Calnex Sentinel User Manual

Sync analyser

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USER GUIDE

CX3001

User Guide

Sentinel Sync Analyser

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Summary of Contents for Calnex Sentinel

Page 1 USER GUIDE CX3001 User Guide Sentinel Sync Analyser...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Sentinel Sync Analyser ................4 1.1 Introduction ..........................4 1.2 Description ..........................5 1.3 Specifications ..........................8 Safety Instructions .................. 10 2.1 Introduction ..........................10 2.2 Safety Precautions ........................10 2.3 Grounding ..........................11 2.4 Power Switch ..........................11 2.5 Disposal of Hazardous Material ....................
Page 3 Preventative Maintenance ..............85 12.1 Update Firmware ........................85 Appendix A: Signal Types ................86 Appendix B: Built-in Masks ................. 87 Appendix C: Reference Material ..............88 Appendix D: List of Sentinel Log Messages ..........89 calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 4: Sentinel Sync Analyser
Frequency, Phase or Time Synchronisation. Sentinel measures PTP or clock Time Error (TE) 5G NR or 4G LTE networks that use either ITU-T G.8275.1 Full on Path support, or ITU-T G.8275.2 Assisted Partial Timing Support (APTS)/Partial Timing Support (PTS), as well as TE measurements over the air (OTA) by examining the timing signals within the NR or LTE transmission.
Page 5: Description
Start/Stop Measurement start/stop button Keypad Buttons for navigation in the menus displayed on the screen [Enter] Confirm calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 6 [Exit] Exit from the menu, save the selection, and return to the previous page [Cancel] Right Panel Clock module 2 channels per module, BNC connectors Packet Module 1 channel per module, RJ45 or SFP connector Left Panel Main connection Power Supply calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 7 Up to 2 channels per module, RJ45 or SFP connectors Accessories delivered with the instrument • Line power cord • GNSS Antenna and 20m cable • User Guide & CAT Analysis software on USB stick calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 8: Specifications
Number of channels: up to 2 per module • SyncE Wander measurement Accuracy: 1ns • PDV measurement accuracy: 5ns • Time Error Accuracy: +/-75ns with reference to GNSS OTA module • Connectors: SMA connector for RF antenna calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 9 USB version: 2.0 USB Host port • Connector: USB type A • Max supply current: 400mA • USB version: 2.0 Ethernet • Communication port: RJ45, 10/100BASE-T • Protocol: DHCP and FTP server, VNC calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 10: Safety Instructions
Calnex personnel who are aware of the hazards involved. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the instrument. If the surface of the Sentinel becomes dirty, remove the AC power and clean with a soft lint-free cloth. Never use flammable liquids to clean the device.
Page 11: Grounding
A power supply cord is supplied with the equipment. If the user is obtaining a pluggable power cord for use with their local power connection the power cord must meet all local safety requirements, have an integrated safety ground wire and be rated for the power requirements of the Sentinel. WARNING: WARNING: If a unit is moved from a cold to a warm Never interrupt the grounding cable.
Page 12: Disposal Of Hazardous Material
(e.g. protectors for mains, data and telephone lines) - not RF lines only. With gas discharge tube protectors take care that the GDT has been properly installed before putting the equipment into operation. calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 13: Using Sentinel
Using Sentinel Using Sentinel 3.1 General Operation Set-Up Connect the source(s) under test to the inputs on the Clock or Packet modules By default, the frequency reference to use is automatically selected. The Rubidium reference is used, unless a valid external reference is connected to the external reference Freq In connector.
Page 14 The Recall Settings option allows previously saved configuration files to be re-loaded, automatically setting up Sentinel to the state defined in the preset file and then displaying the main operating screen. Selecting the Manual Setup option moves directly to the main operating screen.
Page 15: Controls
Using Sentinel Note: When in Transport Mode, the battery will not be charged. The battery is only charged when Sentinel is powered on and running. Switching off The instrument is switched off by pressing the button on the front panel. When the indicator light turns on red the instrument is switched off.
