NTP vs 1PPS vs PULSE vs IRIG-B accuracy by channel

1PPS, PULSE, IRIG-B, Modbus, and NTP are different channels—mixing them in RFQs causes acceptance disputes.

Updated 2026-08-22

Decision

Write 1PPS / PULSE / IRIG / Modbus / NTP per channel—never mix figures.

Notes

Internal / GNSS 1PPS figures describe the module and discipline loop—useful for factory checks and hardware edge reference.

TTL 1PPS out is for scopes, DAQ cards, and nodes that need a hardware second edge—not a calendar message. On SY-1231 the jack is a 3.3 V GNSS second edge.

PULSE (四针端子 Pin4) is a UTC-minute PPM (default 200 ms, LOCK only)—not 1PPS and not IRIG.

RS-485 Modbus exposes absolute time registers (including milliseconds) for PLC/SCADA polling at millisecond resolution.

IRIG-B time code is on SY-4096 hardware time I/O; this SY-1231 respin has no IRIG.

Ethernet NTP depends on switch jitter, client stack, and load. LAN results are often millisecond-class. Never rewrite internal second-edge figures as “nanoseconds on the NIC”.

Write RFQ and acceptance criteria per channel, and cite the shipping datasheet include/exclude list.

FAQ

What is the decision?
Write 1PPS / PULSE / IRIG / Modbus / NTP per channel—never mix figures.
What are the key points?
1PPS, PULSE, IRIG-B, Modbus, and NTP are different channels—mixing them in RFQs causes acceptance disputes.

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