RME WCM Word Clock Modul für HDSP 9632

The WCM MKII (Word Clock Module) adds a word clock input and output in professional quality to the DIGI96 series cards. A low jitter optimized PLL circuit, an integrated clock generator and a unique test mode extend the powerful capabilities of our digital audio cards in a way many professional users have asked for.

Like with our other products we were not satisfied with the commonly used standard circuits. Instead, thanks to a newly developed input stage, the WCM gains unsurpassed compatibility and reliability. LEDs for power, test mode and LOCK clearly tell what's going on. With this the WCM stands in the same tradition as our other products: easy to use, always reliable, best performance!

The improved and enhanced new Word Clock Module MKII offers additional modes, controlled by easy to operate DIP-switches. With these modes the WCM is fully compatible to all currently used word clocks. Input and output can be set to single or double speed mode independently. An internal termination can also be activated. Therefore T-connector and BNC-terminator are no longer necessary. The internal clock generator can operate not only at 44.1 kHz, but also at 48 kHz. Thanks to the single/double mode of the input those two sample rates extend to 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz internally.

 

Thanks to the intelligent co-operation of Word Clock Module and the DIGI96 series their combined usage is very easy. The activation is done by a simple mouse click on 'Word Clock' in the area 'Clock Mode' of the settings dialog. The area to the left, 'Output Status', allows to check whether the word clock is used by the card or not. When a valid input signal is present the third line changes from 'Clock Master' to 'Word Clock'. This display works exactly like the green LOCK LED at the BNC input. Therefore you'll see directly on the screen when a valid word clock signal is received and used by the WCM.

The display of the sample frequency in the second line of 'Output Status' does not represent the actual frequency in this mode, but the channel status set in the digital audio signal.

Module needs no driver and no slot on the motherboard

Low jitter design: 2.5 ns typical in PLL mode (44.1 kHz)

PLL works without dropouts even at more than 40 ns jitter at input

High sensitive input stage works from 1 Vpp input level

Ignores DC offsets in the word clock net

Overvoltage protection at input and output

Short circuit protected output stage

Integrated clock generator, usable as master clock or for test purposes

Internal clock switchable: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz

Frequency range PLL input: 27 kHz - 102 kHz

Frequency range output: 27 kHz - 102 kHz

Input BNC, switchable high impedance (10 kOhm) or terminated (75 Ohm)

Output BNC, low impedance (10 Ohm)

Power supply: from DIGI96 board, 12 V DC, 45 mA

Standard slot, board dimensions 97 x 55 mm

4 internal cables included

 

UNIQUE TECHNOLOGIES 

 

- Test generator/Master clock

Pushing the switch 'Test Mode' forces the WCM to generate its own quarz crystal controlled word clock, and to send it to all connected DIGIs. With this the internal generator provides two functions: Test mode (the internal word clock signal replaces the external at the BNC jack) and master clock. The master clock allows to synchronize all internally connected DIGIs. As the word clock signal of the test generator is available at the WCM's output too, it can also be used as house clock, synchronizing the complete network (studio.)

 

- Low Jitter Design

Devices using a common internal word clock PLL design often generate more than 10 ns of jitter. The WCM's PLL is jitter optimized and reaches typical 2.5 ns at 44.1 kHz. This value is achieved although the WCM's PLL is located on a separate board and stressed by electromagnetic fields inside the PC.

 

- Wide Range

The WCM is probably one of the first devices in the world that supports the whole frequency range of 27 kHz to 102 kHz! With this you get the technology of tomorrow today.

 

- Signal Adaptation Circuit

An ideal word clock signal is a 5 Vpp square wave. Usual word clock input circuits are build with simple TTL receivers. Unfortunately often errors appear, caused by wrong impedances (more than one termination resistor), bad cables, connectivity problems or abnormal capacitive load, which lead to a loss of level and signal deformation. Because of this the WCM was equipped with a special AC coupled input circuit with 1 Vpp sensitivity, which can use even a sine as input signal. While other devices often stop to work at 3 Vpp or at slightly unformatted signals, the WCM stays locked. Thus the reliability expected from a professional device can be guaranteed.

 

- Protection Circuits

To guarantee a long and successful operation the WCM's inputs and outputs are protected against DC, overvoltage and shorts.

Specs:

• Color: Black
• Line Outputs: 0
• Line Inputs: 0
• Mic Inputs: 0
• Phono Inputs: 0
• Instrument Inputs: 0
• digital Output: none
• Headphone Out: no
• MIDI Inputs: 0 Ports
• MIDI Outputs: 0 Ports
• Host Port: PCI
• Type: Accessories
• Theme: Recording and Studio

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