Microchip introduces the TimeProvider 4500 series of master clocks

     Operators in critical infrastructure segments such as 5G telecommunications, power utilities, and transportation will need to continuously upgrade their networks with technologies that deliver higher processing speeds and high-precision time sources, while not relying on Global Navigation satellite System (GNSS) clusters such as GPS, GALILEO, and QZSS. To provide network operators with a ground-based alternative that can be used to distribute high-precision time, Microchip announced the introduction of its new TimeProvider 4500 master clock product. It is a hardware timing platform that provides a high-speed network interface of up to 25 Gbps and achieves precise time accuracy of less than 1 nanosecond.

     The TimeProvider 4500 master clock supports high-capacity Precision Time Protocol (PTP) tasks. The innovative hardware platform provides increased IEEE-1588 scalability for thousands of clients. In network locations where range and capacity need to be balanced, i.e., in C-band 5G deployments, being able to serve thousands of gNodeB via a single master clock is critical. Depending on the location, the master clock can serve a small number or a large number of gNodeB base stations. Regardless of size, operators can achieve cost-effective and flexible deployment.

     The TimeProvider 4500 master clock can be flexibly connected to all generations of nes, helping to protect the infrastructure investment of carriers. The TimeProvider 4500 is the first 1588 master clock to support 25 Gbps. Customers can connect the TimeProvider 4500 clock to a variety of network devices using 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, or 25 Gbps network links. As network element upgrades are migrating to devices that require at least 10 Gbps and sometimes up to 100 Gbps, high-speed bandwidth is critical.

     The extremely high time accuracy of the TimeProvider 4500 master clock is particularly important when operators are trying to deploy alternative GNSS solutions. Ground-based solutions are often considered an attractive solution that can leverage existing optical network deployments to avoid reliance on GNSS and enable cost-effective transmission of high-precision time over long distances. Long-distance transmission means that the accuracy of time sources and regeneration is increasingly required.

     The TimeProvider 4500 master clock features new hardware-assisted enhancements such as the latest generation of digital synthesizers and Microchip's PolarFire SoC FPGA. These platform enhancements enable the system to achieve picosecond time accuracy.

     Randy Brudzinski, vice president of Microchip's Frequency and Time Systems Business unit, said: "Microchip continually develops new and innovative time and frequency solutions for critical infrastructure. Our TimeProvider 4500 clock is designed to provide greater timing accuracy in existing optical network environments without the need for expensive upgrades or dedicated dark fiber. The solution is also the first master clock with high-speed data processing capabilities up to 25 Gbps, enabling connectivity to the latest network elements in deployment."

     The advanced hardware platform of the TimeProvider 4500 Master clock supports all the features of the TimeProvider 4100 clock, ensuring that operators deploying new products can also benefit from their investment in the TimeProvider 4100 Series. The TP4500 adds some special features over the TP4100 due to the enhanced hardware platform.

     The TimeProvider 4500 master clock integrates the TimePictra synchronization management solution, enabling operators to monitor and track real-time failures and threats and understand the overall network situation. Other key features of the TimePictra platform include comprehensive fault, configuration, accounting (inventory), performance and safety (FCAPS) management capabilities; Geographic topology and domain navigation; Users prefer dashboard customization, intuitive Web graphical user interfaces that are easy to manage, and more.

     The TimeProvider 4500 series is Microchip's latest IEEE-1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) master clock offering industry-leading performance and value. These field-proven solutions meet timing requirements ranging from low-density indoor applications to high-capacity 5G networks.