1588 Grandmaster, Time Provider 4100
Equipped with PTP, NTP, SyncE, and E1/T1 port fan-out
Added vPRTC features based on the previous version


Microchip Technology released version 2.1 of the TimeProvider® 4100 precision timing grandmaster software on the 22nd.

The new product supports phase transmission, protection, and synchronization for 5G mobile service providers, cable broadcasters, and utility operators even when the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is offline, jammed, or spoofed.

Time Provider 4100, a 1588 grandmaster with support for the latest ITU-T G.8275.1 and G.8275.2 1588 phase profiles, is equipped with port fan-out for PTP, NTP (Network Time Protocol), SyncE, and E1/T1.

This 2.1 version adds major software improvements based on previous versions, including the provision of a virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC). vPRTC is a feature that enables the design of a redundant precision time distribution architecture for phase protection in optical communication networks.

Until recently, the primary sources for precise time measurement were GPS and the regional satellite units that make up GNSS. However, considering the costs of upgrading GNSS-enabled receivers and antennas, as well as the cost of increasing endpoint density, GNSS deployment can be a financial burden for service providers. Telecom, cable, and utility operators deploying vPRTC can reduce their reliance on GNSS with Time Provider 4100.

Key features of vPRTC include: ▲ suppressing the cost of expensive dark fiber by utilizing existing optical networks ▲ using dedicated lambda for accurate and secure time transmission ▲ providing high-performance redundant time sources with PRTC (ITU-T G.8272.1) ▲ supporting bidirectional precise time flow (east-west) ▲ high-precision, multi-domain, high-performance boundary clock chaining corresponding to T-BC Class D: ITU-T G.8273.2 certification.

Microchip's vPRTC multi-domain architecture provides high-performance redundant time sources and deploys accurate time over local and national networks with less than 5ns (nanoseconds). Additionally, version 2.1 is equipped with NTPd (Network Time Protocol daemon) which includes the MD5 (Message Digest) security algorithm.

Time Provider 4100 2.1 conforms to the PRTC-B performance standard (ITU-T G.8272) and supports 1G and 10G, NTP and PTP on a single form factor system, and can be used on both new and existing deployed systems.