Microchip unveils single chip for network synchronisation
Offering precise timing for 5G radio access equipment, the ZL3073x / 63x / 64x network synchronisation platform combines integration and performance in one compact, low-power device, says Microchip.
For 5G, time sources need to be synchronised throughout a packet-switched network 10 times more accurately than 4G requirements. The devices makes it possible to achieve 5G performance with what is claimed to be the first single chip, highly integrated, low power, multi-channel IC coupled with the company’s IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP) and clock recovery algorithm software modules.
The ZL3073x / 63x / 64x network synchronisation platform implements sophisticated measure, calibrate and tune capabilities, which reduces network equipment time error to meet the most stringent 5G requirements, said Rami Kanama, vice president of Microchip’s timing and communications business unit.
Microchip’s measure, calibrate and tune capabilities ensure 5G systems achieve ITU-T Standard G.8273.2 Class C (30ns max|TE|) and the emerging Class D (5ns max|TEL|) time error requirements. The architecture offers up to five independent digital phase locked loop (DPLL) channels while consuming only 0.9W in a compact 9.0 x 9.0mm package that simultaneously reduces board space, power and system complexity.
There are five low-jitter synthesisers which offers 100 femto second root mean square (rms) jitter performance required by high speed interfaces in the latest 5G radio unit, distributed unit and central unit systems.
Microchip’s network synchronisation platform software includes its ZLS30730 high-performance algorithm coupled with its ZLS30390 IEEE 1588-2008 protocol engine. The network synchronisation platform combines seamlessly with Microchip’s family of precision 5G oscillators, adds the company. Its portfolio also includes clock generation, fanout buffer and jitter attenuator solutions as well as quartz and MEMS oscillators and Ethernet physical layer (PHY) devices.
A graphical user interface (GUI) and evaluation board are also available, along with application notes and other design-in support tools.
The ZL3073x / 63x / 64x network synchronisation platform is available in production quantities and offered with IEEE 1588 PTP and algorithm software modules, which are provided through license terms for download.
