User`s guide

User's Guide Fireface UC © RME

25. Word Clock

25.1 Word Clock Input and Output

SteadyClock guarantees an excellent performance in all clock modes. Based on the highly effi-

cient jitter suppression, the Fireface refreshes and cleans up any clock signal, and provides it

as reference clock at the BNC output (see section 35.8).

Input

The Fireface's word clock input is active when Word has been selected as Clock Source in the

Settings dialog and a valid word clock signal is present. The signal at the BNC input can be

Single, Double or Quad Speed, the Fireface UC automatically adapts to it. As soon as a valid

signal is detected, the WC LED is lit, and the Settings dialog shows either Lock or Sync (see

chapter 35.1).

Thanks to RME's Signal Adaptation Circuit, the word clock input still works correctly even with

heavily mis-shaped, dc-prone, too small or overshoot-prone signals. Thanks to automatic signal

centering, 300 mV (0.3V) input level is sufficient in principle. An additional hysteresis reduces

sensitivity to 1.0 V, so that over- and undershoots and high frequency disturbances don't cause

a wrong trigger.

The Fireface's word clock input is shipped as high

impedance type (not terminated). A push switch acti-

vates internal termination (75 Ohms). The switch is

found on the back beside the word clock input socket.

Use a small pencil or similar and carefully push the

blue switch so that it snaps into its lock position. The

yellow LED will be lit when termination is active. An-

other push will release it again and de-activate the

termination.

Output

The word clock output of the Fireface is constantly active, providing the current sample fre-

quency as word clock signal. As a result, in Master mode the provided word clock is defined by

the currently used software. In Slave mode the provided frequency is identical to the one pre-

sent at the currently chosen clock input. When the current clock signal fails, the Fireface UC

switches to Master mode and adjusts itself to the next, best matching frequency (44.1 kHz, 48

kHz etc.).

Selecting Single Speed in the Settings dialog causes the output signal to always stay within the

range of 32 kHz to 48 kHz. So at 96 kHz and 192 kHz sample rate, the output word clock is 48

kHz.

The received word clock signal can be distributed to other devices by using the word clock out-

put. With this the usual T-adapter can be avoided, and the Fireface UC operates as Signal Re-

fresher. This kind of operation is highly recommended, because

• input and output are phase-locked and in phase (0°) to each other

• SteadyClock removes nearly all jitter from the input signal

• the exceptional input (1 Vpp sensitivity instead of the usual 2.5 Vpp, dc cut, Signal Adapta-

tion Circuit) plus SteadyClock guarantee a secure function even with highly critical word

clock signals

Thanks to a low impedance, but short circuit proof output, the Fireface delivers 4 Vpp to 75

Ohms. For wrong termination with 2 x 75 Ohms (37.5 Ohms), there are still 3.3 Vpp at the out-

put.