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Configuring the Audio Synchronization of Magewell Pro Convert AES67

2022.12.01

Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is an IEEE-standard protocol used to synchronize the clocks of multiple networked devices. On an Ethernet-based local area network (LAN), PTP can provide sub-microsecond accuracy – making it more accurate than the earlier Network Time Protocol (NTP) – and can achieve both time and frequency synchronization, with low deployment and maintenance costs. This blog will introduce how to configure the PTP profile of Magewell's Pro Convert AES67 multi-format IP audio converter and capture device.

1. Configure the PTP Profile

When synchronizing two devices, one device is used as the master clock (Master) and the other is used as the slave clock (Slave). A delay request-response mechanism (involving the sending of synchronization, follow-up, and delay request and response messages) is used to measure and calculate the clock offset and network delay between the two devices. Time synchronization is then performed by adjusting the local clock.

Log into the Web GUI of the Pro Convert AES67 device, and click “PTP” in the top navigation. The resulting tab allows you to monitor and modify the current PTP configuration. The following table explains the configurable PTP settings:

2. Check PTP Status

Sync: the green icon indicates that this device has synchronized with its Master. Red indicates it is not synced with its Master. This icon is always green on the Master device.

Lock to: shows the GMID of current master clock.

Role: shows whether the role of your device is currently Master or Slave.

3. View PTP Statistics

The chart shows the latest five minutes of statistics. Figure 1 shows a typical chart when the device works as a Master clock. Figure 2 shows how it works as a Slave clock. If the statistics exceed ±2000ns many times, LAN performance may need to be improved to avoid network congestion.

Figure 1 PTP Master statistics data

Figure 2 PTP Slave statistics data