TimeProvider® 4500 Series is the Industry’s First Grandmaster to Provide High-Speed Network Interfaces up to 25 Gbps
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The unveiling of Microchip's TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster signifies a substantial advancement in network time synchronization technology, which is pivotal for the burgeoning 5G telecommunications sector. The ability to maintain time accuracy to less than one nanosecond is critical for 5G networks, where synchronization influences not only service quality but also the coordination of network slices and the management of latency-sensitive applications. The TimeProvider 4500's high-speed network interfaces, up to 25 Gbps, align with the industry's trajectory towards higher bandwidth demands. This product could potentially reduce the dependency on GNSS, which is vulnerable to various disruptions, offering a terrestrial alternative that can leverage existing optical networks for precise time distribution.
From an investment standpoint, Microchip's innovation may bolster its competitive position in the telecommunications equipment market. The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster's scalability and flexibility could attract a diverse range of operators, from those with smaller deployments to those with extensive gNodeB base stations. This versatility is likely to resonate with operators seeking cost-effective solutions without compromising on performance. As network operators continue to upgrade their infrastructure to support 5G and beyond, Microchip's offering could see increased demand, potentially impacting its financial performance positively.
Microchip Technology's launch of the TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster can be viewed as a strategic move to capitalize on the critical infrastructure market's need for highly accurate and reliable time sources. The financial implications of such a product release are multifaceted. On one hand, the initial capital outlay for R&D and production setup may have been significant and the company will need to recoup these costs through sales. However, the product's compatibility with various generations of network elements and support for high-speed data processing positions it as a future-proof investment for network operators, which could lead to sustained revenue streams for Microchip.
Moreover, the TimeProvider 4500's integration with the TimePictra synchronization management solution adds value to the product offering, potentially leading to upsell opportunities. The ability to offer a comprehensive solution, including FCAPS management functions, could differentiate Microchip from competitors. Investors should monitor the adoption rate of the TimeProvider 4500, as it could serve as an indicator of Microchip's market penetration and influence on its stock performance.
The introduction of the TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster by Microchip Technology represents a significant leap in network technology, particularly in the realm of Precision Time Protocol (PTP). The shift towards picosecond time accuracy underscores the industry's relentless pursuit of precision, which is paramount for applications such as high-frequency trading, real-time analytics and synchronized operations across distributed systems. The hardware enhancements, including the latest generation of digital synthesizer and Microchip's PolarFire SoC FPGA, are indicative of the technological strides being made in network timekeeping.
For network operators, the implications of adopting the TimeProvider 4500 are substantial. The system's high scalability and flexibility in serving a varying number of gNodeB base stations without the need for GNSS reliance could provide a strategic advantage, particularly in dense urban areas where satellite signals are often obstructed. The advanced features of the TimeProvider 4500, coupled with the TimePictra management solution, present a compelling case for operators to consider this technology as a means to enhance network performance and reliability.
Extends Microchip’s IEEE®-1588 grandmaster portfolio and enables precise time accuracy to less than one nanosecond
CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The operators of critical infrastructure market segments such as 5G telecommunications, power utilities and transportation need to continuously upgrade their networks with technology capable of delivering higher processing speeds and highly accurate time sources that are not dependent on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) constellations like GPS, GALILEO and QZSS. To provide network operators a terrestrial alternative for distributing very accurate time, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces the new TimeProvider® 4500 grandmaster, a hardware timekeeping platform that provides high-speed network interfaces up to 25 Gbps and enables precise time accuracy of less than one nanosecond.
The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster is capable of supporting very-high-capacity Precision Time Protocol (PTP) transactions. The innovative hardware platform enables higher IEEE-1588 scalability for thousands of clients. In network locations where range and capacity need to be balanced, namely in C-band 5G deployments, it is critical to be able to serve thousands of gNodeB from a single grandmaster. Depending on the specific sites, the grandmaster could serve very few or a large number of gNodeB base stations. This results in cost-effective and flexible deployments for operators regardless of scale.
The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster offers the flexibility to connect to various generations of network elements, which helps to preserve operators’ infrastructure investments. The TimeProvider 4500 clock is the first 1588 grandmaster with 25 Gbps support. A customer can connect the TimeProvider 4500 clock to various network devices using a choice of 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps or 25 Gbps network links. High-speed bandwidth is essential as network element upgrades are migrating towards equipment that requires a minimum of 10 Gbps and, in some cases, up to 100 Gbps.
The extremely high time accuracy of the TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster is particularly important as operators are trying to deploy alternative solutions to GNSS. A terrestrial option is often considered an attractive solution that can leverage existing optical network deployments to avoid the reliance on GNSS, thus providing a cost-effective way of transferring highly accurate time over long distances. The need for long-distance transfers translates into a requirement for ever- increasing accuracy needs at the source and regeneration of the time signal.
The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster features new hardware assist enhancements, such as the latest generation of digital synthesizer and Microchip’s PolarFire® SoC FPGA. These platform enhancements enable the system to move into the picosecond time accuracy realm.
“Microchip continues to develop new and innovative time and frequency solutions for critical infrastructure. We designed the TimeProvider 4500 clock to deliver tighter timing accuracy on existing optical network environments without the need for costly upgrades or dedicated dark fiber,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president of Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit. “This solution is also the first grandmaster with high-speed data processing up to 25 Gbps, enabling connectivity with the newest network elements in deployments.”
The advanced hardware platform of the TimeProvider 4500 clock supports all the features of the TimeProvider 4100 clock to ensure that operators deploying the new product can also benefit from their investments in the TimeProvider 4100 series. TP4500 adds specific capabilities above and beyond TP4100 due to its enhanced hardware platform.
The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster is integrated with the TimePictra® synchronization management solution that enables operators to monitor and track real-time troubles and threats with visibility across their entire network. Other key functions of the TimePictra platform include comprehensive Fault, Configuration, Accounting (Inventory), Performance and Security (FCAPS) management functions; geographical topology and domain navigation; user preference dashboard customization, intuitive web GUI for easy management and more.
The TimeProvider 4500 series is the newest product to join Microchip’s portfolio of IEEE-1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clocks, which provide industry-leading performance and value. These field-proven solutions scale from low-density indoor applications to high-capacity 5G network timing requirements.
Pricing and Availability
The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster is now available for purchase. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative or an authorized distributor.
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About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve approximately 125,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo and PolarFire are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. TimeProvider and TimePictra are registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
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