Time & Frequency Solutions M211 User manual

Operation Manual for
0211EY049N
Issue 2
Time & Frequency Solutions Ltd©2007
M211 Time System

ii M211 Time System - Operation Manual
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M211 Time System - Operation Manual iii
Preface
Purpose This manual has been written as a guide for the operation of
Time & Frequency Solutions Ltd’s M211 Time System.
Audience This manual is intended for use by engineers & operators
responsible for the operation of this equipment.

iv M211 Time System - Operation Manual
Revision History
Revision History
Revision History
Issue Date Revision History
109 Nov 2006 Ammended from 0210EY049J Iss 3
( S Eavery)
229 Aug 2007 Added to DST switch menu (S
Eavery)

M211 Time System - Operation Manual v
Warnings & Cautions
Warnings Dangerous voltages exist in this equipment. Do not attempt
any repair without first switching off power to the system, at
the front panel switch, and removing the power input
connector.
Nickel, cadmium and lithium are toxic substances. A nickel
cadmium battery or lithium battery is dangerous if broken or
dismantled. If any battery chemicals come into contact with
skin, wash with copious amount of water, and seek medical
attention as required. If the battery is swallowed seek
immediate medical attention. Return any faulty batteries to
the manufacturer, properly packaged, for disposal.
The liquid crystal display can be hazardous if broken or
dismantled. If any liquid crystal chemicals come into contact
with skin, wash with soap and water. Return the faulty display
to the factory, for disposal.
Most board assemblies contain tantalum capacitors or
electrolytic capacitors. Both types can explode under fault
conditions. Take appropriate precautions when servicing the
unit with the lid removed.
Cautions This unit should only be serviced by qualified personnel, no
user serviceable parts inside.
Several Board Assemblies contain static sensitive devices.
Appropriate procedures must be used when handling these
items.
Care must be taken in physically handling the system. When
lifting the system, appropriate lifting procedures must be
followed that appropriate to the weight of the unit.
Warnings & Cautions

vi M211 Time System - Operation Manual
Limited Warranty Information
Hardware and
Embedded Software
For a period of one (1) year from date of shipment by Time and Frequency
Solutions Ltd. (TFS), TFS warrants that all Products shall be free from defects in
design, material, and workmanship; shall conform to and perform in accordance
with TFS's published specification, if any; and shall have good and valid title. This
warranty will survive inspection, acceptance, and payment by the Buyer. TFS does
not warrant that the operation of such Products will be uninterrupted or error
free. This warranty does not cover failures caused by acts of God, electrical or
environmental conditions; abuse, negligence, accident, loss or damage in transit;
or improper site preparation.
This warranty shall be null and void in the event (i) Buyer or any third party
attempts repair of the goods without TFS's advance written authorization; (ii)
defects are the result of improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer or third
party; (iii) of damage to said goods by Buyer or third party-supplied software,
interfacing or supplies; (iv) of improper use (including termination of non-certified
third party equipment on TFS’s proprietary interfaces and operation outside of the
product's specifications) by the Buyer or third party; or (v) the goods are shipped
to any country other than that originally specified in the Buyer's purchase order.
Goods not meeting the foregoing warranty will be repaired or replaced, at TFS's
option, upon return to TFS's factory freight prepaid; provided, however, that the
Buyer has first obtained authorization from TFS.
TFS reserves the right to disallow a warranty claim following an inspection of
returned product. When a warranty claim is questioned or disallowed, TFS will
contact the Buyer by telephone or in writing to resolve the problem.
Software TFS warrants that for a period of ninety (90) days from date of shipment by TFS
the accompanying media will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use. The physical media warranty does not apply to defects arising
from misuse, theft, vandalism, fire, water, acts of God, or other similar perils. TFS
will not be liable for any damages caused by the Buyer's failure to fulfil its
responsibilities as stated above.
Limitation of
Liability
The remedies provided herein are the Buyer's sole and exclusive remedies. In no
event or circumstances will TFS be liable to the Buyer for indirect, special,
incidental or consequential damages, including without limitation, loss of revenues
or profits, business interruption costs, loss of data or software restoration, or
damages relating to the Buyer's procurement of substitute products or services.
Except for liability for personal injury or property damage arising rom TFS's
negligence or wilful misconduct, in no event will TFS's total cumulative liability in
connection with any order of TFS’s Goods, from all causes of action of any kind,
including tort, contract, negligence, strict liability, and breach of warranty, exceed
the total amount paid by the Buyer. Some Jurisdictions do not allow certain
limitations or exclusions of liability, so the above limitations or exclusions may not
apply to all buyers.
The foregoing warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied,
including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of title, merchantability, or
fitness for a particular purpose howsoever arising.
Limited Warranty Information

M211 Time System - Operation Manual vii
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to the M211 Time System .................................................... 1
Chapter 2: M211 Time System Installation ............................................................... 7
Chapter 3: Initialisation of the M211 Time System .................................................... 9
Chapter 4: M211 Time System Operation ............................................................... 11
Chapter 5: Maintenance & Fault Finding ................................................................. 27

