Re: [Discuss-gnuradio] Syncronising multiple USRP2 boards

[Doug Geiger]

MarcW wrote:
> I would like to synchronise multiple USRP2 boards together. I know I need a
> 10Mhz reference clock and a synchronous 1PPS signal but have a few questions
> regarding the specifics of this,
>
> 1.) The USRP2 FAQ suggests to use a GPS clock but has anybody managed to
> successfully use anything else such as a function generator or other common
> lab equipment?
>   
I have done this with with two function generators: one to provide a 
10Mhz sine wave (I believe the USRP2 can lock to either a sinusoid or a 
square wave - I can't recall if I just had an easier time with the sine 
wave, or if that's just what I tried first and got working). The second 
generator was setup to provide a 'faux' 1PPS, but really all you need is 
a trigger that provides the rising edge at the right time, and at the 
right voltage levels (I believe you want to go from 0V to some positive 
voltage less than some value - to make sure you don't let out the magic 
smoke - I think the FAQ tells you what voltage that is). I was able to 
both lock onto the 10Mhz reference, and reset the internal clock with 
the generated 1PPS.
More recently I use a GPS-locked OCXO (can be had for ~$1000 these days 
I think).
> 2.) Does the reference clock need to be a sine wave or can it be square
> etc...?
>   
I believe the FAQ addresses this - I don't believe I ever tried with a 
square wave, but maybe I did and I just don't remember anymore...
> 3.) What function should the PPS signal be?
>   
I think the FAQ talks a little bit about this - the main things are: 
don't overdrive the USRP2, and I believe you want to go from 0V to 
+<some_positive_value>V, and the rising edge is used as the trigger.  I 
believe I ended up setting up the function generator to create a square 
pulse with <50% duty cycle at 1Hz, and with a positive voltage offset. 
Maybe +/- 1.5V, so with the offset it was 0V-3V? Can't recall right now.
> 4.) Do I need to modify the FPGA firmware to enable locking from the
> external signal?
>   
In the released code you call config_mimo(<MC_LOCK_TO_SMA or similar to 
that effect>) to lock to the 10Mhz reference, and sync_to_pps() to reset 
the internal counter on next pulse (there is also a sync_every_pps(), 
but you probably don't want that).  In the usrp2_vrt branch this has 
changed to clock_config (or config_clock), and you have to create and 
pass by reference is config_clock (I may have reversed the names).
> 4.) Is an active splitter absolutely necessary to use or can i get by with
> passive?
>   
I believe this ends up depending on how many USRP2's you want to drive - 
I don't have any problem using a passive BNC tee with two, and I believe 
I've tested up to three at a time (at least with the 10Mhz clock).
> 5.) Is there a good way to test whether I have correct synchronisation?
>   
You can send the clock to the debug pins on the daughterboard, and watch 
them on a 2-channel o-scope, with the reference clock on the other 
input. Once you call config_mimo they should not be drifting in relation 
to each other. The easiest way is to modify the firmware code to enable 
this - a search of the mailing list should reveal the correct 
incantation to put in txrx.c.
To check that the PPS worked, watch the timestamps coming out of the 
USRP2: shortly after the call to sync_to_pps() they should reset to zero 
and start climbing again.
> Marc.
>   
Good luck,
 Doug

--
Douglas Geiger
Code 5545
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Washington, DC 20375
(202) 767-9048
address@hidden