Page 16: Configuration Settings
Using Sentinel Configuration settings Manual configuration of Sentinel is simply a process of working through the tabs on the main screen as detailed below. 4.1 Presets Measurement settings can be saved and reloaded later. The user can choose the filename and current Settings will be saved in a .preset file.
Page 17: Mode
The Mode screen allows the Sentinel measurement subsystem to be configured as required for the type of testing being performed. Sentinel expansion slot channels are labelled A – F and the 10 GbE module is labelled 1 – 2. This screen will reflect which modules are installed in Sentinel. The example below shows that one Clock module, an OTA module and the 10GbE packet module with 2 channels are installed.
Page 18 This disables metric calculation (e.g. TDEV, MTIE) and mask checking during measurement. If this option has been selected and metrics are required after a measurement has been completed, this can be achieved using the Calnex Analysis Tool (CAT) which is supplied with Sentinel. Duration Duration of the measurement.
Page 19 Using Sentinel TIE + 1 PPS TE All connected 1 PPS signals will measure absolute differential TIE relative to the signal connected to the reference channel. All other signals measure normal TIE relative to the selected timebase This performs the same measurement as...
Page 20 NOTE: Changing constellations will cause the Rb timebase to unlock and it may experience a step input from the GNSS 1 PPS output. It is recommended that Sentinel remains disciplining to GNSS for at least 6 hours after changing constellations. This period should be at least 12 hours if Sentinel has not been disciplined for more than a week.
Page 21 Using Sentinel The following table shows valid GNSS configurations GLONASS Galileo Beidou QZSS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ E1/T1 Outputs This page defines parameters of the signals generated by E1/T1 out ports. Various options are available to...
Page 22 (1 PPS signal only) 1 PPS converter Drop down list to select if Calnex converter box is being used to convert balanced 1 PPS to single ended 1 PPS. When enabled, this will automatically compensate for the delays introduced by that device.
Page 23 Using Sentinel Channel (OTA-LTE) Selecting OTA-LTE in the Mode screen will enable a Channel tab to be presented in the Settings screen. Cell Parameters Operating Frequency This allows the frequency of the LTE RF signal to be entered, either as (Downlink) the EARFCN or directly as an absolute frequency.
Page 24 When set to , no TE normalization is applied i.e., the TE graph displays absolute delays (including propagation delay, time offset between Master and Sentinel, and other time inaccuracies in the system). Channel (OTA-NR) Selecting OTA-NR in the Mode screen will enable a Channel tab to be presented in the Settings screen.
Page 25 Selection is used. SS/PBCH Block Pattern Selects which subcarrier spacing pattern is used by the signal to allow Sentinel to detect and decode the Synchronisation Signal Block. PCI Known Enables option to enter Physical Cell ID, if known. If not known, cell scan will return a list of all detected PCIs.
Page 26 When set to , no TE normalization is applied i.e., the TE graph displays absolute delays (including propagation delay, time offset between Master and Sentinel, and other time inaccuracies in the system). Channel (PTP / NTP) The channel used for the PTP or NTP connection is selected by the Mode screen, as mentioned earlier, and a Channel tab will be present for each PTP or NTP connection chosen.
Page 27 IP-address to assign for module if DHCP is , the address entered should be in IPv4 or IPv6 format depending on the option chosen for PTP/NTP. Sentinel NTP client on units with serial numbers below 400000 only supports IPv4 unicast mode. Selecting IPv6 will result in no measurement data being recorded.
Page 28 Enabled for further details). When the Packet module is acting as and Wander Generation is Sentinel will generate sine wander according to parameters specified on this page. Wander Generation is not supported by 10G modules. SyncE This window contains parameters related to the Packet module in Synchronous Ethernet.
Page 29 Using Sentinel This page will only be available if the PDV Option is enabled on the Sentinel. This window contains all parameters related to PTP stack behaviour in pseudo-slave mode. The PTP transport protocol and relevant settings can be pre-set to values according to the ITU-T standard related to the test being performed via the Profile selection.
