GPS/Timing White Papers

NERC BAL-005, R17 compliance: Power System Time, Frequency, and Phase Monitor [PDF~12.3 kB] Read about the continually calibrated - no user calibration required operation of the Option 28 in the GPS satellite controlled clocks.
FERC/NERC BAL-005, R17 compliance: Power System Time, Frequency, and Phase Monitor in PDF Read about the continually calibrated - no user calibration required operation of the Option 28 in the GPS satellite controlled clocks.
NERC PRC-018 compliance: Time accuracy of Disturbance Monitoring Equipment Installation and Data Reporting [PDF~75.1 kB] Read how GPS clocks manufactured by Arbiter Systems, Inc. provide UTC time in accordance with this requirement. The accuracy of clock timecode outputs (IRIG-B, 1 PPS, and NTP) varies by model and choice of timecode, but always exceeds NERC requirements.
NERC PRC-018 compliance: Time accuracy of Disturbance Monitoring Equipment Installation and Data Reporting in PDF Read how GPS clocks manufactured by Arbiter Systems, Inc. provide UTC time in accordance with this requirement. The accuracy of clock timecode outputs (IRIG-B, 1 PPS, and NTP) varies by model and choice of timecode, but always exceeds NERC requirements.
Time in the Power Industry [PDF~406.8 kB] How and why we use time in the power industry.
Time in the Power Industry in PDF How and why we use time in the power industry.
GPS Substation Clock Requirements. [PDF~24.9 kB] What degree of accuracy is really required? Read this white paper for the answer.
GPS Substation Clock Requirements in PDF. What degree of accuracy is really required? Read this white paper for the answer.
Why GPS Clocks Are Not Free. [PDF~11.8 kB] Think you know why? Read this white paper for the answer.
Why GPS Clocks Are Not Free in PDF. Think you know why? Read this white paper for the answer.
IRIG-B Time Code Accuracy and Connection Requirements with comments on IED and system design considerations. [PDF~31.4 kB] This paper covers two issues: 1. What you need to do to get good IRIG-B performance in the substation. 2. What the IED manufacturer should consider for minimum system problems.
IRIG-B Time Code Accuracy and Connection Requirements with comments on IED and system design considerations. PDF. This paper covers two issues: 1. What you need to do to get good IRIG-B performance in the substation. 2. What the IED manufacturer should consider for minimum system problems.
!!GPS Week 1024 and Year 2000 Compliance!!!!GPS Week 1024 and Year 2000 Compliance!!
Summary of IRIG-B signals available on the Arbiter clocks. [PDF~26.6 kB]
Summary of IRIG-B signals available on the Arbiter clocks in PDF.
The complete IRIG specification (IRIG STANDARD 200-04) [PDF~2.5 MB]

GPS Satellite-Controlled Clocks

Clock Selection Guide in Tabular format [PDF~26.5 kB]
Clock Selection Guide in Tabular format
Model 1088B [PDF~68.1 kB] Model 1088B The Arbiter Systems^®, Inc. Model 1088B GPS Satellite-Controlled Clock provides unprecedented flexibility, performance, and value for worldwide timing applications. Combining GPS accuracy and ease of use with exceptionally-flexible interface features and options in a space saving package, the Model 1088B offers unparalleled value in GPS-synchronized clocks.
Model 1084A/B/C [PDF~86.4 kB] Model 1084A/B/C The Arbiter Systems^®, Inc. Model 1084A/B/C GPS Satellite-Controlled Clock provides the most-needed GPS system clock features in an economical package. Three versions allow you to match your requirements. In the Model 1084A, four LEDs monitor operating status. The Model 1084B adds an LCD setup/status display and keyboard. The Model 1084C adds a large (20 mm or 0.8 in.) LED time display.
Model 1094B [PDF~105.6 kB] Model 1094B The Arbiter Systems^®, Inc. Model 1094B GPS Substation Clock is a GPS timing source for applications requiring 250 ns accuracy. The 1094B GPS Substation Clock allows for the most common outputs through simple jumper selection. The four high drive outputs provide both BNC and 5 mm pluggable terminal strip connectors in parallel and can easily drive multiple loads in parallel.
- Model 1094B Software/FirmwareModel 1094B Software/Firmware
Model 1095A/C [PDF~59.5 kB] Model 1095A/C The Arbiter Systems^®, Inc. Model 1095A/C Industrial GPS Clock is a GPS timing source for industrial applications that require common timing signals, such as IRIG-B, 1PPS, and RS-232 serial timecodes, in a small, rugged enclosure suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. The 1095A/C with 250 ns worst-case accuracy meets the most demanding requirements including synchrophasors.
- Model 1095A/C Software/FirmwareModel 1095A/C Software/Firmware
Model 1093A/B/C [PDF~74.6 kB] Model 1093A/B/C The Arbiter Systems^®, Inc. Model 1093A/B/C GPS Satellite-Controlled Clock is a GPS timing source for applications which do not require the ultimate, 100 ns accuracy of our higher-performance models. The Model 1093A/B/C has 500 ns worst-case accuracy, to meet the requirements of a broad range of applications. In the Model 1093A, two LEDs monitor operating status. The Model 1093B adds an LCD setup/status display and keyboard. The Model 1093C adds a large (20 mm or 0.8 in.) LED time display. In all versions, Twelve receiver channels provide the optimum tradeoff of price and performance.
Model 1092A/B/C [PDF~72.1 kB] Model 1092A/B/C The Arbiter Systems^®, Inc. Model 1092A GPS Satellite-Controlled Clock is a tabletop GPS timing source for applications which do not require the ultimate, 100 ns accuracy of our higher-performance models. The Model 1092A has 500 ns worst-case accuracy, to meet the requirements of a broad range of applications. The Model 1092A is controlled via its serial port, and two LEDs monitoring operating status. Twelve receiver channels provide the optimum tradeoff of price and performance.
Model 1093A/B/C, 1084A/B/C, 1088B Spanish Data Sheets [PDF~216.1 kB]
Model 1093A/B/C, 1084A/B/C, 1088B Spanish Data Sheets in PDF

