Microchip Technology announced the release of version 2.4 of the Time Provider®? 4100 grandmaster firmware with an embedded BlueSky?? firewall function to detect potential threats and validate GNSS before using the signal as a time reference.

The Time Provider 4100 series v2.4 also implements IEEE®? 1588 power profiles, which enables gateway capabilities between PTP telecom and power profiles. With this device, utility companies can connect the communication and station networks to support the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) networks as operators continue to modernize.

The growth of emerging private networks continues to increase in a variety of locations like factories, stadiums and mines. These private networks can now be synchronized with the Time Provider 4100 series v 2.4 equipped with the Time Sensitive Network (TSN) profile 802.1.AS. This functionality provides private networks with a more accurate and autonomous time system to coordinate private network Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

As existing legacy communication signal deployments age, there is a need to migrate these installations to a modern and modular architecture. The TimeProvider 4100 series v2. 4 provides a new operation mode that includes the filtering of legacy input signals and provides the ability to serve as a Synchronization Supply Unit (SSU), enabling the migration of large SSU environments to a Time Provider server architecture.

This presents a combination of new protocols such as PTP, NTP, SyncE and legacy signals at a large scale, allowing operators to ensure legacy services remain, while affording the capability to provide modern synchronization signals to support the newer network architectures. Resiliency is necessary for synchronization solutions serving critical infrastructures. A failure can lead to degradation or a complete loss of service, thereby affecting customer satisfaction.

Software redundancy contributes to the resiliency of the Time Provider 4100 series because it enables two grandmaster to be synchronized in an Active/Standby model so network clients can be served by the Standby unit if the Active unit encounters a disruption. Another important and valuable feature of the Time Provider 4100 Series v2.4 is the additional model for redundancy, allowing two units to operate in Active/Active mode, providing flexibility depending on the customer's preference. Customers employing the Active/Active mode can benefit from the two grandmaster designed to operate at all times, as compared to the Active/Standby configuration where one device is not used while remaining in the standby mode.

The Time Provider 4100 Series v 2.4 is integrated with the TimePictra®? Synchronization Management System to provide users a complete view of their synchronization operation and health across their network. The Time Provider 4100 v2.4 grandmaster is now available for purchase.

For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative or an authorized distributor. Performance levels may differ depending on usage, system configuration, and other influencing factors.