Ubisense Timing Distribution Unit

The UbisenseTiming Distribution Unit (TDU) is a rack-mountable device that provides timing distribution for up to 20 UWB Sensors.

The TDU is an optional device that combines the networking, power and the timing signals needed by a sensor onto one Cat5e or better unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable. Using a TDU therefore reduces the wiring infrastructure for UWB Sensors.

Although we recommend that you use a TDU to combine networking, power and timing, you can if necessary use the TDU for timing distribution only.

Features of a Timing Distribution Unit

The features on the front panel of a TDU is shown in the following figure.

Front Panel of the TDU

Feature	Description
RJ45 Connector for Timing Source	Ethernet port that you connect to the sensor that will be configured as the timing source. The TDU receives a timing signal via this port.
Ethernet Connector for Timing Source	Ethernet port that you connect to the PoE switch in order to provide power and networking to the sensor that will be configured as the timing source.
TDU Ethernet Connector	Ethernet port that you connect to a PoE switch in order to provide power and networking to the TDU.
RJ45 Connectors for Sensors 1–20	Ethernet ports that you can connect to up to 20 sensors in order to provide a timing signal. The TDU sends an additional timing signal which is used by the sensors, onto unused cable pairs.
Ethernet Connectors for Sensors 1-20	Ethernet ports that you can connect to the PoE switch to provide power and networking for the sensors connected to the corresponding sensor connectors.
Status LED	Shows the current operating state of the TDU. For more information about the various operating statuses of the TDU, see the Boot Process documentation supplied with the DIMENSION4 software. TDUs and Sensors have the same operating statuses and error codes.

The back panel of a TDU contains a unique identification label, which shows regulatory information and the MAC address of the TDU. You require the MAC address when you add the TDU to the DIMENSION4 Real-time Location System.

Mounting a Timing Distribution Unit

The TDU is a 2U-high unit. You can mount it in an EIA standard-size 19-inch space rack.

When mounting a TDU, ensure that you:

• Install it in a cool and dry place.

  Acceptable temperature and humidity operating ranges are:

  • Temperature: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)

  • Humidity: 0 to 95%, non-condensing

• Install it in a site that does not have vibration, dust, direct exposure to sunlight, or strong electromagnetic field generators such as motors.

• Leave at least 10 cm of space at the front and rear of the TDU for ventilation.

To mount a TDU:

1. Do one of the following:

   • Place the TDU on a hard flat surface, with the front panel facing you.

   • Place the TDU in a 19" rack, and then secure with 19" rack mounting screws.

     The mounting hardware is not supplied by Ubisense.

2. For TDUs that are powered by a PoE switch, connect the network cable from the PoE switch to the TDU. Alternatively, if the TDU is provided with a mains adapter, connect the mains adapter to the mains power supply.

Connecting a Timing Distribution Unit to the UWB Sensor Network

The TDU is connected to the UWB sensor network through Cat5e cables, which are connected to a PoE network switch. The switch supplies the power and networking signals to the sensors.

For information about connecting cables to UWB Sensors, see Connecting Network and Timing Cables to Sensors.

Power-up Sequence

When you first power-up a TDU:

1. The TDU attempts to boot.

2. If the TDU boots successfully, it searches for its timing signal.

3. The LED on the front panel lights up.

However, the TDU can boot successfully only if it has been configured correctly. If the TDU encounters a warning or error status during the booting process, it indicates the status of the error by flashing its LED in a pattern of colors.

For information about the various TDU error codes, see the DIMENSION 4 boot process overview.