January 10, 2008 - For the implementation of the IEEE 1588 "Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems" or in short form "PTP" according to the new version 2, IXXAT offers various solutions which are adapted to the different application requirements.
The IXXAT IEEE 1588 protocol software, which is already available for some time, is now also available for the version 2 of the IEEE 1588 standard and enables the fast and easy implementation of the IEEE 1588 standard into customer devices. Various microcontroller platforms are supported.
The software can be used with or without operating system. The only requirement is an UDP/IP stack supporting multicasts.. All functions according to the IEEE 1588 standard are provided by an easy to use application interface. This allows to set-up "Ordinary" and "Boundary Clocks" as well as "Transparent Clocks" very easily. Further features are the support of "Unicast Messaging", "Best Master Algorithm", "One step / two step" mechanism and the management protocols. By using a software based IEEE 1588 implementation based on a CPU without IEEE 1588 hardware support (real-time clock and time stamp unit) a typical accuracy of < 20 ìs can be achieved.
An accuracy in the range of several nano seconds can be achieved by using a CPU with integrated IEEE 1588 hardware support (e.g. Freescale PowerQUICC family or AMCC PPC405EZ) or by adding the functionality via FPGA or special PHY chips (e.g. PHYTER from National Semiconductor). The IEEE 1588 IP Core allows the easy implementation of the IEEE 1588 hardware support within a FPGA, including time stamp unit, which generates the time stamps for the received and transmitted IEEE 1588 messages directly at the MII interface, an IEEE 1588 timer as well as programmable timer synchronized digital inputs and outputs and a PPS signal.
The accuracy of the synchronization depends on the internal FPGA clock. By using a 50 MHz clock an accuracy of +/-150 ns can be achieved. Version 1 and the version 2 of the IEEE 1588 protocol standard is supported.
This solution is intended to extend suitable CPUs with integrated Ethernet controller by an IEEE 1588 hardware support to achieve a high synchronization accuracy or to set-up a one-chip solution, by using a Soft-CPU like the Altera NIOS II, on a FPGA which also includes the customer application.
General information about IXXAT Automation GmbH IXXAT Automation GmbH is a leading supplier of data communication systems for industrial automation and automotive applications. The main technologies in the field of industrial communication systems are solutions based on CAN (CANopen, DeviceNet), Ethernet (ETHERNET Powerlink, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT) as well as TCP/IP with the associated Internet protocols. For automotive applications, IXXAT focuses on solutions based on CAN (diagnosis protocols, SAE J1939), FlexRay and LIN. The product range comprises interface boards, test systems, analyzing tools and protocol software.
As of December 2007, IXXAT provides work for 70 employees, predominantly engineers skilled in electronic engineering and computer science and has a certified quality assurance management according to ISO9001.
Our customers are well-known companies all over the world from the industrial and automotive sectors. IXXAT supports its customers completely in the establishment and application of communication systems based on CAN and TCP/IP, from seminars and consulting, design of system solutions, development and implementation of hardware and software to the supply of a complete product line. Furthermore IXXAT is able to perform safety relevant hardware and software development according to IEC61508. For more information, please ask for our company brochure and product catalog.