GPS Satellite-Controlled Frequency Standard

Model 1083B [PDF~64.3 kB] Model 1083B The Arbiter Systems^®, Inc. Model 1083B GPS Satellite-Controlled Frequency Standard delivers performance comparable to atomic frequency standards, but at a fraction of the price. The outstanding long-term accuracy of the GPS system and the excellent short-term stability of the Wenzel Streamline 10 MHz, third overtone SC-cut ovenized quartz oscillator combine to produce traceable, standard frequency outputs of 1, 5, and 10 MHz with outstanding spectral purity and long-term stability. These outputs are suitable for use as the frequency reference for counters and signal generators, or for multiplication to microwave frequencies. An output of one pulse per second (1 PPS) is also provided for time standard applications.
An Introduction to Frequency Calibrations [PDF~219.2 kB] This is an overview of frequency measurements and calibration provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Distribution Amplifier

Model 1073A [PDF~25.9 kB] Model 1073A The Arbiter Systems^®, Inc. Model 1073A Distribution Amplifier is designed to buffer and distribute signals generated by sources such as the Model 1083B GPS Satellite-Controlled Frequency Standard and the Models 1084A/B/C, 1088B, 1092A/B/C and the 1093A/B/C GPS Satellite-Controlled Clocks except IRIG-B modulated. The Model 1073A includes three, separate channels, each with four high-drive-capability outputs, to buffer your choice of signals. Each channel has a limiting amplifier to stabilize the peak-to-peak signal level. And, each input is galvanically isolated with a transformer or optical isolator, breaking ground loops and rejecting common-mode signals. 2000 volt rms isolation (50/60 Hz) is standard.

Options & Accessories

Option Selection Guide in tabular format [PDF~26.4 kB]
Option Selection Guide in tabular format
Options & Accessories - I/O, Power, General, Oscillators, & Antenna [PDF~42.8 kB]
Options & Accessories - I/O, Power, General, Oscillators, & Antenna
Power System Time, Frequency, & Phase Monitor [PDF~15.0 kB]
Power System Time, Frequency, & Phase Monitor
Self-Monitor and IRIG-B Distribution System [PDF~19.3 kB]
Self-Monitor and IRIG-B Distribution System
Internal Network Time Protocol (NTP) Server [PDF~22.2 kB]
Internal Network Time Protocol (NTP) Server
COMTRADE Sample Rate Generator [PDF~27.1 kB]
COMTRADE Sample Rate Generator

Timing Software:

Model 1094 Software Provides the ability to change the Model 1094B configuration and to update the firmware. Find more information here.
Model 1095 Software Provides the ability to change the Model 1095A/C configuration and to update the firmware. Find more information here.
Arbiter Time Service PC Clock Synchronization Service (WIN NT/2000/XP) [Program~619.1 kB] The Arbiter Time Service installs on Microsoft^® Windows NT/2000/XP and runs as a service to keep the PC clock synchronized to an Arbiter GPS clock. The Arbiter Time Service connects with an RS-232 cable and interrogates the clock for the time signal.
W32Time How to configure a Windows 2000 machine to use NTP [PDF~14.2 kB] University of Delaware Network Time Protocol(NTP) web-site The best place to learn about NTP (External Link)
Bytefusion PresenTense Server and PresenTense Time Client. (Web site) Bytefusion designs products for network time management. The PresenTense server maintains its accurate time source by receiving a signal from a GPS receiver. All Arbiter Systems GPS Satellite-Controlled Clocks provide a standard RS-232 broadcast to synchronize the PresenTense Server. Contact Bytefusion for additional information.
Chronos PC Clock Synchronization (WIN 95/98/NT) [Program~207.3 kB] The Chronos software is a free utility that connects (via serial port) to an Arbiter Systems, Inc. clock and updates a PC's clock. Chronos has a few simple configuration selections and then is up and running. The program resides in the System Tray when minimized.
10741A PC Clock Synchronization (WIN 3.1/95) [Program~259.4 kB] The Model 10741A PC Clock Synchronization Software is a Windows program for the IBM-PC and Compatibles. This terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) program accepts the continuous extended ASCII ("B5") broadcast timecode output and maintains synchronization of the real-time clock in the PC to within one PC clock tick. Features include a selectable Time Margin which determines the error large enough to consider updating the PC system clock, and the Error Threshold which sets how many consistent errors must persist before the system time is updated. When the Error Count exceeds the Error Threshold, system time will be updated.
Software A list of software available from Arbiter Systems.