GPS World

Tag: Microsemi

  • Microsemi enhances SyncServer S600 server for Ethernet networks, satellite uplinks

    Microsemi Corporation is offering new hardware and software options for its SyncServer S600 series of time servers and instruments. The enhancements improve time synchronization over enterprise Ethernet networks and supply timing signals for improved military radar operations and satellite uplink communications.

    “The SyncServer S600 series provides highly accurate, reliable and secure time for a variety of applications, not the least of which are the extremely precise low phase noise 10-MHz signals used in military radars and satellite uplinks,” said Paul Skoog, senior product line manager at Microsemi. “We’re committed to helping our customers improve the performance of their systems by improving the performance of ours. These high-quality timing signals enable radars to track difficult targets as well as to improve the quality and data throughput of satellite communications systems.”

    Enterprise and financial customers also look to the SyncServer S600 series to meet the timing and synchronization needs of their rapidly evolving networks, particularly for compliance purposes such as the European MiFID II directive, which specifies highly stringent time accuracy requirements for stock trading systems.

    Also applicable for laboratories and test and measurement companies, this latest release of Microsemi’s S600 hardware and software includes support for the IEEE 1588 multiport, multi-profile Precision Time Protocol (PTP), which allows the S600 to operate as an independent grandmaster clock on each Ethernet port — delivering cost savings and network deployment flexibility to customers. This is coupled with a new 10GbE interface to easily interoperate with a wider variety of network and stock trading topologies.

    The newly enhanced SyncServer S600 and S650 can be equipped with two 10 GbE Ethernet small form-factor pluggable (SFP+) ports for customers needing to maximize PTP grandmaster performance in a cost-effective 1 rack unit (1U) chassis.

    In addition, the S650 can measure the accuracy of PTP hardware slaves that are synchronized to the S650 grandmaster by way of a new external 1 pulse per second measurement option.

    The combination of these devices’ new hardware and software features support Microsemi’s expanding leadership position as a cost-effective enterprise PTP grandmaster provider delivering accurate and reliable time to critical systems.

    Microsemi’s SyncServer S600 series meets the time and frequency requirements of multiple vertical markets, particularly the global military radar market, which is estimated to reach $10 billion by 2024 with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6 percent between 2016 and 2024 according to market research firm Variant Market Research.

    The firm also identifies how radar in military applications is widely used for air traffic control, early warning detection of missiles, navigation at sea and surveillance of air and ground. The versatile SyncServer S600 series meets the needs of today’s demanding timing requirements and scales to meet the needs of the future.

  • Microsemi timing module designed for IEEE 1588 protocols

    Microsemi timing module designed for IEEE 1588 protocols

    Microsemi Corporation has launched a new IEEE 1588 timing synchronization module, offering a complete self-contained platform for customers to implement IEEE 1588 network timing client protocols.

    The solution, which consists of hardware, firmware and software, combines capabilities from Microsemi’s broad product portfolios by leveraging the company’s SmartFusion2 system-on-chip (SoC) field programmable gate array (FPGA), ZL30363 IEEE 1588 phase-locked loop (PLL) and VSC8575 Ethernet PHY devices.

    Microsemi’s new IEEE 1588 timing synchronization module streamlines customers’ developments to add synchronization network timing to their designs, simplifies the sourcing process and reduces development time while providing an easy integration.

    The module also includes drivers, servos/algorithm firmware, IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) stack software, a user guide and reference board schematics to deliver a fully tested chip-set solution from a trusted tier-one vendor.

    The IEEE 1588 timing synchronization module blends Microsemi’s expertise in nanosecond-level accurate timestamping for IEEE 1588 via the VSC8575 Ethernet PHY; embedded IEEE 1588 protocol engine and servo via its SmartFusion2 SoC FPGA host processor; and high precision clock generation, holdover and reference switching via its ZL30363 system synchronizer.

    The solution is addressed via a command line interface to minimize software integration efforts.

    The combination of these capabilities makes the new solution suitable for applications within the industrial networking, smart grids, communications, defense and data center markets.

    Depending on the applications holdover and reliability requirements, either an XO, TCXO or OCXO can be used to provide holdover supported by the IEEE 1588 timing synchronization module.

    According to a 2017 GNSS Market Report, issue 5, the timing capability offered by satellite navigation systems is at the core of most vital infrastructures; telecom networks operation, energy distribution, financial transactions and TV broadcast are some examples of areas where a GNSS is used for timing or synchronization purposes.

    The annual shipments of GNSS devices used in the timing and synchronization market will exceed 300,000 units in 2017 and are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3 percent over 2017-2025.

