Microchip releases new version of TimeProvider to enhance 5G

Microchip Technology Inc. has released software version 2.1 of its TimeProvider 4100 precision timing grandmaster to enhance 5G mobile network phase protection. The job of Virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC), or the grandmaster clock, is to sync continuously to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) and distribute precise time to all devices in the network.

Microchip’s precise timing tool will help 5G mobile providers, cable operators, and utility providers ensure phase delivery, protection, and synchronization even when the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) develops snags.

It has a vPRTC multi-domain architecture, which is a cost-effective solution providing a high-performance, redundant, sub-5 nanosecond distribution of precise time over regional and national networks.

The main advantages include:

Supports the latest ITU-T G.8275.1 and G.8275.2 1588 phase profiles
Offers extensive port fan-out for PTP, Network Time Protocol (NTP), SyncE, and E1/T1
Builds on earlier versions by adding key software enhancements providing a vPRTC
Provides the ability to design a redundant precise time distribution architecture for phase protection over an optical network

Significantly, the new vPRTC functionality reduces the dependency of telecom, cable, and utility operators using GPS and the GNSS. GNSS is typically costly for service providers, given the expenses associated with upgrading to GNSS-capable receivers and antennae and increasing densification of endpoints.

The new vPRTC functionality has many important features. Leveraging the existing optical network, it avoids high-cost dark fiber expenses. Using a dedicated lambda, it transport time precisely and securely. On top of this, enhanced PRTC (ITU-T G.8272.1) provides a high-performance, redundant source of time.

Aside from permitting bidirectional, precise time flows (east and west), it chains together high-precision, multi-domain, high-performance boundary clocks that meet today's standards such as T-BC Class D, as defined by ITU-T G.8273.2.

Additionally, version 2.1 of TimeProvider 4100 introduces Network Time Protocol daemon (NTPd) with Message Digest (MD5) security algorithm. It meets PRTC-B performance standards (per ITU-T G.8272) and supports 1G and 10G, NTP, and PTP in a single form- factor system. The technology is available now for both new and already deployed systems.

A prominent supplier of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets, Microchip Technology is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.