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Microchip releases latest version of 5G timing software

Wed, Apr 22, 2020

Microchip has released Version 2.1 of its TimeProvider 4100 timing grandmaster, equipped with gateway clock and what is claimed to be the fastest high-performance boundary clock to enhance 5G mobile network phase protection.

It is designed to help 5G mobile providers, cable operators and utility providers ensure phase delivery, protection and synchronisation even when the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is offline, jammed or spoofed.

The TimeProvider 4100 is a 1588 grandmaster with support for the latest ITU-T G.8275.1 and G.8275.2 1588 phase profiles. There is also an extensive port fan-out for PTP, network time protocol (NTP), SyncE, and E1/T1.

This software release builds on earlier versions by adding key software enhancements providing a virtual primary reference time clock (vPRTC). Virtual PRTC provides the ability to design a redundant precise time distribution architecture for phase protection over an optical network.

The main source of precise time is the Global Positioning System (GPS) and regional constellations that comprise the GNSS. Deployment of GNSS, however, can be expensive, due to the cost of upgrading to GNSS-capable receivers and antennae as well as increasing densification of end points. Telecomms, cable and utility operators deploy vPRTC where GNSS dependency is reduced or eliminated.

Using vPRTC leverages the existing optical network, thus avoiding expensive dark fibre expenses, it also uses a dedicated lambda to transport time precisely and securely and provides a redundant source of time through enhanced PRTC (ITU-T G.8272.1). It also allows bi-directional, precise time flows (east and west) and links together high-precision, multi-domain, high-performance boundary clocks that meet T-BC Class D, as defined by ITU-T G.8273.2.

Microchip’s vPRTC multi-domain architecture provides a high-performance, redundant, sub-five nanosecond distribution of precise time over regional and national networks.

Release 2.1 also introduces Network Time Protocol daemon (NTPd) with Message Digest (MD5) security algorithm.

TimeProvider4100 2.1 meets PRTC-B performance standards (per ITU-T G.8272) and supports 1G and 10G, NTP and PTP in a single form-factor system.

It is available now for both new and already deployed systems.

http://www.microchip.com

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Routers and software for IoT and 5G signage

Wed, Apr 22, 2020

Routers and software announced by Digi International address IoT connectivity and 5G for retail, digital signage, transportation and smart cities.

The new releases are the Digi TX54 and Digi TX64, the initial products in the TX line of transportation and intelligent traffic system routers. There is also the Digi EX12 cellular extender which joins the Digi EX15 for indoor signage, retail and food service applications.

Digi’s portfolio now has routers that include 5Ge / Gigabit LTE (Cat 18) radios, Band 71 and CBRS connectivity, 5G readiness, and are FirstNet Ready.

Supported devices can also use the Digi Core plug-in module, to adapt to the LTE standard.

Digi’s TX54, TX64 and EX12 are all built on Digi Accelerated Linux (DAL). This secure operating system adds multi-casting, expands routing protocols, and – critical for transportation applications – offers dual APN capabilities and supports dynamic DNS updates.

They also all share Edge Compute, which combined with the integral Python, allows users to add intelligence on the device. This can be from simple scripts to IoT applications.

They all also have Digi Remote Manager for centralised device deployment, monitoring and control. With Digi Remote Manager, organisations can automate firmware, software and configuration updates of all units in the field for asset tracking and compliance, including security protection. It is also available as an Android or iPhone mobile app.

Digi TrustFence is a built-in security framework, which protects internal and external I/O ports to prevent unwanted local intrusion. Digi TrustFence also provides data authentication and device identity management options. It uses the latest encryption protocols for data in motion and over-the-air (OTA) transmissions to ensure the integrity of data flowing across a network.

Designed for transportation, intelligent traffic system (ITS), and public safety applications, the Digi TX54 and Digi TX64 can be used in traffic systems for traffic monitoring and optimisation for connected and even self-driving vehicles, in the future. Dual cellular and dual Wi-Fi makes them suitable for on-transit-vehicle connectivity; eliminating network downtime with immediate cellular failover and providing simultaneous, firewalled passenger and administrator connectivity.

Additionally, the Digi TX64 with its dual Gigabit LTE (Cat 18) radios is ready for 5G as part of AT&T’s 5G rollout. This industrial computer has a Quad-core 1.9GHz processor, with added routing capabilities. It can be used for onsite camera monitoring, emergency response kits, and Wi-Fi for on-board transit applications, in addition to file streaming and storage.

The EX12 is Digi’s most affordable cellular extender for low to medium bandwidth applications, including business continuity, point of sale, and digital signage connectivity in retail and primary LTE connectivity in kiosks, ATMs, and lottery machines.

