7 - GEH-6370 MK V Time Synchronization

GEH-6370
SPEEDTRONIC
Mark V
Turbine Control
Time Synchronization
SPEEDTRONIC
Mark V
Turbine Control
Time Synchronization
GEH-6370
Issue Date: June 1996
These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment, nor to provide for every possible
contingency to be met during installation, operation, and maintenance. If further information is desired or if particular
problems arise that are not covered sufficiently for the purchasers purpose, the matter should be referred to GE
Industrial Systems.
This document contains proprietary information of General Electric Company, USA and is furnished to its customer
solely to assist that customer in the installation, testing, operation, and/or maintenance of the equipment described. This
document shall not be reproduced in whole or in part nor shall its contents be disclosed to any third party without the
written approval of GE Industrial Systems.
1996 by General Electric Company, USA.

All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
ARCNET is a registered trademark of Datapoint Corporation.

Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
SpeedTronic is a registered trademark of General Electric Company, USA.
GEH-6370
Mark V Time Synchronization
SAFETY SYMBOL LEGEND
WARNING
Indicates a procedure, practice, condition, or statement that, if not strictly observed, could result in
personal injury or death.
CAUTION
Indicates a procedure, practice, condition, or statement which, if not strictly observed, could result in
damage to or destruction of equipment.
NOTE
Indicates an essential operation or important procedure, practice, condition, or statement.
GEH-6370
WARNING
This equipment contains a potential hazard of electric shock or burn. Only personnel who are adequately
trained and thoroughly familiar with the equipment and the instructions should install, operate, or maintain
this equipment.
Isolation of test equipment from the equipment under test presents potential electrical hazards. If the test
equipment cannot be grounded to the equipment under test, the test equipments case must be shielded to
prevent contact by personnel.
To minimize hazard of electrical shock or burn, approved grounding practices and procedures must be
strictly followed.
WARNING
To prevent personal injury or equipment damage caused by equipment malfunction, only adequately trained
personnel should modify any programmable machine.
GEH-6370
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section/Subject
Page
CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW
1-1.
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................
1
1-2. Time Synchronization Features......................................................................................................................................
1
1-2.1. Time Signal Sources....................................................................................................................................................
1
1-2.2. General
Architecture....................................................................................................................................................
1
1-2.3. Backup Synchronization..............................................................................................................................................
2
1-3. Manual
Organization......................................................................................................................................................
2
1-4. Related Documents.........................................................................................................................................................
3
CHAPTER 2. TIME SYNCHRONIZATION THEORY
2-1.
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2-2. Timesync Protocol..........................................................................................................................................................
5
2-3. Supported
GTSs..............................................................................................................................................................
5
CHAPTER 3. HARDWARE SETUP
3-1.
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................
7
3-2. Board Installation...........................................................................................................................................................
7
3-3. Setting Base I/O Address................................................................................................................................................
7
3-4. Setting the
IRQ...............................................................................................................................................................
8
3-5. Connecting the GTS to the Board...................................................................................................................................
8
3-6. Connecting the 's or <G>'s........................................................................................................................................
9
CHAPTER 4. SOFTWARE SETUP
4-1.
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................... 11
4-2. Timesync
Datafile...........................................................................................................................................................
11
i
GEH-6370
4-3. File
Configuration...........................................................................................................................................................
11
CHAPTER 5. LOCAL TIME VS. UTC CONSIDERATIONS

5-1.
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................... 15
5-2. Internal Time
Reference..................................................................................................................................................
15
5-3. GTS is UTC (non-changing standard time)
....................................................................................................................
15
5-4. GTS is Local (changes twice per year) ...........................................................................................................................
15
CHAPTER 6. TIMESYNC OPERATIONS
6-1.
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................... 17
6-2. General
Operations..........................................................................................................................................................
17
6-3. Using the TIMEUTIL
Program........................................................................................................................................
18
6-3.1. Turning the TIMESYNC Function Off.........................................................................................................................
18
ii
GEH-6370
Section/Subject
Page
6-3.2. Turning the TIMESYNC Function Back On ...............................................................................................................

18
6-3.3. Loading MAJORTIME into the bc620AT Board.........................................................................................................
18
CHAPTER 7. DIAGNOSTICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING
7-1.
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
7-2. Obtaining General Information About the Mark V Timesync Function.........................................................................
19
7-3. Other Timesync Diagnostic Capabilities.........................................................................................................................
21
CHAPTER 8. EXAMPLE TIMESYNC CONFIGURATIONS
8-1. Example 1 Using a Single as the Global Time Source..........................................................................................
23
8-2. Example 2 Using IRIG-B Timecode as the GTS with Multiple Stagelink............................................................
24
Time Masters and Multiple <C>/<D> Stagelinks
8-3. Example 3 Using Pulse Inputs as the GTS with Multiple Stagelink......................................................................
26
Time Masters and Multiple <C>/<D> Stagelinks
APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
APPENDIX B. IRIG NOMENCLATURE
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Figure 1-1.
2
Figure 3-1.
7
Figure 3-2.
8
Figure 3-3.
8
Figure 3-4.
Page
Typical Time Synchronization Architecture........................................................................................................
bc620AT Time and Frequency Module...............................................................................................................
SW1 Base I/O Address switch selections.............................................................................................................
IRQ selection on bc620AT board.... ...................................................................................................................
15 Pin D to BNC Adapter....................................................................................................................................

9
Figure 4-1. Timesync Configuration lines in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT.......................................................................................
11
Figure 4-2. Sample
F:\TIMESYNC.DAT...............................................................................................................................
12
Figure 7-1. Sample output from TIMEUTIL STATUS..........................................................................................................
20
iii
GEH-6370
Figure 7-2. Sample output from TS_DUMP...........................................................................................................................

22
Figure 8-1. Typical Layout for FLYWHEELING Timesync Mode........................................................................................
24
Figure 8-2. Typical Layout for External IRIG-B GTS, using redundancy and multiple Stagelink Networks........................
25
Figure 8-3. Typical Layout for External 1PPM or 1PPH GTS, with Redundant....................................................................
27
Stagelink Time Masters and Multiple Stagelink Networks
iv
GEH-6370
CHAPTER 1
OVERVIEW
1-1. INTRODUCTION
The Time Synchronization option for SpeedTronic Mark V control systems synchronizes all Mark V control panels on
the stagelink to a Global Time Source (GTS) with a limited loss of accuracy. In addition, this option sets all and/or <G>
interface computer timeclocks to the GTS. It is recommended that the remaining plant equipment, including DCSs
(Distributed Control Systems), synchronize to this common GTS.
If assistance is needed, contact:
GE Motors & Industrial Systems
Product Service Engineering, Rm. 191
1501 Roanoke Blvd.
Salem, VA 24153 - 6492 USA
Phone 001-540-387-7595
Fax 001-540-387-8606
1-2. TIME SYNCHRONIZATION FEATURES
1-2.1. Time Signal Sources
Mark V Time Synchronization supports several GTSs.
Timecode signals supported (see section 2-3 for details):
IRIG-A
IRIG-B
NASA-36
2137
Supported GTSs that use periodic pulses (see section 2-3 for details):
1 PPS
1 PPM
1 PPH
Typical GTSs are GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) receivers such as the StarTime GPS Clock, or other time processing
hardware. The preferred time sources are UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) or GPS. However, the Time Synchronization
option also supports a GTS using local time as its base time reference. See chapter 5, Local Time vs. UTC Considerations,
for more details.
Chapter 4, Software Setup, discusses the setup for specifying local or global.
1-2.2. General Architecture

