Factors Affecting the Accuracy of a Master Clock System

Accuracy is an important requirement when deploying a Master Clock system, especially in facilities with multiple areas that need to share a common time source. From the reference time source and Master Clock device to the synchronization protocol and signal transmission path, various factors can affect the system's ability to maintain consistent time across the entire facility.

Why Is Accuracy Important for a Master Clock System?

A Master Clock system is designed to distribute and synchronize a common time source to multiple clocks or devices within the same facility. When the system operates properly, receiving devices can maintain a consistent time instead of requiring individual adjustments.

Accuracy becomes even more important in environments where many activities depend on specific time references, such as hospitals, schools, train stations, airports, factories, or buildings with centralized operation systems. Tri Viet Controls currently provides Master Clock solutions for various types of facilities, with devices capable of receiving and distributing time sources through different methods.

An appropriately accurate system helps:

- Synchronize the time between clocks and devices.

- Minimize time discrepancies between different areas of a facility.

- Support the management of schedules, work shifts, and operational activities.

- Provide a unified time source for systems that require data synchronization.

Therefore, when evaluating a Master Clock solution, it is important to consider more than just time display capabilities. The entire chain of time source → processing device → transmission path → receiving device should be taken into account.

Factors Affecting the Accuracy of a Master Clock System

Multiple factors can affect system accuracy. Among them, the reference time source, time generation mechanism, transmission path, and synchronization protocol are key components that should be considered from the system design stage.

Reference Time Source

The reference time source provides the basis for the Master Clock to determine the correct time before distributing it to other devices. Depending on the configuration, the system may use time sources from GNSS/GPS, NTP, or an internal time source.

If the reference time source is unstable or the signal is interrupted, the device needs a mechanism to maintain time and handle loss of synchronization. Therefore, for facilities requiring high accuracy, selecting devices that support multiple synchronization methods or redundant time sources is an important consideration.

For example, LEDI® NETWORK TS from Gorgy Timing is introduced by Tri Viet Controls as a high-accuracy time server supporting NTP V4, IPv6, SNMP, and multiple synchronization outputs. The product also uses a time base and algorithm to ensure output accuracy when synchronized with GPS.

Accuracy of the Time Oscillator

Even when an external reference time source is temporarily unavailable, the Master Clock still needs to maintain the time reference during operation. This is where the quality of the oscillator and the device's internal time base become important.

The lower the oscillator error, the better the device can maintain accurate time during periods when it does not receive a reference time source. For systems requiring high accuracy, specifications such as the time base, error level, and time-holding capability should be considered together with the synchronization method.

Therefore, accuracy should not be evaluated solely based on GPS or NTP synchronization. The device's own ability to maintain accurate time is also part of the overall system performance.

Signal Transmission Latency and Quality

Once the Master Clock determines the reference time, the signal needs to be transmitted to clocks or receiving devices. In systems covering multiple areas, transmission distance, network latency, and transmission quality can affect the time at which devices receive the synchronization signal.

Key factors to consider include:

- The distance between the transmitting and receiving devices.

- Latency of the data transmission network.

- The quality of cables and network equipment.

- Signal interference or interruptions.

- The method used to compensate for transmission latency.

For systems requiring high accuracy, devices equipped with mechanisms to process or compensate for signal transmission latency can provide better control over discrepancies that may occur during time distribution.

Time Synchronization Protocol

The time transmission and synchronization protocol determines how devices exchange time data with each other. Common protocols used in Master Clock systems and network infrastructure include NTP, SNTP, and PTP.

NTP is commonly used to synchronize time among devices on an IP network. Meanwhile, PTP is used in environments that require higher-precision time synchronization.

The protocol should be selected based on the actual requirements of the facility, endpoint devices, and network infrastructure. Selection should not be based solely on the protocol name; the actual support provided by the Master Clock, receiving devices, and network should also be verified.

Some Gorgy Timing products supplied by Tri Viet Controls support multiple synchronization methods. For example, LEDI® NETWORK TS supports NTP V4/IPv6/SNMP, while the Tri Viet Controls product range also includes LEDI® NETWORK ITS v2m 2U, a high-accuracy time server with multiple redundant synchronization inputs and multiple synchronization outputs.

Interference, Environment, and Operating Conditions

The installation environment can also affect device stability and synchronization signal quality. Electromagnetic interference, temperature, power supply, and operating conditions should be considered when designing the system.

