RT431 Time Code Generator is a compact GPS-based clock designed to be installed on a DIN rail that supports the Precise Time Protocol (IEEE 1588 PTP) version 2. PTP provides accurate synchronization over Ethernet networks within 100 ns accuracy, enabling applications like synchrophasors without the need to use separate IRIG-B and PPS networks. RT431 configured as PTP slave also works as a transceiver from PTP to IRIG-B, serial or pulse time codes, enabling the use of PTP on IEDs that do not support this protocol.

The demand for accurate time synchronization available 24/7 increases with the growth of critical substation applications, such as phasor measurement, merging units, traveling-wave fault location and current differential protection operating over SONET and MPLS systems. In order to yield the best accuracy and granularity from such applications, the use of a common, precision-time reference is essential.