(openPR) - Software-only solution for use with Standard Network Cards synchronizes distributed devices

Real-Time Systems GmbH (RTS), a leader in real-time software development, brings to market an example implementation of its software-only implementation of the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol on the real time operating system VxWorks for x86 architectures. With the example implementation, customers using the RTOS VxWorks in instrumentation, automation systems and process control networks will benefit from an off-the-shelf solution eliminating the need for hardware-based timestamping and delivering possible accuracies of ± five microseconds or better.

In the past, all implementations of the IEEE 1588 protocol requiring high accuracy also required hardware-implemented timestamping. Typically hardware-implemented timestamping adds extra non-standard components and costs. The Real-Time Systems implementation achieves high accuracy using only common network interfaces, and does not require hardware-implemented timestamping. The new product includes all servo algorithms, regulators, filters, PTP-Clock based on hardware timer and direct Timer access. The RTS IEEE 1588 stack is fully tested and comes complete with documentation. The RTS IEEE 1588 Software Protocol Stack is available with source code.

The RTS IEEE 1588 Master and Slave software stack incorporates the full specification and functionality of the Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems (PTP). Through PTP, multiple devices are automatically synchronized with the most accurate clock found in a packet-based network - typically Ethernet. The RTS protocol stack automatically determines the most accurate clock, otherwise known as the Grand Master Clock. During operation and after initial synchronization, the PTP real-time clocks are constantly adjusted by exchanging timing messages. The RTS implementation uses statistical techniques to further reduce residual fluctuations. Because the RTS IEEE 1588 protocol stack supports the PTP hot-pluggable functionality requirement, devices may join or leave the network at any time.
The software is simple, administration free and requires minimal resources of host components or networks. To monitor, tune and analyze a PTP network, Open Source Tools are available in the market for free.

More information:

Pressoffice Wind River:
windriver.talkabout.de

talkabout communications gmbh
Sabine Fach
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Wind River GmbH
Evelyn Hochholzer
D-85737 Ismaning
Phone: +49 89 962445-120
E-Mail: evi.hochholzer@windriver.com
Internet: www.windriver.com

Real-Time Systems GmbH
Gerd Lammers
D-88212 Ravensburg
Phone: +49 751 359 558-0
E-Mail: Gerd.Lammers@real-time-systems.com
Internet: www.real-time-systems.com

About Wind River
Wind River is the global leader in device software optimization (DSO). Wind River enables companies to develop and run device software faster, better, at lower cost and more reliably. Wind River platforms are pre-integrated, fully standardized enterprise-wide development solutions. They reduce effort, cost and risk and optimize quality and reliability at all phases of the device software development process from concept to deployed product.

Founded in 1981, Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, California, with operations worldwide.