Time & Frequency News

TFS GAINS REAPPROVAL TO ISO9001:2008

March 2012
Our commitment to quality and excellence was put to the test recently with a quality review.

We are delighted to see that our quality management system has received reapproval to ISO9001:2008.

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TFS UPDATES GPS COMMON VIEW SYSTEM

Nov 2011
Our GPS Timetrace Common View System has been upgraded and relaunched as Timetrace II.

Not only has the unit received a facelift, but it also now sports a built-in computer with a well-designed touchscreen for configuration, monitoring and data log purposes.
Click Here for Press Release [pdf]

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TFS EXPANDS NTP PRODUCT FAMILY

May 2011
We have made some important changes to the NTP product family offering following a very positive market reaction to the release of the NTP80 Network Time Server last October.

There are now three variations on the original NTP80: a stand-alone unit or the ‘little black box’ as it has come to be known; a rack-mountable version of the box with a specially designed front panel; a full rack-mounted chassis 1U high 200mm deep.
Click Here for Press Release [pdf]

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TFS at ATC Global 2011

Mar 2011
ATC Global 2011 was a great success for Time & Frequency Solutions. The event was held at ATC Global, Amsterdam RAI Centre, 8-10 March and was very well attended throughout the three days.

We took the opportunity to showcase our newest product, the NTP80 Multi-Port Network Time Server, plus our PTP8 Client, and we even showed off our NTP40 Network Time Server prototype (watch this space for the launch!) The 'little black boxes' certainly attracted a lot of attention.

Also on display was our rack-mounted dual redundant M211 Precision Timing System together with a selection of digital time displays.

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New NTP80 Network Time Server from TFS

Nov 2010
We have unveiled our new NTP80 Triple-Port Stratum 1Network Time Server.
The NTP80 provides a high performance means of accurate time distribution over local area networks (LANs) using Network Time Protocol (NTP). It provides accurate and reliable time data from a trusted source, which is critical in many industries. NTP is the industry-standard means of time distribution over discrete networks and it is also extensively used on the Internet.

The highly economic unit has a range of synchronisation options including GPS, GLONASS and BEIDOU, plus analogue timecode such as IRIG-B and AFNOR. It is capable of synchronising 3 discrete networks independently, and can even act as both host and server in peer-to-peer mode.

The standard Temperature Compensated Quartz oscillator (TCXO) can be upgraded to Ovened Quartz (OCXO) or even Rubidium for ultra-high precision and greatly enhanced holdover stability.

The NTP80 is available in a choice of either stand-alone unit or standard 19” rack-mountable chassis. The stand-alone unit is very compact, and not much larger than a network router. Configuration is simple via a web browser, and the unit is upgradeable remotely via flash memory.
Click Here for Press Release [pdf]

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TFS at the ITSF 2010

Nov 2010
The 8th International Telecom Sync Forum was held in Dublin, Ireland from 2nd-4th November 2010. The event explored the challenges facing the telecommunications industry in delivering increasingly precise timing solutions to cope with the ever evolving Ethernet transmission infrastructure.

The event was well attended, and our Product Specialist, Tim Beck, was overwhelmed with enquiries. We showcased our unique TimeSpy Elite Network Time Analyser, PTP8 Slave Network Time Client and PTP80 Grandmaster Clock.

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New Choice of Platforms for PTP Slave

Oct 2010
We have increased the range of platforms available for our innovative PTP8 Slave Network Time Client. The PTP8 Slave Network Time Client provides network service providers and equipment manufacturers with a packet-based timing and synchronisation solution. It is now available as a sleek stand-alone unit, a 1U-high rack-mountable unit and as an OEM board-level solution.
Click Here for press release [pdf]

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ATC Global Exhibition

Venue: Amsterdam RAI
Dates: Tuesday 8th March 2010 to Thursday 11th March 2010
TFS are exhibiting at ATC Global exhibition for the first time. Come and see us in the Holland Hall 11, Stand H801.
On show will be our flagship products the M210 and M211 Modular Timing Systems, together with a range of time displays, including M350 ATC Console Display, M355 LED Time Display and M385 Analogue Clock.

