Protempis Thunderbolt (Formerly Trimble Thunderbolt) GM200 Grandmaster Clock (PTP & NTP)

NOTE: This product does not include a power adaptor. Please add item 112383 to your order.

What is a PTP Grandmaster Clock?

A PTP Grandmaster Clock (or Grandmaster) is the single authoritative source of time in an IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) network. Its primary function is to synchronize all other clocks (Boundary and Slave clocks) across the network to a highly accurate time reference, typically derived from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) such as GPS or GLONASS.

The Grandmaster:

• Establishes the time reference for the entire domain.
• Distributes high-precision timing signals over Ethernet.
• Is essential for phase synchronization in technologies like 5G and LTE-Advanced.

Key Use Cases for the GM200 Grandmaster Clock

The Thunderbolt PTP GM200 is specifically engineered to meet the stringent timing requirements of modern wireless networks and industrial applications, including:

1. LTE-Advanced and 5G Networks: Providing the phase synchronization required for critical cell-to-cell handoffs and MIMO antenna arrays.
2. Small Cell Deployment: Serving as the GNSS-fed timing reference at the edge of the network.
3. Utility and Power Grids: Ensuring a precise sequence of event recording and network monitoring (Substation Automation).
4. Data Centers & Financial Trading: Offering highly stable and accurate time stamping for compliance and transaction integrity.

Key Features & Advantages

• World-Class Holdover: Industry-leading Protempis technology ensures continuous, accurate time availability even during GNSS signal loss.
• Harsh-Environment Ready: Wide operating temperature range of -40° to +85° supports both indoor and outdoor deployments.
• PTP & NTP Support: Functions as a Grandmaster for both Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and Network Time Protocol (NTP) applications.
• Designed for Telecom Edge: Optimized to provide the critical phase synchronization necessary for LTE-A and 5G networks.
• High GNSS Performance: Employs Protempis' trusted GNSS engine for superior satellite acquisition and timing accuracy.

How the Thunderbolt GM200 Guarantees Time Accuracy

The Thunderbolt PTP GM200 is fundamentally a highly precise PTP (Precision Time Protocol) Clock. It achieves its world-class accuracy by acting as a primary reference clock, utilizing the following:

• GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System): The primary time source, locking to satellites for UTC-traceable time.
• Disciplined Oscillator: The internal oscillator (e.g., OCXO) is continuously adjusted, or 'disciplined,' by the GNSS reference, providing superior stability and holdover.
• IEEE 1588: Serving as the Grandmaster to distribute this highly accurate time across the network to all slave clocks and devices.

How to Access the GM200 Management Interface (Web Login)

For configuration, status monitoring, and troubleshooting of the Thunderbolt PTP GM200, users typically access the device via its secure web-based interface.

To log in:

1. Connect your management PC to the dedicated management Ethernet port.
2. Configure your PC's network settings to match the GM200's default IP range (refer to the full manual for the default IP address).
3. Open a web browser and navigate to the GM200's IP address (e.g., http://192.168.0.1).
4. Enter the default or user-configured Username and Password.

A Protempis Product (Formerly Trimble)

The Thunderbolt PTP GM200 Grandmaster is a product of Protempis, the dedicated timing solutions company that was formerly part of the Trimble family. This heritage ensures the GM200 leverages the same world-class GNSS technology and engineering excellence established under the Trimble brand name for decades.