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Applied Data Systems now enables a new class of applications with Hardware Assisted IEEE 1588 on Intel IXP465 for Precision Clock Synchronization. This capability is particularly important for instrumentation automation applications which are dependent on the accurate marking of time at multiple locations.

The IEEE 1588 specification has been broadly developed by many companies eager to use it to synchronize high-speed operations in multiple locations, for example multi-axis machine tools or robotics that must coordinate. In this application, one CPU acts as network master and sends a multicast message to all the other systems, which turn it around at the low-level hardware/software level and return time stamped acknowledgements. Then the individual processors use data on network timing to calculate and correct individual clock offset. The entire process repeats at an adjustable interval.

ADS’ embedded computer systems, with a customer-provided higher level 1588 implementation, exploits the special logic and registers included in the IXP series of CPUs, making the limiting accuracy extremely efficient- on the order of a few microseconds.

This means that the synchronization achieved in practice is limited only by the dither/jitter in the selected network hardware. This precise 1588 synchronization lines up naturally with the real-time performance of Embedded Windows CE, previously measured on ADS systems at the microsecond level. Applications include location fixing using acoustic and radio time-of-flight. For example, dispersed over a global sensor net, 1588 technology might better locate seismic events. Also, the 1588 technology might be used for enhanced Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to detect Man in the Middle (MIM) attacks by packet timing.

1588 is available on the Turbo IXP and can be leveraged using Applied Datas’ Fast Turn optimized systems.

For a Whitepaper on 1588, click here.

For more information on 1588, contact us.