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M211 Time System - Operation Manual 1
Chapter 1:
Introduction to the M211 Time System
Product Overview
The M211 Time System from Time & Frequency Solutions Ltd
is designed for use in applications where reliable time
information is required; such as time display, systems
synchronisation or scientific experimentation.
The M211 Time System provides a Master Clock based upon
an internal central microprocessor. This microprocessor
provides timekeeping functions and has an alphanumeric
display with keypad for control, configuration and reporting
of the unit.
The design of the M211 Time System allows inclusion of up to
9 options from a large range of modules within a 3U rack
format. This gives the M211 Time System the ability to
synchronise to various national and international time
standards, output time and date in various formats, and
perform auxiliary tasks.
The timing oscillator within the M211 Time System is
specified, at time of order, to provide the required precision
for the particular application.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the M211 Time System
2 M211 Time System - Operation Manual
Technical Specification
Technical Specification of the M211 Time System
Item Specification
Display 24 * 2 row backlit LCD
5 mm character height
Keypad 5 button keypad for equipment
configuration and control
Weight 12 Kg (dependant on options fitted)
Mechanical Depth 305mm
Mechanical Height 3U (IEC 60297)
Mounting Requirements 19” Standard Rack (IEC 60297)
Available Option Modules 9
Power Requirements See reference manual for PSU Module
Temperature Operation 0oC to +40oC
Humidity Up to 95% RH (non-condensing)
EMC CE Compliant

Chapter 1: Introduction to the M211 Time System
M211 Time System - Operation Manual 3
M211 Time System Architecture
The M211 Time System is designed to accept up to 9 option
modules. The option slots are numbered 1 to 9, and when
viewed from the rear, correspond from 1 (left hand side) to 9
(right hand side). The system architecture is shown below.
Oscillator
Display
Keyboard
CPU
Board
Option
Module
Power Supply
Option
Module
Option
Module
Option
Module
Option
Module
Option
Module
Option
Module
Option
Module
Option
Module
M210 – 3 options
M211 – 9 options

Chapter 1: Introduction to the M211 Time System
4 M211 Time System - Operation Manual
Synchronising Source
The M211 Time System can be used with or without Time
Receiver options.
No Source When the M211 Time System is not fitted with a Time
Receiver module, the unit will act as a 24 hour clock. When a
time has been entered through the user menu it will also run
a calendar function with leap year correction. The unit’s
accuracy will depend on the oscillator fitted and the time
elapsed since time and date were entered.
With Time
Source
When used in conjunction with a Time Receiver option, the
M211 Time System provides enhanced time performance by
continuously receiving, decoding and synchronising to
received time signals.
Oscillator Disciplining
The M211 Time System if fitted and configured for a suitable
oscillator contains a disciplining section.
The disciplining section compares a pulse per second
generated from the M211 Time System oscillator with a
reference pulse per second from the Receiver Module being
used for synchronisation.
By comparison and analysis of the time (phase) differences
between the two pulses over a longer period, a disciplining
algorithm can then control the oscillator frequency. This
controlled oscillator will give a superior synchronisation
performance and also allows for better clock accuracy in
holdover periods, should the Time sources become invalid.
Most receiver modules are able to provide a reference pulse
to the M211 Time System. However, those such as the Real
Time Clock, some RF and Timecode Modules are not able to
do so.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the M211 Time System
M211 Time System - Operation Manual 5
Time Zones, Daylight Savings and Local Time
The M211 Time System runs a 24 hour clock from power on.
When it acquires time through either a Time Receiver Module
or manual time entry, it runs both a Local Time and UTC Time
buffer. The Local Time buffer’s offset from UTC is determined
from the Time Zone offset and Daylight Savings Time (DST)
menus.
Time Zone The ‘Time Zone’ offset menu defines the base offset from
UTC of the Local Time buffer. This should be set as required.
DST Feature This feature, if present and enabled, automatically
implements the Daylight Savings hour which is added during
Summer Time in some regions.
Front Panel
Display and
Data Outputs
The M211 Time System display can be configured to show
either the Local or UTC Time. Unless otherwise selectable or
stated otherwise, data outputs from option modules will be
Local Time.
Note The Daylight Savings menu may not be enabled in every
M211 Time System, and some off-air time sources have their
own DST signalling. Where the DST menu is present, any
receiver module’s DST signalling will be overridden.
Leap Seconds
On occassion a second is added or taken from UTC in order to
bring it back towards the observed astronomical time. This is
necessary since the definition of atomic time is slightly faster
than the average observed solar time. It is also found that
large geological events can jolt the normal rotation of the
earth.

Chapter 1: Introduction to the M211 Time System
6 M211 Time System - Operation Manual
The times of the leap seconds are announced by BIPM in
France (www.bipm.fr), and generally occur at the end of June
or December. For example on the insertion of a leap second
the time will advance as follows:
31/12/05 23:59:58
31/12/05 23:59:59
31/12/05 23:59:60
01/01/06 00:00:00
01/01/06 00:00:01
Some time sources, such as GPS, signal a pending leap
second - whereas others do not. In the case of MSF an
immenent leap second can be derived from a disrupted
normal progess of the timecode through the minute leading
up to the leap second.
Because there is uncertainty as to whether the M211 Time
System will receive and handle a pending leap second event a
menu item is included to manaully force this event.

