SPECIFICATIONS FOR AN/GSQ-53 TIME SIGNAL SET

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP67B00511R000100300004-4
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 16
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 20, 2010
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: February 24, 1964
• Content Type: REQ

Approved For Release 2010/05/20: CIA-RDP67B00511 R0001 00300004-4
SPEC IFIC.'tTICNS
for
AN/GS&-53
TIME SIGNAL S--;3-'
N
COPY OF
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 Approved For Release 2010/05/20: CIA-RDP67B00511 R000100300004-4
4 .
TIME SIGNAL SET 24 February 1961
AN/GSQ-53
1. General
2. Reliability
3. Accuracy
4. Standard Frequency and Time In te,rvals
4.1
4.2
Reference Frequencies
Pulse Markers
5.
Standard Time
5.1
5.2
5.3
Binary/Decimal Code Time
Voice Clock
Ruler Time
6. Reader and Search Control Unit
7. Technical Characteristics
7.1
General
7.1.1
VLF Synchronization Equipment
7.1.2
Time Generating Equipment
7.1.3
Reader and Search Control Equipment
7.1.4
Accessory Equipment
7.2
Technical Characteristics of the VLF Synchronization Equipment
7.2.1 VIP Receiver
7.2.2 Phase Comparator
7.2.3 Graphic Recorder
7.3
Technical Characteristics of the Time Generating Equipment
7.3.1
Oscilloscope
7.3.2
Frequency Standard
7.3.3
Digital Clock
7.3.4
Synchronizer and Power Supply
7.3.5
Patch Panel
7.4
Technical Characteristics
Control Equipment
of the Reader and Search
7.5
Technical Characteristics
of the Accessary Equipment
7.5.1
Voice Clock
--
7.5.2
Ruler Time Module
7.5.3
Remote Time Display
(Standard)
7.5.4
Remote Time Display (Miniature)
7.5.5
Remote Time Demand
8. Power Requirements
9. Physical System Configuration
9.1 VLF Synchronization Equipment
9.2 Time Generating Equipment
9.3 Reader and Search Control Equipment
9.4 Accessory Equipment
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 Approved For Release 2010/05/20: CIA-RDP67B00511 R000100300004-4
N TIME SIGhTAL-SET
AN,/GSQ- 53
1. GENERAL: The Time Signal Set was designed to meet existing
and expected real time requirements. The equipment consists of a
number of units which generate the timing information, plus a
distribution system providing a number of remote visual readout
positions as well as voice announcement facilities. The central
generator is in unitized form so that an installation can be tailored
to suit the requirements of a particular installation.
2. RELIABILITY: The ground unit includes two crystal controlled
frequency standards to ensure system reliability. In the event
of frequency standard failure, the "standby" standard is electronically
switched into the circuit. The oscillators used are stable to
L 5 parts in 10 -10/day which is approximately L 50 micro-seconds
per day. Thi.3 accuracy will hold over a temperature range of -18
to 65?C. Frequency division is accomplished by phase regenerative
dividers to insure reliability. In the event of a frequency change
in the standard or dividers the design is such that the unit will
immediately fail. This is inherently more satisfactory and reliable
than digital division.
3?? ACCURACY: Using WWV and WIdVH for synchronization with the
compensating delay networks in the equipment, a world wide accuracy
of 10 milli-seconds is achievable. If foreign HF Timing Standards
are used the over-all accuracy is doubtful. Interference from
foreign time broadcasts in the Far East on HF may reduce this
accuracy to 100 milli-seconds. Using VLF timing standards will
ultimately enable this system to achieve a world wide station-to-
station accuracy of about 1.0 milli-second. This accuracy will
require a VLF receiver and a graphic recorder. By using a
frequency comparison technique, correction of the frequency
standard to~parts in 10 -10 can be made in 4 hours using VLF as
opposed to approximately 100 days required when using only the HF
broadcast standards such as WWV. This may be summed up by saying
that the original order of magnitude of synchronization accuracy
can be maintained by using VLF techniques. Means are provided to
prevent a loss of synchronization of the timing generator due to
local power failure but there will be a loss of all information to
remote indicators until the return of the local line power.
.4. STANDARD FREQUENCY AND TIME INTERVALS:
4.1 The equipment generates the following standard sine wave:
5 me, 1 me, 100 kc, 1 kc, 500 cps, 100 cps, 250 cps, 60 cps, and 50 cps.
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SUBJECT: TIME SIGNAL SET (COI?T' D)
4.2 The equipment has the following pulse outputs:
1 mc, 10 kc, 1 kc, 100 pps, 10 pps, 1 pps, 1 ppm, and 1 p/hr. These
are available from the generator chassis and could. be put on a
separate timing track if relative time closer than 40 milli-seconds
should be needed for binary recording.
