Broadcom has IEEE 1588v2-compliant timing chips for data networks and smart metering control networks.

The BCM53903 precision timing protocol (PTP) processor, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switch, 1588v2-based Gigabit physical layer (PHY) devices, are supported by embedded software clock from Symmetricom.

In service provider networks, the transition to Ethernet from traditional Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH) and Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)-based networks makes timing synchronisation a key requirement in backhaul networks to synchronize basestations.

The IEEE 1588 precision timing protocol (PTP) standard allows for the synchronisation of clocks of different end devices over a packet-based network to within one microsecond, with Ethernet as the chosen transport technology.

To support this the chipset includes a PTP processor, GbE switch and PHYs that enable precision timing via the IEEE 1588v2 protocol.

The BCM53903 PTP processor hosts the SCi 2000 embedded software clock from Symmetricom.

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