The GTS supplies a time link network to one or more or <G> interface computers. Special time/frequency processor
boards such as the bc620AT board are placed in these computers. These boards acquire time from the GTS with a high
degree of accuracy. When the computers receive the time signal, it is sent to the Mark V control panels using a special
Chapter 1, Overview
GEH-6370
purpose Stagelink Timesync protocol. This protocol minimizes time losses. Figure 1-1 shows a general plant-wide time
synchronization setup.
MK V
MK V
MK V
MK V
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
STAGE LINK
TERMINATION
RESISTOR




COMMON TIME REFERENCE BUS
GLOBAL
TIME SOURCE
TIME LINK
TO
DCS EQUIPMENT
* Optional
Figure 1-1. Typical Time Synchronization Architecture
1-2.3. Backup Synchronization

Redundancy provides backup time synchronization. Supplying time/frequency processor boards to two or more or <G>
computers is redundant. Not all 
s and <G>
s require these boards. Those 's or <G>'s that do not contain
time/frequency processor boards do not attempt to send time to the Mark V. Instead, they become time slaves to the selected
Stagelink Time Master in the same way that all Mark V panels are time slaves. The Stagelink Time Master is the common
 or <G> selected by all other equipment on the stagelink as the official time source. Failure of this source results in all
time slaves selecting another (but common) or <G> as the new Stagelink Time Master.
1-3. MANUAL ORGANIZATION

This manual is organized as follows:
Chapter 1 Overview
This chapter describes Mark V Time Synchronization and its function. An overview of this manual, as well as related
publications are also presented in this chapter.
Chapter 2 Basic Theory of Mark V Time Synchronization
This chapter describes how Mark V Time Synchronization works and the logic that runs the system. An overview of
supported GTSs is given in this chapter.
Chapter 3 Hardware Setup
This chapter describes how to set up the Mark V Time Synchronization hardware.
Chapter 1, Overview
GEH-6370
Chapter 4 Software Setup and Configuration

This chapter describes how to configure the software to run Mark V Time Synchronization.
Chapter 5 Local vs. UTC Considerations
The significance of local and UTC designations are discussed in this chapter.
Chapter 6 General Timesync Operations
This chapter explains some general operations of Mark V Time Synchronization. Use of the TIMEUTIL program is
described here.
Chapter 7 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
This chapter discusses how to get general information from Mark V Time Synchronization. Other ways to diagnose
problems with the Mark V Time Synchronization are explained here.
Chapter 8 Example Timesync Configurations
Three examples of possible Mark V Time Synchronization setups are discussed in this chapter.
Appendix A Glossary of Terms
Defines acronyms and terms used in this manual.
Appendix B IRIG Nomenclature
Defines the nomenclature for standard IRIG Time Codes.
Refer to the Table of Contents for the organization of these chapters.
1-4. RELATED DOCUMENTS

GE Industrial Systems provides the applicable documents to customers as needed to support equipment it supplies. For
documentation that covers equipment from other companies, contact the applicable manufacturer.
GE Publications:
GEH-5979 SPEEDTRONIC Mark V Turbine Control Users Manual
GEH-5980 SPEEDTRONIC Mark V Turbine Control Maintenance Manual
GEH-6195 SPEEDTRONIC Mark V Turbine Control Applications Manual
GEH-6123 SPEEDTRONIC Mark V Turbine Control Historian Maintenance Guide and Users Manual
Handbook of Time Code Formats, 1987, Datum Inc.
bc620AT Time and Frequency Module, Operation and Technical Manual, 1994, Datum Inc. Bancomm Div.
Chapter 1, Overview
GEH-6370
Notes:
Chapter 1, Overview
GEH-6370
CHAPTER 2
TIME SYNCHRONIZATION THEORY
2-1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter explains the basic theory of synchronizing Mark V time to the GTS. Selection of the Stagelink Time Master is
discussed in this chapter, as well as supported GTSs.
2-2. TIMESYNC PROTOCOL

The bc620AT Time and Frequency Module gets time for one or more or <G> interface computers with a high degree of
accuracy. Time is then sent to each Mark V and or <G> time slave using an internal Stagelink Timesync protocol.
This protocol is specifically designed to minimize the loss of accuracy in the time slaves.
Each or <G> with a bc620AT board is an available Stagelink Time Master. Each available Stagelink Time Master
periodically broadcasts an identification message to all time slaves. Each time slave collects the list of available Stagelink
Time Masters and selects the same node for its time reference. Periodically, each time slave asks for the current global
time, noting at the same instant, what local time it has. The Stagelink Time Master notes the global time at the instant the
request for time is received. Next, the Stagelink Time Master returns the recorded global time. The time slave computes the
difference between the returned time and the recorded time of request and adjusts its internal time accordingly.
Local Time is used for display of real-time data. This is done by adding a local time correction to UTC. A node's internal
time clock is normally Global rather than Local. This is done because global time steadily increases at a constant rate, while
corrections are allowed to local time. Historical data is stored with Global time to minimize discontinuities. See Chapter 5,
Local Time vs. UTC Considerations for more information concerning this topic.
Backup is provided if either the GTS or Stagelink Time Master becomes inoperative. If the GTS becomes inoperative, the
bc620AT goes to flywheel mode with a drift of 2 ms per hour. In most cases, this allows sufficient time to repair the GTS
without severe disruption of the plant's system time.
If the primary Stagelink Time Master becomes inoperative, then each of the time slaves picks another, but the same,
secondary Stagelink Time Master. This means that all nodes on the Stagelink lock onto the identical reference for their
own time, even if the primary and secondary Stagelink Time Masters had different time bases for their reference.
Mark V selects the best Stagelink Time Master if multiple <C>/<D> Stagelinks exist and Stagelink Time Masters exist on
each network. This means that if two 's on the same stagelink are available Stagelink Time Masters and one of them
has lost contact with the GTS time signals, each time slave selects the other available Stagelink Time Master as its time
reference of choice.
If multiple available Stagelink Time Masters exist, each time slave selects the current Time Master based on the following:
whether or not the time master is tracking the GTS, and which time master has the lowest Stagelink (ARCNET) address.
2-3. SUPPORTED GTSs

