SPG8000A

SPG8000A Master Sync / Master Clock Reference Generator

Key Features
- Multiple independent black burst and HD tri-level sync outputs provide all the video reference signals required in a video broadcast or production facility
- Four LTC outputs, VITC on black burst outputs, and NTP server provide time reference signals in a variety of formats
- PTP (IEEE 1588) support, including SMPTE ST 2059-2 and AES67 profiles
- GPS/GLONASS-based synchronization gives an accurate time-of-day reference and deterministic video phase reference across multiple independent systems
- Stay GenLock® and Holdover Recovery prevent synchronization shock when the external reference input, PTP, or GPS/GLONASS signal is temporarily lost
- Wide selection of video test patterns in serial digital formats (SD, HD and 3G-SDI) and composite analog formats (NTSC and PAL)
- 4K/UHD formats support with full frame 100% and 75% color bars (Quad Link Square Division)
- Dual hot-swappable power supplies ensure continuous availability of reference signals
- Easy to manage with Web-based interface for remote configuration and SNMP for status and alert information

Applications
- Sync generator and time reference generator for broadcast, studio, mobile, and post-production facilities
- Master or slave (genlock) operation for distributed system architectures
- Video equipment verification, facility link testing, and display calibration

Master video synchronization and time reference generator
The base configuration includes three sync outputs that can be configured with independent output formats and independently adjustable timing offsets. With Option BG, four more analog outputs can be added. A high-accuracy, oven-controlled crystal oscillator provides a stable frequency reference for the system, or the pass-through genlock input can be used to lock to an external video reference or 10 MHz continuous wave signal.

The SPG8000A’s Stay GenLock® feature avoids “synchronization shock” if the external reference suffers a temporary disturbance, by maintaining the frequency and phase of each output signal. When the external reference is restored, Stay GenLock® ensures that any accumulated clock drift is removed by slowly adjusting the system clock within standard limits instead of “jamming” back to the correct phase.

Time reference outputs are available in multiple formats. Three independent linear time code (LTC) outputs are available, and a fourth LTC connection can be used as input or output. Each LTC output has independent frame rate selection, time source (time-of-day or program time) and time zone offset. Vertical interval time code (VITC) is available on each NTSC or PAL black output, also with independent time sources and offsets. The SPG8000A can also serve as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server or as a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clock, providing the time-of-day reference to network-attached devices.

Optional GPS / GLONASS receiver
Option GPS adds an integrated receiver to the SPG8000A that is capable of receiving both GPS and GLONASS signals. When connected to an external antenna that supplies the standard GPS and/or GLONASS RF signal (for example, SPG8000ANT), the SPG8000A can use the GPS⁠/⁠GLONASS system’s stable frequency reference.

The GPS/GLONASS signal also includes a precise time-of-day reference that can be used for all time code outputs. Similar to the Stay GenLock® feature, the SPG8000A can maintain the video frequency and phase when the GPS/GLONASS signal is interrupted, and the Holdover Recovery mode will ensure a shock-free realignment of frequency and phase when the GPS/GLONASS signal is restored.

Optional PTP support
Option PTP adds two Precision Time Protocol (PTP) engines to the SPG system. The primary PTP engine has the capability to be a master PTP source or lock the SPG to the PTP as a slave. The secondary PTP engine can only be a master. The secondary engine allows implementing two masters when in Internal mode or locked to GPS, and simultaneous Master and Slave operation.

The black outputs support a 1pps mode. This is useful for measuring timing between systems.

Test signal outputs
The SPG8000A can be optionally configured with a variety of test signal outputs. Option BG includes two composite analog outputs (NTSC or PAL) that can be used to generate test patterns such as color bars, or serve as additional black burst outputs.

Option SDI adds two fully independent serial digital video generator channels of two outputs each. Each channel can be configured to any standard 3G/HD/SD-SDI format and frame rate. The selected test pattern can be generated on both outputs per channel, or one output can generate digital black.

A wide variety of standard test patterns are included, such as color bars, convergence grid, step scales, ramps, multiburst, SDI pathological test matrix and a real-time programmable zone plate generator. Bitmap images can be downloaded to the SPG8000A’s flash memory for arbitrary user-defined test patterns. ID text, burn-in time code, circle, and color logo overlays can be added to any test pattern, and several ancillary data packet types, including ancillary time code and user-defined packets, can be inserted into the SDI output signal.

The four SDI outputs can be configured to support 4K/UHD full frame, 100% and 75% color bars for quad link square division mode. This allows simple verification of your 4K/UHD workflow within the production studio or mobile truck. Note: VPIDs are compliant only to HD and 3G formats in 4K/UHD formats.

Also included is an audio/video delay test sequence, which in conjunction with a Telestream waveform monitor, can be used to ensure A/V delay compliance.

Audio reference signals
Several audio reference signals are available on the SPG8000A. The base configuration includes a 48 kHz word clock output, and Option AG adds five AES/EBU output pairs. One pair is dedicated to a Digital Audio Reference Signal (DARS) output, and the other four pairs are used for test tone generation, with independent tone frequency and amplitude settings for each of the 8 channels.

Audio tone generation, including Dolby E format, is provided with Option SDI as embedded audio on each of the SDI outputs. Various Dolby E audio frame start locations can be set to test the error handling ability of the signal processing equipment in the signal path. Embedded Dolby E metadata are also included in the Dolby E test stream. Supported Dolby E program configurations include mono, stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound audio.

Remote access
The SPG8000A includes a 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet interface for remote access to the instrument. A web-based user interface can be used for all configuration settings and for monitoring system status.

Alarm and key status information is also available using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) messaging, enabling easy integration with network management systems. Remote control and alarm reporting is also available using a general purpose interface (GPI). The SPG8000A has a front-panel USB port that can be used to backup and restore presets and other user data, and to perform system firmware upgrades.

Optional backup power supply
For mission-critical applications, the SPG8000A can be configured with a second power supply module. Under normal operation, the designated backup supply is seldom used, ensuring that it has maximum remaining life should the primary supply fail. The backup supply is load-tested once each day to verify that it can serve as the primary supply if necessary.

The usage time of each supply is logged as “temperature-weighted hours”, a metric that best estimates the calculated life of the supply. A front-panel LED will indicate when the supply is nearing its end-of-life.

If the primary supply is interrupted for any reason, the system will switch to the backup without any disruption to system operation. Power supply modules are hot-swappable for easy replacement, and feature a locking mechanism to prevent the power cable from accidental disconnection.