Model NTS-100
Model NTS-100
Network Time Server
  • Synchronize computer clocks over a network 
  • 1 millisecond accuracy* 
  • Very cost effective and affordable 
  • Time referenced to GPS, IRIG B, or ACTS dial-up service 
  • SNMP Enterprise MIB support 
  • MD5 Security Protocol 
  • 1 PPS and IRIG B output 
  • Alarm status output 
  • Optional time display clients (4-inch digits) 
The TrueTime NTS-100 Network Time Server distributes time to precisely synchronize client computer clocks over a network. Time is acquired from GPS, IRIG B, or the ACTS dial-up service and distributed over the network using the Network Time Protocol (NTP). Client computer clocks can be synchronized to less than 1 millisecond.* Using the NTS-100 network time server for computer clock synchronization is a very cost-effective solution for transaction and data processing systems, secure local area networks, and enterprise networks.

The NTS-100 saves both time and money compared to configuring a workstation as a time server or using multiple plug-in cards. Installation is quick, and ongoing maintenance and support costs are eliminated. Since the NTS-100 is easily added to existing networks, precision time can be readily available with minimum time and effort. Clients require only an ethernet connection and NTP client software readily available on the internet.

Network managers and system administrators can remotely obtain information on the health and status of the NTP server and the primary time synchronization source using the SNMP protocol Enterprise MIB. Also, MD5 security protocol is included to authenticate NTP client-server communication. TrueTime's version of MD5 is completely compatible with current versions of NTP client software xntpd 3.xx and ntpdate 3.xx or later.

The NTS-100 is a stand-alone, rack-mountable network time server. The rear panel supports the synchronization input connector, a 15-pin AUI network connector, a 9-pin RS-232 communications/initialization connector, and two configurable BNC output connectors. The BNC outputs can be selected from IRIG B, 10 MPPS, and 1 PPS. Additionally, the NTS-100 provides a front panel keyboard and display as well as a status/alarm LED.

The exclusive TrueTime large format time display clients are a natural addition to a network equipped with an NTS-100 time server. The bright 4-inch LEDs of the TrueTime ND-4 display are perfect for offices, labs, and production areas, and can be read from up to 125 feet. The optional ND-4 is an NTP client that, once configured and connected to the network, displays the time to the second while maintaining synchronization with the time server.

The NTS-100 Network Time Server is optionally available as a plug-in card for TrueTime XL Series, Model Mark V, and Model 56000 instruments.

The plug-in card fits into the rear panel of the GPS-based XL Series and Mark V and supports the 15-pin AUI network connector. Initialization of the NTS card occurs via the standard RS-232 port or the front panel keypad.

In the Model 56000 configuration, the card's rear panel contains a 15-pin AUI network connector and a 9-pin RS-232 initialization connector. Indicators for power and NTP synchronization status are located on the front panel. The card requires an IRIG B time source.

Accuracy and performance specifications are the same for the plug-in card and the rack-mounted versions. Indicators for power and NTP synchronization status are located on the front panel.

SPECIFICATIONS NTS-100
INPUT SYNCHRONIZATION SOURCES
Select one only:
GPS: Includes A-1575MS-BUL antenna with 50' of RG-59/U coaxial cable. Maximum cable length 200'. For longer cable runs, see options.
IRIG B: Amplitude modulated 0.1 to 10 Vpp, 600 ohm input impedance
ACTS: NIST dial-up time synchronization service**
NETWORK PROTOCOLS
Network Time Protocol: NTP (RFC 1305)
SNTP (RFC 1361)
TIME (RFC 868)
MD5 (RFC 1321)
SNMPv1 Enterprise MIB II
Network Transport Protocol: UDP/IP
Simple Network Management (SNMP): SNMP provides the network administrator with the NTP Time Server Protocol status; network status, and statistics. This feature implements SNMP version 1 and Management Information Base (MIB) II.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Network Interface: UDP/IP (TCP/IP)

Ethernet or IEEE 802.3

15 pin AUI connector

Optional MAUs are available to support 10Base-T and 10Base-2.

The AUI supports 1640' connections while the 10Base-T and 10Base-2 support 328' and 607' respectively.
Auxiliary Outputs: Standard unit ships with IRIG B and 1 PPS outputs.

IRIG B: 1 kHz amplitude modulated carrier. 3 Vpp high into 600 ohms. BNC connector.

1 PPS: ACMOS level, 22 ohm output impedance, rising edge on time. BNC connector.

10 MPPS: ACMOS level, 22 ohm output impedance, rising edge on time (can replace IRIG B or 1 PPS output at time of order)
Timing Accuracy: Network: 1-10 milliseconds typical*

GPS: <1 microsecond to UTC

IRIG B: <10 microseconds to input code

ACTS: <10 milliseconds to NIST

1 PPS: 1 microsecond to reference input

10 MPPS: <1x10-7 when externally 
synchronized
Serial I/O: Bidirectional RS-232 with full user-selectable communication protocol and baud rates from 300 to 19200.
Alarm/Status Output: Open collector on rear panel BNC. (Fault is high impedance state.)
Alphanumeric Front Panel Display: View initialization parameters, time of year, alarm/status messages on the 2-line, 32-character LCD.
Keypad: 0-9; up, down, left, and right arrows; CLR, FUNC/ENTR, TIME, STATUS, POSITION
Internal Oscillator: 10 MHz VCXO
Accuracy: Function of input synchronization source
Stability:x 25x10-6 over 0°C to +50°C when not externally synchronized
ACTS:x 2x10-6 over 0°C to +50°C when not externally synchronized
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50° C
Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85° C
Humidity: To 95%, noncondensing
Certification: FCC, CE
MECHANICAL
Size: 1.75" x 17.00" x 10.38"
(4.4 x 43.2 x 26.4 cm)
Power: 95-260 Vac, 47 to 440 Hz, less than 15 watts
CLIENT SOFTWARE
A Network Time Protocol daemon is required for client operation. You can obtain the appropriate daemon and other supplemental information on the internet at the sites shown below as well as other locations. An OS/2 daemon is available from TrueTime.

1) http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~ntp
2) ftp://ftp.udel.edu/pub/ntp
3) http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~ntp/software.html
OPTIONS
  • DSK Antenna: Increases antenna cable run to 300' A-1575MS-DSK 
  • Telnet 
  • -48 Vdc Power Supply 

* For detailed performance characteristics see Network Time Server Application Note #23.

** Please note that the NIST dial-up synchronization service connector provided by the TrueTime NTP module requires a user-supplied phone line.

Specifications subject to change without notice.