Microchip's new timing grandmaster is expected to enhance security and data protection by improving deployment flexibility, security and scalability.

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) today announced the availability of version 2.3 of its TimeProvider® 4100 grandmaster timing synchronization system, which is compliant with the IEEE® 1588 2.1 version 2019 security standard for timing system protection, while enhancing deployment flexibility and scalability.

Microchip’s TimeProvider 4100 version 2.3 Grandmaster introduces a highly resilient multi-client Precision Time Protocol (PTP) optional license, giving customers up to three connections to other Grandmasters on the operator’s network.

This feature can be used as a backup for time and phase inputs. This new option implements the latest IEEE 1588 2.1 standard majority mechanism to select the optimal input for APTS (Assisted Partial Timing Support) backup protection.

TimeProvider 4100 version 2.3 also supports two PTP server profiles on each Ethernet port, providing greater deployment flexibility. This allows customers to optimize port usage without having to invest in additional hardware. It also helps enable PTP server, PTP client and in-band management on a single port.

TimeProvider 4100 release 2.3 enhances security with support for the latest IEEE 1588 2.1 2019 standard. It includes architecture-guided security support that detects tampering by using dual communication paths between PTP nodes. The timing grandmaster also implements an out-of-band management mechanism to detect tampering, performance degradation, and failures. Full AAA (authentication, authorization, accounting) and dual authentication are also supported. TimeProvider 4100 release 2.3 is available for both new and already deployed systems via a software update.