5. STANDARD TIME: The equipment generates standard time for
recording. Time is set up to the nearest second for serial readout
and to the nearest tenth second for parallel output.
t3 C -).
5.1 Binary/Decimal Code Time: In this system a 24 hour clock
will indicate time every second. The code is an 8-4-2-1 PD14 digital
type. Both binary and analogue outputs are provided. The code
format is as follows: The time code is generated during the first
800 milli-seconds of the second. This is coded into 20 bits that are
pulse duration modulated with the trailing edge of each bit denoting
the beginning of each 40 milli-second interval. The last 200 milli-
seconds are denoted by four (4) milli-second marker pulses followed
by a 36 milli-second pulse whose trailing edge identifies the
beginning of the next second. In this format the mark or binary
one is 24 milli-seconds long and the space or binary 0 is 12 milli-
seconds long. (See Figure la).
The digital code is presented in serial and parallel form. The
serial output gives code to the nearest second. The parallel buffer
gives code to the nearest tenth second. This buffer may be externally
scanned at any desired scanning rate.
The analogue output from the code generator consists of a 250
cycle tone, amplitude modulated by the serial digital code. (See Figure lb).
This will give 4 milli-second relative time intervals in the serial
analogue real time signal.
5.2 Voice Clock; Ten, time on demand, channels are provided
along with one continuous time channel. The continuous time channel
will give, ten second accuracy, voice time announcements every ten
seconds with exact time indicated by tone burst before announcement.
Announcement occupies 3 seconds in each 10 second period and occurs
immediately following the ten second timing tone burst. With the
Rcmote Time Demand Unit, time can be demanded as often as once every
five Seconds. Partial time announcements are not possible, therefore,
there may be a maximum of five seconds delay after the demand button
is pressed before the time announcement is received. Output -power is
c dbm. -
5.3 Ruler Time Unit: This unit ).rovides a course and fine
ruler time pulse structure. Output is I VIVIS from 600 ohm source.
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SUBJECT: TIME SIGNAL SET (CONT'D)
Course Structure: 1 minute intervals indicated by three pip3
of 1 kc tone 1/10 duration spaced 1/10 second apart. 10 second
intervals indicated by two pips of 1 kc tone 110 second duration
spaced 110 second apart. 1 Second intervals indicated by one pip
of 1 kc tone of 1/10 second duration. (See Figure 2a).
Fine Structure. All intervals are indicated by doubling the
amplitude of a 5 kc tone designated maximum amplitude (MA).
1 second interval indicated by 5 groups each of 5 cycles MA
separated by 5 cycles of low amplitude. 0.1 second interval indicated
by 3 groups each of 5 cycles MA separated by 5 cycles of low amplitude.
O.~i second intervals indicated by single group of 5 cycles MA. 0.001
second intervals indicated by single cycles MA occurring every 5
cycles. 0.0001 second intervals indicated by the cycle points on
the basic 5 kc tone. (See Figure 2b).
6. READER AND SEARCH CONTROL UNIT: This unit permits tape search of
the analog time code at any speed which does not increase the 250 cycle
carrier to greater than 50 kc. This means the playback unit can
search at fixed speeds or the fast forward and rewind speeds of the
vast majority of existing recording equipment. Search of binary
recording, however, with this unit must be made at the on-line rate.
The reader converts the 250 cycle analogue signal to the digital
PDM format and amplitude modulates one side of a 1 kc or 10 kc pulse
train. (See Figure lc.) This has been provided to give smaller
relative time marker intervals than obtainable from the 250 cycle
analogue carrier or the 25 cycle digital code format. For the
search operation the desired time of interest is programmed by setting
selective switches. Also the unit has a recycle mode which allows
repetitive scanning of any present time interval. Nixie readouts
provide a visual indication of the time.
7. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
7.1 General: The AN/GSQ-53 equipment consists of the following'
assemblies (1T-VLF Synchronization Equipment, (2) Time Generating
Equipment, (3) Reader and Search Control Equipment, and (1+) a group
of accessories.
7.1.1 The VLF Synchronization Equipment consists of the
following components: VLF Receiver, Phase Comparator, and Graphic
Recorder.
7.1.2 The Time Generating Equipment consists of the
following components: Synchronizer and Power Supply, Digital Clock,
Frequency Standard, Patch Panel, and Oscilloscope.
7.1.3 The Reader and Search Control Equipment consists of the
following components: Time Signal Analyzer and Power Supply with Desk
Rack.
