Using an external clock source to synchronize devices on a CobraNet network

You can configure the NioNode AES card to receive a clock signal provided by a device connected to the card. This signal is transferred to the CobraNet network and used in place of the CM-1 clock signal from the CobraNet Conductor to synchronize devices on the network. When this set up is used, the NioNode fitted with the AES card automatically becomes the CobraNet Conductor.

The procedure below assumes you have added a NioNode device to your design and selected an AES card for one of the available slots.

Notes:

• The NioNode must be fitted with an AES card. The clock synchronization feature is not currently supported by other cards.
• Only channel 1 on the card can be used to receive a clock signal.
• Currently, when using an external clock source, you can only use a project sample rate of 48KHz – the other sample rate options are not supported. To view the project sample rate, on the File menu, click Project Properties.
• If you are using XDAB, the NION fitted with the AES card must be configured as the XDAB master.

Tip: The digital signal received by the AES card can contain audio as well as a clock signal. This allows you to make connections using the flyoff for channel 1 to other devices in your design.

To use an external clock source to synchronize devices on a CobraNet network

1. Connect the external clock source to the channel 1 connector on the AES card.
2. In NWare, right-click the NioNode, and then click Device Properties.

   The NioNode Properties dialog box is displayed.

   

3. Click Advanced.

   The Advanced properties dialog box is displayed.

   

4. In the Clock Source list, click an I/O Slot option corresponding to the slot number in which the AES card is inserted.
5. Click OK.
6. Click OK.

   The Configure Slot x AES dialog box is displayed.

   

7. In the Channel 1 Direction list, click input.

   When a clock signal from an external source is detected on this input, the sample rate converters will be disabled automatically.

8. Click OK.