Integrated Device Technology, Inc. has introduced a new hardware and software solution that simplifies IEEE 1588 synchronization of network communications equipment. The 82P339xx-1 products are composed of IEEE 1588-compliant software and IDT Synchronization Management Unit (SMU) chips that deliver a complete telecom network synchronization solution for IEEE 1588 and synchronous Ethernet.
Network synchronization based on IEEE 1588 Telecom Boundary Clocks (T-BC) is a practical and cost-effective alternative to deploying Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antennas at every node in the network. IEEE 1588 Telecom Boundary Clocks compliant with ITU-T G.8273.2 enable the recovery of accurate frequency and phase/time information over a packet-based network.
The IDT T-BC hardware is deterministic, simpler and more automated than alternative silicon solutions as it requires less external processor intervention. The hardware/software solution includes an IEEE 1588 protocol stack, clock recovery servos for frequency and phase/time, and clock synthesis hardware with physical layer frequency support.
“Packet-based synchronization has historically been challenging for system designers to implement because it requires a broad range of specialized technology and needs to meet stringent network standards,” said Louise Gaulin, vice president and general manager of IDT’s Network Communications Division. “The 82P339xx-1 products were specifically engineered to be easy to use, flexible and to comply with the latest generation of packet-based synchronization standards.”
The 82P339xx-1 SMUs automatically filter IEEE 1588 phase/time information and combine it with physical layer frequency information in accordance with ITU-T G.8273.2 to generate accurate, stable and low-jitter clocks. The phase/time and frequency filters are implemented in hardware to ensure deterministic filter bandwidths, eliminating the need for additional software processing.
The 82P339xx-1 product family is designed for a wide range of applications including base stations, access equipment, routers, switches, optical equipment and servers. Standards compliance has been validated and test reports are available with the results.