Zarlink first to deliver IEEE 1588 enabled synchronous Ethernet timing devices

OTTAWA, CANADA: Zarlink Semiconductor has introduced new single-chip timing products capable of delivering the complete synchronization solution required by new wireless technologies, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE).

"Our new timing products are the industry's first single-chip IEEE 1588 enabled SyncE PLL devices," said Louise Gaulin, vice president of Zarlink's Timing and Synchronization product group.

"Our complete approach provides carriers with well established synchronization from SyncE, together with time alignment provided by IEEE 1588. This approach is critically important for wireless operators as they plan a cost-effective migration to packet-based backhaul to support the huge increase in multimedia traffic generated by smartphones and tablets. These new solutions are a key addition to our product portfolio, and are winning designs with customers that will help drive continuing revenue growth for our timing business."

According to Cisco System's recently issued Visual Networking Index forecast, there will be more than 15 billion network connected devices by 2015. Carriers are now strategically investing in packet networks to connect cell sites and the network backbone to help lower operating expenses and meet bandwidth demands of new multimedia traffic created by mobile Internet devices.

Zarlink's packet timing products are designed into wireless base stations, radio network controllers, DSLAM, PON, aggregation and transmission equipment, and routers to ensure network synchronization for multimedia applications now being delivered over packet networks.

Wireless network operators can use both SyncE and IEEE 1588 technologies simultaneously to meet strict performance requirements in 3G and 4G networks. In these applications, SyncE delivers highly accurate and stable frequency references using the physical Ethernet connections. In combination with this, IEEE 1588 distributes time of day and time alignment functionality.

Zarlink's new ZL30342, ZL30343 and ZL30347 IEEE 1588 enabled SyncE devices deliver the required synchronization in a small form factor package. In comparison, competing approaches require external components to generate a reliable frequency reference or rely on expensive GPS systems to provide time of day information.

Key performance features for this new family of products include:

* Single-chip low bandwidth PLLs with very low jitter synthesizers.
* Enables seamless migration path from SyncE to 1588 enabled SyncE.
* Scalable solutions that support external time stamping functionality.

Zarink's IEEE 1588 enabled SyncE devices are now in full production.