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TimeSpy

Portable Precision Time Measurement with Network Time Analysis
TFS proudly presents the new range of portable precision time measurement instruments. We have updated and upgraded the functionality of the TimeAcc units to incorporate a whole range of features that have been requested by our customers.

The new range comprises three instruments: TimeSpy, TimeSpy Elite and TimeSpy Elan.

TimeSpy precisely measures the time accuracy of a wide range of inputs against an internal precision GPS-controlled oscillator.

TimeSpy Elite includes enhanced features on the classic TimeSpy; it precisely measures the accuracy of a wide range of classic and network timing inputs (including PTP) against an internal precision GPS-controlled oscillator.
TimeSpy Elan includes all the features of the TimeSpy Elite, plus the useful ability to accommodate a laboratory standard input as a time reference.
For full details, including downloadable pdf datasheets, please see the TimeSpy pages.

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The M211 Gets a Makeover

9 July 2009
Following on from the success of the M210 new front panel design, we are now proud to unveil the new front panel for its big brother, the M211 Precision Timing System.

The new panel is finished with a contemporary soft-sheen black, and the single piece design replaces the bolt-on rack-mounting brackets. The bright aesthetic blue display is much larger and clearer, and menu selections and equipment configuration is much simpler with the 5-segment 'clickable' button. The addition of a scalloped curve adds to the overall aesthetic.
Press Release - New Look for M211 Precision Timing System [pdf]

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Time & Frequency Solutions at the Airport Show, Dubai

22nd May 2009
This was the first time we exhibited at the prestigious event held at the Airport Expo Dubai on 19th to 21st May. We decided to exhibit this year after attending the exhibition as visitors last year, when we saw how popular the event was.

We were exhibiting as partners of Bayanat Airports Engineering & Supplies LLC, and our stand was located within their Bayant & Partners section of the show. It proved to be a perfect location for us, as quickly the stand was inundated with visitors, which did not abate for the entire duration of the show.

By the middle of the second day, we realised that we were going to run out of literature before long. Sure enough, we ended the exhibition having given out all our literature and promotional goodies, but having gained some valuable quality leads.

The show was definitely a success for us, despite reported lower show visitor numbers than last year. We can say with confidence that we'll definitely be back in 2010!

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Time & Frequency Solutions Release New Front Panel Design

1st March 2009
In response to customer feedback, we have put a great deal of thought into updating the front panel of the M210 Modular Timing System. The changes are as follows:

The panel is now one piece, rather than the old design 'bolt-on' rack mounting brackets.
A much larger, clearer display in a bright aesthetic blue
5-segment 'clickable' button for menu selections
A soft 'sheen' finish black replaces the dated beige panel colour
The addition of scalloped design adds to the overall aesthetic

We have already received very positive feedback, and we are sure you will agree the changes are most definitely for the better. Over the coming months we will be rolling out this design to encompass all the range of Time & Frequency precision timing systems, starting with the M211 Modular Timing System, the big brother of the M210.

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Time & Frequency Solutions At TimeNav ‘07

1 June 2007
We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be involved with such a prestigious event as the TimeNav’07 exhibition and conference in Geneva, which took place May 28th to June 1st this year.

We took advantage of our booth to demonstrate the latest addition to the Time & Frerquency Solutions range of precision instrumentation - the TimeAcc Time Measurement Instrument.

TimeAcc precisely measures the time accuracy of a wide range of inputs against an internal precision GPS-controlled oscillator and displays the difference on a windows-based touch screen.

Nigel Helsby, our Technical Director, also presented a paper based on the technology behind the TimeAcc, which he co-wrote with product designer Will Dean. The paper, entitled Portable Instrumentation for Time Source Verification, is available to read in the Articles section of this website.

Also showcased was our Common View Measurement System, Timetrace. We developed Timetrace in conjunction with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to provide exceptionally accurate time and frequency standard to calibrate clocks and frequency sources in real time.

