New device targets precise IEEE 1588 GrandMaster clocks

28 May 2008 Design Automation

Precise time with nanosecond accuracy, synchronised to UTC, in the past required expensive cesium or rubidium clocks.

With the advent of IEEE 1588 in combination with GPS, synchronised time to nanosecond accuracy can now be a commodity for use in distributed systems. IEEE 1588, the Precision Time Protocol (PTP), is finding its way into a variety of applications. For each application there is a need for a timekeeper at large, the GrandMaster or GM for short. Various accurate time sources are used, and the IM3240 microcontroller from Imsys leverages the accuracy of GPS and its ability to provide precise time.

The DK4-3240 development kit, when connected to a GPS receiver with a pulse per second (PPS) signal, is targeted at rapid development of a PTP GrandMaster. All necessary hardware and software is included and the small form-factor and design quality of the platform enables compact design and OEM prototyping.

The functionality of the system is delivered by the IM3240, a dedicated controller for time synchronised applications whose features stem from the ability to analyse and act on gate level, in realtime. With the ability to sustain almost 20 Mbps of IP dataflow while running the IEEE 1588 protocol, the controller offers an excellent performance/energy ratio. It embeds a complete software platform including IEEE 1588 protocol, realtime operating system, Flash file system, TCP/IP stack and FTP and Web server.

For more information visit www.imsystech.com

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