Page 30 Master to Pseudo-slave network path. This page will only be available if the PDV Option is enabled on the Sentinel and NTP Client has been selected in the Mode page. This window contains all parameters related to NTP stack behaviour in pseudo-client mode.
Page 31 When – no PDV normalization is done, so PDV graphs display absolute delays (including propagation delay, time offset between Server and Sentinel, and other time inaccuracies in the system). NTP 2 Way TE will be calculated when Normalize delays is...
Page 32 Different PTP slave vendors have their own specification for PDV distributions for their PTP slave to work correctly. This PDV distribution function allows the user to set a vendor specific specification so that Sentinel can be used to compare the measurement results against vendor specification for pass/fail test.
Page 33 Using Sentinel The minimum delay of the requested range The maximum delay of the requested range Nominal The requested nominal delay Below The percentage below the nominal delay Above The percentage above the nominal delay Pass Criteria The percentage of packets which fall in the defined delay range...
Page 34 An external network Test Access Point (TAP) or optical splitter is needed to be able to measure PDV in Monitor Mode. When operating in Monitor Mode, Sentinel “sniffs” for PTP or NTP packets between two nodes. By monitoring the traffic between the two nodes available via the TAP, Sentinel can measure PDV between channels.
Page 35 Using Sentinel Discovery The Discovery feature simplifies network node parameter filling by giving the user the option to select desired node pairs from a list. After pressing the Discover… button, network traffic analysis is performed and the list of possible nodes for PDV measuring is displayed.
Page 36: Masks
4.4 Masks Sentinel provides various predefined masks to be applied to TE, TIE, MTIE and TDEV graphs - six can be selected and displayed on main screen at the same time. The Masks screen is used to select which masks are displayed on the main screen and can be overlaid on the measurement curves.
Page 37: Health Check
When running a PTP measurement the validity of Sentinel and GM settings can be checked using the protocol check procedure. When selecting the Protocol Check button, the protocol check window will open and Sentinel will start to look for PTP messages based on the PTP or Monitor Mode Settings.
Page 38 Mode will be either and the Master Domain will show the value used by the GM. If the Master Domain differs from the value configured by Sentinel then it will be highlighted in red text. A clock displays the time since protocol check was started.
Page 39 Using Sentinel The following check boxes configure which PTP ports will be used and which types of Ethernet packets will be captured: Capture Slot = 1, 2, C or E) Selects which PTP ports will be used to capture packets...
Page 40 Using Sentinel Filtering can be a combination of one or more of the dropdown boxes e.g., the following example shows filtering for Delay Request messages from slot 1. The bottom portion of the packet capture screen shows context sensitive decode of the packet highlighted in the results window.
Page 41 PCAP format. The captured packets are saved together in a single .pcapng file and as separate .pcap files for each PTP channel to the name and location specified during the save operation. These file can be transferred from the Sentinel and analysed further using Calnex PTP Field Verifier (PFV) or other tools e.g. WireShark calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0...
Page 42: Data
NOTE: Sentinel measurement files can be directly read into the Calnex Analysis Tool for in depth analysis and report generation. If the files are in Sentinel internal storage, then they can be copied either using an ftp client or by copying to a USB stick. See File Management section.
Page 43: System
The date and the time can be entered manually using the Set button or can be synchronized with universal time by pressing the Get time from Internet button if an external network connection is available. If GNSS is connected to Sentinel the date and time will automatically be synchronized to this, overriding date and time set by other methods.
Page 44 Using Sentinel Display There are the following options on the Display page: Brightness Allows to choose LCD backlight intensity with 20% step Screensaver interval Defines time interval after which LCD backlight is switched off Touchscreen calibration is an automated operation performed by a special utility that asks the user to touch several highlighted points in the screen.
Page 45 Remote Access Sentinel provides several ways of remote access via Ethernet: Virtual Network Computing, allows user to see screen of Sentinel on remote computer using client software File Transfer Protocol, allows access to Sentinel internal and external memory from FTP...