The TX54 and TX64 are available now. The EX12 will be available by this summer.

http://www.digi.com

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Chipset family supports 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi 6E

Wed, Apr 22, 2020

Equipped with an architecture designed to maximise use of the 6GHz band, the QCS-AX2 chipset family is optimised for high-throughput Wi-Fi applications, such as access points, gateways, and mesh networking solutions for dense environments and under-served areas, says ON Semiconductor.

The QCS-AX2 supports the 6GHz spectrum band based on the enhanced Wi-Fi 6E standard. The chipset is built on an integrated baseband and RF architecture that supports key Wi-Fi 6E features, such as orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), advanced multi-user, multi-input, multi-output (MU-MIMO), 160MHz channel support for faster speeds and SmartScan channel selection.

The family consists of the QCS-AX2-A12, tri-band (6GHz/5GHz/2.4GHz) with AdaptivMIMO technology. It supports flexible 8×8 or 4×4 configurations, the QCS-AX2-T12, a tri-band concurrent 4×4 operation for high performance, cost-effective router solutions, says ON Semiconductor, and the QCS-AX2-T8, a tri-band concurrent eight-stream configuration for mesh nodes and mainstream access points.

The Federal Communications Commission anticipates the opening of the 6GHz band in the US later this year, with up to 1,200MHz of newly available spectrum to be designated for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed use. With almost five times more spectrum than the current 2.4 GHz and 5GHz bands combined, the 6GHz band is accelerating the development of Wi-Fi 6 applications. The 6GHz client ecosystem will take time to build but the Wi-Fi infrastructure devices, such as gateways, routers, and access points will need to continue to support existing dual band (2.4GHz/5GHz) clients.

ON Semiconductor’s Wi-Fi 6E products accommodate the transition to the 6GHz band with AdaptivMIMO technology. A Wi-Fi 6E infrastructure device with AdaptivMIMO allows the network to operate in the 5GHz or 6GHz band depending on the clients present in a subscriber’s home network to maximise performance, coverage, and utilisation. The QCS-AX2 series provides the Wi-Fi performance and connectivity in congested environments to multiple devices that applications demand.

ON Semiconductor is now sampling the QCS-AX2 solutions to customers.

http://www.onsemi.com

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dSpace and Uhnder collaborate to develop radar for autonomous vehicles

Fri, Apr 17, 2020

Radar systems for automated and autonomous driving will be developed jointly by Uhnder and dSpace to ensure they keep pace with safety requirements. Both companies will support each other in the development of sensors and validation solutions.

Radar sensors must detect their surroundings reliably and in great detail. For road use, it is important to implement measures that minimise interference and disturbance signals. Based in Austin, Texas, USA, Uhnder claims to offer the industry’s first digital automotive radar. Its radar on chip (RoC) uses a combination of CMOS and digital code modulation (DCM) technology. Its 4D digitally modulated radar chip integrates 192 virtual channels onto a single chip. Its high contrast resolution (HCR) provides range and angular resolution and makes it possible to separate small radar reflectors from proximate large reflectors.

Uhnder used dSpace automotive radar target simulators to subject sensors whose signals are processed using this modulation method to the most realistic tests possible ahead of approval for series production.

“Digitally modulated radar signals offer significant advantages in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving applications,” said Ralf Reuter, senior director of customer and application engineering at Uhnder. “The radar test solutions from dSpace made it easy for us to investigate interferences between radar systems and to advance our systems as realistically as possible,” he added.

According to senior product manager, Dr Andreas Himmler from dSPACE: “The co-operation with Uhnder provides us with new requirements in sensor development . . . This gives us a headstart in the development of suitable concepts for . . . reliable validation. This applies particularly to the fulfillment of our customers’ challenging requirements with regard to radar target simulation.”

Uhnder believes its approach and technology will transform the automotive industry by changing the way radars work and significantly improving performance with the additional benefits of smaller size, lower power and lower cost.

dSpace develops and distributes integrated hardware and software tools for developing and testing electronic control units. Development areas include electro-mobility to vehicle networking and autonomous driving. Its customer base includes virtually all major vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, says the company. Its systems are also used in the aerospace and other industries. The company has headquarters in Paderborn, Germany and three project centres in Germany and serves customers through regional companies in the USA, the UK, France, Japan, China, and Croatia.

http://www.dspace.de

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Microchip releases latest version of 5G timing software

Routers and software for IoT and 5G signage

Chipset family supports 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi 6E

dSpace and Uhnder collaborate to develop radar for autonomous vehicles

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