Precision Time Protocol - New PTP V2

Many technical systems have a sense of time. An implicit system time exists when there is no actual clock and the timing behaviour is determined by processes in the hardware and software. This is often sufficient in a lot of systems. An implicit time system is implemented, for example, by regular trigger events to every user which indicate the beginning of a unit of time and then trigger the appropriate actions.

The system time is explicitly available when it is represented by a clock. This is often necessary in complex systems especially. This decouples the communication from the execution. But not every clock is exact. Now and again it has to be checked whether the deviation is tolerable and whether the clock needs to be corrected. Communication between the individual clocks is necessary for this.

Two effects are in evidence when setting or synchronising clocks: independent clocks initially run at an offset for one thing. To synchronise them, the more inaccurate clock is set to the more accurate one (offset correction). Another thing is that real clocks do not run at exactly the same speed. Therefore, the speed of the more inaccurate clock has to be regulated constantly (drift correction).

Precision Time Protocol achieves sub-microsecond resolution of events through the use of a single network master clock, and the propagation of the time signals using mechanisms that address the propagation time in both sending and receiving of messages. This feature removes the need for expensive satellite links that are typically employed for such requirements.

This is an introduction to a detailed topic. For more information, download the following white paper - White Paper - Precision Time Protocol

Key Features of Hirschmann's PTPv2 Implementation

• Operation as PTP Boundary Clock (BC) or Transparent Clock (TC)
• Fully compliant with IEEE Standard 1588-2002
• (PTPv1) as well as with IEEE Standard 1588-2008 (PTPv2)
• Time stamping at the Ethernet or IP level (IPv4)
• One-step and two-step operating modes
• TC operation optionally in End-to-End (E2E) or Peer-to-Peer (P2P) mode
• Best Master Clock algorithm
• Supports IEEE 1588 management function
• Synchronisation accuracy within the sub- microsecond range (typically 30-50ns!)
• Asymmetry correction
• Extensive configuration options
• Interoperability with SNTP
• Extremely short synchronsiation time following start of operation

Modular Rail-Switches with PTPv2

Industrially compatible, flexible, economical and future-safe - these are only a few features which the intelligent MICE system is offering. Regardless of standard or configurable switches, the modular structure pays off especially in the long term: MICE Switches and media modules offer you maximum flexibility and therefore perfectly prepared for the growing network demands of the future.

The PTPv2 Modules offers a synchronisation accuracy less than 80ns and also provide Boundary Clock and Transparent Clock function.

MICE PTPv2-Media modules

MICE switches and media modules offer you maximum flexibility and therefore perfectly prepared for the growing network demands of the future. Configurable modular switches of the MS family offer a tailor-made solution for all areas of use.