Page 46 Using Sentinel HTTP(S) API Sentinel has an HTTP based API that can be used to perform remote control of the Sentinel unit. This interface is configured via the options available on this page. Enable HTTP API Interface This allows access to the API interface via the HTTP protocol. Where security is a conce for having open access to the Sentinel API it is recommended to disable this access met and turn on authentication for the API.
Page 47 USB memory press the Refresh button to force display update. Note: To aid remote control of the Sentinel the Remove USB Storage button changes to Remount USB Storage button when the external USB memory storage device has been dismounted. The device can be remounted by pressing this button which then returns to Remove USB Storage.
Page 48 Installed Options This screen shows the list of licensed options that are installed on Sentinel. If one or more Packet Modules are installed, then the PDV option will display. If a 10GbE Packet module is installed, then an entry will appear for each licensed port and the relevant interface speeds available for that port.
Page 49 Using Sentinel About The About screen identifies the firmware installed in the instrument and enabled Sentinel options. Update firmware… Used for updating Sentinel unit from a firmware image located in internal or external memory (USB flash). The instrument is rebooted to finalise the firmware update Export problem report…...
Page 50: Operation
Using Sentinel Operation 5.1 Measurements The measurements are made by pressing the Start/Stop (toggle) button. By default, the measurement starts immediately, but a warm-up time may elapse first. Measurement start can be programmed to a timer set up by the user via Settings.
Page 51: Saving Measurement Data
Saved measurement data that has been exported via a USB memory stick or over the Ethernet connection can be loaded into the Calnex CAT analysis software package on a workstation or laptop for further analysis. When a new measurement is started the user will be prompted to save the measurement. The window above will appear to select the saving location.
Page 52: Measurement Result Graph
Using Sentinel Measurement Result Graph Sentinel creates a graph for every measurement and its associated metrics. The graphs that are displayed and the order that they appear in the navigation panel can be configured by pressing the graph selection button highlighted below.
Page 53 Using Sentinel Metrics for Raw PDV data (Fwd PDV, Rev PDV, Path Delay) Fwd/Rev/Path Delay distribution FD/RD/PD Distribution Metrics for Selected PDV data Floor Packets Percentage MAFE Maximum Average Frequency Error SelPDV Packet Delay Variation Selection Metrics for Time Error data...
Page 54 Note: In pseudo slave mode Signalling Tx and Delay_Req messages originate from Sentinel and all others from the GM. Note: In monitor mode all packets are received from the TAP or splitter and so the messages from the GM will show up on one channel and the messages from the T-TSC on the other.
Page 55: Viewing Mode
A list of all currently selected masks and the status of each of these masks for relevant channels can be displayed by selecting the Mask button at the top right of the Sentinel main display as highlighted below. This table shows all enabled masks in rows and channels in columns. The button displays if all metrics are OK versus each mask.
Page 56: Measurement Analysis
Using Sentinel 7.2 Measurement Analysis The measurement analysis can be toggled on / off by pressing the Analysis button highlighted below. This displays the mean, standard deviation, initial phase offset and final value for the currently displayed graph. calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0...
Page 57: Widgets & Icons
Each input module will feature one or more channel. Each Widget is named based on the corresponding symbol on the Side panel of the Sentinel. For the display below one Clock module is installed with channels C & D, two Packet modules are installed represented by channels 1 &...
Page 58 Using Sentinel The settings button on a widget will navigate directly to the settings page for that channel. The Info button will display more detailed information on the selected channel. calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 60: Status Icons
Using Sentinel 8.2 Status icons A summary screen of the status icons can be displayed by pressing the status icon display area. 8.3 Real Time Marker A real time marker can be placed on any of the measurement graphs by touching the desired point on the screen.
Page 61: Remote Access
Remote Access 9.1 VNC Access Sentinel firmware includes a VNC server enabling the instrument to be remote-controlled by a PC connected to the network. This PC must have VNC client software installed. For access to the instrument, its IP address must be known to the remote PC. This setting is available for configuration in the System menu as detailed previously.
Page 62: Remote Control
Using Sentinel Remote Control Sentinel can be controlled via an HTTP based API. A selection of features that are available via this service are as follows: measurements can be started and stopped; raw measurement data can be downloaded; device configuration can be viewed and modified. The interface also allows new firmware to be downloaded to the device without needing local access.
