Master Clocks

A master clock is an electronic device that provides time synchronization signals to a number of slave clocks on a network. Typically, the master time clock maintains accurate time from a hardware clock source, such as GPS, GLONASS, MSF or other sources of precise time. Originally, many master clock systems used an impulses generated by the master clock to advance and synchronize slave clocks. Impulse drivers has generally been superseded by serial or Ethernet network clocks.

Serial clocks utilize a RS422 or RS485 transmission system. Timing information is broadcast along a 2 or 4 core cable to clocks that are usually daisy-chained.

The latest clocks utilize IP based ethernet networking. Ethernet networks allow clocks to be configured from a central point using a standard PC. It also allows much more flexibility of cabling installation. Standard networking devices and infrastructure can be used for the network.