The heartbeat of any digital system, the T1 Time Reference legislates for perfect timing allowing the D1, C1 and I1 to place data and the individual samples that constitute the musical signal faithfully.
Description
When it comes to digital systems, time counts – literally.
The precise placement of data, the individual samples that constitute the musical signal, is critical to the accurate reproduction of the original signal. Any drift or error in the spacing of the samples will quickly erode the integrity of the signal, which is why designers of digital systems go to such great lengths to ensure the accuracy of the master clocks that provide a time domain reference for reading data, its transfer and decoding. This reduction in jitter has become the holy grail of digital design.
The problem is, that as soon as you have more than one box (and one master clock) in the system – for instance, if you use a transport and DAC – then the errors can increase exponentially. The easiest solution is to synchronise the two clocks, designating one as the master and slaving the other to it. That’s exactly the solution provided by the Clock-Sync cards available for the CH Precision D1, C1 and I1, while the sophisticated software control incorporated into each of the units allows owners to designate master and slave according to circumstances and system topology. But what’s better than syncing two or more units to a single master clock? Syncing them all to a single, superior, external reference point – a reference like the T1 Time Reference external clock.
The T1 generates a super accurate, low-jitter signal that delivers measurably lower phase noise and more accurate transfer and conversion of digital signals. It is built around a high-frequency 10MHz oven controlled oscillator (OCXO), its core temperature and output further stabilised by encapsulation in a mechanically isolated billet aluminium block. Why not just use one of the popular and readily available Rubidium clock modules like everybody else? Because those Rubidium modules have a limited life span – generally between six and eight years – and they contain radioactive material. At CH Precision we expect our products to have a much longer working life than that, so incorporating components with a finite life is contrary to all our beliefs – especially if those components then present a serious disposal issue.
By paying attention to the physical engineering and temperature control of our OCXO circuit, providing it with multiple buffers and a sophisticated power supply, we can match or exceed the performance of Rubidium clocks – without their associated issues. And to ensure the absolute accuracy of the oscillator output, you can sync the T1 to the GPS network, its satellites controlled by Cesium atomic clocks, the most stable and accurate time source known to man. Their 1Hz sync signal prevents any drift in the T1s output, not just now but for years to come, ensuring that your digital signals are (and always will be) handled as accurately and carefully as humanly possible.
Features
Outputs
• 10MHz nominal frequency
• Square wave: 500mV or 1V peak to peak, selectable for each output
• Sine wave: 500mV or 1V peak to peak, selectable for each output
• 6 outputs, 75Ω BNC coaxial
• Transformer-coupled outputs
• Independant control of wave form for each output
Inputs
• GPS input to suit the CH Precision GPS option
• TTL input for external synchronization
• Ethernet for remote control (CH Control App)
• USB for firmware upgrade
Power Supply
• Dedicated ultra low noise, three-stages discrete regulated linear power supplies for each section
• Galvanically isolated power supplies for the OCXO, the OCXO buffer and the output buffers
• Magnetically and electrostatically shielded toroidal mains transformer
Mechanics
• OCXO fitted inside a heavy aluminum block for improved core temperature stability
• OCXO aluminum block mounted on soft silicon gel for maximum damping
• Power transformer mounted on silent blocks
Reviews
“The T1 Time Reference let loose a barrage of detail beyond anything I’ve heard from digital source… But it was not a lopsided advance on the analytical front alone. It was balanced with enhanced timbre, full tone, and especially pace, rhythm and timing” – MARSHALL NACK, POSITIVE FEEDBACK (read in full here)
Specificatons
Frequency
Nominal frequency | 10MHz, +/- 20ppb typical in internal mode, factory adjusted 10MHz, +/- 1ppb maximum with GPS option locked for 1 hour |
Tuning range | +/- 0.1ppm via BNC input |
Phase noise performances | better than -105dBc/Hz @ 1Hz deviation better than -125dBc/Hz @ 10Hz deviation better than -145dBc/Hz @ 100Hz deviation better than -155dBc/Hz @ 1kHz deviation better than -165dBc/Hz @ 10kHz deviation and above |
10MHz Outputs
Output level | 500mV or 1V, peak to peak, loaded with 75Ω termination, adjustable for each output |
Waveform type | Sine or Square wave, adjustable for each output |
Output impedance | 75Ω, 6x BNC coaxial connectors |
External BNC Input
Input level | 5V TTL level |
Input impedance | 47kΩ, BNC coaxial connector |
Accepted signal frequencies | 1 PPS 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz 100kHz |
Reference signal frequency deviation | maximum +/- 0.1ppm around the above signal frequencies |
General
Display | 480×272 pixels, 24bits color, AMOLED |
Mains operation | Selectable 100V, 115, 230V AC, 47-63Hz |
Fuses value and location | Standby fuse (black holder): 250mA T (230V AC), 500mA T (100V AC, 115V AC) Main fuse (white holder): 1.6A T (230V AC), 3.15A T (100V AC, 115V AC) |
Power supply consumption | <1W (standby), 60W max in operation |
Dimensions/Weight | 440 x 440 x 133mm (W x D x H), 26kg |
Remote control | Ethernet based system control via the Android CH Control App |
Upgrades & Accessories
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