safe operation is impaired, the apparatus must be
made inoperative and secured against unintended operation. The appropriate
service authority must then be informed. Do not operate with suspected
failures. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: CLEANING
Qualified Service Personnel Only: The apparatus should be cleaned often
enough to prevent dust or dirt from accumulating. Dust accumulating in the
apparatus acts as an insulating blanket, preventing proper cooling, and
possibly causing overheating and component breakdown. Under high humidity
conditions, accumulated dust can also provide an electrical conduction path.
Remove accumulated dust with a soft cloth or small paint brush. Remove
hardened dirt with a soft cloth, dampened in a mild detergent and water
solution. Do not use polish or abrasive cleaners or any other chemical cleaning
agents.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: VISUAL INSPECTION
Qualified Service Personnel Only: Visually inspect the apparatus for signs of
damage, scorched components, and loose or disconnected pin connectors. If
you discover heat damaged parts, try to determine the cause of the
overheating before replacing the damaged parts; otherwise, the damage may
repeat.
ATTENTION:
Observe precautions for handling electrostatic-sensitive devices. See
“Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions” below for details.

Operating Manual TCA Page 9
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
All semiconductor devices are sensitive to ESD. To prevent any damage or
degradation on components of the product caused by ESD, observe these
precautions when directed to do so (installing, removing sensitive
components):
Use a Ground Strap. Wear a grounded anti-static wrist or heel strap to discharge the static
voltage from your body.
1. Use a Safe Work Area. Avoid handling components in areas that have a floor or work
surface covering capable of generating a static charge. Nothing capable of generating or
holding a static charge should be allowed in the work area.
2. Handle ESD sensitive components carefully. Do not slide components over any surface.
Do not touch exposed connector pins. Pick-up components by the body, never by the
leads.
3. Transport and store sensitive components or assemblies in a static-protected bag or
container.
A6 Certifications & Compliances
CE-Declaration:
We,
Plura Europe GmbH
Binger Weg 12
D- 55437 Ockenheim
herewith declare under our sole responsibility that the
TCA
meets the intent of the following directives, standards and specifications:
89/336/EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility
EN 50081-1 Emissions
•EN 55022
•EN 55103-1
EN 50082-1 Immunity
•EN 55024
•EN 55103-2

Page 10 Operating Manual TCA
1. Functional Description
1.1. Introduction
TCA is a timecode analyzer with LTC reader and generator. A 4.3" LCD provides all LTC
related information in one place. The TCA is a unique and convenient solution for all LTC
related measurements.
TCA –Timecode Analyzer
1.2. Features
•Display of complete LTC information: Time, User (Binary groups), Flags
•Auto-detection of frame rate
•Auto-detection of Plura MTD timers
•Measurement of signal level
•Display of LTC waveform
•Detection and counting of drop-outs
•Integrated free-running LTC generator
•Delay measurements between LTC reader and LTC generator
•Power supply and configuration over USB
1.3. Display
The LCD shows all relevant information and measurements at a glance.

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Function Keys
Time
User (Binary Groups)
Frame Rate, Flags
Dropout Counter
Delay Measurement
LTC Generator
MTD Timer
Level
Waveform
Below the different display parts are described in detail.
1.3.1. Function Keys
The programmed function of the two programmable function keys on the back of the TCA.
1.3.2. Time
Time of the LTC reader. Format: HH:MM:SS:FF.
1.3.3. User (Binary Groups)
User (binary groups) of the LTC reader. Format: BG1/BG2 BG3/BG4 BG5/BG6 BG7/BG8.

