US : Semtech Corp. announced the ToPSync™ (Timing Over Packet Synchronization) ACS9510 device, the first network synchronization device that combines IEEE1588v2 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) with Semtech’s market leading SONET/SDH synchronous equipment timing source (SETS) solution. The ACS9510 device is the first product in a new platform of timing solutions that meets the increasing needs of carriers worldwide in 3G, 4G, LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WiMAX applications.
The ACS9510 enables IP networks to provide time alignment between base station nodes or network switches. As a consequence, it is no longer necessary to use costly GPS modules and oscillators at each node, each of which can cost up to $500. The solution also facilitates the move from traditional leased lines to the use of public IP networks to provide the backhaul for broadband wireless base stations. Some Semtech customers have realized cost savings of up to $50,000 per year per base station by moving to IP backhaul. ToPSync enables customers deploying next-generation wireless technologies such as WiMax, LTE (long-term evolution) and 4G to achieve precise time alignment down to 1us accuracy.
After extensive trials, several carriers have standardized on the solution for their IP backhaul networks. These carriers tested Semtech’s Timing over Packet Synchronization technology under heavily congested network conditions using a suite of tests and found that the device delivered a better than 1us of time alignment. The ACS9510 has undergone three years of continuous performance testing by a number of carriers.
“We are very pleased that, based on the stringent trials at carriers, our technology has been selected for use in WCDMA, GPON, WiMAX and other products, all due for imminent launch,” said Rich Lansdowne, Product Group Manager at Semtech. “The IEEE 1588v2 technology satisfies a long felt need for carriers to move to IP backhaul. As the market leader in telecom synchronization solutions, we are very excited by the opportunities that are emerging in this market space.”
The ACS9510 ToPSync device can operate in a traditional role in the SONET/SDH network providing a high-precision synchronization solution within network elements, or it can use the ToPSync platform technology to provide reference clock signal transport across a carrier IP network. In its PTP role it can operate as a Grandmaster or a slave allowing for full hybrid deployment between packet- and circuit-based networks.
Semtech’s ToPSync solution automatically adapts to packet delay variation, packet jitter and network reconfigurations to maintain the required frequency accuracy, phase stability or full time alignment. The ACS9510 IC also incorporates a precision holdover feature to maintain clock accuracy in the event of a network failure. In worldwide trials lasting for more than three years, ToPSync has consistently demonstrated high performance and robustness.
Key Features of the ACS9510
- Fully integrated - IEEE1588 PTP Grandmaster, PTP Slave and SONET/SDH clock (TDM Timing) solution. Integrates hardware precision time stamping with on-the-fly insertion. Powerful processor and clock recovery algorithm integrated. Backwards compatibility mode with Semtech ACS8520 SETS.
- PTP Grandmaster selection - according to Best Master Clock (BMC) algorithm
- Powerful network delay analysis delivers full time alignment in the slave over hostile networks, including Layer 2 & 3 routed.
- Dynamic adaptation to network delay variations. Network loading change tolerant.
- Time alignment performance better than ±2 μs on a managed 5-switch GbE network under G.826120 test conditions.
- Frequency alignment performance better than ±10 ppb on a managed 5-switch GbE network under G.826120 test conditions.
- Standard compliance - IEEE 1588 v213, G.826120