The bc620AT board supports the use of several different time sources. However, the Time Synchronization software does
not support all sources supported by the bc620AT board.
The following is a list of time sources, and their characteristics, that are supported by both the bc620AT and the Time
Synchronization software:
Chapter 2, Time Synchronization Theory
GEH-6370
Modulated IRIG-A, IRIG-B, 2137, or NASA-36 timecode signals
Modulation ratio 3:1 to 6:1
Amplitude 0.5 to 5 volts peak to peak
DC Level Shifted IRIG-A, IRIG-B, or NASA-36 timecode signals
TTL / CMOS compatible voltage levels
1PPS (one pulse per second) using the External 1PPS input signal of the bc620AT board
TTL / CMOS compatible voltage levels, positive edge on time
1PPM (one pulse per minute) using the Event Capture input signal of the bc620AT board
20 nanosecond minimum pulse width, 250 nanosecond minimum period
1PPH (one pulse per hour) using the Event Capture input signal of the bc620AT board
20 nanosecond minimum pulse width, 250 nanosecond minimum period
No Signal using the low-drift clock on the bc620AT board in FLYWHEEL mode as the sole time source for the plant
There are two time sources supported by the bc620AT board but not supported by the Time Synchronization software.
These signals are XR3 timecodes and Negative Edge on time inputs.
NOTE
Nomenclature for IRIG timecodes is defined in Appendix B.
Chapter 2, Time Synchronization Theory
GEH-6370
CHAPTER 3
HARDWARE SETUP
3-1. INTRODUCTION
To set up the Time Synchronization hardware, the bc620AT board must be correctly installed in the or <G> and then
configured for this application. The setup of the Bancomm bc620AT board for the Mark V Time Synchronization option,
involves setting hardware jumpers to select the base I/O address of the board (see section 3-3), and disabling the IRQ
(Interrupt Request) since the software makes no use of interrupts for this board (see section 3-4). Then the GTS and the
's or <G>'s must be connected (sections 3-5 and 3-6).
Figure 3-1 shows the general layout of the bc620AT board
J1
BANCOMM bc620AT
I/O ADDRESS
JP1
IRQ JUMPERS
J2
SW1
Figure 3-1. bc620AT Time and Frequency Module
3-2. BOARD INSTALLATION

The bc620AT board can be placed in any spare ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) slot of an or <G>. See the PC
vendor user manual that comes with the or <G> for proper installation procedures.
3-3. SETTING BASE I/O ADDRESS

The bc620AT board is shipped from the Bancomm factory with a base I/O address of 0x0300. This address conflicts with
the base I/O address used in <G>'s with Ethernet boards and 's with the Historian option (see GEH-6123C, The
Mark V Historian Maintenance Guide and Users Manual). Therefore, always set the base I/O address to 0x0280 as shown
in Figure 3-2.
Chapter 3, Hardware Setup
GEH-6370
ON
ON = 0
OFF = 1
OFF
A9 A8
1
A7 A6 A5 A4
1
A3 A2 A1 A0
0
= 0x0280
OPEN
SW1
INDICATES DIRECTION OF TOGGLE

Figure 3-2. SW1 Base I/O Address switch selections
3-4. SETTING THE IRQ
IR9
IR7
IR6
IR5
IR4
IR3
11
13
15
17
19
21
NO IRQ
IR10
9
IR12
5
IR11
IR14
3
IR15
Pin
23
JP1
IRQ
Adjust the board's IRQ setting to No IRQ as shown in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3. IRQ selection on bc620AT
3-5. CONNECTING THE GTS TO THE BOARD

The bc620AT has two panel connectors, J1 and J2 (see Figure 3-1). J2 is not used for Mark V Time Synchronization. J1 is
a 15-pin receptacle D-connector and is used to connect the GTS. The type of GTS determines how J1 is interfaced. For most
GTSs, a 15-pin to BNC adapter is used. This connector consists of a 15-pin plug D-connector, and five BNC receptacle
connectors. Figure 3-4 shows a diagram of this adapter.
Adapter
GEH-6370
Receptacle
BNC's
To
bc620AT
J1
(GTS Source)
Timecode Input
(Modulated)
(IRIG-A, IRIG-B,
NASA36, or 2137)
Event Input
(1 PPM or 1 PPH)
1 PPS Output
(Optional External Use)
1 PPS Input
(1 PPS)
Timecode Output
(Flywheel Mode Out)
15-pin
D Plug
Figure 3-4. 15-Pin D to BNC Adapter.
For dc Level Shifted timecode inputs, an adapter is required for J1 pin 12 (Ground) and pin 10 (DCLS Timecode Input) to a
BNC receptacle connector.
3-6. CONNECTING THE 's OR <G>'s

All available Stagelink Time Masters are wired as a bus configuration using RG-58 coaxial cable and T-connectors (see
Figure 1-1). Since the timecode signals are low frequency signals (1 kHz for IRIG-B), special terminating resistors are not
required. This is in contrast to the 50 ohm resistors required for Ethernet (10 MHz) or the 93 ohm resistors required for
Stagelink (2.5 MHz).
CAUTION
Use the same lightning protection techniques for the timelink as for Stagelink or Ethernet. See the
documentation for these networks for protection techniques to be used.
CAUTION
The timelink cabling (RG-58) is identical to that used for Ethernet and very similar to that used for
Stagelink (RG-62). Label all cables used for timelink differently than the other network cables.
Damage to equipment is possible if these cables are interconnected.
GEH-6370
Notes:
10 Chapter 3, Hardware Setup
GEH-6370
CHAPTER 4
SOFTWARE SETUP
4-1. INTRODUCTION
The Timesync software must be configured correctly in order to communicate over the Stagelink. Data files must be
modified to define the Stagelink Time Master and specify the time base.
4-2. TIMESYNC DATAFILE

The Stagelink driver program in the 's and <G>'s sends time to the Mark V control panels. This program uses the file
F:\TIMESYNC.DAT to get information regarding timesync/timeset information. The key lines in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT are
shown in Figure 4-1.
TIMESYNC BC620AT MODE <mode> [LEVEL_SHIFT] BASE_PORT

xxxx
I_TIMESET
[ENABLED | DISABLED]
I_TIME
[LOCAL | UTC]
PANEL_TIME [LOCAL | UTC]
TIME_SOURCE [LOCAL | UTC]
TIME_LOAD
[MANUAL| LOCAL | NETWORK]
TIME_OFFSET dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm:ss.cc mmmm
Figure 4-1. Timesync Configuration Lines in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT
4-3. FILE CONFIGURATION

A template file for timesync is in G:\DATA\TIMESYNC.DAT. Copy this template file to F:\TIMESYNC.DAT and edit as
required. Figure 4-2 is an example of the template file TIMESYNC.DAT.
The file's key words and their significance are listed below:
TIMESYNC BC620AT
If the "TIMESYNC" line is missing, the will not have Stagelink Time Master functions. However, the other lines
may be specified such that the is a time slave.
BC620AT is the name of the Time/Frequency Processor board.
MODE <mode>
<mode> defines the type of global time source, and is one of the following:
IRIG-B
IRIG-A
NASA-36
2137
1PPS
1PPM
1PPH
FLYWHEEL
Modulated IRIG-B Time Code Signal