Page 63: Api Interface Service List
Using Sentinel getkey The key obtained via is valid until the next power cycle of the Sentinel or until the Key Seed is changed within settings. Login Sentinel considers authentication against a particular IP address. Once you have logged in to the interface, any access from the same source IP address will be accepted without the need for the key to be provided on each request.
Page 64 This call logs the current IP address out of an authenticated session resulting in all further API calls now needing authentication. If other users were sharing the same source IP for communication with Sentinel, they would also be logged out. No error will be triggered if the current IP address is not logged into the Sentinel via authentication.
Page 65 Sentinel for the IP address used to access Sentinel. Supplying authentication would not be required for future API calls if this login remains valid. The login would be stopped if Sentinel is rebooted, the login timeout expires, or the logout service is called. If multiple devices or users may access the Sentinel from the same IP address then security should be considered before this option is used, and it may be better to authenticate each API call.
Page 66 Get the device status and readiness for making a measurement Description This returns a JSON formatted string indicating the readiness to begin a measurement on the Sentinel. This indicates if installed modules would be ready to start a measurement and whether the configured timebase reference is ready for a measurement to be started.
Page 67 Using Sentinel "referenceReady": true, "modulesReady": true, "measurementActive": false If any status indicates a ready as false, then it will not be possible to start a measurement on Sentinel at that time. Example Browser https://192.168.123.123/api/getstatus Curl curl -k https://192.168.123.123/api/getstatus GetMeasurementStatus API Call...
Page 68 Using Sentinel active Limit the returned channel list to those channels that are enabled via the mode page Returns JSON formatted list of installed channels: {"channels": ["C", "D", "2"] } Example Browser https://192.168.123.123/api/getchannellist Curl curl -k https://192.168.123.123/api/getchannellist?active GetChannelDataTypes API Call...
Page 69 This service provides a list of all settings in the current Sentinel configuration. The format used is the same as that used for a saved preset using the Sentinel GUI. The file obtained with this command can be loaded into a...
Page 70 Upload a new configuration to the Sentinel in preset file format Description Upload a new complete settings configuration to the Sentinel. The file uploaded should be in the same format as obtained via getsettings It would also be possible to change the Sentinel configuration using this file and the Recall Settings menu option on the Sentinel GUI.
Page 71 Get a parameter or group of parameters from the current Sentinel configuration Description This service call returns one or more parameters from the Sentinel configuration based on the specified parameter name or group. The following shows an example of what can be specified.
Page 72 Set a parameter within the Sentinel configuration Description This API call sets one individual setting within the Sentinel configuration. The required value is passed to the API. In general, it is recommended to determine the required options via the Sentinel screen and identify which setting requires to be changed to switch between various modes of operation.
Page 73 It is also possible to specify a password using the parameter option. When set this password would be required to unlock the Sentinel via the GUI. The password is not required when unlockscreen unlocking via the service.
Page 74 Download a problem report from Sentinel Description This API call prepares a new problem report and downloads the file when available. The file once downloaded, can be provided to Calnex support where required. This will aid investigation of any current Sentinel device issues. Parameters...
Page 75 Summary This API call obtains information about the Sentinel device Description This service obtains a series of JSON formatted information about the Sentinel. The information selections available are as follows: /api/instrument/information This will return the device type and serial number.
Page 76 Summary Reboot the Sentinel device. Description This service reboots the Sentinel device, no prompt or interlock will be provided. action must be included in the request or the reboot will not take place, this is a mechanism to prevent accidental reboot by calling this API. No mechanism is available to stop this service once it has been called.
Page 77 Data is not recoverable, and any required data should be removed from the Sentinel before calling this API. The API call will give an indication if any of the user files could not be delete from Sentinel. Parameters...
Page 78: Recovery Api Interface Service List
The API service calls should not be used in normal operation and their equivalents in the API service list should be utilised. These services are intended for recovering the Sentinel to a working state if it is being unresponsive to API calls and there is no local access available to the unit to perform corrective actions.
