In response to the need for secure, precise timing and synchronisation in power plants and sub-stations’ communications networks, Microchip Technology has introduced the GridTime 3000 GNSS time server. The software-configurable server provides redundancy, security and resilience, says the company to ensure networks transmit critical data including operability metrics, network health, fault monitoring, power measurement and usage trends without false tripping and with data timestamping including system faults, power measurements and substation status.
“Surges, adverse weather and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure all require resilient timing architectures and technology to mitigate the threats and ensure continuous timing,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president, Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit.
The GridTime 3000 system generates time and frequency signals to synchronise analogue and digital communication systems. This resilient timing platform incorporates multiple timing inputs for protection in the event of a signal disruption caused by severe weather, environmental disturbances or signal jamming or spoofing. Three levels of internal holdover options are available including a base voltage-controlled temperature compensated crystal oscillator (VCTCXO) and an optional high-performance oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) or rubidium oscillator option to extend holdover duration and enhance performance.
The time server complies with IEC 61850-3, the environmental component of IEC 61850, the standard that defines communication protocols for power substations. It is also compliant with IEEE 1613-2009, for environmental and testing requirements for power substations.
A hardware-based cryptographic assurance module uses industry-standard Rivest, Shamir and Adleman (RSA)- and AES-based encryption to protect against unauthorised configuration uploads.
The GridTime 3000 server has a licensed feature model, enabling clients to upgrade system technology as needed. There are 10 1000BASE-T Ethernet (1Gbits per second) ports for high speed synchronisation using precision time protocol (PTP) and network time protocol (NTP).
Microchip’s GridTime 3000 GNSS time server includes an internal web browser management interface, clock management tool (CMT). The CMT provides configuration and management for remote managing and monitoring, together with accessories including a multi-band, multi-constellation GNSS receiver system and cold-swappable power supplies.
The GridTime 3000 GNSS time server is available now in volume production.