    Catering to this growth opportunity, Microsemi’s new IEEE 1588 timing synchronization module is designed specifically for such applications, which require much more precise timing, including base stations and small cell markets for 5G, 4G, 4G LTE, LTE-Advanced, microwave and millimeter wave based fixed wireless networks, smart grids and secure edge networks.

    Other key features of Microsemi’s new IEEE 1588 timing synchronization module include:

    • High accuracy timestamping of less than 4 nanoseconds
    • Frequency and phase synchronization
    • Holdover with initial accuracy of <1ppb and long-term holdover of 1.5µs over 24 hours using the appropriate performance OCXO
    • Hitless reference switching
    • Precision frequency and phase control
    • Multiple profiles, including IEEE 1588-2008 Annex J.3 End-to-End
    • IEEE 1588-2008 Annex J.4 Peer-to-Peer
    • IEEE C37.238-2011 Power Profile
    • ITU-T G.8275.1 Telecom Profile for Phase
    • ITU-T G.8265.1 Telecom Profile for Frequency
  • Microsemi’s BlueSky GPS Firewall protects critical infrastructure

    Microsemi’s BlueSky GPS Firewall protects critical infrastructure

    Microsemi Corporation, a provider of semiconductor solutions, today announced its new approach to protecting critical infrastructure against GPS spoofing and jamming threats.

    The BlueSky GPS Firewall is designed to provide security protection for GPS-delivered position, navigation and timing (PNT) data. It can be deployed in-line between any standard GPS antenna and stationary GPS receiver to provide protection against GPS signal incidents, both intentional or accidental, before they enter a GPS receiver system.

    Microsemi is making BlueSky GPS Firewall Evaluation kits available in advance of its full production release, both in response to the growing number of GPS incidents and their potential threat to critical infrastructure, and to assist customers in rapid adoption.

    BlueSky GPS Firewall filters the GPS signal in real time, removing anomalies before the signal is consumed by the downstream GPS receiver. This creates an intelligent and secure barrier against jamming and spoofing, and prevents the GPS receiver from being impacted by such incidents.

    Deployment of the BlueSky GPS Firewall does not require any new cabling or alteration of the pre-existing antenna installation and is interoperable with standard GPS receivers. Additionally, the BlueSky GPS Firewall incorporates an Ethernet interface for remote management and monitoring and includes a secure web interface that any browser can use for configuration and set-up of the device.

    The BlueSky GPS Firewall includes a broad range of data validation rules based on real, live-sky GPS threats, both intentional and unintentional. Similar to network security threats, new GPS vulnerabilities are on the rise and Microsemi is continuously tracking GPS signal manipulation including spoofing threats, jamming attacks, multipath signal interference, atmospheric activity and many other issues that can create GPS signal anomalies, disruptions and outages.

    These advancements are incorporated into the software platform of the BlueSky GPS Firewall, which can be updated remotely using Microsemi’s TimePictra management system.

    GPS Dependency

    The dependency on PNT is increasingly important to critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications, energy, transportation, emergency services, financial services and enterprise infrastructure, and is mainly provided through GPS.

    “Worldwide critical infrastructure dependency on unprotected GPS receivers is a serious security risk. These receivers are susceptible to jamming and spoofing incidents and the industry recognizes this as an increasing threat,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and business unit manager of Microsemi’s Frequency and Time division. “The vast number of GPS systems already in operation means a significant investment would be required if every system was to be replaced. Microsemi’s BlueSky GPS Firewall is a cost-effective and easy-to-deploy solution to protect GPS without requiring replacement of deployed GPS systems.”

    Published best-practice documents by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) describe steps that can be taken to mitigate outages and disruptions with GPS reception. In alignment with these documents, Microsemi’s new BlueSky GPS Firewall provides critical infrastructure sectors with a first line of defense against GPS threats to help build out a secure, robust and resilient PNT platform for their infrastructures.

    According to the 2017 GNSS Market Report, Issue 5, by the European GNSS Agency, professional market segments such as maritime, rail, telecom/utility/enterprise, surveying, aviation, agriculture and drones which use GNSS devices to operate their infrastructures, enable billions of people globally to benefit from them on a day-to-day basis—whether by enjoying the produce of sustainable and cost-effective agriculture, by using efficiently coordinated transport networks, or by leveraging on GNSS-synchronized telecommunications networks. The total installed base of GNSS devices in these professional segments was estimated at 14.4 million units in 2015 and is expected to grow to 97.8 million units by 2025.

  • Microsemi SyncServer incorporates SAASM for defense market

    Microsemi SyncServer incorporates SAASM for defense market

    Microsemi Corporation’s new SyncServer S650 SAASM server incorporates a Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM).

    The SAASM capability provides a highly secure, accurate and flexible time and frequency platform for synchronizing mission-critical electronics systems and instrumentation applications in the defense market, such as satellite communications and defense operational infrastructure, the company said.