Modulated IRIG-A Time Code Signal
Modulated NASA-36 Time Code Signal
Modulated 2137 Time Code Signal
One pulse per second time input
One pulse per minute time input
One pulse per hour time input
Use the bc620AT board itself as the GTS
Chapter 4, Software Setup 11
GEH-6370
;
TIMESYNC Parameters.
11-JUL-1995
;
; The line beginning with "TIMESYNC" indicates time acquisition hardware
; exists in the system. The only card supported thus far is the bc620AT
; Time/Frequency board. The syntax of this line is:
; TIMESYNC <controller> BASE_PORT <port address> MODE <mode>
[LEVEL_SHIFT]
;
where <controller> is: BC620AT
;
<port address> is the base port address of the card in
hex.
;
<mode> is one of the following:
;
IRIG-A
IRIG-A Timecode.
;
IRIG-B
IRIG-B Timecode.
;
NASA-36
NASA-36 bit timecode.
;
2137
2137 Timecode.
;
1PPS
1 pulse per second.
;
1PPM
1 pulse per minute.
;
1PPH
1 pulse per hour.
;
FLYWHEEL
Free Running Clock.
;
"DC_SHIFT" is specified if the timecode is DC Level Shifted
rather
;
than modulated.
TIMESYNC BC620AT
BASE_PORT 280
MODE IRIG-B
;
; "I_TIMESET [ENABLED | DISABLED]" is used to allow the 's time to
; be set to the same time as the Stagelink Time Master. Note the 
does
; not require a time/frequency board in order to be a time slave.
I_TIMESET
ENABLED
;
; "I_TIME", "PANEL_TIME" and "TIME_SOURCE" identify what timebase is
used
; in , the Mark V, and the Global Time Source. Choices are UTC and
LOCAL.
I_TIME
LOCAL
PANEL_TIME
LOCAL
TIME_SOURCE
UTC
;
; "TIME_LOAD [MANUAL | LOCAL | NETWORK]" defines whether major time
elements
; (year, day-of-year etc.) are derived from the PC automatically (i.e.
LOCAL);
; or obtained from other Stagelink Time Masters (i.e. NETWORK),
; or whether TIMESYNC functions are disabled until major time is
entered
; manually via TIMEUTIL (i.e. MANUAL).
TIME_LOAD
LOCAL
;
; Time Offset Definition Table. Each entry defines number of minutes
; correction to use when Global Time Source Time hits:
;
GLOBAL TIME SOURCE
;
----------UTC---------Minutes Correction to LOCAL
Time
TIME_OFFSET
25-OCT-1992 06:00:00.00
-300
TIME_OFFSET
04-APR-1993 07:00:00.00
-240
TIME_OFFSET
31-OCT-1993 06:00:00.00
-300
TIME_OFFSET
03-APR-1994 07:00:00.00
-240
TIME_OFFSET
30-OCT-1994 06:00:00.00
-300
TIME_OFFSET
02-APR-1995 07:00:00.00
-240
TIME_OFFSET
29-OCT-1995 06:00:00.00
-300
12 Chapter 4, Software Setup
TIME_OFFSET
TIME_OFFSET
GEH-6370
07-APR-1996 07:00:00.00
27-OCT-1996 06:00:00.00
-240
-300
Figure 4-2. Sample F:\TIMESYNC.DAT
LEVEL_SHIFT
"LEVEL_SHIFT" is used if IRIG-x, NASA-36, or 2137 timecodes are dc Level Shifted instead of modulated signals.
GEH-6370
BASE_PORT xxxx
"xxxx" is the HEX Base I/O address of the Time/Frequency Processor board; this parameter is normally 0280.
I_TIMESET [ENABLED | DISABLED]
This line defines whether the or <G> time is set to the time defined by the stagelink time master (ENABLED), or
follows the CMOS clock (DISABLED).
I_TIME [LOCAL | UTC]
"I_TIME" is only applicable if the line "I_TIMESET ENABLED" line (above) exists in the data file. This customer
specified parameter defines whether the 's internal time is set to UTC or Local Time.
PANEL_TIME [LOCAL | UTC]
This customer specified parameter defines whether the Mark V panel time is UTC based or Local Time based.
TIME_SOURCE [LOCAL | UTC]
This line specifies whether the GTS is UTC based or Local Time based. This parameter applies only to timecode
GTSs; it does not apply to pulse input time sources.
TIME_LOAD [MANUAL | LOCAL | NETWORK]
time
This line enables or disables the automatic loading of initial major time fields. No Stagelink Timemaster will send
until all major time elements are loaded, and time is locked to the GTS.
" MANUAL" disables the as a Stagelink time master until major time elements are manually entered. See section
describing the TIMEUTIL program for more details.
"LOCAL" specifies that major time is loaded automatically from the 's CMOS clock.
"NETWORK" specifies that major time is loaded from another Stagelink Timemaster, assuming multiple 's on the
Stagelink have Time/Frequency processor boards installed.
For IRIG-A, IRIG-B and NASA-36 timecodes, major time elements consist only of the year (since these are time-ofyear
timecodes). For 2137 timecode, major time consists of current year, month and day, as this is a time-of-day
timecode. For pulse input styles of GTS, major time consists of current year, month, day, hour, minute, and seconds.
NOTE
"TIME_LOAD LOCAL" is not recommended for 1PPS Global Time Sources, since the CMOS
clock may have errors in time on the order of several seconds.
TIME_OFFSET dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm:ss.cc mmmm
"TIME_OFFSET" lines can be specified more than once. For normal operation, where the global timecode source is
UTC, these lines define the correction applied to the global time source in order to display timetagged data in local
time.
In this case, "dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm:ss.cc" defines the UTC Time at which "mmmm" minutes of correction takes
place.
Example: Enter Eastern Daylight Time on April 3, 1994.
TIME_OFFSET 03-APR-1994 07:00:00.00 -240
14 Chapter 4, Software Setup
GEH-6370
This example says that beginning on 3-APR-1994 at 07:00 AM UTC, the local correction added to UTC to arrive at EDT
(Eastern Daylight Time) is -240 minutes. (Eastern Standard Time correction would be -300 minutes.)
NOTE
All 's or <G>'s in a system must be setup in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT in an identical fashion, with the
exception of those computers not having a bc620AT card installed. Failure to have identical system
setup can cause shifts in the Stagelink Time Reference upon power down of the primary Stagelink
Time Master.
NOTE
's or <G>'s not containing a bc620AT time/frequency processor card should have the identical
lines in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT, but with the "TIMESYNC..." line commented out.
GEH-6370
CHAPTER 5
LOCAL TIME vs. UTC CONSIDERATIONS
5-1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter defines the use of F:\TIMESYNC.DAT and F:\GSM_SERV.DAT and how each of these configuration files
interact relative to the time sources. Mark V panel system time, / <G> local time, the CMOS clock, and the GTS time
references are discussed in this chapter, as well as UTC and Local GTSs.
5-2. INTERNAL TIME REFERENCES

An or <G> computer has three time references independent of a global time. These are:
The CMOS clock, used by BIOS
The DOS software clock
IDOS operating system time
Each time reference can be different from the others.
The Mark V system clock is usually close to, but not necessarily the same as, the or <G> time references.
There are many base time references, but usually two are involved: UTC and Local Time. UTC has an appeal for historical
applications in that it never steps backward nor jumps forward. Therefore, historical data stored using UTC uniquely
identifies when the data was generated. Local Time has an appeal for real-time data displays, but tends to jump forward
and backward, causing discontinuities when used in historical data.
Mark V time synchronization is designed to handle both historical and real-time data display.
Current Mark Vs typically use Local Time as the time base.
5-3. GTS is UTC (non-changing standard time)