This is particularly important in facilities with numerous electrical devices, high-power machinery, or complex network systems. Equipment placement, transmission paths, and power supply arrangements need to be appropriately planned.

In addition, the system should be monitored to detect issues such as loss of the reference time source, connection failures, or devices no longer receiving synchronization signals at an early stage.

How to Maintain the Accuracy of a Master Clock System?

System accuracy does not depend on a single device. Instead, it is the result of the entire design, deployment, and operation process.

Use a Stable Reference Time Source

The reference time source should be selected based on the required accuracy and the characteristics of the facility. For systems requiring high reliability, devices supporting multiple synchronization sources or redundant configurations can be considered to minimize the impact when one source is interrupted.

Select a Master Clock That Meets Accuracy Requirements

Each facility has different requirements in terms of the number of devices, synchronization methods, network protocols, and required accuracy. Therefore, the Master Clock should be selected based on actual technical specifications rather than simply the scale of the system.

Key specifications to consider include:

- Input synchronization sources.

- Time base accuracy.

- Supported protocols.

- Type and number of outputs.

- Redundancy capabilities.

- Monitoring and alarm functions.

Design an Appropriate Transmission and Synchronization Network

The signal transmission infrastructure should be designed according to the transmission distance, number of devices, and system requirements. For systems using IP networks, attention should be paid to network latency and stability.

Designing the transmission infrastructure from the beginning helps minimize the need to add or modify transmission paths after the facility has entered operation.

Monitor Alarms and Synchronization Status

Monitoring capabilities help operators detect issues related to the time source or connectivity at an early stage. Some time servers can provide network-based alarms or dedicated alarm outputs.

For example, LEDI® NETWORK TS supports alarm management through SNMP TRAP and provides alarm options related to synchronization and power supply.

Perform Periodic Inspection, Maintenance, and Calibration

After deployment, the system should still be inspected periodically to ensure that devices receive the time source and maintain synchronization status.

Inspection activities may include:

- Reference time source status.

- Master Clock synchronization status.

- Network and transmission connections.

- Operation of slave clocks.

- Alarms or errors that occur.

- System redundancy capabilities.

Regular inspections help detect discrepancies at an early stage and minimize their impact on the overall operation of the facility.

Choosing a Master Clock System for the Facility's Requirements

There is no single Master Clock configuration suitable for every facility. Selection should begin with operational requirements and the required level of accuracy.

Required Accuracy Level

First, determine whether the system is used only for time display or also serves as a synchronization source for other technical systems. The higher the accuracy requirement, the more attention should be paid to the reference time source, time base, and signal distribution method.

Reference Time Source

It is necessary to determine whether the facility uses GNSS/GPS, NTP, or other time sources. If high reliability is required, a configuration with redundant synchronization sources can be considered.

Number of Devices Requiring Synchronization

The number of clocks and endpoint devices affects the Master Clock configuration, the number of outputs, and the signal distribution method.

Protocol and Output Signal Type

Endpoint devices may use different methods to receive synchronization signals. Therefore, compatibility between the Master Clock, transmission protocol, and receiving devices should be verified before deployment.

Redundancy and Monitoring Capabilities

For facilities requiring a high level of operational continuity, redundancy for synchronization sources, outputs, or devices may be an important design criterion.

Tri Viet Controls Provides Master Clock System Solutions

Tri Viet Controls currently provides a range of Master Clock system products featuring various Gorgy Timing devices, including LED clocks, Master Clocks, time servers, and equipment designed for time synchronization. The current product range includes LEDI® NETWORK TS, LEDI® NETWORK ITS v2m 2U, RADIO TIMING® GTC, RADIO TIMING®4000, and Grand Master Clock.

Among these products, LEDI® NETWORK TS is introduced as a high-accuracy time server supporting multiple time codes as well as NTP V4/IPv6/SNMP. The device can provide multiple synchronization outputs and supports alarm management.

To select the right configuration, it is necessary to first determine the requirements for accuracy, reference time source, number of devices requiring synchronization, connection protocol, and redundancy options. Tri Viet Controls can provide consultation on suitable devices and solutions based on the characteristics of each facility.

Contact Tri Viet Controls for consultation on a Master Clock system solution that meets your facility's time synchronization requirements.