Node Description
Please follow this link for progress on the fabrication and testing of the MARS node.
Initially, MARS will consist of a single, trawl resistant node located approximately 900 meters below the sea surface at the end of a 51 km submarine cable. Extension cables will allow scientists to place instruments up to 4 km away from the node. Science Instrument Interface Modules are being designed by MBARI to provide easier connection for instruments. These designs will be available to MARS users. Some details on the MARS science node are listed below.
Primary Ports
Instrument Port
- Connector: Nautilus (Ocean Design, Inc.)
- Number of Ports: 8 per node.
- Pin out: See the connector wiring diagram.
Data Port
- IEEE 802.3 10/100 Base-T using IP protocol.
- Science Instrument Interface Modules (SIIMS) will provide Ethernet to RS232 or 422 or 485 conversion for a single item.
Power for Primary Ports: 48 VDC and 375 VDC
- 10 kW can be apportioned among the primary ports. Actual power available at any port will be negotiated with users and managed by the observatory.
- Separate returns for 48 and 375 VDC
- A maximum of 2 kW is available at 48 VDC to all ports.
- SIIMS will provide 48 and 375 VDC to "other," e.g., 12 VDC levels
- Individual ports will be monitored for over-current and ground faults.
Timing
- NTP time services will be provided over the primary data port with an expected accuracy of the order 10s of milliseconds.
- An additional precision 1 pps clock signal will be provided with an accuracy goal of 1 microsecond.