Microsemi TimeProvider 2300

Microsemi’s Edge Master Clocks are advanced IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) products that are scaled and optimised for deployment at or near the mobile network edge—solutions that evolve the synchronisation distribution architecture without retrofit of existing backhaul equipment or re-engineering the network.

Microsemi’s TimeProvider® 2700 Edge Grandmaster Clock and TimeProvider® 2300 Edge Boundary Clock are a new type of IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) equipment designed for deployment in the mobile backhaul network, at macro base station sites, or small cell aggregation locations. These Edge Master Clocks are optimised to enable economic deployment of small cells and meet the stringent timing and synchronisation requirements of 4G/LTE networks following the approach anticipated in the proposed ITU-T G.8275.2 standard for partial on-path support.

Edge Master Clocks

The continuing evolution of mobile network technologies has driven the need for increased accuracy and greater availability of timing and synchronisation signals. At the same time, backhaul networks with high packet delay variation present timing “jitter variation” and asymmetry challenges that are difficult to solve with current solutions. Retrofit of backhaul networks for full on-path support is often not economically feasible, while deploying a GNSS receiver at every base station location is impractical, particularly in many small cell environments. Together, these issues create the need for a new synchronisation distribution architecture for LTE networks.

Edge Master Clocks are PTP synchronisation solutions designed for deployment in current networks by locating a grandmaster at or near the edge or by overlaying the network with advanced boundary clocks at planned locations. They enable mobile network transitions to include small cells, and they support the stringent LTE-TDD and LTE-A phase and time requirements without overhauling the current backhaul network. In frequency synchronised networks (LTE-FDD, as well as 2G/3G), Edge Master equipment can be deployed to eliminate timing issues caused by diverse technologies in the backhaul network, high packet delay environments, and asymmetry inherent in Carrier Ethernet networks.

Together, Microsemi’s Edge Master products enable synchronisation distribution solutions that allow the mobile network to continue to evolve without retrofit of existing backhaul equipment and without changes to current network design and switching/routing policies.

TimeProvider 2300 Edge Boundary Clock

The TimeProvider 2300 PTP Boundary Clock provides two gigabit Ethernet interfaces in a combo port configuration supporting use of either copper or optical connections. They are configured as one PTP input port and one PTP output port. Synchronous Ethernet is supported on both ports. Models are available to support 8, 16, 32 or 64 PTP clients; all operating at the full 128 messages per second rate. Client capacity can be increased in the field with software license options. The TimeProvider 2300 is available with either an OCXO or rubidium oscillator; each delivering a different level of phase and frequency holdover performance and allowing operators to better optimise their network SLAs. The TimeProvider 2300 includes a programmable 10 MHz or 1 PPS BNC port and a PPS+TOD RS422 on an RJ45 connection. Models with either dual DC or a single AC power input are available. An option for E1/T1 input/output is also available.

The “partial on-path support” synchronisation architecture, anticipated in ITU-T G.8275.2, is made possible by the advanced boundary clock features of the TimeProvider 2300. This “synchronisation overlay” solution includes features not typically found in integrated boundary clock designs. Using Microsemi’s advanced PTP client software and adaptive timing calculations, these capabilities include superior clock recovery algorithms that determine the best timestamps on which to base the offset calculation, the ability to mitigate for timing impairments, faster clock recovery and convergence times, the ability to adapt for load asymmetry, and the ability to leverage frequency input from SyncE or T1/E1 signals.

• TimeProvider 2300: IEEE 1588 PTP advanced, standalone Boundary Clock enabling partial on-path support
• Designed to support the future ITU-T G.8275.2 profile for phase synchronization
• Multi-sync feature uses PTP and SyncE or E1/T1 inputs for optimal precision
• Mitigates impact of backhaul noise, packet delay variation and asymmetry
• Support for 8 to 64 PTP clients
• Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
• Synchronous Ethernet
• E1/T1, input or output
• 10 MHz, PPS and TOD output
• DC or AC power
• TimePictra Synchronization Management System support