The <G> computer uses GSM (GE Drive Systems Standard Messages). GSM transmits time-tagged data using UTC as the
time base. The <G> computer uses F:\GSM_SERV.DAT to define the correction factors to Local Time ( Mark V panel
time). This allows the time tags that it supplies with transmitted data to properly represent UTC.
If the GTS is UTC based, and Mark V time is specified to use UTC, then F:\GSM_SERV.DAT does not need to exist.
Therefore, the correction to Mark V time is zero in this case. If the Mark V time is specified to use LOCAL, then
F:\GSM_SERV.DAT must exist to provide these time corrections.
UTC time reference is recommended for the GTS so that automatic Local Time corrections can be made by the Stagelink
Time Master at the instant Daylight Savings Time changes. This is independent of whether Mark V internal time is UTC
or LOCAL based.
The time base used in 's or <G>'s can be set to either UTC or Local. Local is preferred for timestamping file dates, but
is not required. The real-time and historical plot programs must know which time base is used in the versus the Mark
V data to provide correct timescales for their plots.
NOTE
16 Chapter 5, Local Time vs. UTC Considerations
GEH-6370
Both and Mark V times must currently use the same time base for the plotting programs to execute
properly.
5-4. GTS is LOCAL (Changes twice per year)

As mentioned above, the <G> computer uses F:\GSM_SERV.DAT to correct Mark V panel time to UTC for transmitted
timetagged data. If the GTS is LOCAL, and Mark V panel time is specified as LOCAL, then F:\GSM_SERV.DAT must
contain entries defining corrections to LOCAL time to arrive at UTC.
The potential problem of using a GTS with LOCAL time is that changes of the GTS to and from Daylight Savings Time
may not exactly coincide with the expected changes defined in F:\GSM_SERV.DAT. The same potential problem exists in
F:\TIMESYNC.DAT if Mark V panel time is specified to be UTC. However, F:\GSM_SERV.DAT is not needed in this
case.
Chapter 5, Local Time vs. UTC Considerations 17
GEH-6370
CHAPTER 6
TIMESYNC OPERATION
6-1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter covers normal timesync/timeset operations, as well as use of the TIMEUTIL program.
6-2. GENERAL OPERATIONS

Upon bootup, no acts as an available Stagelink Timemaster until the following conditions are met:
1.
Major time elements (year, month, day etc.) have been acquired from CMOS memory, another Stagelink Time Master,
or manually through the TIMETUTIL program.
2.
The GTS has established its presence and the bc620AT board has asserted its tracking status bit. (This is ignored if
mode is set to FLYWHEEL.) For pulse input GTS, at least one reference pulse must have been recorded after major
time was loaded.
NOTE
Item number one above does not occur automatically upon or <G> bootup if the line
"TIMELOAD MANUAL" is specified in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT. Use of the TIMEUTIL program is
required to load major time elements in this case.
Every 20 seconds, each available Stagelink Time Master broadcasts an identification message announcing its availability.
Every 32 seconds, each Mark V panel asks the selected Stagelink Time Master for the current date/time. It jumps or slews
its internal time based on the time error calculated. The rate of slew allows for sub-millisecond errors, assuming the GTS is
stable.
Every 60 seconds, all nodes select the Stagelink Time Master of choice (if more than one is available) based on Stagelink
address, timesync accuracy, and tracking status (as stated in chapter 2, Time Synchronization Theory).
Every 20 minutes, each or <G> with the "I_TIMESET ENABLED" line in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT performs a TIMESET
function, by asking the selected Stagelink Time Master for the current date/time. Unlike the timesync function in Mark V,
the timeset function in or <G> does not slew its internal time, it jumps. The time error in this timeset function is
typically 27 ms, assuming the GTS is stable.
Each available Stagelink Time Master does a limited amount of stability checking on the Global Time Source (timecode
GTSs only). If the time-of-year ever changes by more than 30 seconds (except changing from December 31, 23:59:59 to
January 1, 00:00:00), the timesync function is disabled for a minimum of three minutes. If the time-of-year continuously
increases at a normal rate for more than three consecutive minutes, the timesync function automatically resumes.
18 Chapter 6, Timesync Operations
GEH-6370
6-3. USING THE TIMEUTIL PROGRAM

The TIMEUTIL program controls time synchronization in the or <G> functioning as the Stagelink Time Master. This
program is used to do the following:
Obtain status about the Stagelink Time Master, and other available time masters on the Stagelink
Enable or Disable the timesync functions
Set the MAJOR TIME in the Stagelink Time Master
TIMEUTIL is a maintenance program and is only accessible from the DOS prompt. If run without parameters, TIMEUTIL
gives limited help on its usage. Listed below are a few operations in TIMEUTIL.
6-3.1. Turning the TIMESYNC Function Off

To turn off the timesync function in an available Stagelink Time Master, enter:
C:\> TIMEUTIL TIMESYNC DISABLE
6-3.2. Turning the TIMESYNC Function Back On

To restore the timesync function in an available Stagelink Time Master, enter:
C:\> TIMEUTIL TIMESYNC ENABLE
6-3.3. Loading MAJOR TIME into the bc620AT Board

Depending on the type of GTS, and TIME_LOAD option specified in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT, the may not act as an
available Stagelink Time Master until major time has been loaded and the bc620AT board has locked on to the GTS. (This
means it is "tracking" the GTS.)
To load major time into the bc620AT board, enter:
C:\> TIMEUTIL TIMELOAD dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm:ss.cccc
and press <RETURN> as close as possible to the entered time (down to the second).
If the overall timesync function has not been turned off, the automatically assumes Stagelink Time Master duties as
follows:
After the next pulse input if the GTS is a pulse
After the next timecode frame if the GTS is a timecode
Immediately if the timesync mode is set to FLYWHEEL.
If "dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm:ss.cccc" is left off the command line, TIMEUTIL prompts for this.
Chapter 6, Timesync Operations 19
GEH-6370
CHAPTER 7
DIAGNOSTICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING
7-1. INTRODUCTION
This chapter covers some of Mark V Time Synchronizations built-in diagnostics and troubleshooting features. TIMEUTIL
and the trace buffers are discussed here.
7-2. Obtaining General Information About the Mark V Timesync Function

The information available about Mark V Timesync is formatted such that it may exceed 25 lines of output. For this reason,
set the screen to 50 line mode by entering C:\> V50, or redirect the output to a file.
To obtain timesync status information, enter:
C:\> TIMEUTIL STATUS
or
C:\> TIMEUTIL STATUS >filename.out
The information returned by TIMEUTIL STATUS varies slightly depending on whether the GTS is a timecode signal, or
pulse input.
Figure 7-1 shows a sample output from TIMEUTIL STATUS for an IRIG-B GTS. This example was done on November 4,
1994, the 308th day of the year.
20 Chapter 7, Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
GEH-6370
TIMESYNC STATUS
Overall TIMESYNC Function: ENABLED
TIMESYNC Controller: bc620AT
I/O Base Address: 0280
TIMESYNC Mode: IRIG-B (Modulated)

Global Time Acquired:
IRQ: None
Status: TRACKING
YES
Year: 1994
Days: 308
Pulse Correction in Use: N/A

Major Time Load Flag:
LOCAL CMOS
Global Time Source:

Mark V Panel Time:
/<G> CPU Time:
UTC
LOCAL
LOCAL
/<G> Timeset: ENABLED
Number of Stage Link Time Masters: 3

# Address Status
01 0x1F
0x0103
02 0x20
0x0103
03 0x22
0x0103
Selected
x
Local ARCNET address: 0x1F
Figure 7-1. Sample output from TIMEUTIL STATUS
Items to Note in the Information Shown Above

