Accuracy and integrity

Given that local computer time is easy to change, standard NTP communications are insecure and even wireless transmissions are open to compromise, a secure and verifiable pathway to a trusted source of time is an essential prerequisite for business processes. The TSMC incorporates a number of controls to maintain the integrity of time values.

• A highly accurate reference clock ensures accurate time is maintained even if external time references become temporarily unavailable.
• The TSMC uses a secure transport protocol, DS/NTP, incorporating mutual authentication, to establish a secure link to a Time Stamp Server or to a Secure Root Clock at a Root Time Authority. The cryptographic keys used in this authentication process are secured in a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Hardware Security Module, ensuring that time values cannot be compromised in transit.
• DS/NTP incorporates an automatic process of auditing and calibration to synchronize time. At the end of the process the TSMC issues a signed certificate attesting to the calibration and traceability of the time. The signing keys used in this process are protected by a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Hardware Security Module. 

Verifiable time delivery

Time-stamping has emerged as one of the key components of public key infrastructure technology (PKI), delivering non-repudiation and ensuring the integrity of data is verifiable at a future point in time. TSMC is fully compatible with Thales Time Stamp Server (TSS), providing a central, verifiable time source for inclusion within digital time-stamp signatures. At the heart of the system is a secure time delivery protocol, DS/NTP, which protects time values from network attack.

Simple management

The TSMC is a networked appliance that is simple to setup and manage. Once the unit is connected and configured, management is achieved using a web based user interface. Management functions may be carried out from any accessible point on the network.

See specifications >>

Thales Time Source Master Clock is available in two variants, allowing several authoritative time source inputs to be used.

• TSMC-GPS: Thales Time Source Master Clock with GPS (Global Positioning System) and/or 1 PPS (Pulse Per Second) time inputs
• TSMC-IRIG: Thales Time Source Master Clock with IRIG-B (Inter-range Instrumentation Group standard, Code B, at 110 PPS) time input

Front panel

• Backlight LCD, 2 x 40 characters
• USB port 
• Terminal DB9 port
• LED indicators: reference time, time service, network, alarm

Rear panel

• 2 x 10/100 Ethernet (RJ45)
• nCipher Smart Card Reader Port and HSM Status LED
• 1PPS output and 10 MHz output
• TSMC-GPS unit: GPS Antenna and 1PPS input
• TSMC-IRIG unit: IRIG-B input (modulated) and IRIG-B input (DCLS)
• Power input connector and on/off switch

Physical specifications

• Power: 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
• Dimensions: Standard 1U rack mount, depth 12.4” (316mm)

Operating environment

• Operating temperature: 0-50 degrees Celsius
• Humidity: maximum 85%

Timing accuracy

• Network: 1-10 milliseconds, typical
• GPS and 1PPS: ± 100 nanoseconds
• OCXO-DHQ oscillator (TSMC-GPS units):
  • Short term stability (T = 1 sec): 2•10•¹²
  • Accuracy of time free run, one year: ± 300 milliseconds
• IRIG: ± 10 microseconds
• OCXO-HQ oscillator (TSMC-IRIG units):
  • Short term stability (T = 1 sec): 5•10•¹²
  • Accuracy of time free run, one year: ± 1.6 seconds

Certifications

• FIPS 140-2 Level 3
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): CFR 47, Part 15, Subpart B, Class A
• CE Certification: EN55022 Class A; EN55024-1; EN60950
• National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST): FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification
• Information on RoHS compliance

Questions? Contact a Thales representative