Date: 01/08/2011

Semtech releases firmware update for its ACS9510 device

Semtech Corp. has released a new ToPSync firmware update for the ACS9510, which provides signal timing for legacy and next-generation wireless networks and delivers a complete IEEE1588v2 precision time protocol (PTP) solution that makes it possible for wireless carriers to build their backhaul networks using low-cost Ethernet-based wireless services.

The ACS9510 is a 360 pin, 20 mm x 20 mm, 1 mm pitch multi-role device that can be used to provide synchronous equipment timing source (SETS) functionality in traditional TDM equipment (TDM timing mode) as well as standards-based timing for equipment used in packet switched networks (PTP grandmaster and PTP slave modes). The ToPSync version 5.1 firmware release implements major advances in time alignment performance while enabling significant savings in cost, says Semtech.

According to Semtech, ACS9510 is a fully integrated and configurable synchronization platform, perform as a PTP master, slave or boundary clock as well as natively manage layer one clocks, the ACS9510 can operate in any point of the timing delivery network. The ToPSync software is self-contained within the ACS9510 device and no real-time process is required on any external CPU and the combination of embedded PLLs and algorithms makes the ACS9510 simple to integrate, allowing wireless equipment customers to meet tight time-to-market requirements, as per Semtech.

"We are excited by the major advances in time alignment performance and significant cost savings brought by release 5.1. Throughout trials with tier one carriers, the innovative hybrid Sync-E/PTP algorithm performed with an accuracy better than 100 nanoseconds even with low cost TCXOs," said Rich Lansdowne, Director of Advanced Communications at Semtech. " Release 5.1 also allows a single ACS9510 to operate as a fully compliant IEEE 1588 boundary clock offering carriers unparalleled flexibility of deployment."

Applications of ACS9510 includes:
Telecommunications: 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE Base Stations, Switches, Routers, Access, PTN.
Industrial / Energy: Synchrophasors, industrial switches, routers.
Financial: Synchronized trading floors.

Pricing and Availability: The AC9510 ToPSync firmware release 5.1 is available immediately.