Configuring IEEE 1588 Synchronization With the NI PXI-668x Timing and Synchronization Module

Configuring IEEE 1588 Synchronization With the NI PXI-668x Timing and Synchronization Module - NI

Hardware

• PXI-6683
• PXI-6682
• PCI-1588

IEEE 1588 is an Ethernet-based synchronization method designed for cabled, local networks. It works by determining a master clock automatically from the network and having all other clocks slave to this master clock. IEEE 1588 is also a relatively fault-tolerant synchronization option. The 1588 clocks will dynamically determine a new master if the original master clock is disconnected from the network. 

Use the NI PXI-6682(H) or NI PXI-6683(H) timing card on the PXI(e) platform to synchronize multiple chassis with IEEE 1588 to a typical synchronization accuracy of 100 ns. This article details how to set up IEEE 1588 synchronization. To determine which synchronization technology best suits your needs, refer to Choosing a PXI Synchronization Technology.

 Configuring the Hardware for IEEE 1588 

1. You will need an NI PXI-668x in each chassis. Install each module according to the instructions in the module’s installation guide:

• NI PXI-6682(H)
• NI PXI-6683(H)

1. Use Ethernet cables to connect the NI PXI-668x in each chassis. The exact network configuration will depend on the number of chassis to be synchronized and the distance between them.
                   For instance, if you are synchronizing two chassis that are close together, you could directly cable the two chassis together. However if you have 3 or more chassis and/or chassis that are large distances apart, you will need to use a switch. While a standard switch will work with IEEE 1588, it introduces indeterminism into your network, resulting in decreased synchronization performance. NI recommends using a managed Ethernet switch that supports IEEE 1588v2 PTP. You should also make sure that the accuracy specification of the switch meets your synchronization needs. 
2. (LabVIEW RT Controllers Only) Enable the Ethernet adapter on the PXI-668x. To do this, open NI MAX. Under Remote Systems, select your controller, and navigate to the Network Settings tab. Change the adapter mode on the Ethernet adapter of the PXI-668x from Disabled to TCP/IP Network.

 

Configuring the Software for IEEE 1588 Synchronization

To configure your software for IEEE 1588 synchronization, you can use either NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) or one of the NI-Sync APIs (LabVIEW or C). The configuration involves two main steps:

1. Specify 1588 as the timing source to which you want to discipline your timing board.