(openPR) - Many applications, in the telecommunication sector, in AVB networks as well as in the measurement and automation area, require a highly accurate time synchronization of the individual nodes in the system.
The IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), which is offered by IXXAT as protocol software package, enables the synchronization of nodes, which are connected e.g. via Ethernet. To achieve a highly accurate synchronization in the sub-microsecond range, however, in addition to the protocol software a hardware support is required to provide a highly accurate clock and to assign time stamps to the messages.
With the IXXAT IEEE 1588 IP core such a hardware support according to 1588-2002 and 1588-2008, with a time stamp accuracy in the 2-digit nanosecond range, can be realized easily and inexpensively via FPGA. Using the Altera Cyclone technology, both, the protocol software and the hardware acceleration can be executed or implemented on one single chip. In addition, the IP core offers an optional trigger functionality, e.g. for time stamping of measurement signals or the generation of 1588 synchronized frequencies.
The new version 1.03 of the IXXAT 1588 IP core supports now, besides IPv4, also time stamping of messages in the new IPv6 and IEEE 802.3 format, which increasingly receive acceptance in the telecommunications sector and in the field of AVB networks. Besides a resource-efficient implementation by selecting a standard during programming, also the dynamic switching of the communication standard (IPv4, IPv6, 802.3) during runtime is possible. Devices can thus be developed independent of the network structure and can be used universal without firmware update, which reduces development and production costs and increases the customer value.
The scope of delivery of the new IEEE 1588 IP core includes a reference implementation for the IXXAT IEM platform, that can be used one hand to get started with the IP core, on the other hand, as a basis for own developments. Furthermore IXXAT offers on its website a free OpenCore+ variant for evaluation.

IXXAT Automation is a leading provider of data communication products and services for the automation and automotive industries. The company focuses on industrial communication systems based on CAN (CANopen, DeviceNet), Ethernet (POWERLINK, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP), and TCP/IP with the associated transport protocols. Solutions for the automotive industry are mainly based on CAN (diagnosis protocols, SAE J1939), FlexRay, and LIN. IXXAT is experienced in the development of safety-oriented hardware and software in compliance with IEC 61508. In addition to designing system solutions and developing hardware and software, IXXAT supports the implementation and application of CAN and TCP/IP communication systems and offers training and consultation. The extensive product portfolio includes interface cards, test systems, analytical tools, and protocol software. Currently, the company employs a staff of 80, mostly electronics engineers and computer scientists. IXXAT has an ISO 9001-certified quality management system.

IXXAT Automation GmbH

Frank Pastors

Leibnizstr. 15
88250 Weingarten
Germany

Tel.: +49 . 751 . 561 46 - 0
Fax: +49 . 751 . 561 46 - 29
E-mail: info@ixxat.de
WWW: www.ixxat.de