Microchip’s enhanced timing grandmaster improves deployment flexibility and security

Infrastructure communication networks — including 5G mobile, utilities, cable, transportation, defense, and data centers — must acquire and maintain signals for precise timing from Global Positioning System (GPS) or other worldwide satellite constellations.

These networks require redundant backup systems when Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are unavailable.

Microchip Technology‘s TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.3 precision-timing grandmaster fully meets this requirement with the industry’s very latest IEEE 1588 v2.1 2019 security standard for protection of timing systems — while also providing an increased level of deployment flexibility and scalability.

Microchip’s TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.3 grandmaster introduces an ultra-resilient, multi-client Precision Time Protocol (PTP) optional license, providing customers with up to three connections to other grandmasters in the operator’s network. This capability can be used as a backup for time and phase input.

The new PTP option implements the latest IEEE 1588 2.1 standard majority vote mechanism to select the best input for Assisted Partial Timing Support (APTS) backup protection.

Additionally, TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.3 provides more deployment flexibility with support for two PTP server profiles on every Ethernet port. Customers can now optimize usage of these ports without additional hardware investments.

The TimeProvider Release 2.3 also allows PTP server, PTP client and in-band management to be used on a single port. It also offers increased security with support for the latest IEEE 1588 2.1 2019 standard. This includes support for architecture guidance security, which uses redundant communication paths between PTP nodes to detect tampering.

Additionally, it implements out-of-band management mechanisms for detecting tampering, degradation, and failures.

This timing grandmaster provides complete support for authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) as well as two-factor authentication. As a software update, TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.3 is available for new and already-deployed systems.

Other features include:

PTP enhancements including increased capacity of up to 1,000 network clients, which is required for certain applications such as data centers.
Enhancements to the E1/T1 expansion module with new signals such as composite clock and JCC (Japan CC format), inputs and outputs, for increased integration with legacy systems.

TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.3 can be managed by Microchip’s TimePictra Synchronization Management System for full Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance and Security.