SYNC4 Synchronization Hub

Twinleaf devices can be synchronized by distributing a clock to the sensors. The clock is distributed on a dedicated pair of wires using low voltage differential signaling (LVDS). Using the sync-in port, multiple SYNC devices can be chained to form arbitrarily large synchronized systems. With the internal GPS module, the system can synchronize a sensor using GPS time. The unit also makes a good logging system thanks to the microSD card socket.

Features

• Synchronize 4 sensors (each port supplies sensor power, serial data, sync clock)
• ±3 ppb master oscillator stability over temperature range
• Operating temperature: −20 °C – +70 °C
• GPS module option for position and global time synchronization (±10 ppb stability)
• GPS high performance amplified antenna included
• Volume: 31×34×65 mm³
• Power consumption: 710 mW with GPS; 300 mW GPS off
• Mass: 45 g

Interface

• USB control port
• microSD card for logging data
• Power Input (JST PA)
  1. Power +5–15V
  2. Ground
• 4 sensor ports
• 1 upstream control port
• LVTTL Serial control port (JST GH)
  1. Power +5V
  2. Ground
  3. Serial TX (3.3V)
  4. Serial RX (3.3V)
  5. 1PPS input (3.3V)
• GPS antenna (SMA)
  • Supplies diltered power for amplified antennas
• Software support
  • SYNC4 command reference
  • Twinleaf I/O tools

Operation

The light blinks according to the system status.

The colors can combine in sequence to reflect combined state. For example, alternating blue/red blinking indicates the GPS time is locked and the system is logging to SD card.

Images

Firmware

Firmware update:

• R7: 2022-06-01-fb6d78 add gps.enable command to control the power to the GPS module.
• R7: 2022-01-24-94564a support higher serial port bit rate.
• R7: 2021-05-25-cd6687 improves SD card operation, recovery from write errors.
• R7: 2021-05-04-b7eed4 improves GPS time synchronization reliability.
• R6: 2020-07-10-0e54ca enables the external GPS input connector with the command gps.ext.
• R6: 2020-06-10-8f16d8 logs the GPS data stream to the microSD card.

Ordering

SYNC4, $1430.