The Overview
Skyworks Solutions dropped a new portfolio of network synchronization products that includes clock ICs and IEEE 1588 software, all intended to provide precise time synchronization that facilitates ultra-reliable network operation.
Who Needs It & Why?
The Si551x and Si540x families of NetSync clock ICs and Skyworks’ AccuTime IEEE 1588 software are all designed to meet the requirements of mobile operators and equipment vendors for 5G fronthaul networks. Precise and accurate time synchronization is critical to ultra-reliable network operation and is paving the way for future enhancements, including Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) and Coordinated Multipoint Access (CoMP) that empower 5G to support autonomous vehicles, factory automation, telemedicine, and other emerging applications.
Under the Hood
Skyworks’ Si551x and Si540x timing solutions comply with all relevant telecom standards, including ITU-T G.826x/G.827x, IEEE 1588-2008/2019, and O-RAN WG4, enabling robust and reliable synchronization across networks.
- Si551x: These devices are optimized for air-interface equipment, including radio units (RUs) and integrated small cells. The Si5518 and Si5512 products combine the functions of network synchronization, jitter attenuation, and JESD204B/C clocking into a single device.
- Si540x: Optimized for equipment within the fronthaul network, such as distribution units (DUs) and fronthaul switches and gateways, the Si5401, Si5402, and Si5403 products provide network synchronization and synchronous Ethernet/SDH clock-wander filtering.
- AccuTime IEEE 1588 software: Designed to provide a comprehensive and flexible PTP solution, and highly integrated with the Si551x and Si540x devices, AccuTime IEEE 1588 software supports time recovery performance to meet the requirements of real-world fronthaul network deployments using full (FTS), partial (PTS), or assisted-partial (APTS) timing support.