SyncBox Overview

The HGL SyncBox is a rugged rack mountable unit which can provide Synchronization services to up to 16 HGL Front End Acquisition Units simultaneously.

The SyncBox is presented in a conduction / radiation cooled milled Aluminum chassis (482x200x50mm) weighing approximately 3.5kg. All internal components are conduction / radiation cooled; as such the unit is applicable for relatively tough environmental conditions (-40 to +70oC)

The unit features 16 independent Sync (HGL LVDS) output modules each of which can support a single Acquisition Module module in a pure star formation or additional daisy chained modules for more complex topologies.

Additionally, the unit includes a 3-port external 1Gbe network switch for multi-unit connection and / or connection to a PC host (HGL Hawk for example).

The unit features a number of Synchronization input options including

  • LVDS Slave input from an upstream Master device – this allows easy daisy chaining where multiple SyncBox units are needed.
  • Internal Crystal based Clock Generator
  • IRIG A/B via a rear mounted BNC connector
  • (Optional) IEEE1588 via one of the rear mounted Network Ports
  • (Optional) GPS via a rear mounted SMA connector

This guide provides an overview of the hardware features of the SyncBox8POW and gives a quick start guide on how to set the units up and begin using them.


Ports and Connectors

Figure 1 - Front Panel Connectors
Figure 2 - Rear Panel Connectors

Quick Start Instructions

  • Connect the Power Adapter (or direct cable) to '4' above, and to the wall socket.
  • The SyncBox will power up immediately.
  • Connect the Console Network Port either 1. Directly to the Host Computer. Or 2. To the 3-port Network Switch and from there to the Host Computer. You must use the second method if you plan on using IEEE1588.
  • Check that the unit is Visible using the HGLAcqTerminal.exe program.
  • Connect any required Sync cables to any HGL Acquisition Modules requiring synchronizing. It is recommended that the sync cables from the SyncBox to the Acquisition Modules are of the same length to reduce any cable delays.
  • Check that any connected Acquisition Devices are also visible in the HGLAcqterminal.exe program.
  • To power down the SyncBox, remove the power cable. The SyncBox should be safe to power down in any state.

Connecting Your Syncbox

To properly connect a SyncBox to an acquisition device, you will first need to connect one of the 16 Sync Out ports on the SyncBox to the Sync In port on your acquisition device. You may use any combination of Sync Out ports on the SyncBox.


To connect the SyncBox's Sync Out port to the Sync In port on your acquisition device (Hummingbird32-1419-CHG pictured), you will need to use a 7-pin LVDS Sync cable (represented by the red line and A). The LVDS Cable is usually labeled as 'ACE3-(Length in meters)', a batch number should also be listed under the part number.

In addition to connecting an LVDS Cable to each acquisition device, you will also need to make sure that the SyncBox is properly connected to your BLACK network. Below is an example of the recommended connection method. The cables represented are as follows:

  • 1 (Red Line)- This connects the acquisition device (Hummingbird32-1419-CHG pictured) to the built in 3-port network switch on the SyncBox.
  • 2 (Green Line)- This connects the CONSOLE port on the SyncBox to the built in 3-port network switch. The CONSOLE port is the port that allows the SyncBox to be seen by and communicate with HGL Software.
  • 3 (Blue Lines)- These can represent network connections to other acquisition devices, or a connection to the BLACK network port on a machine running HGL Software.


Specifications

The SyncBox is supplied with a 60W full range power adapter (110-250V AC 50/60Hz) which can be used worldwide with the use of a suitable IEC power cable. The unit consumes approximately 10W.

SyncBox Environmental Specifications

Applications

The SyncBox can be used in several ways, the diagram below illustrates some of these uses.


The Synchronization Source (Internal, Slave, IRIG A/B, IEEE1588, GPS) can be programmed from an external host (such as the HGL HawkGUI application)


In all cases the chosen source is decoded so that it provides:

  • A 10MHz carrier
  • 1 Pulse Per Second (PPS)
  • Start/Stop Signals

down the LVDS (Low Voltage Differential) Sync Output Lines to one or more modules and/or another SyncBox.

Various functions of the SyncBox

HGL LVDS Sync System

The HGL Sync system is globally supported by all HGL Data Acquisition Modules and Units.

The system uses three signals:

  • Master Clock @ 10MHz
  • PPS (One Pulse Per Second)
  • ARM - When it becomes active, signals that the next active edge of the PPS signal starts acquisition. Conversely, when it becomes inactive, signals that the next active edge of the PPS signal ends acquisition.

The PPS Signal is used to

gate the Master Clock (CLK) signal. The PPS is active high and is usually a 50% duty cycle.

Master Clock (CLK) and PPS relationship

The ARM signal is further used to gate the CLK and PPS when starting or stopping acquisition. The ARM signal is Active Low.


Start Sequence

After receipt of a START command, the master device will wait until the first rising edge of the PPS signal; then it will drive the ARM signal active after a minimum delay of 2ms (t1 in the diagram below).


All acquisition modules will then start acquiring data on the next rising edge of the PPS signal.


NOTE: The SyncBox is usually the Master device when included in a system. A system can also accommodate multiple SyncBox units all acting as Master devices when synchronizing to external sources such as IRIG A/B, GPS, or IEEE1588

Stop Sequence

After receipt of a STOP command, the master device will wait until the first rising edge of the PPS signal; then it will drive the ARM signal inactive after a minimum delay of 2ms (t1 in the diagram below).


All acquisition modules will then stop acquiring data on the next rising edge of the PPS signal.

The LVDS signals output by the SyncBox are extremely resilient to electrical interference and can drive >100m in a single hop.


Software Support

The SyncBox is fully supported in HGL's Hawk/Hawk Controller/HawkGUI software from v3.9.2.23 (Hawk Controller/HawkGUI) onwards.


The Software can support single or multiple SyncBox units within a test cell setup, each controlling one or more Acquisition Modules.


To use a SyncBox it must be added to the Test Cell from within the System Setup Screen (Select Devices). For the first SyncBox unit, it must be set as the Master device and one of the input clock sources should be chosen from the 'Set time source' menu option (as shown below):

  • Internal LVDS (Do not make a selection to use this)
  • External IRIG
  • GPS
  • IEEE1588

If one or more SyncBox units are used, at least one of them will need to be set as the Master device. Additional SyncBox units should be set to Master if they are using IRIG, GPS, or IEEE1588 external time sources. Otherwise they should be set to Slave and be linked to the master SyncBox via an LVDS link (HGL ACE3 cable).


Safety Standards

Maintenance

No solvents should be used to clean the surfaces of the equipment. If the equipment requires cleaning, a soft damp cloth should be used.


There are no user serviceable components on the SyncBox. If the SyncBox requires servicing/repair, please contact HGL Dynamics.