TimeProvider 4100

Precise Timing Gateway Clock

The TimeProvider® 4100 is a gateway clock, a new class of synchronization product that accepts multiple inputs from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SynE), and 1588 PTP and E1/T1 digital transmission links, and distributes timing flows to multiple end points such as base stations. A gateway clock benefits from multiple layers of protection leveraging other assets in the core of the network. TimeProvider 4100 is a best-in-class 1588 grandmaster complemented by extensive port fan-out for PTP, Network Time protocol (NTP), SyncE, and legacy building integrated timing supplies (BITS). With multiple ports for current, legacy, and future networks that can be connected to multiple base stations for 4G and 5G deployments, the device offers customers a cost-effective solution that can be easily adapted for a wide variety of use cases.

Flexible Architecture

A key aspect of TimeProvider 4100 is its rich base platform with support for PTP, NTP, and legacy frequency timing applications. The clock features 4 BITS ports (E1/T1), 2 x 1PPS /ToD ports, 2 x 1PPS/10 MHz ports, 1 GNSS port, and 1 craft port. Complementing its standard advanced feature set, TimeProvider 4100 offers an internal expansion module to add 16 E1/T1 synchronization ports to the device. Flexibility is of the utmost importance for enabling operators to select the appropriate package, options, and interfaces for their respective use cases and deployment models. TimeProvider 4100 is a fan less device, which minimizes the risks associated with rotation or moving parts. It also features passive heat sinks, which enables great scalability with SFP ports in the base chassis. TimeProvider 4100 can leverage a sub-tenancy architecture whereby a slave TimeProvider 4100 can subtend from a master TimeProvider 4100 unit using a ToD input/output. The master is connected to GNSS constellations and is recommended to be upgraded to the Rubidium atomic clock oscillator, whereas the slave TimeProvider 4100 can  simply feature a lower cost oscillator without connectivity to GNSS. The architecture enables to double the port count of the solution to 8 BITS ports and 16 Ethernet ports on the combined main chassis.

Resilient Precise Timing Solution

TimeProvider 4100 features layered protection and accepts PTP input with Microchip’s patented asymmetry compensation to provide best-in-class assisted partial timing support (APTS) to back up the GNSS signal. APTS is a key technology that accounts for high packet delay variation, timing jitter variation, and asymmetry challenges. As a second layer of protection, TimeProvider 4100 features optional oscillator upgrades for enhanced holdover performance. Additional output capabilities enable support of legacy frequency timing applications, including E1/T1, 10 MHz, pulse per second (PPS), and time of day (ToD). In addition, Time Provider 4100 provides dual DC input for power redundancy and geographical network redundancy for fail over.

Best-of-Breed Grandmaster Clock

TimeProvider 4100 is an industry leading grandmaster clock with a base model that offers multiple PTP profiles per units, supporting IEEE 1588 v2 frequency profiles such as Telecom 2008, G.8265.1, default profile, as well as the latest phase profiles such as G.8275.1 and G.8275.2. It supports SyncE input and output, and is built on a best-in-class platform that associates connectivity to legacy networks as well as to the latest standards. The TimeProvider 4100 is based on Microchip’s newest platform as well as its latest packet engine generation. This provides the utmost flexibility to support multiple packet services in the box, to specify the service on each port (master, client, probe, NTP) and to select management and client service on either an RJ45 or an SFP port (depending on the network and preference). This flexibility enables the operators to select and benefit from the number and types of ports and interfaces that are necessary to deploy and scale for specific use cases including 5G, cRAN, and DOCSIS remote PHY, without compromising performance or features. TimeProvider 4100 meets stringent precise time standards and complies with primary reference time clock (PRTC), as well as the latest time and phase standards.

Multiple GNSS Constellation Support

The 72-channel GNSS receiver coupled with Microchip’s patented active thermal compensation technology provides excellent accuracy of <10ns RMS to UTC (USNO). With the time source provided through GNSS satellite input, it is essential to provide flexible support for constellations of choice depending on the region. TimeProvider 4100 supports GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and SBAS in its standard version. The hardware is also enabled to support QZSS.

Synchronization Management and Monitoring

When deployed with Microchip’s TimePictra® synchronization management system, carriers can also benefit from superior monitoring information and management capabilities. TimeProvider 4100 features full FCAPS capabilities using TimePictra. Internal logging and SNMP are supported as well as security capabilities using SSH and firewall features. A separate management port can be selected either as RJ-45 or as an SFP port. In-band management is also supported. In terms of monitoring, the focus is on helping customers with phase deployments. Monitoring PTP traffic is a primary focus with Time Error. 1PPS monitoring is also available. A WebGUI is offered as a user-friendly user interface for monitoring results, measurements, and calculations.