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SUBJECT: TIME SIGNAL SET (CONT'D)
7.1.4 The Accessories consist of the following: Voice Clock,
Ruler Time Module, Remote Time Display Units, and Remote Time
Demand Units.
7.2 Technical Characteristic of the VLF Synchronization Equipment:
7.2.1 VLF Receiver. The VIP ?eceiver is a 5 band pre-
tuned receiver in the 14-30 kc band. The receiver changes the VI.
input signal to both 1 kc and 100 kc and these are provided as outputs.
7.2.2 Phase Comparator. The Phase Comparator is used to
measure the phase difference between the VLF Receiver outtout signal
and 100 kc input from the frequency standard chassis. A phase
difference meter is included to measure the phase differential.
A d-c voltage analogous to the phase difference is provided as an
output for the graphic recorder.
7.2.3 Graphic Recorder. The Graphic Recorder is used to
plot the frequency difference between the VIP carrier and the frequency
standard.
7.2.4 Patch Panel. The patch panel is a common connection
point for all output signals. Two BNC type connectors are provided
on the rear of the panel and one BNC type connector is provided
on the front of the panel for each output. This panel also provides
a receptacle for plug-in of the Ruler Time Module.
7.2.4.1 Output data
(a) Sine wave : 5 mc#1, 5 me #2, 1 me #1,
1 me #~2, 100 kc, 10 kc, 1 kc,
500 cps, 250 cps, 60 cps, 100 cps,
and 50 cps. Sine wave outputs
o dbrn.
(b) Pulse: 1 mpps, 10 kpps, 1 kpps, 100 pps,
10 pps, 1 pps, 1 pp and 1 ~,)pha:-.
Output 0-12 VDC from 600 ohm cource.
(c) Signal: Analog time coded signal, DC coded
signal, Coarse Ruler Structure, Fine
Ruler Structure, Cor:ibined voice
and analog time coded signal.
7.3 Technical Characteristics of the Time Generating Equipment.
7.3.1 Oscilloscope. The oscilloscope is used to synchronize
the digital clock with as radio frequency time standard. (VLF or II"r')
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SUBJECT: TIME SIGNAL SET (COnT'D)
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7.3.2 Frequency Standard: The frequency standard chassis
will cont,,in the following sub-assemblies: Two Frequency Standards,
One &.ritching Unit, One Frequency Divider Chain and One dower Supply.
The Frequency Standards are 5 me crystal oscillators. The switching
unit switches from the main standard to the stand-by standard in the
event of mal-function. This switching unit also switches to battery
power in the event of main power failure.
7.3.2.1 Output data
(a)
(b)
5 mcps
1 mcps
100 kcas
10 kcps
1 kcps
100 cps
60 cps
- 0.75 VPMS
- 0.75 VRMMS
- 0.75 VRMS
- 0.75 VRMS
- 3.75 VRMS
-0.75VRMS
- '3.7 5 VRMS
with 50 ohm load
with 50 ohm load
with 600 ohm load
with 600 ohm load--
with 6X ohm load
with 600 ohm load
with 600 ohm load
Pulse : 1 mpps - 0.1 volt peak
This pulse contains harmonies--
to 100 me
7.3.3 Digital Clock: The Digital Clock generates standard
time using an 8-4-2-1 PDM binary decir~a1_code Both binary and
analog outputs are provided. The binary output is provided in serial
and parallel form. The serial output gives time to the nearest second.
The parallel output gives time to the nearest tenth second. The analog
output is a 250 cycle sine :ave amplitude modulated with the serial
binary decimal code.
7.3.3.1
Output data
(a) Analog time coded signal -250 cycle sine
wave, amplitude modulated with the serial
binary decimal code, modulation ratio 6 to 1.
A phase shifting network provides phasing
of the 250 cycle sine wave for zero cross-
over. Output adjustable for 1 VRMS across
600 ohm load.
(b) Pulse train - modulated with the serial
binary decimal code. Output 0-12VDC from
600 ohm source.
(c) 24 bit parallel binary output. Output
0-12VDC from 10k OHM source.
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SUBJECT : TIME S:; rN (CONT' D)
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(d) 45 bit output for Remote Time Display
Units. Output: 0-75 VDC
(e) Sine wave: 500 cps, 250 cps, and 50 cps.
(f)
Output 1 I MS from 600 ohm source.
Pulses:
10 micro-second pulse at
10 kpps
250 micro-second pulse at
1 kpps
0.5 milli-second pulse at
100
pps
1.0 milli-second pulse at
10
pps
2.0 n;_lli-second pulse at
1
pps
10 milli-second pulse at
1
p/minute
10 milli-second pulse at
1 p/hour
All pulse outputs 0-12 VDC from
600 ohm source.
