Precision timing grandmaster for phase protection

22nd April 2020

Alex Lynn

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To help 5G mobile providers, cable operators and utility providers ensure phase delivery, protection and synchronization even when the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is offline, jammed or spoofed, Microchip Technology hasreleased software version 2.1 for its TimeProvider 4100 precision timing grandmaster.

TimeProvider 4100 is a 1588 grandmaster including support for the latest ITU-T G.8275.1 and G.8275.2 1588 phase profiles, complemented by extensive port fan-out for PTP, Network Time Protocol (NTP), SyncE, and E1/T1. Software release 2.1 builds on earlier versions by adding key software enhancements providing a virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC). Virtual PRTC provides the ability to design a redundant precise time distribution architecture for phase protection over an optical network.

Until recently the main source of precise time has been the Global Positioning System (GPS) and regional constellations that comprise the GNSS. Deployment of GNSS, however, can be costly for service providers given the costs associated with upgrading to GNSS-capable receivers and antennae as well as increasing densification of end points.

As a result, telecom, cable and utility operators deploying vPRTC benefit from solutions where GNSS dependency is reduced or eliminated. Following are key features of the new vPRTC functionality:

Leverages the existing optical network, avoiding high-cost dark fiber expenses.
Uses a dedicated lambda to transport time precisely and securely.
Provides a high-performance, redundant source of time through enhanced PRTC (ITU-T G.8272.1).
Allows bidirectional, precise time flows (east and west).
Chains together high-precision, multi-domain, high-performance boundary clocks that meet today's standards (T-BC Class D, as defined by ITU-T G.8273.2).

Microchip’s vPRTC multi-domain architecture is a cost-effective solution providing a high-performance, redundant, sub-5 nanosecond distribution of precise time over regional and national networks.

In addition, Release 2.1 introduces Network Time Protocol daemon (NTPd) with Message Digest (MD5) security algorithm.

TimeProvider4100 2.1 meets PRTC-B performance standards (per ITU-T G.8272) and supports 1G and 10G, NTP and PTP in a single form-factor system. TimeProvider 4100 2.1 is available now for both new and already deployed systems.