    Military Grade. The new SyncServer S650 SAASM, designed for use by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and other government agencies as well as their approved suppliers, received the GPS Directorate Security Approval to incorporate a military-grade, GPS SAASM receiver module.

    Microsemi SyncServer S650 SAASM Time and Frequency Server.

    This enables U.S. armed forces to confidently deploy features of Microsemi’s popular commercial SyncServer S650 in a military-grade configuration. In addition, the integrated SAASM module adheres to industry standards allowing for a migration path to GPS Military Code (M-code) support.

    “Our key military and DOD-related customers require flexible, secure and extremely reliable time and frequency technology for their most critical applications, which they have come to rely upon from Microsemi. Enabling support for SAASM provides the extra security and reliability necessary for this market,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and business unit manager of the Frequency and Timing Division at Microsemi. “The addition of the SyncServer S650 SAASM to our product line further demonstrates Microsemi’s commitment to providing the highest quality time and frequency technology in support of vital government programs.”

    The SyncServer S650 SAASM is a highly versatile time and frequency system with the company’s FlexPort technology for multiport, user-definable output signal configurations for time codes, pulses and a variety of signal types essential for system synchronization.

    This makes the SyncServer S650 SAASM ideal for DoD electronics system engineers synchronizing mission-critical, system-level instruments. This is coupled with Microsemi’s NTP Reflector technology for robust security, accuracy and reliability of network-based time services such as Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP).

    Resilience to Threats. According to a 2017 GNSS Market Report, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) jamming and spoofing are specifically identified as increasing and notable cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure.

    Furthermore, resilience to these threats has become mandatory by critical infrastructure policy makers and GNSS receiver manufacturers. Without the use of SAASM technology in the presence of these threats, deliberate or unintentional, the most mission-critical systems operated by the DOD may be subject to the side effects of degraded time and frequency performance.

    Microsemi’s new SyncServer S650 SAASM is designed to generate precise time and frequency signals to synchronize high bandwidth mission-critical communications systems and critical infrastructure requiring the highest levels of security support.

    In addition to offering superior low phase noise performance, the device is compliant with the Joint Chiefs of Staff SAASM GPS mandate and developed for authorized military users only.

  • Microsemi publishes application note on NTP Reflector

    Microsemi publishes application note on NTP Reflector

    Microsemi has published a new application note on its Security Hardened SyncServer NTP Reflector.

    The NTP (Network Time Protocol) Reflector is a fast, accurate NTP server. It features denial of service resilience, monitoring and notification functions.

    Characteristics include 100 percent hardware NTP time-stamping for accuracy and high performance; NTP packet monitoring for DoS detection; bandwidth limiting and packet filtering for CPU protection; and alarming if NTP loading is above expected levels.

    To help users better understand the advantages of Microsemi’s NTP Reflector and packet limiting/monitoring technology, the company explains the underlying technology and its security benefits in the new application note, available for download.

    Key Characteristics

    • 100 percent hardware NTP timestamping for accuracy and high performance
    • NTP Packet monitoring for DoS detection
    • Bandwidth limiting and packet filtering for CPU protection
    • Alarming if NTP loading is above expected levels.

    The NTP Reflector is one of the many differentiating features of Microsemi’s new SyncServer S600 series network time servers.

    The reflector is a real-time, hardware-based NTP packet identification and time-stamping engine uniquely designed to protect the SyncServer CPU from excessive network traffic denial of service  attacks and notify the operator if NTP traffic is above expected levels.

    The innovative technology enables extremely high-bandwidth, high-accuracy, high-reliability and security-hardened NTP operations.

  • Microsemi updates TimeProvider 5000 to support multi-GNSS, IPv6 protocol

    Microsemi Corporation has updated the hardware on its TimeProvider 5000 IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clock. The update enables the clock to support Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and multi-GNSS constellations to ensure better reception and higher security in a wide variety of telecommunications network applications.

    “As our global wireless customers drive mobile infrastructure forward with LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and 5G services, support for IPv6 and alternate GNSS constellations is rising in importance for deploying a robust, secure and future-proof synchronization network,” said Barry Dropping, senior director of product line management for Microsemi.

    “The addition of GLONASS and Galileo support on the TimeProvider 5000 system greatly enhances the robustness and security of this widely adopted synchronization platform for global carriers,” Dropping said. “We will continue to invest in this technology to ensure reliable long-term roadmap support is provided for telecommunications customers.”

    Microsemi TimeProvider 5000 PTP grandmaster clock.

    An increasing number of global operators are now looking at solutions such as Microsemi’s enhanced TimeProvider 5000, because the device offers multiple constellations in accordance with the directives in certain countries to remove their sole dependency on GPS. Having support for GLONASS and Galileo constellations also makes systems more robust and secure to certain GNSS vulnerabilities.

