Microchip (formerly Microsemi) – Frequency & Time Systems
Microchip (formerly Microsemi) is the world leader in timing & network synchronization systems for highly accurate distribution using today’s precise timing standards like GPS-based timing, IEEE 1588 (PTP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Synchronous Ethernet and DOCSIS® timing. Products include modular synchronization systems, carrier grade NTP & PTP grand masters, enterprise network time servers, GPS instruments, active hydrogen maser, cesium frequency standards, rubidium frequency references, quartz oscillator and more.
The development of Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems with a high level of assurance and resilience for electronic warfare and sensors has gained importance because of concerns related to GNSS vulnerabilities, interference or even complete denial, especially in hostile environments. These concerns can be addressed by integrating robust and resilient PNT components such atomic clocks; GNSS receivers, both civilian and M-Code versions, and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) into a system. However, if this integration is not based on an open standard, the extensibility of the system ends up being limited.
The Modular Open System Approach (MOSA), which is driven by the Department of Defense (DoD), requires system designs to be modular and open so that system components can be incrementally added, removed or replaced throughout the lifecycle of the system platform. This helps increase competition, innovation and cost savings and reduce time to deployment. It also creates more opportunities for technical upgrades and increased system interoperability.
New Products
The timing card is radial slot plug-in compatible and capable of measuring and providing frequency signals and PNT data across a chassis or system in alignment with the SOSA Technical Standard. The timing card can steer to an external reference or an on-chassis reference such as the PNT source card’s miniature atomic clock.
The PNT source card is payload plug-in compatible and is used to precisely measure and publish PNT data to the timing card. The card can be equipped with a military or civilian GNSS receiver and a miniature atomic clock (MAC). The card also houses a tactical grade Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
The SDR is payload plug-in compatible and is designed for precision time-tagging and transmitting applications. The SDR card includes RF input and outputs from 70 MHz to 7 GHz and precision time stamping with external 1 PPS, NMEA-0183, NTP, and 10 MHz frequency reference compatibility.
Featured Products
SyncServer® S650
The SyncServer® S650 uses our FlexPort technology to provide unmatched synchronization flexibility and performance.
BlueSky™ GNSS Firewall
BlueSky solves the problem of protecting already deployed systems by providing a cost-effective overlay solution installed between existing GNSS antennas and GNSS systems.
53100A Phase Noise Analyzer
The 53100A measures the amplitude, phase and frequency stability of high-performance RF sources.
5071B Cesium Primary Time and Frequency Standard
We updated the 5071B’s internal electronics with modern circuitry, including our microprocessors (MPUs), to ensure continuity of supply for all components into the next decade and achieve RoHS compliance. We tested the 5071B over 18 months against an extensive set of qualifications to confirm that this device meets or exceeds all performance specifications.
CsIII Model 4310B Cesium Frequency Standard
Our 4310B cesium frequency standard is the smallest, lowest-power and most cost-effective cesium frequency reference available. It has a low-profile, 2U, 19-inch rack-mountable chassis and provides the same stability and accuracy as the standard-performance 5071A. Weighing less than 30 pounds, the 4310B is a portable solution for SATCOM applications and calibration services.
MHM-2020 Active Hydrogen Maser
Active masers use stimulated emissions to generate the hyperfine transition frequency of ground-state hydrogen atoms. The resulting stabilities, when measured over intervals of 1 second to 1,000 seconds, are the highest for any commercially available clock. Our MHM-2020 hydrogen maser is designed for a 20-year operating life and low maintenance, with 95% of our masers deployed since 1999 still in operation.
Featured Applications for Timing & Synchronization
Trusted Time for Zero Trust Networks
Time and, in particular, log file timestamps are essential in the secure operation of a Zero Trust network. Meaningful network telemetry and syslogs from servers, routers, switches and other sources rely on an accurate and precise time source for synchronization. For this reason, and more, time from a trusted source becomes foundational to the Zero Trust network.
M-Code Time and Frequency Solutions
We are the leaders in combining M-Code with the best time and frequency technology for reliable system operation in GPS-denied environments.
We have a proven track record of providing custom M-Code time and frequency solutions for military and secure government applications, standard/configurable M-Code timing products and the essential atomic oscillators for your specific M-Code-enabled application.
Secure Position, Navigation and Time (PNT) Solutions
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have revolutionized the world. Civilian and military navigation, cellular networks, the Internet, financial services, energy distribution, and air traffic control are just a few examples of the different applications that rely heavily on GNSS.
Secure Position, Navigation and Time (PNT) solutions use a variety of methods to minimize inherent GNSS vulnerabilities. These methods include detecting threats, using multiple GNSS constellations (GPS, Galileo.
Virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC)
The virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC) is a highly secure and resilient network-based timing architecture that has been developed to meet the expanding needs of modern critical infrastructures. It blends proven timing technologies into a centralized and protected source location and then uses commercial fiber optic network links and advanced IEEE® 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) boundary clocks to distribute 100 ns PRTC timing where it is needed in end points that might be hundreds of kilometers away.
National Timing Infrastructure
The strength of a nation’s infrastructure depends on the accuracy of time, and with pervasive cybersecurity threats disrupting Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), an alternative time system is a matter of national security. To protect and defend against GNSS vulnerabilities, the role of a country’s national time scale is changing from being a scientific measurement instrument to a vital part of its critical infrastructure.
Fully Integrated Independent Time Scale System Back-Up to GNSS
Microchip’s Precise Time Scale System (PTSS) combines multiple high-performance clocks to provide a secure, robust and resilient solution to serve as the backbone and primary source of UTC-class time for national timing of critical infrastructure.
Secure UTC Traceable Time to Protect Against Cybersecurity Threats
By deploying a Precise Time Scale System (PTSS) users can have complete control over the time sources that their critical infrastructure depends on, eliminating timing-related cybersecurity threats. A properly constructed time scale can serve as the primary source of time for critical infrastructure that needs state-of-the-art frequency stability, excellent phase noise and maximal operational availability.
Company Overview
Microchip Technology Incorporated (Frequency and Time Division) is a leading provider of the broadest portfolio of clock and timing systems in the industry. Achieving highly accurate precision timing is no easy feat from a technology perspective, so it’s important to find a resource you can trust to reduce design risk and speed your time to market. Microchip end-to-end timing solutions generate, distribute and apply precise time for multiple industries, including communications, aerospace and defense, IT infrastructure, financial services, power utilities and more. The portfolio of clock and timing systems supports today’s precise timing standards, including GNSS-based timing, IEEE® 1588 Precise Time Protocol (PTP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), synchronous Ethernet and DOCSIS® timing.
