Products		GT-Module

Leaflets: GT - module Manuals: GT - module Options: Option A Option L Option M Option I

Master Time Code, Timer and Time generator (LTC/VITC) H1-Module in 19"/1 HE-Housing

The Alpermann+Velte Rubidium series GT-module is a "Master Time Code"-generator with most typical studio synchronization possibilities with a variously dynamic amount of in-/output formats.

The GT is a complete generator, designed for compact applications, to which externally only one power supply and one GPS receiver is attached, in order to generate a master LTC Time Code.

The GT offers extensive monitoring and controlling possibilities and was also designed for the implementation in complex and fail-proof redundant systems.

The GT has a set of universal interfaces enabling it to be implemented for smaller compact Time Code applications (generators, converters) and also larger multigenerator studio systems applications. These interfaces permit a wide range of output signals via available “options”.

The following interfaces and connections are available:

• LTC-generator, Reference
• LTC-reader, VTR
• Serial interface, Reference GPS/DCF
• Input seconds pulses
• Input Primary- identifier
• RS485 MTD-Protocol
• Serial Output, MTD-Protocol
• Output DCF-Telegram
• DC input, Battery buffered clock unit
• Video input loop, Video synchronized
• GPI In-/Output
• Option: Video output for VITC generator
• Option: LTC- or IRIG-B reader, Reference
• Option: Automation system interface
• Option: Clock driver output

The rear-sided RLC plug carries voltage supply, a fault detector relay and a TC_link signal. The TC_link is a real time capable proprietary interface, which is based on a RS485 interface and an Alpermann+Velte user specific protocol. The second external interface present on the housing is the (RS232) PC interface. All data transfers, such as data exchange between the modules, configuration of the module, status monitoring and software updates are completed via the “TC_link” or the “PC” interface. Software updates are available for the modules firmware, its browser or for the programmable digital hardware components of the modules. The latest software and firmware updates are available on our web site or by request via email.

Modules can be inserted in any order into the available slots of a housing. Each slot position has its own address within the communal address of the systems housing identification address. This enables each module to be specifically identified within a bigger system. To simplify the location and identification of a module, alias names can be given to the hard stamped numerical address via the supplied configuration software. When any RUB module is inserted into any of our housings, each module is automatically connected to an internal “hot swappable” bus. This internal bus bilaterally connects all modules within that particular housing and can also be connected to other housings & modules via a RLC-plug located on the rear of all our housing models.

A uniform front offers a multi-functional window with four status LEDs and four backlit function keys for loading profiles or changing available functions (not available with 3RU units). A blue module’s name identification button is also present on the front side of the module (GT).

In most cases, the generated LTC is synchronized (locked) to a video signal. Various GPS or DCF protocols (e.g. NMEA or Meinberg) can be used as a time reference for the generated Time Code. Other optional time reference signals include IRIG-B, another LTC or NTP time signals. A temperature compensated precision quartz is used to enable a extremely stable free-running time source. A batterybacked circuit for the generation of the reference time along with an external reference (e.g. GPS) ensures stable operation. The GPS receiver and the internal time reference quartz can be externally supplied with power via a separate plug (even when the main housing is turned off), in order to ensure a constant reference that is ready for use immediately after powering up a complete system.

LTC Time Code is widely known as the most used generic reference signal. The GT's generator was designed in accordance with the SMPTE/EBU standards for PAL and NTSC. Parallel to a generated LTC, a reference VITC can optionally be generated (option V). Via our standard internal interface connection, all system data can be transferred to any other module in a connected system (TC_link).

Depending on the modules connected, VITC, DVITC, ATC (SDI and HD-SDI), UMID or NTP signal can be available. We also offer a series of different signal amplifier modules for the distribution of all GT signals, some of which offer fail-safe circuitry.

Because of the large amount of interfaces, module updatable software, programmable digital hardware and large assortment of modules available, there is an almost infinite amount of possible applications. We suggest that breaking down your requirements into required inputs and outputs to enable an overview of needed functions. To enable an easy overview of all available functions, the GT offers an easy to use windows configuration program and an optional Ethernet module that offers configuration by a standard web browser. Simple function settings can easily be stored and loaded or saved as a profile in the module’s memory.

This MTD protocol allows for up to six additional times to be transported in the user bits of the LTC. These times can be up or down counting, different time zones or VTR read time. All of the implemented times are simultaneously being available via the GT’s single MTD interface.

As an option there is an interface to automation systems like Aveco available.

The “DRVSEL“ input signal determines the primary or secondary operation mode of the GT in a fail safe system. Time Code and status data are here made available for the monitoring of the system (e.g. read-in and read-out times, synchronization status and operational data). This data can be queried and monitored by serial interface or TC_link. If a RUB Ethernet module is connected to the system, NTP and SNMP functions are then also possible.

The various universal input and output interfaces allow for a multitude of options, such as a bi-phase converter (CTL pulse to Time Code), Sony 9P converter or user programmable offset times. The RUB GI module was specially designed for the generation of IRIG-B. Many other special formats such as digital audio etc. are in development. There are many customer specific applications possible, so please do not hesitate to ask us for suggested solution to a request you may have.

The Alpermann+Velte GT module is a compact master Time Code system. It is widely known that space is limited in OB vans, and this is why we designed a professional yet very compact housing and module format. Due to its large amount of serial interfaces, all substantial periphery can be directly integrated (e.g. time displays, PCs and reference inputs). Various signal amplifiers, inserters and an Ethernet interface (NTP, SNMP, Browser) are optionally available by simply adding the applicable module to the interconnected system.

Option M offers a clock driver instead of the VD/VL interface.

The generators LTC is synchronized to a video's blackburst and a time reference. A GPS-mouse is directly connectable to the GT, as standard protocols such as “NMEA” and “Meinberg” are supported. Additional processable formats such as RS232, TC_link and MTD are all included, where VITC and other wide assortment of other formats are optionally available.

A redundant master Time Code system usually consists of two GPS receivers, two master Time Code generators and a monitoring signal switcher. The SL-module is responsible for monitoring and switching of the LTC, the SR-module for the reference signals (e.g. GPS) and the SV-module and for the VITC signals. With two connected power supply modules or an additional external supply of 24 V a redundant electrical supply can be ensured. NTP and SNMP are available with the addition of our IE Ethernet module, where a parallel operation of two or more IE modules allows for automatic redundancy of these available signals.

GT specifications

The RUBIDIUM modules must be used in conjunction with a RUBIDIUM housing and a RUBIDIUM power supply, please see our overview leaflet for more information.

We reserve the right to modify specifications without notice.