The GTS is IRIG-B, and current status is TRACKING (the GTS is present). Otherwise, current status would be
FLYWHEELING rather than TRACKING.
If Global Time Acquired was NO, then this is not going to attempt to pass time to other nodes on the Stagelink. NO
implies that the IRIG-B timecode signal has never been detected by the bc620AT board; or if the GTS is a pulse input, that
no pulses have been received.
If Year is 0, then major time elements have not been loaded; this is not going to attempt to send time to other nodes on
the Stagelink. The same is true if Days (the current day-of-year) is 0.
If the GTS is a pulse input (1PPM or 1PPH), the current pulse correction in use is displayed. This is less than or equal to
30 seconds for 1PPM, or 30 minutes for 1PPH. It shows N/A for timecode GTSs, 1PPS, or FLYWHEEL modes. The
bc620AT board tracks 1PPS inputs directly.
The next five lines reflect information in F:\TIMESYNC.DAT.
At the bottom of the display is a list of all available Stagelink Time Masters (on this 's Stagelink), their address, their
status, and which is the selected Stagelink Timemaster used by all nodes on this Stagelink.
NOTE
In a normal, functioning system, all status digits displayed for each available Stagelink Timemaster
should be identical. If not, then verify that F:\TIMESYNC.DAT in each or <G> has the same
information for the following parameters:
TIME_SOURCE
PANEL_TIME
I_TIME
[LOCAL | UTC]
[LOCAL | UTC]
[LOCAL | UTC]
Chapter 7, Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 21
GEH-6370
The status is displayed in hexadecimal. The current definition for each bit is shown below. Bit 0 is considered the least
significant (rightmost) bit.
Bit 0:
1 ==> Stagelink Timemaster is tracking the GTS.

0 ==> Stagelink Timemaster is flywheeling.
Bit 1:
Reserved. Normally has a value of 1.
Bits 2-7
Bit 8:
1 ==> GTS is UTC based.

0 ==> GTS is LOCAL.
Bit 9:
1 ==> /<G>'s time is UTC based.

0 ==> /<G>'s time is LOCAL.
Bit 10:
1 ==> Mark V's time is UTC based.

0 ==> Mark V's time is LOCAL.
Bits 11-15:
Reserved bit definitions are subject to change.
7-3. OTHER TIMESYNC DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES

Each or <G> with a bc620AT board installed, maintains a trace buffer in extended memory. This trace buffer contains
encoded recordings of the last 8192 timesync protocol messages transmitted or received from the Stagelink. The
information in these trace buffers can show the current time error in each time slave.
Decoding the trace buffer requires two steps:
1.
Get a copy of the trace buffer into a binary file by entering at the DOS prompt:
C:\> GBL2FILE timesync_trace TIMESYNC.BIN
The timesync_trace parameter must be in lowercase letters.
2.
Format the binary file into an ASCII text file by entering:

C:\> TS_DUMP TIMESYNC.BIN TIMESYNC.OUT
Now this information is in the file TIMESYNC.OUT. The timesync protocol traces for Message Type: 4 (Time Diagnostic).
These time diagnostic messages contain error corrections between the Stagelink Time Master and the time slave. Other
message type dumps are used for development purposes only, and are not discussed here. A portion of a sample output from
TS_DUMP is shown in Figure 7-2 below:
GEH-6370
00000001, 00 --> 00 (OUT) Msg. Type: 1 (Timesync Master ID)

Sequence #0001
Highest Time Format: 4, Timesync Master Status: 0103
Packet recorded at: 04-NOV-1994 14:46:00.9474 (IDOS
Time)
00000002, F5 --> 1F (IN) Msg. Type: 2 (Request For Time)
Sequence #0002
Time Format: 2, bc620AT Time: 308 19:46:09.497153
Time)
00000003, F5 --> F5 (OUT) Msg. Type: 3 (Time Response)
Sequence #0002
Time Format: 2, Local Correction: 0000, Response
Status: 0000
Time Returned: 04-NOV-1994 14:46:09.4972
Time)
Sequence #0002
Time)
Sequence #0002
Status: 0000
Time)
00000006, F5 --> 1F (IN) Msg. Type: 4 (Time Diagnostic)
Sequence #0002
Time Format: 2, Delta-Time: -0000 00:00:21.0427
Time)
Sequence #0002
Time Format: 2, Delta-Time: +5420 14:18:07.0465
Time)
.
.
Sequence #0004
Time)
Sequence #0004
Time)
Sequence #0004
Status: 0000
Time)
Sequence #0004
Time Format: 2, Delta-Time: +0000 00:00:00.0282
Time)
.
.
0000049E, F4 --> F4 (OUT) Msg. Type: 3 (Time Response)
Sequence #009D
Status: 0000
Time)
Chapter 7, Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 23
GEH-6370
0000049F, F4 --> 1F (IN) Msg. Type: 4 (Time Diagnostic)

Sequence #009D
Time)
Figure 7-2. Sample output from TS_DUMP
GEH-6370
CHAPTER 8
EXAMPLE TIMESYNC CONFIGURATIONS
8-1. EXAMPLE 1 USING A SINGLE AS THE GLOBAL TIME SOURCE
This example uses a single as the GTS for the entire plant, using the low-drift capabilities of the bc620AT board.
Figure 8-1 shows a typical layout. Follow the steps below for setup.
1.
If multiple 's exist, install the bc620AT board into the containing the lowest Stagelink address. This is
referred to as the PRIMARY in this example.
2.
If redundant bc620 boards exist, install the board(s) in the ('s) with higher Stagelink addresses than the PRIMARY
 described in step 1. These 's are referred to as SECONDARY 's in this example.
3.
Connect RG-58 cable from the TIMECODE OUTPUT BNC connector of the PRIMARY to the TIMECODE INPUT
BNC connectors on each SECONDARY . Use T-connectors to parallel the signal from computer to computer. In
addition, parallel this cable to any DCS equipment which are to act as time slaves to the PRIMARY .
4.
Optionally, the 1PPS output can be connected to DCS equipment that are to act as time slaves to the PRIMARY .
5.
Configure F:\TIMESYNC.DAT in the PRIMARY with the following:

TIMESYNC BC620AT MODE FLYWHEEL BASE_PORT 0280
TIME_SOURCE LOCAL
PANEL_TIME LOCAL
I_TIME
LOCAL
TIME_LOAD LOCAL
I_TIMESET ENABLED
6.
Configure F:\TIMESYNC.DAT in each of the SECONDARY 's with the following:

TIMESYNC BC620AT MODE IRIG-B BASE_PORT 0280
TIME_SOURCE LOCAL
PANEL_TIME LOCAL
I_TIME
LOCAL
TIME_LOAD LOCAL
I_TIMESET ENABLED
7.
If TIMESET capability is wanted in any or <G> without a bc620AT board installed, configure
F:\TIMESYNC.DAT in those computers with I_TIMESET ENABLED. (Other parameters are not required.)
Chapter 8, Example Timesync Configurations 25
GEH-6370
STAGELINK (ARCNET)
(RG-62 COAX CABLE)
TIMECODE
OUT BNC
PRIMARY

