Sonifex AVN-GMCS

The Sonifex AVN-GMCS series are AES67, RAVENNA and AES-R16 compatible grandmaster clocks that have been designed for use with AoIP (audio over IP) applications.

IEEE1588-2008 PTPv2 (precision time protocol) is used to synchronize all the nodes within a network. To achieve this, one of the nodes must become the master clock and distribute time packets to the others. The AVN-GMCS is designed to perform this role simply and accurately, enabling sub-microsecond synchronization between all nodes.

RAVENNA (of which AES67 is a subset) allows for the distribution of audio across a network. For this to be possible, each of the nodes needs to be time synchronized with one another. RAVENNA uses PTP time stamping to achieve this, which distributes the network time but also works out the latency involved in the delivery and adjusts the time at each node accordingly.

Unit configuration is achieved easily either with the front panel controls or the web server, including the setup of the PTP profiles.

The AVN-GMCS supports the Default (RAVENNA), Media (AES67) and AES-R16-2016 (SMPTE-ST 2059-2 & AES67 compatible) profiles and has a ‘Custom’ profile page for you to define your own.

In normal operation, the unit has a PTPv2 time stamping resolution to 8nsec. It uses a combination of a GPS receiver, a PLL (phase lock loop) and a specialist onboard clock device to create the precise, low jitter clock signals required to drive the physical transceiver’s time-stamping circuitry. It also provides holdover if the GPS signal is lost.

The specialist onboard clock is available in three different types: TCXO, OXCO and CSAC (Chip Scale Atomic Clock, Caesium), which vary in both price and accuracy:

AVN-GMCS – TCXO Temperature Compensated Oscillator accurate to 1 part per million (worst case 1 sec gain/loss every 11.5 days). *

AVN-GMCOS – OCXO Oven Controlled Oscillator, accurate to 0.1 parts per million (worst case 1 sec gain/loss every 115 days). *

AVN-GMCCS – SAC Quantum Atomic Clock, accurate to 0.0005 parts per million (worst case 1 sec gain/loss every 63 years). *

GPS presence and the number of satellites received is shown on the front panel, together with status information on output sample rates, sync type and profile type. The unit also has a screen-saver option that shows the current time.

Although designed as a grandmaster clock, a separate clock input can act as an alternative reference source to GPS which the unit can ‘slave’ to. Clock outputs, driven from the physical transceiver, can be used to provide media clocks for external equipment local to the AVN-GMC when it is in both ‘master’ and ‘slave’ states. The clock outputs are available as a single AES-3id output and two outputs which can be selected as either word clock or variable PPS. The word clock can operate at 32, 44.1, 48, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz. When set as a variable PPS output, the unit can act as a clock master to distribute a reference frequency to test and measure equipment.

The unit shows UTC as standard, but can be set to show ‘local time’ on the front panel, by adding a time offset. Daylight saving time changes can be accommodated by entering Spring Forward and Fall Back dates. It has a real-time clock so that accurate data and time is available even after the unit is repowered without GPS access.

The built-in web server, or front panel OLED display, can be used to configure the unit. The webserver is a responsive design, meaning that it can be used with small screens on smartphones and tablets.

Front panel LEDs show the synchronization status, GPS lock and the status of the AC and DC power supply inputs.

The brightness of the OLED display and LED indicators can be adjusted for low or high lighting conditions
4 general-purpose outputs indicate critical states for the unit using a 9-way D-type connector mounted on the rear panel. Pull down when active pins are supplied for GPS lock status, external sync present, AC power present and DC power present.

The unit has a front panel power button and dual power connectors – an IEC mains input and a 12V DC input, which allows the AVN-GMCS to be used for both studio and mobile installations. Moreover, this allows for a secondary power source to reduce the effect of power down events. In any case, the unit monitors the status of both power sources and displays this on the front panel.

The unit can be put into a low-power sleep mode when not in use, with an instant start when power is re-applied. In power-off situations, a supercapacitor is used to keep the GPS receiver powered in a low power mode for more than 20 hours, enabling the receiver to regain lock immediately rather than having to ‘cold’ start.

Category: Audio Over IP Products.
Product Function: Provides a PTP time synchronized clock for use with AoIP audio networks.
Typical Applications: Synchronize a PTP AoIP network, provide a GPS referenced signal via AES-3id, provide a master word clock studio output or distribute a PPS reference frequency to T&M equipment.

Webserver Software

The Sonifex AVN-GMCS has a built-in web server for setup and configuration. The webserver is responsive, and resizes depending on the size of your screen, meaning that it can be used on large monitors or small handheld devices such as smartphones. Help information is shown on the right-hand side of the screen, so it’s a good place to go to find out how the unit operates.