[time-nuts] Query: Interest in clock synthesizer module -- useful for stabilizing PC timekeeping (among other things)
dl2vw at arcor.de
dl2vw at arcor.de
Thu Aug 17 21:45:27 UTC 2006
John,
I would be very interested. Planning to set up an NTP Server on the NSLU2. Has anyone attempted something similar, i.e. NTP on Linux running on XScale/ARM, disciplined with PPS?
Regards,
Martin - DL2VW
----- Original Nachricht ----
Von: John Ackermann N8UR <jra at febo.com>
An: timekeepers at fortytwo.ch,time-nuts at febo.com,time-freq at lists.tapr.org,questions at lists.ntp.isc.org,tacgps at lists.tapr.org
Datum: 16.08.2006 22:49
Betreff: [time-nuts] Query: Interest in clock synthesizer module -- useful
for stabilizing PC timekeeping (among other things)
> I'm working on a project for TAPR (http://www.tapr.org) that might be of
> interest to the timekeeping community.
>
> It's a very simple clock synthesizer called the "Clock-Block" that
> accepts a reference input in the roughly 2-50MHz range and generates an
> output in the 5-250MHz range, programmable by a series of jumpers or
> switches.
>
> My primary inspiration for designing this circuit was Poul-Henning
> Kemp's suggestion that it would work nicely to replace the crystal
> oscillator on a PC to allow much more stable timekeeping. For example,
> it can generate 14.318182MHz or 33.333333MHz from a GPS disciplined
> oscillator or other stable reference. A PC with a Clock-Block and
> external reference should be able to keep *very* good NTP time.
>
> But there are likely to be other interesting uses as well; one I'm
> considering is replacing the clock in a sound card to get precise sample
> rates.
>
> There's information about my prototype (and a picture) at
> http://www.febo.com/time-freq/hardware/ICS525/
>
> The prototype works well and we are now ready to move to production.
> Before we do that, I'd like to get a sense of the interest level (if
> any), and in particular whether there's enough demand to warrant an
> semi-kit or assembled version instead of TAPR's usual bag o' parts.
>
> As a kit, the Clock-Block would be quite inexpensive; we haven't
> finalized the BOM yet but I believe TAPR would be able to sell it for
> well under $50.
>
> However, assembly may be problematic for some folks, because the
> synthesizer chip is a "SSOP" surface mount package with about 0.5mm lead
> pitch. I've had no trouble putting down these chips using a microscope
> and small iron but not everyone may be willing to take on that challenge.
>
> I am guessing that given the likely low volume, a semi-kit (all the
> surface mount parts soldered down, but the remaining parts -- two DIP
> switches and four 2 pin headers -- left as an exercise for the buyer,
> would cost in the range of $80-$100.
>
> A fully assembled and tested version would probably be $100-120 (most of
> the increased cost is testing, not soldering down the few remaining parts).
>
> I've tried to be conservative in these prices and I hope the actual
> price will be lower, but don't know that for sure at this point. A lot
> depends on quantity so there's a bit of chicken and egg here.
>
> I'm hoping to collect no-obligation expressions of interest from this
> group, assuming prices in the ranges described above. If you'd be
> interested in buying one or more Clock-Blocks, please let me know
> privately how many, and what version.
>
> Thanks!
>
> John Ackermann
> jra at febo.com
>
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