    Microsemi’s TimeProvider family has been installed in more than 350 networks across the globe, enabling communications service providers to build stable, high performance and reliable network infrastructures.

    Along with new support for IPv6 and multi-GNSS constellations, the recently enhanced TimeProvider 5000 provides redundant hardware, user configurable PTP profiles and Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) support with optical small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules.

    The TimeProvider 5000 is a carrier-grade IEEE 1588 PTP grandmaster clock with a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server option and expansion shelf capabilities that include SyncE and an advanced PTP profiles, making the timing and synchronization system capable of supporting network needs today and in the future. Its flexible design is vital to enable circuit to packet network migration for high-speed data services and wireless backhaul, and to deliver 3G, 4G/LTE, LTE-A and 5G wireless services.

    Microsemi’s TimeProvider family is a part of the carrier routing and switching equipment market, which was approximately $43 billion in 2016 according to market research firm IHS Infonetics. The firm also expects this market to see sales growth as more carriers start and expand their 4G services along with the introduction of 5G deployments toward the end of 2019.

  • Microsemi Enhances Software Capabilities for Integrated GNSS Master Portfolio for Mobile Edge Deployments

    Microsemi Corporation has enhanced its Integrated GNSS Master (IGM) software, expanding capabilities and key features in the new version 2.

    The company’s IGM product portfolio enables coverage and capacity at the edge of mobile networks to serve mobile operators preparing for 5G through densification, as well as enterprises seeking enhanced indoor capacity and coverage on LTE and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) networks.

    “While the first version of our IGM software demonstrated innovative algorithms for indoor operation, the enhancements in v2 enable mobile operators to leverage enhanced management options, more reliability through GPS back up, better scalability with Internet Protocol (IP)v6 and increased client support to facilitate densification,” said Eric Colard, director of business development for Microsemi’s Frequency and Timing division. “By leveraging the newest software release on our entire IGM product portfolio, mobile operators can implement a wide range of deployment scenarios ― indoor, outdoor, in-building and in cabinets and huts ― with small form factor products which are also highly cost-effective.”

    Mobile operators are in the process of deploying phase for LTE and densifying their networks with small cells to enable 4.5G, 4.9G and 5G capabilities. LTE-A and video are driving the need for precise time requirements that are very stringent. The potential for interference in dense deployments also means strict phase specifications for mitigation.

    Finally, spectrum is a precious resource that requires usage optimization leading to a need for precise timing. The new IGM software enables mobile operators to deploy these smaller grandmasters at the edge of their networks, lowering associated costs and enabling them to serve customers with enhanced coverage and performance.

    According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GMSA), LTE has experienced the fastest growth of any mobile infrastructure technology, with 503 networks launched to date in 167 countries and 550 networks expected by the end of 2016. It is estimated that 25 percent of LTE operators have already upgraded to LTE-A, driving the need for Microsemi’s leading phase synchronization technology.

    Market research firm IHS Infonetics forecasts 2.2 million small cell units in 2016, reflecting a growth rate of 54 percent compared to 2015 and totaling $1.6 billion for the market. The firm estimates the market to hit $2.6 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 percent, with more than 5 million units.

    The new software can be loaded on any of the three hardware versions of Microsemi’s IGM product portfolio, the IGM-1100o (outdoor version), the IGM-1100x (with support from external antennas) and the IGM-1100i (indoor version), to support the latest requirements.

    Features include support for IPv6, support for the latest Precision Time Protocol (PTP) profiles (G.8275.2) and increased client count from 16 to 32. It also offers the unique ability to provide backup to GPS in case of outage or jamming by accepting a PTP (1588v2) input that will provide a source of time from the network timing infrastructure already deployed.

    Primary Reference Time Clock (PRTC) compliance is available for IGM 1100x and 1100o as required by ITU, and the system includes cable compensation to address the length of GPS cables.

    IGM-1100o Outdoor Version Availability

    In addition to the software update announcement, Microsemi also announces the availability of its IGM-1100o device to complement the IGM-1100i and IGM-1100x, available since May. IGM 1100o is a carrier-grade 1588 PTP GrandMaster integrated with a GNSS antenna in a form factor to deploy in outdoor environments. The IGM1100o is designed for outdoor deployment where extended temperature ranges of -40 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius and ruggedization are critical factors.

    The IGM-1100o can be installed at an outdoor location such as on top of a cabinet or hut to serve a cluster of eNodeBs or on locations such as a rooftop. IGM-1100o, like all models in the portfolio, is powered by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). The integrated device is connected to the network through an Ethernet cable instead of a GPS cable to simplify deployments and lower costs. It also offers a high level of integration and plug-and-play capabilities.