<C>
MK V
#1
<C>
MK V
#2
<C>
MK V
#3
1PPS
OUT BNC
RG-58
COAX
CABLE
1 PPS
TO
DCS EQUIPMENT
TIMECODE
IN BNC
SECONDARY

TIMECODE
IN BNC
SECONDARY

* Optional
IRIG-B TIMECODE
TO DCS EQUIPMENT
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
Figure 8-1. - Typical Layout for FLYWHEELING Timesync Mode
8-2. EXAMPLE 2 USING IRIG-B TIMECODE AS THE GTS WITH MULTIPLE STAGELINK
TIMEMASTERS AND MULTIPLE <C>/<D> STAGELINKS
This example uses a single box as the GTS for the entire plant, possibly a satellite receiver, that generates an IRIG-B
timecode signal. Figure 8-2 shows a typical layout. Follow the steps below for setup.
NOTE
For redundancy requirements, no more than two computers per Stagelink need to have
bc620AT boards installed.
1.
Install a bc620AT board in each or <G> to be used as an available Stagelink Time Master.
2.
Connect RG-58 cable from the source of the IRIG-B timecode signal to each bc620AT board, using the TIMECODE
INPUT BNC connector. Use T-connectors to parallel the signal to each board.
3.
Continue the RG-58 cabling to any other piece of equipment in the plant that is to act as a time slave.
26 Chapter 8, Example Timesync Configurations
4.
GEH-6370
Configure F:\TIMESYNC.DAT in each of the 's or <G>'s that have bc620AT boards installed as follows:
TIMESYNC BC620AT MODE IRIG-B BASE_PORT 0280
TIME_SOURCE LOCAL
PANEL_TIME LOCAL
I_TIME
LOCAL
TIME_LOAD LOCAL
I_TIMESET ENABLED
NOTE
If the timebase of the IRIG-B timecode signal is UTC, change the "TIME_SOURCE LOCAL"
line above to "TIME_SOURCE UTC".
5.
If TIMESET capability is wanted in any or <G> without a bc620 AT board installed, configure
IRIG-B TIMECODE
SIGNAL FROM SATELLITE
RECEIVER OR
OTHER DEVICE
<C>
TIMECODE
IN BNC
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
STAGELINK (ARCNET)
(RG-62 COAX CABLE)
 # 1
<C>
MK V
#1
<D>
TIMECODE
IN BNC
 # 2
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
<C>
MK V
#2
<D>
RG-58
COAX
CABLE
TIMECODE
IN BNC
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
 # 3
<C>
MK V
#3
<D>
TIMECODE
IN BNC

IRIG-B TIMECODE
TO OTHER PLANT
EQUIPMENT
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
#4
<D>
STAGELINK (ARCNET)
(RG-62 COAX CABLE)
Figure 8-2. - Typical Layout for External IRIG-B GTS, using redundancy and multiple Stagelink Networks
GEH-6370
8-3. EXAMPLE 3 USING PULSE INPUTS AS THE GTS WITH MULTIPLE STAGELINK
TIMEMASTERS
AND MULTIPLE <C>/<D> STAGELINKS
This example uses a single box as the GTS for the entire plant, possibly a satellite receiver, that generates one pulse per
minute (or hour) as a time reference. Figure 8-3 shows a typical layout. Follow the steps below for setup.
NOTE
For redundancy requirements, no more than two computers per Stagelink need to have
bc620AT boards installed.
1.
Install a bc620AT board in each or <G> to be used as an available Stagelink Time Master.
2.
Connect RG-58 cable from the source of the pulse input signals to each bc620AT board, using the EVENT INPUT
BNC connector. Use T-connectors to parallel the signal to each board.
3.
Continue the RG-58 cabling to any other piece of equipment in the plant that is to act as a time slave.
4.
Configure F:\TIMESYNC.DAT in each of the 's or <G>'s that have bc620AT boards installed as follows:
TIMESYNC BC620AT MODE 1PPM BASE_PORT 0280
TIME_SOURCE LOCAL
PANEL_TIME LOCAL
I_TIME
LOCAL
TIME_LOAD LOCAL
I_TIMESET ENABLED
NOTE
If the pulse rate is 1 pulse per hour, change 1PPM above to 1PPH.
5.
If TIMESET capability is wanted in any or <G> without a bc620 AT board installed, configure
Notes for interfacing pulse input references:

The bc620AT has internal 4.7 k pullup resistors between a +5 V power source and both the 1PPS Input and Event Input
signals. Therefore any interface to these inputs must be able to draw at least 1 mA of current per bc620AT board.
Pulse inputs are positive edge on time. The interface must be at logic 0 except when the reference pulse is active. Pulse
input references must be stable, therefore only use stable pulse references. For example, 1 PPM references pulses should be
as close to 60.00000 seconds apart as possible. Otherwise, Mark V timesync loses accuracy.
The use of electro-mechanical relays for pulse inputs is not recommended. The use of open collector circuits or solid state
relays is acceptable. GE does not recommend using software operating systems in the DCS to generate the reference pulses.
Pulse input references are at logic 0 most of the time. Therefore, the bc620ATs BNC connector records a false pulse input
when the reference cable is disconnected from the bc620AT board. The board senses a positive edge caused by the internal
4.7 k pullup resistor. The card then sends invalid time to the Mark V panels until the next true reference pulse is
signaled. GE recommends restarting the or <G> software after the reference cables are reconnected.
GEH-6370
1 PULSE PER MINUTE

OR 1 PULSE PER HOUR
SATELLITE RECEIVER
OR OTHER DEVICE
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
<C> STAGELINK
(RG-62 COAX CABLE)
EVENT IN
BNC
<C>
 # 1
MK V
#1
<D>
EVENT IN
BNC
 # 2
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
<C>
MK V
#2
<D>
RG-58
COAX
CABLE
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
EVENT IN
BNC

