TIME SIGNAL RECEIVER MODULE

DAEV6180B1COB.004
23 March, 2012
TIME SIGNAL RECEIVER MODULE
• Tuned ferrite antenna
• AM receiver IC board
• Reception of:
- German DCF77
- US WWVB
- British MSF
- Japanese JJY60
INTRODUCTION
The time signal receiver module comprises of a
ferrite antenna and an AM receiver IC printed circuit
board. The board includes a MAS6180B1 AM
receiver IC accompanied with necessary filter
crystal and capacitor components. The circuitry
includes also an RC-filter for the supply voltage.
The EB6180B1COB77K5A1 module is tuned for
77.5 kHz and suitable for receiving German DCF77
time
signal
transmission
whereas
the
EB6180B1COB60K0A1 and A2 modules are tuned
for 60 kHz suitable for receiving US WWVB, British
MSF
and
Japanese
JJY60
time
signal
transmissions. The A2 module with 100mm
antenna bar is especially suited for WWVB to cover
the weak signal areas.
The MAS6180B1 AM receiver IC includes amplifier,
demodulator and comparator blocks that transforms
the received AM transmission into series of pulse
width coded digital pulses which can be directly
processed by an appropriate digital circuitry such
as a micro controller unit (MCU).
PIN DESCRIPTION
Pin ID
Type
Function
Note
P1
DI
PDN (power down) control pin
HIGH = receiver off
LOW = receiver on
T
P2
G
V
AON
DO
NC
G
P
DI
Time pulse output
Supply ground
Supply voltage
AGC on/off control (optional)
Leave unconnected
Leave unconnected when not used
D = Digital, P = Power, G = Ground, I = Input, O = Output, NC = Not Connected
PCB backside
pin marking
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DAEV6180B1COB.004
23 March, 2012
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Antenna orientation
Horizon
The magnetic field component of the propagating long wave time signal
transmission has a horizontal polarization thus the ferrite antenna should
be oriented horizontally to maximize the signal (see figure 1).
Figure 1. Antenna orientation relative to ground
Transmitter
antenna
Ferrite
antenna
Ground
The ferrite antenna should also be pointing
orthogonally relative to the transmitter (see
figure 2).
Figure 2. Antenna orientation relative to transmitter station
The ferrite bar antenna should be located as far as possible from
conductive metal walls, PCB ground plane or ferromagnetic
objects (speakers). All those objects affect the antenna tuning
and can attenuate the received signal. To avoid noise coupling
the ferrite antenna should also not be pointing towards noisy
electronic circuits (figure 3). It is a good practice to turn off all
unnecessary electronic circuits when receiving the weak radio
transmission.
Figure 3. Antenna orientation relative to noisy electric circuits
Getting a signal
The antenna is sensitive for magnetic and electric disturbances. As an example, in digital radio controlled clocks
it is known that LCD displays, refreshed using a 32Hz signal, has a1875th odd harmonic hitting exactly at 60kHz
and its amplitude can be strong enough (µVrms level) to reduce the sensitivity. The antenna and module
placement is critical and one should maximize distance to other disturbing electronics and metal/ferrous parts
which might affect the antenna and the reception.
A good place to start is to put the module close to a window and turn the antenna to an optimal position relative
the transmitter (see the figure 2 above). As the second step trigger the fast startup by moving PDN control from
power down (PDN=VDD) to power up (PDN=VSS) which will make the AGC find its level within a few seconds if
the receiving conditions are sufficient. Initially the OUT signal should be high but soon after finding a signal (or
disturbance in case of poor SNR) the output goes low and after a few seconds it should start receiving pulses. If
the output stays low all the time there is probably some disturbance stronger than the signal. If the signal is bad,
change location and repeat the fast startup by setting PDN=VDD (power down) to PDN=VSS (power up).
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DAEV6180B1COB.004
23 March, 2012
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Operating Conditions: VDD = 1.5V, Temperature = 27°C, unless otherwise specified.
Parameter
Symbol
Operating Voltage
Current Consumption
Conditions
VDD
IDD
Stand-By Current
Receiving Frequency
IDDoff
fIN
Sensitivity
EMIN
VDD=1.5 V, weak signal
VDD=1.5 V, strong signal
VDD=3.6 V, weak signal
VDD=3.6 V, strong signal
Min
Typ
Max
1.1
1.5
66
40
68
42
3.6
31
24
module EB6180B1COB77K5A1
module EB6180B1COB60K0A1
module EB6180B1COB60K0A2
See ordering information below.
Unit
V
µA
85
65
0.1
77.5
60
60
25
µA
kHz
µV/m
Note: For more detailed electrical characteristics see MAS6180B1 AM receiver IC datasheet
MECHANICAL DIMENSIONS
Parameter
Symbol
Conditions
Min
Typ
Max
Unit
length
LA
A1 antenna bar
A2 antenna bar
WA
HA
60
100
10
9
+3
+3
+0.3
+0.3
mm
width
height
-3
-3
-0.3
-0.3
LPCB
W PCB
TPCB
-0.2
-0.2
-0.1
25.0
13.5
1.3
+0.2
+0.2
+0.1
mm
Antenna
PCB
length
width
thickness
100±3 (A2 antenna bar)
10±0.3
9±0.3
60±3 (A1 antenna bar)
10±0.3
9±0.3
25.0±0.2
7.8
10.2
10.5
1.3±0.1
13.5±0.2
Diameter of two corner located
assembly holes is 2mm.
2.54 (4x)
21.4
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DAEV6180B1COB.004
23 March, 2012
CIRCUIT SCHEMATIC
Note: The two attachment holes on the PCB corners have electrical connection to AON and GND. Ensure
proper isolation when attaching to conductive enclosure.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Product Code
Product
Antenna
EB6180B1COB77K5A1
EB6180B1COB60K0A1
EB6180B1COB60K0A2
77.5kHz DCF77 receiver module
60kHz WWVB/MSF/JJY60 receiver module
60kHz WWVB/MSF/JJY60 receiver module
A1: 60x10x9 mm
A1: 60x10x9 mm
A2: 100x10x9 mm
Note: Modules are RoHS compliant.
MICRO ANALOG SYSTEMS OY CONTACTS
Micro Analog Systems Oy
Kutomotie 16
FI-00380 Helsinki, FINLAND
Tel. +358 10 835 1100
Fax +358 10 835 1119
http://www.mas-oy.com
NOTICE
Micro Analog Systems Oy reserves the right to make changes to the products contained in this data sheet in order to improve the design or
performance and to supply the best possible products. Micro Analog Systems Oy assumes no responsibility for the use of any circuits
shown in this data sheet, conveys no license under any patent or other rights unless otherwise specified in this data sheet, and makes no
claim that the circuits are free from patent infringement. Applications for any devices shown in this data sheet are for illustration only and
Micro Analog Systems Oy makes no claim or warranty that such applications will be suitable for the use specified without further testing or
modification.
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