    Microsemi’s new device adds to the recently launched indoor versions, IGM-1100x and IGM-1100i, and each delivers a solution when a cost-effective, precise timing master at the mobile edge is needed. The entire IGM portfolio leverages the same v2 software, delivering consistent behavior and performance for each form factor. The indoor versions of Microsemi’s IGM devices have been adopted and successfully deployed in the past six months by several top mobile operators, with numerous upcoming deployments worldwide.

    The IGM product leverages Microsemi’s broad portfolio for mobile deployment, which includes:

    • TimePictra, a modular web-based synchronization management system that scales and evolves with operational requirements, monitoring the IGM family as well as other Microsemi IEEE 1588 Grand Masters;
    • Indoor managed PoE midspans, which allow upgrading the network to support PoE with virtually no downtime. The family includes products with port densities of up to 24 ports and 60 watts per port, to power small cells and the IGM-1100i; and
    • Outdoor PoE switches, hubs, midspans and surge protectors, a complete outdoor PoE portfolio, essential for the deployment of the IGM-1100o.

    Microsemi’s IGM-1100o, IGM-1100x and IGM-1100i are available now with version 2 software.

  • Microsemi’s new time clock protects against GNSS vulnerabilities

    Microsemi’s new time clock protects against GNSS vulnerabilities

    Microsemi Corporation has announced its TimeSource Enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock (TimeSource Enhanced PRTC), a new system protecting against serious threats associated with GNSS vulnerabilities.

    It also enables telecommunications and mobile operators to meet the new G.8272.1 recommendation from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The stringent new ITU-T Recommendation G.8272.1 requires accuracy to within 30 nanoseconds (ns) or better when verified against a time standard such as UTC.

    Microsemi's new TimeSource Enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock protects against serious threats associated with GNSS vulnerabilities.
    Microsemi’s new TimeSource Enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock protects against serious threats associated with GNSS vulnerabilities.

    The TimeSource Enhanced PRTC “generates time” by producing its own independent time scale aligned with GNSS, while its phase, time and frequency signal outputs remain autonomous. This provides customers within the communications, power, public safety, data center and government network markets with a secure infrastructure, reducing dependency on GNSS and enabling network operators to retake control of the timing source used for network synchronization.

    “Worldwide telecommunications, power utilities and other infrastructure customers are in critical need of protection against GNSS vulnerability, and Microsemi’s new TimeSource Enhanced PRTC provides a powerful, high performance solution to address this need,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and business unit manager of Microsemi’s Frequency and Time division. “In addition, maintaining less than 30 ns performance is important to mobile operators who require a high level of accuracy to support LTE/4G and the upcoming deployment of 5G.”

    Massive deployment of GNSS as a timing source for synchronizing telecommunications networks (both wired and wireless) has created security risks to a point where governments, major telecommunications/mobile operators and enterprises are now urgently looking to protect their networks against both regional GNSS issues as well as the potential of a global GNSS outage. Microsemi’s TimeSource Enhanced PRTC works with the company’s cesium clocks to ensure time is generated in an autonomous manner. Specifically, the TimeSource Enhanced PRTC’s “source of time” aligns accurately with GNSS time without being dependent upon it—avoiding any vulnerability to threats caused by jamming and spoofing.

    According to Research and Markets’ report from market research firm Markets and Markets titled, “Anti-Jamming Market for GPS by Technique (Nulling System, Beam Steering System, Civilian System), Receiver Type (Military & Government Grade, Commercial Transportation Grade), Application, End User, and Geography – Global Forecast to 2022,” the anti-jamming market for GPS is expected to reach $4.8 billion and more than 309,000 units by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 percent and 10 percent, respectively, between 2016-2022. Demand for secured weapons guided systems and increasing vulnerability of GPS signals due to development of low-cost GPS jammers are the major growth drivers of the market.

    Microsemi’s technical experts will be showcasing the new TimeSource Enhanced PRTC, along with its integrated GNSS Grandmaster (IGM) 1100 series, SyncServerS600 series, TimeProvider 2700 and TimeProvider 5000, in booth #17 at the International Timing & Sync Forum (ITSF), taking place Nov. 1-3 in Prague, Czech Republic.

     

  • Microsemi announces thermally improved chip-scale atomic clocks

    Microsemi announces thermally improved chip-scale atomic clocks

    Microsemi Corporation has announced its new thermally improved chip-scale atomic clock (CSAC) components with full operating and storage temperature. The new devices offer low-power holdover atomic clock technology without compromising size, weight and power (SWaP) while operating at a wide temperature range.

