| Further expanding our carrier-grade time and synchronization portfolio to address network deployment, reliability, and scalability challenges… Supporting 10 Gigabits per second in mobile and next-generation cable networks.

One of the biggest challenges in building 5G networks is synchronizing large, densely packed base stations.

Another challenge is to provide continuous service even when the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) experiences momentary failures due to vulnerabilities such as jamming, spoofing, and signal loss.

Microchip Technology, through its subsidiary Microsemi, announced today the addition of new products to its Precision Time Protocol (PTP) PackeTime portfolio, including the TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0, to address these network-related challenges.

TimeProvider Release 2.0 adds 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) support, a Boundary Clock operating mode for cost savings, and other enhancements to improve how timing flows are distributed from multiple sources to network base stations and other endpoints.

SK TelecomTo provide world-class 5G services in the metropolitan area and Chungcheong Province, the company adopted the TimeProvider 4100 2.0 with a built-in 10 GE expansion module.

Extending the gateway clock operating mode of the TimeProvider 4100 2.0 to Microchip's High-Performance Boundary Clock (HP-BC) operating mode enables support for the latest high-accuracy ITU-T Class C and Class D boundary clock standards.

Because this standard requires accurate time transmission in optical networks, operators can utilize dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology rather than dedicated fiber optic lines.

Release 2.0 addresses the increasing bandwidth requirements of next-generation network devices with an optional expansion module that provides 10 GE interfaces.

Extended monitoring capabilities enable service providers to understand how network elements impact time and phase performance.

PTP client capacity is expanded to 790, providing significant scalability for deployments on mobile network aggregation layers and new DOCSIS 3.1 Remote-PHY cable architectures.

For service providers who need to deploy the more compact PTP 1588 v2 Grandmaster closer to the network edge and in fewer base stations, Microchip has also introduced Release 3.0 to its Integrated GNSS Master (IGM) family.

IGM 3.0 combines an IEEE-1588v2 PTP grandmaster with a GNSS receiver and antenna to simplify indoor and outdoor installations.

These three IGM 3.0 add-ons each use improved oscillators and GNSS receivers to deliver accurate time and phase, as well as new features based on the IGM Plus hardware models.r />
A newly added oscillator option extends timekeeping holdover performance, while an enhanced receiver increases satellite signal acquisition speed and security by accessing more GNSS constellations simultaneously.

Receiver upgrade options support GPS, Galileo (Europe), QZSS (Japan), GLONASS, and Beidou. IGM 3.0 software provides IPv6 support for traffic and management flows, and PTP capacity has been increased to 60 clients.

TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0 and IGM Release 3.0 are managed by TimePictra, a unified, centralized management platform for Microchip's family of precision timing systems.

Microchip's TimeProvider 4100 2.0 and IGM 3.0 1588v2 PTP Grandmasters are available now. The TimeProvider 4100 2.0 expansion module and three IGM Plus models (with enhanced features) can be ordered separately.

Customers with a valid annual maintenance and support contract can load and upgrade software options for TimeProvider 4100 2.0 onto their existing hardware models.

Microchip also offers a range of support services, including hardware and software repair, maintenance, updates and upgrades, along with the option to add new features through hardware modules and licensed software.

For more information, including pricing, contact your local Microchip sales representative or visit the Microchip subsidiary Microsemi website to find an Empower channel partner in your area. The above products are available through Microchip Empower channel partners.

“Microchip is committed to helping service providers navigate the increasingly challenging challenges of accurate time delivery and synchronization while migrating to new networks,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and general manager of Microchip’s frequency and time business unit. “We address these challenges with maximum flexibility and scalability.”

“Whether service providers need to distribute timing flows to endpoints with the TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.0 with Grandmaster, Gateway Clock and HP-BC operation modes, or synchronize devices at the network edge with the scalable and easy-to-deploy IGM Grandmaster, Microchip’s goal is to help them get the most out of their existing investments as they roll out 5G, IoT, DOCSIS 3.1 cable, video and other services,” he added.