Be (Time) Aware

摘要

Here's a pop quiz: In a few words, explain the key differences between LXI Class A, B, and C instruments. Unless you're working as an LXI developer or have extensive experience using LXI instruments, chances are you'll struggle with this challenge. That's why some LXI suppliers are starting to use some alternate terminology. One such term is time-aware instruments. From a technical standpoint, that refers to Class A and Class B products that support the IEEE 1588 Precision Timing Protocol. But that still doesn't mean much to many of you. So let's put it into simpler words. Time-aware instruments are those that, using LAN messaging, know exactly what other instruments on the LAN are doing and, most importantly, when they are doing it and with precision that can reach nanoseconds depending on the implementation.