    Microsemi is exhibiting this week at ION GNSS+, being held in Portland, Oregon.

    chip-scale-atomic-clock-csac-wWith an operating temperature range of -10 to 70 degrees Celsius, Microsemi’s new CSAC components are highly reliable, with improved product design, process enhancements and robust product verification/validation, the company said.

    The revolutionary technology enables new applications and missions not possible in the past with traditional OCXO and Rubidium clocks, offering the low SWaP clock technology at 17 cubic centimeters (cc) in size, 35 grams of weight and only 120 milliwatts of power. Microsemi’s CSAC product offers ±5.0E-11 accuracy at shipment and a typical ≤ 9.0E-10/month aging rate, which makes it suitable for many low-power atomic clock holdover applications.

    “The enhancements to our CSAC product offering focus on providing the highest reliability without compromising performance for our customers, particularly in mission critical applications where every milliwatt matters,” said Ramki Ramakrishnan, director of product line management, at Microsemi. “These devices utilize an innovative approach to the component level atomic clock that will help Microsemi access the entire oscillator industry, along with miniature atomic clocks (MAC), and capitalize on the revenue growth potential within the defense, communications, industrial and test and measurement markets.”

    According to the “Crystal Oscillator Market—Global Forecast & Analysts” report posted by Markets & Markets, the total available market (TAM) for the overall oscillator market is estimated to be $2.4 billion in 2016, with OCXO markets targeted by CSAC estimated to have a serviceable addressable market (SAM) of $260 million in 2016.

    Microsemi’s thermally improved CSAC products support the company’s strategic presence in the defense and security markets, targeting applications such as low-power holdover against GPS vulnerabilities for position, navigation and timing security. They are also suitable for holdover in underwater (ocean bottom nodal) applications and atomic frequency reference in test and measurement applications.

    “Leveraging the unique attributes of Microsemi’s CSAC technology, our company is able to offer an unprecedented combination of holdover, g-sensitivity, low power consumption and warm-up performance, while reducing the footprint to less than the critical 0.6 inches height — allowing retrofitting of legacy equipment,” explained Said Jackson, president of Jackson Labs Technologies, Inc. “The CSAC combined with our battle- and theater-proven software algorithms and support hardware enables vastly extended mission times while providing critical backup performance for GPS-denied environments when even the optional integrated Selective Availability Anti-spoofing Module (SAASM) GPS technology is jammed.”

    Microsemi’s thermally remediated CSAC components are sampling now, with full production in October. For more information, visit the website or contact [email protected].

  • Microsemi broadens grand master timing options for network edge deployments

    Microsemi Corporation, a provider of semiconductor solutions differentiated by power, security, reliability and performance, has added two products to its IGM (Integrated Grand Master) product portfolio, the IGM-1100o (outdoor version) and the IGM-1100x (support external antennas), as well as capacity enhancements to its IGM-1100i (indoor version).

    The offerings broaden outdoor and indoor deployment options for mobile network operators when a cost-effective, precise timing master is needed, including small cells and backhaul to eNodeBs for wireless service delivery at the LTE network edge.

    “Last year, our innovative IGM-1100i solved the problem of providing precise time indoors where GPS signals usually cannot be received,” said Sri Purisai, vice president and business unit manager at Microsemi. “Today, backhaul to macro eNodeBs is one of the biggest challenges for network operators. Our expanded IGM portfolio solves that challenge by bringing the timing source closer to the base station. Microsemi is committed to continued innovations to solve the most difficult issues facing operators.”

    The expanded IGM portfolio and technology flexibly addresses indoor and outdoor deployment models for mobile service providers increasing network edge capacity and coverage to deliver advanced wireless services in public hotspots, such as K-20 campuses, public transit and retail settings.

    • IGM-1100i (indoor version): With its integrated GPS antenna, IGM-1100i operates indoors without the need for a dedicated antenna, associated cabling and installation hurdles. With increased capacity now from eight PTP 1588 clients to 16 clients, the IGM-1100i now also includes support for Telecom 2008 and Default 1588 profiles and support for CLI over SSH.
    • IGM-1100o (outdoor version): Complementing the IGM-1100i in outdoor wireless deployment cases where extended temperature range and ruggedization are critical factors, the IGM-1100o integrates the PTP 1588 master and an outdoor GPS antenna in a single device. It can be installed at an outdoor location like a roof top or alongside other eNodeB antenna installations. The IGM-1100o Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability makes rooftop deployment much simpler than over coax.
    • IGM-1100x (external antenna support): Designed for scenarios with a pre-existing GPS antenna and associated cabling, or when an indoor installation is unrealistic, IGM-1100x provides very quick and low-cost deployment of a PTP 1588 master by connecting to the existing cable via a simple cable installation to a telecom cabinet or hut. The IGM-1100x is the ideal solution for IEEE 1588 deployments of up to 16 clients with existing GPS antennas, with the TimeProvider 2700 supporting up to 128 clients.

