IEEE 1588 Protocol Software: Version 1.03 with new features and extended hardware support

(openPR) The precise time synchronization of devices in distributed applications, like measurement, telecommunication and automation systems as well as in the automotive sector, is increasingly becoming an important requirement. The Precision Time Protocol (PTP) according to IEEE 1588 meets this requirement by enabling a highly accurate synchronization of distributed devices over Ethernet down to the nanosecond range.

The IEEE 1588 protocol software offered by IXXAT allows for the easy and rapid development of IEEE 1588 compliant devices. Due to its broad functional range, continuous development and wide distribution, the IXXAT IEEE 1588 protocol software can be considered the leading 1588 reference implementation.

With the version 1.03, IXXAT also supports the new IPv6 standard, which is more and more relevant for the implementation of new devices. The modular software structure, with a basic package and optional extensions, e.g. for IPv6, IEEE 802.3, Unicast and Transparent Clock, enables an optimal adaptation of the software package to the application and the available resources.

Due to the dynamic feature adjustment, such as delay mechanism (peer-to-peer/end-to-end) and communication technology (IPv4, IPv6, 802.3), devices can be developed independent of the used network structure. The devices are therefore universally usable without any firmware update, which reduces the development and production costs and increases the customer benefit.

The IEEE 1588 protocol software is available as C source code and can be implemented on any platform. Adapted versions of the protocol software are available for the Freescale and AMCC PowerPC CPUs, the STM32, and recently for the Freescale QorlQ P2020, enabling a fast implementation. The new Freescale QorlQ P2020 is a powerful dual-core CPU with integrated switch functionality and optimized I/O interfaces specially suitable e.g. for the telecommunication sector.

The version 1.03 of the IEEE 1588 protocol software also provides a driver reference implementation for Linux platforms, which significantly simplifies the porting of the protocol software for customers.

In addition to the IEEE 1588 protocol software, IXXAT offers hardware and software development services, creates system concepts and offers seminars and code introduction workshops.

Further information about the IEEE 1588 protocol software can be found at www.ixxat.com.