GPS - Do you know where your test system is?

OK, I agree...that title is a little misleading. While GPS is popularly known to provide accurate position data anywhere on the globe, it's use in test systems is far different. A lesser known feature (lesser known outside of the scientific and engineering world) of GPS is the precise time reference that can be used to, among other things, synchronize clocks or discipline frequency sources to provide long-term clock stability. It is this feature that is of interest in the world of test and measurement.

The M213 M-Module is a GPS Timing Receiver capable of producing a highly accurate 1 Pulse Per Second (PPS) or 100 Pulse Per Second signal.

The M213 utilizes the M12+ Timing Receiver formerly manufactured by Motorola now manufactured by iLotus, LTD. and distributed by Synergy Systems. The M12+ is specifically designed for timing applications. The M12+ can track up to 12 satellites simultaneously and includes an algorithm known as Time-Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (TRAIM) that ensures the integrity of the PPS signal. The M213 actively monitors the PPS signal providing status of the signal via a front panel LED and a software register. In addition, the M213 can generate an interrupt on any change of status of the PPS signal. The M213 can be programmed to output a 1 PPS or a 100 PPS signal and the PPS can be configured to be active all the time, never, only when tracking at least one satellite or only when the TRAIM conditions are met.

A software driver is available that allows easy integration into any test system and like all of C&H's drivers, it includes a soft front panel application that provides out-of-the-box interactive control of the module. Finally, being an M-Module, the M213 can be used in any platform for which there exists an M-module carrier, including, VXI, VME, PXI, cPCI, LXI, and more.

While you certainly could monitor the location of you test system using the M213, it is not likely to be of interest. On the other hand, the ability to discipline a frequency source to provide extreme long term stability can be invaluable for many applications.