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1.3.4. Framerate, Flags
Beside time and user (binary groups) some more information is decoded from LTC.
Value
24fps
25fps
30fps
30df
Frame rate, detected from LTC input.
The frame rate is not coded directly in LTC, it’s detected from frame values
counting.
24 frames per second.
25 frames per second.
30 frames per second, non-drop.
30 frames per second, drop.
FWD
FWD.
FWD–
REV
REV.
REV–
LOST
LTC direction
Direction is detected separately from sync word coding and time values counting.
Sync word is coded forward, time is counting forward.
Sync word is coded forward, time is not counting (standing still).
Sync word is coded forward, but time is counting reverse.
Sync word is coded reverse, time is counting reverse.
Sync word is coded reverse, time not is counting (standing still).
Sync word is coded reverse, but time is counting forward.
No input signal.
PC
P+
P–
LTC Phase and phase correction bit
Phase correction bit is set.
Phase correction bit gives sync word a steady positive phase.
Phase correction bit gives sync word a steady negative phase.
CF
Color frame flag
Color frame flag is set.
BGF0
BGF1
BGF2
BGF3
BGF4
BGF5
BGF6
BGF7
Binary group flags
Character set not specified and unspecified clock time.
Eight-bit character set and unspecified clock time.
Character set not specified and clock time specified.
Reserved binary group usage and reserved clock time.
Date/time zone and unspecified clock time.
Page/line multiplex system and unspecified clock time.
Date/time zone and clock time.
Page/line multiplex system and clock time.
See below.
DROP
Drop frame flag
Drop frame flag is set.

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With some binary group flag combinations, the LTC binary groups are decoded further:
Value
Description
BGF1
Eight-bit character set and unspecified clock time.
Binary group bits are decoded as ASCII characters. Example:
Explanation: 0x56 = ‘V’, 0x54 = ‘T’, 0x52 = ‘R’, 0x31 = ‘1’
BGF4
BGF6
Date/time zone and unspecified clock time.
Date/time zone and clock time.
Date and time zone information is decoded from binary groups.
Example: SMPTE 309M, YYMMDD format:
Example: SMPTE 309M, MJD (6-digit) format:
BGF0
BGF2
BGF3
BGF5
BGF7
Eight-bit character set and unspecified clock time.
Character set not specified and clock time specified.
Reserved binary group usage and reserved clock time.
Page/line multiplex system and unspecified clock time.
Page/line multiplex system and clock time.
User (binary groups) are not specified and not decoded.
1.3.5. Dropout Counter
Errors of the LTC signal are counted here. The error counter can be reset by the “Reset
Dropout”function key.
Value
Description
0d 00:00
Days, hours and minutes the counter is running.
last 00:00:00:00
Time of the last error.
0 Edge
Counts edge errors, i.e., wrongly coded LTC bits.

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0 Timeout
Counts timeouts, i.e., if a new frame isn’t read.
0 Seq
Counts sequence errors, i.e., the frame didn’t count +1 or -1 compared
to the last one.
----- /h
For any of the three error counters an average is calculated based on
one hour.
1.3.6. Delay Measurement
The LTC reader is compared to the built-in LTC generator. This allows measurements of the
delay of a LTC or audio connection. The result is shown in HH:MM:SS:FF format and in
milliseconds.
1.3.7. LTC Generator
The value of the built-in LTC generator is shown in HH:MM:SS:FF format, together with user
(binary groups).
1.3.8. MTD Timer
“MTD”are stop timers, generated by Plura timing equipment like RUB GT. If MTD timers are
detected in user (binary groups) then it’s shown here.
All six MTD timers, A-F, are shown, as well as MTD time and date. Above it the three MTD
main timers, 1-3, are shown. In the example main 1 shows timer A, main 2 shows timer B and
main 3 shows timer C.
MTD timers are coded time multiplexed, it takes up to 45 seconds to transfer it completely. A
“Collect...”message is shown while MTD status data like display format and color are
incomplete.
1.3.9. Level
The level of the LTC input signal is measured in VPP (Volts peak to peak), referred to a
balanced connection. If an unbalanced signal is connected, the value needs to be doubled.
The level is also shown in dBu, with 0 dBu is defined as 2.2 VPP.

