Audio over IP equipment developer Barix says that its Real-Time Clock ensures audio and control devices continue operating uninterrupted during network failures by keeping mission-critical operations for broadcast radio, streaming media, building automation and other applications on time.
The market-agnostic, self-sustaining reference clock plugs into devices via an RS-232 serial port, including, but not limited to, Barix IP audio and control products. The Barix Real-Time Clock maintains time for four years, the company says. This allows the RTC to provide time information after a device startup, independently from network-based time reference.
“Barix devices are normally network-connected and receive the time through that connection, but what if, after a power outage, the network connection remains down?” asks Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix AG. “It’s a serious concern if your operation requires time-dependent logging or control. The Barix Real-Time Clock provides that time source to maintain operations.”
Rietschel says that broadcasters using the RTC can continue streaming syndicated programs with local network IDs, jingles, ads and promos can trigger events on schedule without affecting the on-air content.
For building automation, Rietschel says that Barix Barionet IP control devices can use the RTC to gain independence from network time references, continuing to switch lights and boilers on and off, saving energy even if the network fails. The RTC will be introduced in January.