    The entire IGM portfolio leverages the same software, delivering consistent behavior and capabilities for each form factor.

    “With increased smartphone usage worldwide, operators must leverage their spectrum more efficiently to enable more network coverage and capacity,” said David Chambers, founder of ThinkSmallCell. “Although network strategies vary widely — ranging from small cells, distributed antenna systems (DASs), spectrum re-farming, cloud RAN, eNodeBs and carrier Wi-Fi  coordination and interference mitigation within these heterogeneous networks are key to enabling new services, and this implies precise timing. Microsemi has understood that a portfolio of flexible solutions is essential, so operators can deploy the right timing solutions for their specific network architectures. Microsemi’s expanded IGM product portfolio is good news for operators and for the mobile industry.”

    According to market research firm Infonetics, the first nine months of 2015 were marked by increasing small-cell rollouts all over the world and continue to point to double-digit growth. The firm expects the total small-cell market to hit $2.2 billion in 2019 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20 percent.

    The IGM product portfolio is part of Microsemi’s broad portfolio for LTE Advanced deployment, which includes:

    • TimePictra,  a modular web-based synchronization management system that scales and evolves with operational requirements, monitoring the IGM family as well as other Microsemi IEEE 1588 Grand Masters;
    • Indoor managed PoE midspans, which allow upgrading the network to support PoE with virtually no downtime. The family includes products with port densities of up to 24 ports and 60 watts per port, to power small cells and the IGM-1100i; and
    • Outdoor PoE switches, hubs, midspans and surge protectors, a complete outdoor PoE portfolio, essential for the deployment of the IGM-1100o.

  • Microsemi offers security-hardened NTP timing platform

    Microsemi Corporation, a provider of semiconductor solutions differentiated by power, security, reliability and performance, today announced its SyncServer S6xx series of Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers.

    The new SyncServers provide a highly secure, accurate and flexible timing and frequency platform for synchronizing network elements and mission-critical electronics systems in enterprise information technology (IT) applications such as Internet protocol telephony and physical security, and government instrumentation applications such as satellite communications and defense operational infrastructure.

    “Microsemi’s new SyncServer series is a rock-solid enterprise level time server, interoperating easily with our Domain Time II software,” said Jeffry Dwight, president of Greyware Automation Products, the leading provider of time synchronization, management, and auditing software for Windows. “The new SyncServer raises the bar for accurate time synchronization with hardware-based time stamp support, which we found significantly reduced jitter and latency in time served, without losing accuracy. Installation was also much more flexible than any other GPS/GNSS unit we’ve tested. Anyone needing dependable high-quality NTP timestamps should consider Microsemi’s new SyncServer series.”

    The new series features SyncServer S600, a security-hardened NTP time server with Microsemi’s NTP Reflector technology for robust security, accuracy and reliability of network time services, and the SyncServer S650, a highly versatile timing and frequency system with the company’s FlexPort technology for multiport, user definable output signal configuration.

    The SyncServer S600 is designed for enterprise IT customers managing corporate networks in industries such as financial services and healthcare, while the SyncServer S650 is designed for electronics system engineers synchronizing mission-critical, system-level instruments.

    “Robust security, system agility and flexibility of time services are essential for modern IT networks,” said Sri Purisai, vice president of timing and synchronization business, at Microsemi. “Our innovative SyncServer S6xx series timing platform makes significant advances in the security hardening of timing ports, as well as adaptability to various network topologies and flexibility of timing output configuration. This next-generation offering from Microsemi provides our customers a simple migration path to meet future requirements for faster, more agile and scalable network operations.”

    According to the 2014 U.S. State of Cybercrime Survey, organizations use a gamut of security technologies to protect network operations. Time plays a vital role in determining the critical “when” of several key security technologies. Survey respondents cited intrusion detection (62 percent), log monitoring to identify intrusion attempts (49 percent) and security event analysis (40 percent) as technologies used for network protection. Without accurate time synchronization to UTC across the network, the effectiveness of these tools in securing the network becomes marginal.

    SyncServer S600

    Microsemi’s SyncServer S600 is a network time server with security-hardened NTP Reflector technology, supporting extremely high-capacity and ultra-accurate NTP server operations in a multiport, dedicated network time appliance. Easily integrated into existing, future and cloud network topologies, including software-defined networking (SDN), the SyncServer is designed for IT network administrators and architects who are heavily reliant upon server log files for network management.

    SyncServer S600 comes with four 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) local area network (LAN) ports, each port equipped with hardware time stamping, multiplying the network configuration possibilities. All ports are equipped with high-resolution hardware time stamping, and the S600 is NTP and precision time protocol (PTP) ready in a multiport PTP configuration.