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1.3.10. Waveform
The waveform display allows checking the quality of the input signal. The display is lazy,
please allow about 10 seconds to stabilize. The horizontal axis is fixed to 100 µs/Div (division),
while the vertical amplification is set automatically between 0.25 V/Div and 2 V/Div.
The example above shows a perfect clean signal directly from a timecode generator.
The following example shows a LTC signal from an analog VTR. It has significant jitter but is
still valid LTC.
The next example is not a valid LTC signal, it shows noise from an unrecorded analog video
tape.
The last example shows silence, i.e., no LTC signal is connected at all.

Page 16 Operating Manual TCA
2. Configuration
2.1. The Configuration Program
Configuration requires the UD SC Config.exe program running on a computer (32- or 64-bit
Windows 10 operating system, or later). You can download the latest version of the program
from:
https://www.plurainc.com
The TCA can be configured via a USB interface. Firmware update is performed by this
program as well (chapter “Firmware Update”).
The USB connection requires a standard USB-C cable. The first time the device is plugged to
the PC, Windows will install a driver for it. This driver is part of Windows, you don’t need a
CD.
After program start a list is given of all devices found:
Open the configuration by marking the device on the list and pressing button “Configure”, or
by a double click on a device in the list. Additional tabs will be shown. On these tabs you can
check or change the configuration of the selected device as described in the following
chapters.

Operating Manual TCA Page 17
2.2. “Profile” Tab: Store and Load a Complete Set-Up
This feature enables to easily change the complete set-up of the unit during normal operation.
During installation, the current set-up can be stored as a “profile”. You can enter a name in
the “name” entry before storing. Now choose a different set-up and store this as a different
profile. Fife profiles are available. Programming any function key or GPI inputs with “Load
Profile ...”functions enable you to change over from one set-up to the other during normal
operation. Please also refer to chapter “Programming Function Keys and GPI Inputs”.
Five different set-ups can be stored into
the non-volatile memory of the unit.
Click Store:
Profile: Select 1 –5.
Info Operator: You may enter a text.
Comment: You may enter a text.
Click OK to store the current set-up.
Any set-up stored as a profile can replace
the current set-up.
Click Load:
Profile: Select “Factory Settings”or 1 –5.
“Factory Settings” installs the
default set-up.
Click OK to replace the current set-up by
the selected profile. If no valid set-up has
been stored, an error message is given.

Page 18 Operating Manual TCA
2.3. “System” Tab: View and Change System
Parameters
Unit
Name Give the device a significant name. This name appears in the device list of the
connection page.
Enter a text (10 characters) in the Name field. Complete with Enter or Tab key.
Reboot Warm boot of the unit.
Info
Indicates some device status, like device type and version of the installed firmware.

Operating Manual TCA Page 19
2.4. “LTC”Tab: LTC Input and Output
LTC IN
Frame Rate Frame rate of LTC reader.
Auto Automatic frame rate detection. Default (starting point) of detection
is the frame rate of the LTC generator (see below).
24, 25, 30, 30 df / 29.97 Fixed frame rate
LTC OUT
Frame Rate Frame rate of LTC generator.
Time Mode of LTC time determines what time is generated when the “Start
Generator”function is used:
Set Set LTC time from “Set Time”fields,
Real-Time Set LTC time from real-time clock.
User Mode of LTC user (binary groups) determines what user (binary groups) are
generated when the “Start Generator”function is used:
Set Set LTC user (binary groups) from “Set User”fields,
Jam Set LTC user (binary groups) from the last “Jam”.
Gain Output level of balanced signal of the LTC generator.
PC Bit Generate phase correction bit.
Mute Set output level of LTC generator to zero.
Set Time LTC generator start time.
Set User LTC generator start user.
Set “Start Generator”button to re-start LTC generator according to “Time”and
“User”settings above.

Page 20 Operating Manual TCA
BGF Binary group flags (BGF) of LTC generator.
0 Character set not specified and unspecified clock time.
1 Eight-bit character set and unspecified clock time.
2 Character set not specified and clock time specified.
3 Reserved binary group usage and reserved clock time.
4 Date/time zone and unspecified clock time.
5 Page/line multiplex system and unspecified clock time.
6 Date/time zone and clock time.
7 Page/line multiplex system and clock time.