INTRODUCTION TO TIMS

TIMS is a modular system for modelling telecommunications block diagrams.

Since block diagrams themselves represent telecommunications systems, or sub-systems,
and each sub-system can probably be represented by a mathematical equation, then TIMS
can also be said to be a telecommunications equation modeller.
Most TIMS modules perform a single function. For example, there are multipliers, adders,
filters, samplers. Other modules generate signals such as sinewaves, square waves, random
sequences.
Complex systems are modelled by a collection of these simple modules. There are few
modules that perform complex functions which otherwise could have been performed by a
collection of simpler modules.

conventions
TIMS is almost self-explanatory, and a first-time user should have no trouble in patching up
a basic system in a few minutes, without the need to refer to the extensive User Manuals.
TIMS modules conform to the following conventions.

inputs to each module are located on the left hand side of the front panel

outputs from each module are located on the right hand side of the front panel

modules become powered when plugged in, and pass signals via external patch leads
connecting front panel sockets

sockets involving analog signals are coloured yellow

sockets involving digital signals are coloured red

analog signals are user-adjusted to the TIMS ANALOG REFERENCE LEVEL, which is 4
volt peak-to-peak

digital signals are sent and received at TTL levels (0 volt and 5 volt)

input impedances are high (>10 kohms) and output impedances low (<150 ohms), so
that interconnections do not change signal levels.

no signal can be generated by a TIMS module which could damage another module

outputs can be shortcircuited, or joined together, without causing any damage

modules can be inserted in any free slot of a system rack, where they obtain their
DC power

baseband signals are typically located below 10 kHz

bandpass signals are typically located in the 100 kHz region.

most modules can perform their intended functions over the full TIMS frequency
range, which extends to 1 MHz.

system noise is typically at least 40 dB below the TIMS ANALOG REFERENCE LEVEL

1/2

Emona-TIMS

introduction to TIMS

messages
Analog systems are typically set up using single sinusoids as messages. A two-tone test
signal can be modelled for more rigorous tests. A SPEECH module is instructive for other
tests.
A SEQUENCE GENERATOR module is used for digital messages.

instrumentation
TIMS is complete in itself except for one addition - an oscilloscope - which is the basic
measurement tool. Since the bandwidth of TIMS signals seldom exceeds 1 MHz, a general
purpose two channel oscilloscope is more than adequate.
Although TIMS itself can model a wave analyser, thus showing the principles of spectrum
analysis, the PICO virtual instrument plus a PC is recommended for more serious work.
This instrument operates as a virtual oscilloscope as well.
TIMS includes a WIDEBAND TRUE RMS METER module, with a calibrated attenuator.
This is particularly useful for setting up precise signal-to-noise ratios.
The in-built FREQUENCY COUNTER is used for all frequency measurements. As an
event counter, with other modules, it enables precision bit error rate (BER) determinations
in digital systems.

experimental practice
It is customary to insert modules into the TIMS frame in the order they appear in the block
diagram which is to be modelled. Patching usually proceeds from input to output in a
systematic manner.
None of the TIMS front panel controls is calibrated. Signals are typically set up, to their
appropriate frequencies and amplitudes, using the oscilloscope or WIDEBAND TRUE RMS
METER.
Analog signals, at module interfaces, are normally adjusted to the TIMS ANALOG
REFERENCE LEVEL of 4 volt peak-to-peak. This ensures that they do not drop down to the
system noise level (at last 40 dB below this), nor introduce distortion products by amplitude
overload.
Digital signal levels will be fixed automatically at one or other of the two standard TTL
levels (either +5 or 0 volt).
When it is necessary to transmit a TTL signal via an analog circuit, an analog version is
usually available. This is a 2 volt (bi-polar) waveform derived from the TTL version.

oscilloscope synchronization
It is always important to consider carefully which of the many signals present will be used
to trigger (synchronize) the oscilloscope. Seldom is it desirable to synchronize to the output
waveform of the system itself. Typically this contains more than one frequency component,
and will be of varying amplitude (as the system is adjusted, for example); this is an
unsuitable signal for obtaining stable synchronization.
Instead, look for a signal of fixed frequency and amplitude, and which bears an appropriate
relationship to the desired signal display. For example, the message source when displaying
the envelope of an amplitude modulated signal.

TIMS Lab Sheet

2/2