Issue 3, August 2021
Model 5402 User Guide
Page 6
Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 5402
DANTE LEADER CLOCK WITH GNSS SYNCHRONIZATION
strength of Dante networking is its carefully implemented
use of the IEEE 1588 standard to ensure that all connected
devices maintain a common timing reference, the actual
performance can vary widely depending on the specific
Dante devices in use and the overall number of devices on
a network. There are many Dante-compatible devices that
can provide adequate basic performance as a Leader clock,
but with the Model 5402 networked audio systems get the
benefits of a high-performance Primary Leader Clock, along
with additional unique capabilities. The unit’s feature set,
along with the associated internal hardware and software,
was designed to provide optimum performance, flexibility,
and system integrity.
Timing Sources
The Model 5402 can provide excellent Leader clock per-
formance using a timing reference that is based on signals
provided by one or more GNSS (satellite) constellations.
This will ensure accuracy and stability that exceeds the
capability of standard Dante devices by at least an order
of magnitude. A configuration choice is provided in a Model
5402 webpage to allow a failover source of timing to be se-
lected should a valid GNSS signal become unavailable.
The Model 5402 will also provide strong Leader clock per-
formance using its temperature-stabilized internal oscillator.
While its standalone performance is excellent, it can also
be “locked” to a variety of external signals for integration
into facilities that already include a central or main timing
reference. Compatible signals include word clock, video
reference, and 10 MHz. Word clock is a square wave sig-
nal that is often used as a timing reference in audio-only
facilities. Video reference (“sync”) signals are found in most
broadcast and post-production facilities. The Model 5402
supports the most-common video format/rate combinations
including “black burst,” bi- and tri-level HD, and several that
are specifically intended for 4K applications. Industrial and
commercial facilities often utilize a source of 10 MHz sine
wave as a timing reference.
GNSS Support
The Model 5402’s internal time base can be synchronized
to signals received from satellite-based timing systems.
Most often referred to as “GPS,” satellite-based time and
position data is more properly identified as being received
from a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). GPS
(Global Positioning System) is just one set of satellites that
can provide GNSS data. For maximum flexibility the Model
5402 contains an integral receiver that is compatible with
the four major worldwide GNSS constellations: GPS (USA),
Galileo (Europe), BeiDou (China), and GLONASS (Russia).
In addition, the unit allows augmentation support for GPS
as provided by QZSS (Japan). Configuration choices allow
which constellations will be utilized by the Model 5402. This
can range from one to all four constellations. Using these
capabilities, the Model 5402 can achieve single-digit nano-
second timing accuracy. Multiple, geographically disbursed
sites (“network nodes”) can each use a Model 5402 to easily
achieve a coordinated timing reference.
For general-purpose use the Model 5402’s GNSS receiver
will also report, by way of the front-panel display and/or the
management webpages, the current date and time of day,
as well as longitude and latitude parameters. In addition,
the number of satellites currently “fixed” (locked) and the
receiver input power can also be observed.
An active, multi-band, high-precision antenna is included
with each Model 5402. The compact antenna is weather-
resistant and includes a 5-meter (16.3 foot) cable with
attached SMA plug. The antenna can be secured to the
selected location using two machine screws or affixed mag-
netically to a metallic surface. Its performance is very good
and many applications will find this antenna to be sufficient.
But it’s expected that alternate, installer-provided antennas
may also be utilized to meet the specific needs of various
applications. This may involve supporting longer interface
cables, using different mounting methods, or providing
more-advanced weather-resistant properties.
Word Clock Output
The Model 5402 generates a precise word clock output
signal that can be used as a timing reference for related
equipment. It’s specifically intended for “locking” digital
audio devices in applications that use the Model 5402 to
provide timing reference signals for the associated Dante
equipment. In this way, all devices in an installation will
share a common timing reference.
The word clock output rate can be 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4,
or 192 kHz. The underlying timing source for the word
clock output is derived from the Model 5402’s main timing
source. This will typically be one or more of the supported
GNSS constellations. The main timing source is divided
Figure 2. An active, multi-band, high-precision
antenna is included with each Model 5402
