Choose a clock server that delivers the time service your equipment requires. HC Electronics supplies time server hardware for synchronized clocks and compatible network devices, with configurations selected around your reference source, output protocols and installation requirements.
Browse the categories below to find a starting point for your project, or send us your equipment specifications for a configuration review.
Provide a common time reference to clocks and network devices that accept Network Time Protocol (NTP). Select this category when NTP is specified by your receiving equipment, then identify the required reference input, network ports and client capacity.
Explore NTP Clock Servers →Select a central time-reference appliance for an installation with defined timing inputs and outputs. This category suits enquiries that begin with a master server specification and require a review of the interfaces needed to serve connected equipment.
Explore Master Time Servers →Find server hardware for clock installations connected through an IP network. Review Ethernet connectivity, network addressing and administration access alongside the timing protocol your clocks accept.
Explore IP Clock Servers →Choose a server configuration that uses GPS satellite signals as its reference source. Review the receiver, antenna arrangement and installation conditions together with the timing outputs required by your clocks or other receiving devices.
Explore GPS Clock Servers →Specify a satellite-referenced server when your project requires particular navigation constellations or receiver capabilities. Confirm which satellite systems the offered configuration supports, along with the antenna package and available timing services.
Explore GNSS Time Servers →Select time server hardware for equipment requiring IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP). Provide the required PTP version, profile and clock role, together with your network interfaces and synchronization target, so the proposed configuration can be reviewed for compatibility.
Explore IEEE 1588 Servers →Clock server categories can overlap. GPS and GNSS describe satellite reference sources, while NTP and IEEE 1588 PTP describe time-distribution protocols. IP identifies network connectivity, and a master time server describes a central timing role.
One server may fit several descriptions, depending on its installed hardware and enabled functions. Choose by the capabilities your equipment requires and confirm those capabilities for the quoted model.
| No. | Selection Point | What to Specify |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Reference source | Whether the server should receive satellite time, accept an existing reference or use another specified input. |
| 02 | Timing outputs | The protocols or electrical timing signals required by connected equipment. |
| 03 | Equipment compatibility | Clock and device models, supported protocols and any mandatory configuration settings. |
| 04 | Network interfaces | Required port quantities, connection types and network addressing requirements. |
| 05 | Performance | Required synchronization tolerance, expected operating conditions and the point at which accuracy will be evaluated. |
| 06 | Installation | Mounting space, power supply, operating environment and any antenna installation constraints. |
| 07 | Supply scope | Server quantity, accessories, configuration options and documentation needed with delivery. |
Start with the timing specifications of the clocks and equipment that will receive time from the server. An Ethernet connection alone does not establish protocol compatibility.
For NTP equipment, identify the required client settings and any network access restrictions. For IEEE 1588 PTP equipment, include the required version, profile, transport method and relevant network configuration.
If the installation needs more than one timing service, list each service separately. Ask for confirmation that the proposed server supports the required combination simultaneously.
Describe how the server will connect to your network and how authorized staff will manage it. Include any requirements for configuration access, status monitoring and reference-loss notifications.
For a replacement project, provide the existing server model and interface details. This helps identify which connections can be retained and which requirements need further review.
State which devices need to remain synchronized and the maximum time difference your project can accept. Distinguish between performance at the server output and the accuracy required at the receiving equipment.
Include the operating conditions under which the requirement must be met. For network-distributed time, provide relevant details about the network path and connected devices so performance can be evaluated in the intended installation.
Include the approximate number of receiving devices and their timing requirements. Where known, provide NTP request intervals or the required PTP message settings.
If the project will expand in phases, state the initial quantity and expected future demand. Request capacity information for the proposed configuration under those conditions.
Specify what the installation requires if the external reference becomes unavailable. Include whether time service must continue, the anticipated interruption duration and the acceptable timing deviation during that period.
Ask for the offered model’s holdover performance, status indications and recovery behavior to be documented where these form part of your acceptance requirements.
A complete purchase specification should identify the server and the components needed to install it.
For satellite-referenced servers, provide the proposed antenna location and estimated cable route. For installations using an existing reference, identify its available outputs and connection details.
HC Electronics can review these requirements with your purchasing and technical teams to define the proposed supply scope.
Send HC Electronics your equipment specifications or a brief description of the installation. To help us prepare a relevant proposal, include:
We will review your requirements and discuss the server configuration and components to include in the quotation.