M211 Time System - Operation Manual 7
Chapter 2:
M211 Time System Installation
Installation
Three methods are available for mounting the M211 Time
System into a standard 19" Rack.
Shelves The M211 Time System may be mounted on shelves located
within the 19” Rack.
Slides The M211 Time System can optionally be supplied with slides,
which are easily fitted to the side of the chassis. The slides
are installed into the 19” rack allowing the M211 Time System
to glide easily in and out.
Mounting Ears The M211 Time System is supplied with mounting ears to
allow its retention in a standard 19" rack. Each mounting ear
accepts two screws. Cage nuts are fitted to the rack at the
appropriate position for retention of the screws.

Chapter 2: M211 Time System Installation
8 M211 Time System - Operation Manual
Connection to the M211 Time System
Power Supply Please refer to the appropriate M211 Time System Power
Supply Manual for further information on connection of the
external power source.
Option Module
Connections
Please refer to the appropriate M211 Time System Option
Module Manual for further information on connection to each
of the option modules.
Voltage Selection
Before any external power source is connected to the M211
Time System, confirm that the supply voltage is suitable for
its use. Labelling on the rear panel of the M211 Time System
indicates the specified input voltage(s).
Warning Use of an incorrect supply voltage with the M211 Time
System may result in damage to the equipment and may
cause a fire risk. Equipment that has been damaged through
incorrect supply voltage(s) is expressly excluded from Time &
Frequency Solutions Ltd’s equipment warranty.

M211 Time System - Operation Manual 9
Chapter 3:
Initialisation of the M211 Time System
Powering on the M211 Time System
A mains power switch is provided on the M211 Time System
and is located on the right hand side of the front panel. The
switch is marked POWER.
Position I turns the M211 Time System on
Position O turns the M211 Time System off
Initialisation
After the M211 Time System has been powered on, the
equipment will go through a brief initialisation period and
display a start-up message containing the software part
number and version number.
Error Checking The Central CPU Software has Built-In Test Equipment
procedures incorporated within. These procedures routinely
test the functionality of the Central CPU, its associated
hardware, and any option boards that are fitted.

Chapter 3: Initialisation of the M211 Time System
10 M211 Time System - Operation Manual
When the M211 Time System is switched on, the RAM and
ROM for the central CPU are initially tested, followed by tests
of any option cards that are fitted to the unit. If all the tests
are completed satisfactorily, the M211 Time System will
function normally. If an error is detected the front panel will
display ** SELF TEST FAILED ** .
Elapsed Time After initialisation, the display will change to indicate elapsed
time since power on.
Status Indicators
The M211 Time System provides two illuminated LED
indicators; ON and STATUS.
ON indicator The ON indicator provides an indication of the Power Supply
status. If not illuminated either no power is applied or there
is a Power Supply fault. If illuminated then Power is present.
The illumination colour depends on the Power Supply fitted.
Refer to the Power Supply Manual for more information.
STATUS
indicator
The STATUS indicator provides an indication of the M211
Time System’s CPU watchdog status. An illuminated LED
indicates no fault. If the LED is flashing or not illuminated,
the CPU is faulty.
Display Contrast
The visibility of the front panel display may be adjusted to
optimise its contrast and viewing angle.
Adjustment is made to a trimmer using a small flat blade
screwdriver. The trimmer is accessed through a small hole
located on the right-hand side panel of the M211 Time
System, approximately 50mm from the front panel.

M211 Time System - Operation Manual 11
Chapter 4:
M211 Time System Operation
Equipment Operation
For ease of understanding, an Operation Manual is available
for each Option Module. Accordingly, for information on
operation of modules please refer to their appropriate
manual. This section refers only to the operation of the M211
Time System.
Keyboard Operation
Configuration and operation of the M211 Time System is
accessed by use of a 5-button keypad located on the front
panel. This allows access and control of the M211 Time
System through the menu structure.
Enter Left Right Up Down

Chapter 4: M211 Time System Operation
12 M211 Time System - Operation Manual
Display Operation
The M211 Time System is provided with a 2-row by 24-
character alphanumeric display. In normal operation, when
the user menus are not being accessed, the top row of the
display indicates date and time, together with general status
information.
The lower row of the display is used to display status
information specific to a particular option module slot. As a
typical example, the M211 Time System may display the
following information:
Time & Date
Display
The time and date are shown on the top line.
Option Number The number ‘1’ on the top row indicates that the lower row is
displaying the status of the Option Module in IO1 (Option slot
1), in this case a GPS Receiver Module.
Wed 12/09/03 16:47:52 G1
NAV TRACKING 8 SATS
Time & Date Display Option Number
Sync Status Indication
Display Content for IO1