
( Brand: Curtiss-wright ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: MIRG-120B-1 ), ( Part Type: Reader Generator Module ), ( Compatible Make: Ttc ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Curtiss-Wright MIRG-120B-1 IRIG Reader Generator Module is a versatile and essential addition to any data acquisition system that requires precise time synchronization. This module, designed and manufactured by Curtiss-Wright, is a member of the industry-renowned VMEbus Multi-Function I/O (MFIO) product family. The module's primary function is to read and generate IRIG-B (Inter-Range Instrumentation Group - B) format time codes from various sources, such as GPS receivers or external time references, and distribute this information to other devices in your system for synchronization.
The MIRG-120B-1 is compact, measuring only 6.3 inches long, 4.0 inches wide, and 1.0 inch high. It features four independent channels for reading IRIG-B time codes, which can be configured for CTL word (Control Word), NTP (Network Time Protocol), or PTPv2 (Precision Time Protocol version 2) input types. Each channel can accept inputs from a wide range of sources, including TTL/RTS and RS-232 signals.
The module comes with an integrated IRIG output, which can generate IRIG-B formatted time codes in response to external time reference input, ensuring a reliable and consistent timebase for your system. The IRIG output can be configured to support multiple time formats, including IRIG-A, MIL-STD-1553B, and GPS time.
The MIRG-120B-1 also offers a wide operating temperature range, which makes it suitable for use in harsh environments. The module is rated for an operating temperature between -40 C and 70 C (overnight storage temperature: -45 C to 85 C) and tolerates a relative humidity of up to 95% at 40 C (non-condensing).
The Curtiss-Wright MIRG-120B-1 IRIG Reader Generator Module is housed in a rugged, conduction-cooled VMEbus card format (3U) aligned with Pin Grid Array (PGA) pinout, ensuring effortless integration into VMEbus-based systems. It features an integrated power supply and offers a guaranteed power consumption of less than 4 watts.
This module is known for its robust design, high-precision time synchronization, and versatile input/output capabilities, making it a top choice for applications in various industries, including military, aerospace, and scientific research. The Curtiss-Wright MIRG-120B-1 IRIG Reader Generator Module makes the process of precise time synchronization within your system straightforward and reliable.
The Curtiss-Wright MIRG-120B-1 is a widely used IRIG (Inter-Range Instrumentation Group) reader generator module. IRIG is a standard format for encoding time and synchronization information, which is essential in various time-sensitive applications such as avionics and military systems. Let's examine the key pros and cons of purchasing this module for such applications.
Pros:1. High Accuracy: The MIRG-120B-1 module offers high accuracy and stability, making it ideal for timing-critical applications where precise time synchronization is required. It has an internal oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) that provides an accuracy of 1 ppm.
2. Flexible Interface Options: It offers different interface options such as IRIG-B, IRIG-A, GPS, and NMEA, providing users with the flexibility to adapt to various requirements.
3. Rugged Design: The module is built with a rugged design, suitable for harsh environments, as it has a wide temperature operating range and meets MIL-STD-810G for shock, vibe, and temperature.
4. Compact Size: The small form factor of the MIRG-120B-1 makes it suitable for applications where space is a concern. The module dimensions are 5.08 inches long, 3.15 inches wide, and 0.92 inches high, making it easily integrable.
5. EMI/EMC Protection: The module is designed with advanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding, ensuring minimal interference with other sensitive components, and maintaining the overall system's reliability.
Cons:1. Higher Cost: Compared to other IRIG reader generator modules, the MIRG-120B-1 is relatively more expensive due to its high performance, compact size, and advanced features.
2. Complexities in Integration: Integrating the MIRG-120B-1 into a system may present challenges, especially for users who are not familiar with its advanced capabilities. Technical expertise and resources may be needed to effectively configure and implement the module into the system.
3. Limited Inputs and Outputs: The module offers only one input and one output, which may not be sufficient for multi-channel applications. Upgrading to a multi-channel version, such as MIRG-160 or MIRG-320, can address this limitation but at a higher cost increase.
4. Limited Software Support: Though the module has a comprehensive user manual and FAQs, it may require specific software tools for programming and configuring advanced features. The availability and accessibility of this software should be considered before making a purchase.
Conclusion:Overall, the MIRG-120B-1 IRIG reader generator module offers impressive performance, high accuracy, and versatile interface options, making it a valuable investment for time-sensitive and harsh-environment applications. However, its limitations in terms of complexities in integration, limited inputs and outputs, and higher cost compared to other modules must be carefully evaluated when making a purchasing decision. While the module may have some challenges in terms of advanced features and software support, its rugged design, high precision, and extensive industry acceptance can be significant advantages for certain applications.
Recommendation:If your application calls for high precision time synchronization in a rugged environment, the MIRG-120B-1 is an excellent choice. Consider the specific requirements of your application, especially regarding the number of input and output channels, required software tools for configuration, and availability of technical resources. Prospective buyers should evaluate the benefits of the MIRG-120B-1, particularly its high accuracy and rugged design, against its cost and potential complexities for implementation and integration.
The module accepts an external IRIG-B, AC or DC time source for frame tagging purposes, and in addition, provides per word per-message capability certain I/O modules the stack that acquire bus data 1553, ARINC-429, RS-232, etc. All encoded time words furnished by the MIRG-120B-1 module comply with IRIG-106-96, Chapter 4 requirements for high time, low and micro formats. The module can be placed in either a master or remote unit and will provide time code capability for the modules within that particular stack.
The MIRG-120B-1 module provides IRIG-B time code capability to the MEDAU-2000 Miniature E-Bus Data Acquisition Unit or MCDAU-2000 CAIS Bus MWDAU-2000 Wide-Band. The MIRG-120B-1 module also provides an IRIG-B DC time code output for cascading purposes.