#3
<C>
MK V
#3
<D>
EVENT IN
BNC
TERMINATION
RESISTOR
 # 4
<D>
PULSE CODES
TO OTHER PLANT
EQUIPMENT
STAGELINK (ARCNET)
(RG-62 COAX CABLE)
Figure 8-3. - Typical Layout for External 1PPM or 1PPH GTS, with Redundant Stagelink Time Masters and Multiple Stagelink
Networks
GEH-6370
Notes:
GEH-6370
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
NOTE
Some of these terms are taken from the Bancomm bc620AT Time and Frequency Module, Operation
and Technical Manual.
NOTE
In the description of the various timecode signals below, resolution of the timecode signal should not
be confused with available accuracy. Special circuitry on the bc620AT allows the TFP to phase-lock
to the timecodes, achieving much higher accuracy than the base resolution of the timecode signal
itself.
2137 A 1 kHz modulated signal. Frame rate is 1 code per second. This is a time-of-day reference. Resolution: 1 ms.
ARCNET A LAN communications protocol developed by Datapoint Corporation, used to link exciters, drives, and
controllers. Allows a maximum of 255 drops with transmission at 25 Mbit/s.
BCD Binary Coded Decimal.
CF Control Functions.
Daylight Savings Time Time change observed in parts of the world to extend the number of daylight hours.
DCS Distributed Control Systems.
EDT Eastern Daylight Time. Reference to Daylight Savings Time in the Eastern United States.
EST Eastern Standard Time.
EPOCH A reference event. In timing applications, epoch often refers to a one pulse per second event.
FLYWHEEL In the timekeeping vernacular to 'flywheel' means to maintain time or frequency or both after the input
reference is removed or lost.
<G> GSM Gateway computer interface for the Mark V Turbine Control System using Ethernet in place of the Stagelink.
See .
GPS Global Positioning Satellite. The fleet of GPS vehicles is used worldwide for navigational purposes by aircraft and
ships for position and velocity measurements. In addition, time-of-year information can be obtained by a GPS
receiver.
GPS Time Time reference available from GPS space vehicles which includes the accumulation of leap seconds. Leap
seconds are typically added or subtracted on June 30th and December 31st of each year as needed to correct UTC.
GSM GE Drive Systems Standard Message.
GTS Global Time Source. This is the source of time reference used for synchronization of time for all Mark V's and DCS
subsystems.
Appendix A, Glossary of Terms 31
GEH-6370
 The Mark V Turbine Control Systems primary operator interface. Consists of a computer interface with GEs version
of ARCNET called the Stagelink.
I/O Input/output. Interfaces that allow the flow of data into and out of a device
IRIG Inter-Range Instrumentation Group. This group defines a family of timecode signals (both modulated and dc level
shifted) at various frequencies and frame rates. The IRIG timecodes are time-of-year references.
IRIG-A A 10 kHz modulated or dc level shifted signal. Frame rate is 10 codes per second. Resolution: 0.1 ms.
IRIG-B A 1 kHz modulated or dc level shifted signal. Frame rate is 1 code per second. Resolution: 1 ms.
IRIG-G A 100 kHz modulated or dc level shifted signal. Frame rate is 100 codes per second. Resolution: 0.01 ms.
IRQ Interrupt Request
Local Time A time reference commonly used in the geographic locale of the equipment. Local time is subject to jerks in
time caused by jumping the time reference forward in the spring for Daylight Savings Time, and jumping backward
in the fall to return to Standard Time (in the Northern hemisphere).
MAJOR TIME Units of time equal to or larger than seconds. Years, days, hours, minutes, and seconds are usually
implied.
MINOR TIME Subsecond time to whatever resolution is supported.
NASA-36 A 1 kHz modulated or dc level shifted signal. Frame rate is 1 code per second. This is a time-of-year
reference.
Resolution: 1 ms.
PPx Pulse Per x. A GTS using periodic pulses to mark an epoch as a time reference. Typical rates are 1 PPS (Pulse Per
Second), 1 PPM (Pulse Per Minute) or 1 PPH (Pulse Per Hour).
Receptacle A type of electrical fitting designed to connect with a plug, or prong, connector. Formerly referred to as
female.
SBS Straight Binary Seconds
Slave Device that follows commands from a remote master control device. Also referred to as follower.
Stagelink GEs version of ARCNET used in Turbine applications. See ARCNET.
Timeset The act of setting a clock to a time reference. This action does not imply any particular accuracy.
Timesync The act of locking a clock to a time reference. This action implies a continuous operation used to minimize
loss
of accuracy of the clock being synchronized referenced to the global time source.
UTC Universal Time Coordinated. This is the time reference used at the zero meridian. Also known as GMT
(Greenwich
Mean Time).
XR3 A 250 Hz modulated signal. Frame rate is 1 code per second. This is a time-of-day reference. Resolution: 4 ms.
32 Appendix A, Glossary of Terms
GEH-6370
APPENDIX B
IRIG NOMENCLATURE
IRIG Time Codes have alphabetical as well as numerical designations. The nomenclature is defined as follows:
Rate Designation
A:
B:
D:
E:
G:
H:
1000
100
1
10
10000
1
pps
pps
ppm
pps
pps
pps
Form Designation
0:
1:
Pulse, width-coded
Sine wave, amplitude-modulated
Carrier/Resolution
0:
1:
2:
3:
4:
No carrier/index count interval

100
Hz/10 ms
1000
Hz/1 ms
10000 Hz/0.1 ms
100000 Hz/0.01 ms
Coded Expressions
0:
1:
2:
3:
BCD, CF, SBS

BCD, CF
BCD
BCD, SBS
The following is a list of recognized standard IRIG codes:

* Format A:
* Format B:
Format D:
Format E:
Format G:
Format H:
A000,
B000,
D001,
E001,
G001,
H001,
A003,
B003,
D002,
E002,
G002,
H002,
A130,
B120,
D111,
E111,
G141,
H111,
A133
B123
D112,
E112,
G142
H112,
D121,
E121,
D122
E122
H121,
H122
* Supported by Mark V Time Synchronization
Appendix B, IRIG Nomenclature 33
GE Motors &
Industrial
Systems
General Electric Company
Industrial Systems
1501 Roanoke Blvd.
Salem, VA 24153-6492 USA

7 - GEH-6370 MK V Time Synchronization

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7 - GEH-6370 MK V Time Synchronization

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GEH-6370

1996 by General Electric Company, USA.

ARCNET is a registered trademark of Datapoint Corporation.

Mark V Time Synchronization

SAFETY SYMBOL LEGEND

Mark V Time Synchronization

Mark V Time Synchronization

CHAPTER 5. LOCAL TIME VS. UTC CONSIDERATIONS

Mark V Time Synchronization

6-3.2. Turning the TIMESYNC Function Back On ...............................................................................................................

15 Pin D to BNC Adapter....................................................................................................................................

Mark V Time Synchronization

Figure 7-2. Sample output from TS_DUMP...........................................................................................................................

Mark V Time Synchronization

1-2.2. General Architecture

Mark V Time Synchronization

COMMON TIME REFERENCE BUS

1-2.3. Backup Synchronization

1-3. MANUAL ORGANIZATION

Mark V Time Synchronization

Chapter 4 Software Setup and Configuration

1-4. RELATED DOCUMENTS

Mark V Time Synchronization

Mark V Time Synchronization

2-2. TIMESYNC PROTOCOL

2-3. SUPPORTED GTSs

Mark V Time Synchronization

Modulated IRIG-A, IRIG-B, 2137, or NASA-36 timecode signals

Modulation ratio 3:1 to 6:1

Amplitude 0.5 to 5 volts peak to peak

DC Level Shifted IRIG-A, IRIG-B, or NASA-36 timecode signals

TTL / CMOS compatible voltage levels

TTL / CMOS compatible voltage levels, positive edge on time

TTL / CMOS compatible voltage levels, positive edge on time

20 nanosecond minimum pulse width, 250 nanosecond minimum period

TTL / CMOS compatible voltage levels, positive edge on time

20 nanosecond minimum pulse width, 250 nanosecond minimum period

Chapter 2, Time Synchronization Theory

Mark V Time Synchronization

Figure 3-1. bc620AT Time and Frequency Module

3-2. BOARD INSTALLATION

3-3. SETTING BASE I/O ADDRESS

Chapter 3, Hardware Setup

Mark V Time Synchronization

INDICATES DIRECTION OF TOGGLE

3-4. SETTING THE IRQ

Adjust the board's IRQ setting to No IRQ as shown in Figure 3-3.

Figure 3-3. IRQ selection on bc620AT

3-5. CONNECTING THE GTS TO THE BOARD

Chapter 3, Hardware Setup

Mark V Time Synchronization

(Optional External Use)

(Flywheel Mode Out)

3-6. CONNECTING THE <I>'s OR <G>'s

Chapter 3, Hardware Setup

Mark V Time Synchronization

10 Chapter 3, Hardware Setup

Mark V Time Synchronization

4-2. TIMESYNC DATAFILE

TIMESYNC BC620AT MODE <mode> [LEVEL_SHIFT] BASE_PORT

4-3. FILE CONFIGURATION

Modulated IRIG-B Time Code Signal

Mark V Time Synchronization