NI Ettus OctoClock-G CDA-2990

The OctoClock-G CDA-2990 is an affordable, high-accuracy timing reference and distribution system. This is a useful accessory for users that would like to build multi-channel systems that are synchronized to a common timing source. For example, the OctoClock-G CDA-2990 can be used to synchronize a system of USRP N210s for coherent operation. This can enable phased array applications such as beamforming, super-resolution direction-finding, diversity combining, or MIMO transceiver design.

The OctoClock-G CDA-2990 distributes 10 MHz and 1 PPS signals generated from an internal GPS-disciplined, oven-controlled oscillator (GPSDO), or an external source. The user can switch between these sources with a front-panel switch, and there is an automatic switch-over capability in case of failure or source disconnect.

The GPSDO serves as an accurate reference that can be synchronized to the GPS timing standard. This allows developers to time-align multi-channel systems across the globe within ~50 ns. When the GPSDO is not locked to the GPS constellation, it still provides 10 MHz/1 PPS signals, with an accuracy better than 25 ppb.