7.3.4 Synchronizers &nd. 1 n ; r Sul;p,p1y. The Synr,hrc,riizer and Power
Supply chassis contains the synchronization ._rr .ropag-~tion delay
circuits. A self-contained power supply also provides power for other
chassis. Synchronization is achieved by phase shifting a 10 kc sine
wave from the frequency standard. A resolver is used for this purpose.
The resolver can be-either manually or motor driven. Wave propagation
delay is-achieved digitally and can be varied in increments of one
milli-second up to a maximum of 99 milli-seconds. Alarm circuits are
provided for various type mal-functior:s.
7.3-4.1 Output data
(a) 20 micro-second pulse at 1 kpps (intensity
markers for the oscilloscope)
(b) 6 micro-second pulse at 1. pps for
Horizontal Sweep Trigger of oscilloscope.
7.3.4.2 Power Requirements: 95 to 135 VAC, 48 to 62
cycle, single phase.
7.4 The Technical Characteristics of the Reader and Search
Control Equipment. This equipment is able to decode the time signal
on the tape, and give a visual readout of the precise time of day
when the tape was recorded. The e 1 :t.}i:,ent has the capability of
searching out and locating a particular desired moment of recording
from analog signals. Furthermore, this equipment can play the same
pre-selected interval of time on the tape repeatedly, and automatically.
This is accomplished by having the equipment automatically operate the
playback recorder by remote control.
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 SUBJECT: TIME SIGNAL SET (CONT'D)
7.4.1 Output data:
(a) pulse width amplitude modulated carrier:
0-12VDC with 50k ohm load.
(b) parallel binary: 0-6 VDC with 50k ohm load
(c) seconds marker: 0-8 VDC with 50k ohm load
(d) a 1 kc and a 10 kc pulse train amplitude
modulated with the serial binary decimal code:
output -12 to /12 VDC with a lk ohm load.
7.4.2 Power Requirements: 95 to 135 VAC, )8 to 62
cycle, single phase.
.7.5 Technical Characteristics of the Accessory Equipments
7.5.1 Voice Clock: The characteristics of this unit is
furnished in paragraph 5.2.
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7.5.2 Ruler Time Module: This module has two outputs:
Coarse Ruler Structure and Fine Ruler Structure. These two output
are shown in Figure 2.
7.5.3 Remote Time Display (Standard). This unit uses six
one inch Nixie-type tubes to display time to the nearest second. The
Power Supply provides sufficient power for ten of these units.
7.5.E Remote Time Display (Miniature). Same as above except
one-half inch Nixie-type tubes. This unit requires one-half the power
of the standard size units, therefore two of these units can be used
in place of a standard Remote Time Display.
7.5.5 Remote Time Demand. This unite provides a means
for providing voice time announcements on demand. These announcements
are provided by the Voice Clock Chassis. The Voice Clock provides
power for up to ten of these units.
8. POWER REQUIREMENTS
Equipments and accessories:
Voltage 95 to 135 VAC
Frequency 48 to 62 cps
Wattage As indicated for individual units in Para.
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SUBJECT: TIME SIGNAL SET (CONT`D)
9. , PHYSICAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATION: Although the system includes a VLF
receiver, it may be necessary in some locations to use H F, synchroni-
zation. This is due to the limited r...;b~r of VLF stations now in opera-
tion. An increased number of VLF' s ta..t:io.ns arc scheduled for future
installation. When these new stations star, transmitting tim^, the
Vi.:T method can then be used for synchronizat3 on. providing greater
station-to-station accuracy. The height panel space -cequire:..ent for
each chassis (19" width) is tabulated below:
9.1
VIP Synchronization Equipment
Wattage
VLF Receiver
Phase Comparator
Graphic Recorder
7 inches
7 inches
102 inches
90 watts
90 watts
37 watts
9.2
Time Generating Equipment
Oscilloscope
Frequency Standard
Digital Clock
Synchronizer and
Power Supply
Patch Panel
7 inches
7 inches
7 inches
7 inches
51, inches
130 watts
30 watts
50 watts
50 watts
n. a.
9.3 Reader and Search Control Equipment
Time Signal Analyzer 7 inches n.a.
Analyzer Power Supply 5-,1,- inches 1.00 watts
Rack for Reader and
Search Control Equip-
ment 15 3/4 inches n.a.
9.1E gccc.ss ,,. ies
Remote Nixie Display Unit 3 inches n.a.
Remote Time Demnaid. U.-iii 3 inches n . a .
Voice Clock 5 inches 50 watts
Ruler Time Module (Plugs into Patch Panel) n.a.
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 Approved For Release 2010/05/20: CIA-RDP67BOO511 R000100300004-4
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