Zarlink Introduces ToP Devices
Zarlink Semiconductor introduced its new generation of ToP (Timing-over-Packet) devices specifically designed to transmit timing and synchronization over asynchronous packet switched networks - ZL30301 and ZL30302.
ToP technology is built on a field-proven processing engine developed for Zarlink’s CESoP (Circuit Emulation Services over Packet) family of devices. The ToP technology encodes a PRS (primary reference source) clock at the “master” node and subsequently transmits this clock over the packet network within a specific packet connection. The “client” node then recovers the clock through the use of complex algorithms employing a number of field-proven techniques.
For wireless infrastructure applications, the ZL30302 chip acts as the master and distributes the PRS from the RNC (radio network controller) to the Node B over an Ethernet network. At the Node B, the ZL30301 device acts as the client, extracting timing from the packet network and creating an output clock traceable to the PRS. Redundancy is also achieved, with the ZL30301 chip recovering up to four separate PRS clocks and selecting one for use within the client node.
Both ToP devices support differential clock recovery, a mechanism used when the same PRS is available at both the master and client nodes, for example through a SONET infrastructure. The devices also support adaptive clock recovery, which is commonly used at the edge of the network where a PRS is usually available only at the master node.
The ZL30301 and ZL30302 devices maintain an average frequency accuracy of less than +/- 15 ppb (parts per billion) with a Stratum 3 quality TCXO (temperature controlled crystal oscillator). Manufacturers are also using the PDH (plesiochronous digital hierarchy) G.823 and G.824 Traffic & Synchronization Interface standards as guidelines for packet network timing performance. In the event of network failure or severe network congestion, the devices will put recovered clocks into holdover until the flow of timing packets is restored.
Zarlink’s ZL30301 and ZL30302 ToP devices are available only to qualified customers.
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