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New Product Launch: TimeAcc - Precision Time Measurement Instrument

6 Dec 2006
Time & Frequency Solutions are pround to present the latest addition to their range of precision timing instruments. The TimeAcc accurately measures the time accuracy of a wide range of inputs against an internal precision GPS-controlled oscillator. Any difference is then displayed on the large, full colour touch-screen.

As the instrument is about the same size a small suitcase and weighs in at just 9kg, it is portable yet more than sufficiently sturdy for any industrial application. The portability of the unit is a fantastic advantage as it can be used as and when required - perfect for applications where a permanent timing system is unecessary.

It is simple to synchronise the unit to GPS outside as it features an integral GPS antenna and its own power supply. The unit can can also be synchronised inside if connected to an external GPS antenna, and even can be connected to AC mains power.

Signal inputs to be measured are user-selectable from the front panel touch-screen. Acceptable signal inputs for measurement are 1pps, 1ppm, 1pph, IRIG-B, RS232, RS422, RS485, NTP and DCF-77. And at a timing resolution accuracy of better than 1 nanosecond and an absolute accuracy of up to 50 nanoseconds to UTC, this simple yet sophisticated unit is set to give a new meaning to high technology.

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MSF Time Signal to Move from Rugby to Anthorn

1 Dec 2006
The UK's time signal 'MSF 60kHz' is on the move from Rugby, where it has been transmitted since 1927, to a new home in Anthorn in Cumbria. The signal, often referred to as 'The time from Rugby', will be known as 'The Time from NPL' from April next year. The move is the result of the award of a new contract by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to VT Communications.

The switch will follow a three-month test period between January and April 2007. During these periods the signal at Anthorn will be switched on for short periods of time. These are opportunities for users to ensure their equipment can receive the new signal before the old one at Rugby is switched off. Anyone wishing to test their equipment against the new signal should sign up for signal testing schedules at http://www.npl.co.uk/time/msf.

The time signal is accurate to within one thousandth of a second and supports a range of professional services. These include 999 communications, rail networks, cash machines and mobile phone networks. The signal is also used in homes and offices around the country. It helps synchronise servers for businesses and enables Packet-Switching, the protocol used to send and receive information across the internet.

The National Physical Laboratory is home to the nation's atomic time and one of only five laboratories worldwide using the latest caesium fountain to contribute to the world time standard Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).The signal’s transmission is tied to NPL's atomic clocks at Teddington in South West London.

NPL managing director, Steve McQuillan, says "While most users check their time against the signal periodically, a small number of people and organisations use the signal constantly in their work. We regularly notify those we know who may be affected by our testing and we'll be happy to add any other users to our email list if they get in touch. However, the vast majority of time signal users will not experience any disruption during the testing and switchover."

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Search for New Voice Raises £20k for Children In Need

20 Nov 2006
Sara Mendes da Costa, 40, from Brighton, will be the new voice behind the Speaking Clock and will replace the current incumbent, Brian Cobby, sometime in the New Year.

Ms Mendes da Costa won the recent nationwide competition launched by BT in conjunction with BBC Children In Need to raise funds for the charity. 18,405 people called the competition hotline, raising a total in excess of £20,000.

Time & Frequency Solutions have supplied the technology behind the Speaking Clock since 2001. Teligent, the telecoms specialist, supplies the vital switching gear enabling multiple users to access the system at the same time. The time source used is a Time & Frequency Solutions M211 Master Clock Timing System with a redundancy element to ensure continued working even if a fault developed.

After recording the key phrases, the audio 'wav' files are then cut up into sections to fit a specified time frame. All these sections are kept in an audio library along with audio files of all the other parts of the message. The complete message is made up of three parts: the preamble ("At the third stroke..." etc), the actual time packet in hours, minutes and seconds, and the word "precisely".

The resulting message that you hear when you dial 123 is an audio file compiled by selecting the relevant components to each message for transmission every ten seconds. The clock is highly accurate - to within five thousandths of a second - and many important clocks are set from it, including Big Ben and many broadcast media stations.