    A simple software update and license purchase/installation will be available in a future software release. Other benefits include interoperability, ease-of-use, extensive security choices and a modern web interface, Microsemi said.

    Additional features:

    • NTP hardware time stamping standard, with nanosecond accuracy
    • NTP reflector technology for improved security, NTP throughput and accuracy
    • Comprehensive suite of security protocols

    SyncServer S650

    As a superset of Microsemi’s SyncServer S600, the SyncServer S650 provides all the features of the SyncServer S600, as well as additional offerings. Leveraging the company’s FlexPort timing technology, it delivers flexibility in precise time and stable frequency synchronization in a price competitive commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution.

    FlexPort timing technology efficiently and cost-effectively adds innovative “any signal, any connector” technology through software configuration, eliminating the wasted space inherent with legacy-style fixed-signal modules with fixed-signal types.

    Specially designed for system and instrumentation engineers in the electrical, system, metrology, communications and defense markets looking to easily output a variety of accurate and stable time and frequency signal types in a cost-effective manner, the device provides network-based timing features with software upgrades to completely security-harden the system.

    The GPS referenced SyncServer S650 is built for modern electronic systems and networks that require synchronization performance adaptable to a wide range of applications. Microsemi’s FlexPort configurations eliminate the need for distribution chassis, saving time and costs, in addition to providing an easy-to-use system, Microsemi said. Other benefits include high accuracy and signal quality, as well as environmental design robustness.

    In addition to the features of the SyncServer S600, the SyncServer S650 has:

    • Clock accuracy typically better than 10 nanoseconds to universal time
    • Standard timing I/O card that meets most popular timing output requirements, eliminating the need to purchase multiple plug-in modules
    • FlexPort technology option for any signal, any connector flexibility.

  • Microsemi GNSS Master Solves Small-Cell Synchronization Issue

    Microsemi-IGM-Solution-WMicrosemi Corporation is offering a new Integrated GNSS Master (IGM) solution for small-cell synchronization. The IGM is the company’s first solution that fully integrates a 1588v2 PTP grandmaster with a GNSS receiver and antenna in a small, fully contained package, designed to mount indoors.

    The Microsemi IGM solves the challenge of indoor synchronization, which has been a significant hurdle for cost-effective small cell indoor deployments.

    According to the Small Cell Forum, 80 percent of small cell needs are for indoor use. Microsemi expects the company’s new IGM to revolutionize indoor small cell deployments by eliminating the need for an antenna on the rooftop along with expensive power, cabling and installation costs associated with connecting the GNSS antenna to the 1588 grandmaster in a typical small-cell deployment.

    IGR reports that the cost to deploy a small cell is approximately $31,000 on average and much higher than the cost of the small cell itself. Similarly, the cost of deploying a GPS antenna on a roof is typically $15,000 to $25,000 and can go up to $60,000 in high-rise buildings, in addition to the roof rental expense on a yearly basis.

    The Microsemi IGM eliminates the need for an outdoor antenna and therefore significantly reduces the purchase, installation and maintenance deployment costs for typical GNSS antenna systems. The sensitive GNSS receiver and patented Microsemi timing algorithms result in an indoor GNSS timing solution that can be deployed in many different indoor environments.

    The IGM uses Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) to simplify installation by utilizing standard Ethernet within a facility and requires no more than 12.95 watts of power directly from the Ethernet cable. The IGM is mounted on the wall or ceiling, connected to the network via PoE, and the unit will automatically self-configure, lock to GNSS signals and provide precise frequency and phase with its 1588v2 PTP grandmaster needed for small cell operation.

    Microsemi-IGM-diagram-W

    “The IGM product introduction is a continued commitment from Microsemi to address market and customer challenges in timing and synchronization,” said Eric Colard, director of marketing and business development for Microsemi’s Frequency & Time Division. “The IGM solution complements our flagship timing products and will work with them in tandem to provide a truly end-to-end timing and synchronization solution.”

    “Deploying small cells indoor to provide better coverage and enhance capacity is becoming a priority for operators,” said Richard Webb, Analyst, Mobile Backhaul, at Infonetics, recently acquired by IHS. “The challenge of tight synchronization requirements for LTE has been difficult to solve; Microsemi’s IGM innovative solution enables mobile operators to precisely synchronize small cells indoor and lower deployment costs.”

    “The time is right for such an innovative and disruptive solution as IGM from Microsemi,” said Earl Lum, president, EJL Wireless Research. “Since Small Cells for indoor are now being readily deployed, Microsemi solves a critical cost issue and technical challenge operators are facing. The compact form factor, plug and play capability, and scalable client support of the IGM product hits the sweet spot for indoor small cell projects.”