New IEEE 1588 hardware and software solutions from IDT

     IDT has announced a new hardware and software solution that simplifies IEEE 1588 synchronization of network communications devices. The 82P339xx-1 product includes IEEE 1588-compatible software and an IDT synchronization Management Unit (SMU) chip to provide a complete telecommunications network synchronization solution for IEEE 1588 and Synchronous Ethernet.

     Network synchronization based on IEEE 1588 Telecommunication Boundary Clock (T-BC) is a more practical and cost-effective alternative to using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antennas at every node in the network. The IEEE 1588 Telecommunication Boundary Clock compatible with ITU-T G.8273.2 is capable of recovering accurate frequency, phase/time information in a packet-based network.

     Compared to other chip solutions, IDT's T-BC hardware is a deterministic, simpler, and more automated solution because it requires less external processor intervention. The hardware/software solution includes an IEEE 1588 protocol stack, clock recovery servos (servos) for frequency and phase/time, and clock synthesis hardware with physical layer frequency support.

     "Implementing packet-based synchronization has traditionally been a challenging technology for system designers because it requires extensive expertise and meets stringent network standards," said Louise Gaulin, vice president and general manager of IDT's network Communications Business group. The 82P339xx-1 product is designed for ease of use, high flexibility, and compliance with the latest generation of packet-based synchronization standards."

     The 82P339xx-1 SMU automatically filters the phase/time information of IEEE 1588 and combines it with the physical layer frequency information according to ITU-T G.8273.2 to produce an accurate, stable, and low-jitter clock. Phase/time and frequency filters are implemented in hardware to ensure deterministic filter bandwidth and eliminate the need for redundant software processing.

     The 82P339xx-1 product family is designed for a wide range of applications including base stations, access devices, routers, switches, optical devices and servers. The standard compatibility of the 82P339xx-1 has been verified, and test results and test reports are available.