Integrated Circuit targets indoor mobile networks.

Press Release Summary:



Featuring integrated hardware Time Stamp Engine, Model IM3240 can distribute stratum 1 accuracy over packet-switching Ethernet with reference signal from GPS receiver. Device delivers peak-to-peak error of 11 ns in timestamping of PTP messages when implementing IEEE 1588 v2 protocol software. In grandmaster mode, IC will transmit GPS-based reference to other nodes, and when operating in slave mode and without GPS signal, it will use one of network's grandmasters as reference.



Original Press Release:



Edge Grandmasters in New Generation Networks Made Possible with New Semiconductor Platform IM3240



The 2008 International IEEE Symposium on Precision Clock Synchronization for Measurement, Control and Communication last week in Ann Arbor, USA, was preceded by a plug-fest to test vendor implementations of the new IEEE 1588 version 2 standard, the Precise Time Protocol. It was a great success for the industry, as most participants were able to show interoperability over a network with a number of different implementations. Imsys participated with two products - IM3220 and IM3240. Both were found to have a flawless implementation of IEEE 1588 v2.

Stockholm, October 2. For the introduction of femtocells in the telecom market the distribution of precise time and frequency is a key challenge for a mass deployment in the heterogeneous networks. The high cost for achieving the required accuracy has been a barrier for this emerging consumer market. The operator defined price target of USD 100 is easily upset by the cost of the clock reference technologies alone. New products based on IEEE 1588 technology, like the Imsys IM3240, intend to overcome this.

While current industry solution providers see challenges in achieving a 100 ns timestamp accuracy, the Imsys technology delivers a 10-fold better performance running from its internal oscillator. Where existing solutions require an additional switch and an extra IP address from the operator, Imsys can share the IP address with the local Network Processor in designs with data payloads up to 60 Mbit/s.

Precise time with nanosecond accuracy, synchronized to UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), is made possible by the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) IEEE 1588 version 2. The Imsys IM3240 Integrated Circuit can distribute stratum 1 accuracy over the packet-switching Ethernet, with a reference signal from a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Synchronized time can now become commodity for use in networked systems. An IM3240 based Edge Grand Master, or EGM for short, can act a local area network service provider of time and frequency to clustered small cell base stations in the New Generation Mobile Networks.

The functionality is delivered by the IM3240, an Application Specific Controller with an integrated hardware Time Stamp Engine (TSE) for Ethernet based protocols. In implementing the IEEE 1588 protocol software the IC delivers highest accuracy, with a peak-to-peak error of 11 ns in the timestamping of PTP messages, compared to the GPS input reference.

The unparalleled features of the IM3240 makes it a first choice for new generation mobile networks as they now move indoors. In grandmaster mode it will transmit its GPS based reference to other nodes. When operating in slave mode and without a GPS signal it will use one of the network's grandmasters as reference.

The value of the IP network time and synchronization controller IM3240 is clear when comparing total cost of implementing the Ethernet connection, communication stacks and synchronization in a slave application. As part of the data path it supports up to 60 Mbit/s layer 2 designs in the network, requiring only one IP address for most applications.

"Now system developers of 4G infrastructure have a viable technical solution which also supports their low cost targets. Looking at the development cycle, we can reduce the time for working prototype from months to days due to the high level of integration. The customers can concentrate on the wireless side of things.", says Ola Andersson, Imsys President and CEO.

The IM3240-P40 from Imsys is an OEM board for developing products for this application. Connected to a low cost GPS receiver with a Pulse Per Second (PPS) output signal it will prototype a PTP GrandMaster in no time. All necessary hardware and software is included. The small form factor (83x50 mm) and design quality of the Imsys IM3240-P40 platform enables compact design and OEM prototyping with a roadmap to optimizations.

The integrated circuit with IEEE 1588 version 2, the Integrated Development Environment and the OEM board is available now. Contact us on phone +46 8 594 11070 or +1 877 775 1627, orsimply drop us a mail on 1588@imsystech.com.

About Imsys

Imsys Technologies is an innovative fabless semiconductor company that supplies world-leading Application Specific processors, modules, and tools for embedded applications like the IEEE 1588 version 2. The products come shrink-wrapped to dedicated applications with a well defined Application Programming Interface and a stable software platform on top of a world-class energy efficient semiconductor architecture. The company offers Internet-enabled reference modules shipped as ready-to-go subsystems as starter kits.

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