Page 79 Description action This service reboots the Sentinel device, no prompt or interlock will be provided. must be included in the request or the reboot will not take place, this is a mechanism to prevent accidental reboot by calling this API. No mechanism is available to stop this service once it has been called.
Page 81: Calnex Cat Pc Software Guide
Calnex Analysis Tool (CAT) is a standalone PC Software package that can be used for comprehensive analysis of TIE, PDV and TE measurements made by Sentinel. It also has a comprehensive report generation capability. Files can be loaded in to CAT as follows: Open File then navigate to file(s) location.
Page 82 Using Sentinel Once these files have been imported the required metrics can be selected from the Select Metrics menu by selecting the appropriate tick box calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 83 Using Sentinel Then the Calculate button should be pressed. The metrics will be calculated and the graphs will appear in the relevant tab. Once analysis has been completed a pdf report can be created. Go to Generate Report and Save Report. You can enter further details to the report on this screen also.
Page 84 Using Sentinel Metrics Available Clock Metrics • MTIE/TDEV Analysis for Frequency • ClkFFO Packet metric Analysis for PTP and NTP • PDV (PTP and NTP) • FPP/FPC/FPR • Packet TIE/MTIE/TDEV/FFO • MAFE • Packet Distribution (PDD) Time Error Metrics •...
Page 85: Preventative Maintenance
The update source file name should be in the following format sentinel_fw_Rx.y.z.tar. Note: The update file is an archive file but the contents should not be extracted as Sentinel will not be able to install the firmware from the extracted files.
Page 86: Appendix A: Signal Types
155.52MHz (STM-1) 125MHz (Ethernet) 5MHz 64kbit/s (E0) 44.736Mbit/s (T3) 155MHz (STM-1) 64kHz (E0, Clock) 2.048Mbit/s (E1) 10MHz 156.25MHz 8kHz (E0, Clock) 34.368Mbit/s (E3) 51.840Mbit/s (STM-0) 162.25MHz 2.048MHz (E1, Clock) 1.544Mbit/s (T1) 155.52Mbit/s (STM-1) calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 87: Appendix B: Built-In Masks
MAFE 16ppb G.823 E1 SSU Interface MAFE NSN HRM 1 G.823 E1 Traffic Interface 2048 MAFE NSN HRM 2 G.824 T1 PDH Ref Interface PDV Distribution G.824 T1 PDH Ref Interface SEC Opt2 calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 88: Appendix C: Reference Material
Appendix C: Reference Material For additional information (test procedures) for Sentinel refer to the following: • Field Test Plan for Frequency Synchronisation using PTP • Field Test Plan for Frequency Synchronisation using NTP • Synchronization Test Plan for TDD-LTE •...
Page 89: Appendix D: List Of Sentinel Log Messages
Appendix D: List of Sentinel Log Messages The following table details messages that will appear on the Log page of the System menu, their meaning and whether any troubleshooting actions are required. System Events Log Text Explanation Action Required Started up...
Page 90 Sentinel. External Reference lost External reference is selected as Verify reference is connected to measurement time-base but no clock the Freq in connector on is detected Sentinel and is generating 1, 5 calnexsol.com | CX3001 v7.0 © Calnex Solutions...
Page 91 Sentinel. GNSS Events Log Text Explanation Action Required GNSS locked Sentinel is locked to at least 3 None satellites, the survey status is 100% and the antenna status is not shorted GNSS unlocked Indicates that Sentinel was previously If a GNSS antenna is connected, locked to GNSS and has now lost lock.
Page 92 About page of the System menu and saving to internal memory or an external USB drive. If after power cycling Sentinel, the problem does not clear then the problem report should be forwarded to Calnex along with a description of the fault and a block diagram of the test setup.
Page 93 Calnex Solutions Ltd Oracle Campus Linlithgow EH49 7LR United Kingdom t: +44 (0) 1506 671 416 e: info@calnexsol.com calnexsol.com © Calnex Solutions Ltd, 2021 This information is subject to change without notice CX3001v7.0 Mar-22...

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