Syncworks Reveals New DS1 Expansion Panels For BITS Clocks

Syncworks Reveals New DS1 Expansion Panels For BITS Clocks

DS1 Expansion Panels Will Efficiently Modernize Critical Legacy Timing

Syncworks recently released two new network timing DS1 Expansion Panels for their telecom, cable, and utilities customers. The panels were developed to increase the DS1 or Composite Clock output capacity of an existing BITS by 20 additional ports. “These panels were designed as a way to economically meet the timing needs of mid- to larger-sized Central Offices. Whether we’re completely replacing an existing legacy BITS clock or simply increasing its current output capacity, these panels can be easily deployed to address either scenario.” says Syncworks Technical Director Rob Jodrie. “This solution is a key component of what Syncworks refers to as the 3rd Generation BITS. While the need for the distribution of frequency timing, DS1 and CC, is typically not expanding, legacy systems that support critical services such as 911 and SS7 are still dependent on these reference signals. These network elements are likely to remain operational for the foreseeable future. When deployed in conjunction with the Microchip TimeProvider® 4100, new service requirements for 5G and R-PHY can be met while servicing existing timing requirements.

While the new DS1 expansion panels were designed with the Microchip TimeProvider® 4100 series in mind. The DS1 and Composite Clock panels will also expand capabilities for the Oscilloquartz 540, the Meinberg Grandmaster clocks and legacy Telecom Solutions, TSG-3800, and other BITS. These panels have A and B power inputs and dual input references for redundancy. Loss of power, input, and port alarms also report via both LED and discreet alarms. Connectivity to network elements is achieved via the wire wrap connections on the back of the panels.

Syncworks Composite Clock Expansion Panel

Overview of the DS1 Input/Output Panel

The Syncworks T1 I/O DS1 Expansion Panel is designed to specifically meet our customer’s need to continue supporting legacy synchronization needs in today’s small and large offices, by expanding the number of T1 outputs provided by T1 clock/sync sources, e.g. the Microchip TimeProvider® 4100 (TP4100).

The Syncworks’ T1 I/O Expansion Panels unique T1 clock input design interfaces with dual and independent T1 outputs from the T1 clock sources to expand the system’s total number of available T1 outputs to include the 20 T1 outputs; 10 of the T1 outputs replicate the T1 signal on the Primary Input and 10 of the T1 outputs replicate the T1 signal on the Secondary Input.

The panel has redundant power connections, Power A and Power B, to accept -48VDC from the office battery system. The panel has dual T1 Inputs, the Primary Input and the Secondary Input, that
are connected to a Timing Signal Generator, e.g. TP4100 T1 outputs; the two inputs can have the same framing type, Super Frame (SF), Extended Super Frame (ESF), and ESF with Sync Status
Messaging (SSM) or different framing types. Once both T1 inputs are connected, the panel provides 20 T1 Outputs, 10 associated with the Primary Input and 10 associated with the Secondary Input.

The panel provides alarm indicators/LEDs for each power input, each T1 input, and the 20 T1 outputs; if any alarm condition is detected the Alarm LED and Alarm Relay will be activated for
remote monitoring of the panel, the alarm will remain active until the source of the alarm condition is resolved.

The Syncworks T1 I/O DS1 Expansion Panel comes with reversible rack ears that allow it to be mounted in either 19″ or 23″ equipment racks and the panel height will require 2RU (rack units) of rack space that will aid in equipment ventilation and cable management.

Overview of the Composite Clock Input/Output Panel

The Syncworks Composite Clock Input/Output (CC I/O) DS1 Expansion Panel is designed to specifically meet our customer’s need to continue supporting legacy synchronization needs in today’s small and large offices, by expanding the number of Composite Clock outputs provided by composite clock sources, e.g. the Microchip TimeProvider® 4100 (TP4100).

The Syncworks’ CC I/O Panel’s unique composite clock input design interfaces with redundant composite clock outputs from the composite clock sources to expand the system’s total number of
available CC outputs to include the 20 CC outputs on the CC I/O Panel.

The DS1 Expansion Panels have redundant power connections, Power A and Power B, to accept -48VDC from the office battery system. The DS1 Expansion Panel has redundant Composite Clock Inputs that are connected to a Timing Signal Generator, e.g. TP4100, connected to Input 1 and a Subtended Timing Signal Generator, e.g. subtended TP4100, connected to Input 2. Once CC inputs are connected, the panel provides 20 CC Outputs to provide synchronized references for legacy equipment that requires CC Inputs. The panel provides alarm indicators/LEDs for each power input, each CC input, and the 20 CC outputs; if any alarm condition is detected the Alarm Relay and Alarm LED will be triggered for remote monitoring of the panel, the alarm will remain active until the source of the alarm condition is resolved.

The Syncworks CC I/O DS1 Expansion Panels come with reversible rack ears that allow it to be mounted in either 19″ or 23″ equipment racks and the panel height will require 2RU (rack units) of rack space that will aid in equipment ventilation and cable management.

About Syncworks

Syncworks is a value-added stocking reseller of network sync and timing equipment for critical infrastructure companies. SyncCare and Field Services ensure your network equipment is flawlessly executed and supported.  

Our 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse stocks and ships critical equipment and replacements for networks all across the USA and the Caribbean. With expertise from GPS signal to our new output expansion panels, we an experience and trusted guide. Our tight-knit crew of engineers and field services technicians work together to efficiently and effectively bring your network to Stratum 1 standards.

Syncworks delivers the highest level of expertise to every project and offers a complete menu of network synchronization products and services. Our flagship product, the TimeProvider® 4100, is a gateway clock that accepts multiple inputs from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SynE), and 1588 PTP Grandmaster Clock and E1/T1 digital transmission links.  

As a Microchip Diamond Partner, we maintain the largest and most diversified stocking supply of Microchip network sync & timing products to meet our customers’ every need when it comes to sync and timing technology.  

For more information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234.

What is a BITS Clock?

What is a BITS Clock?

Unlocking the Power of BITS Clocks for Seamless Synchronization

In the world of modern communication and data networks, Building Integrated Timing Supply (BITS) plays a crucial role. BITS is essentially a synchronized Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) signal that acts as the beating heart of various systems. It ensures the seamless operation of communication networks and data transmission, offering unparalleled reliability and stability. However, BITS is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it excels in certain areas while having limitations in others.

BITS – The Reliable Foundation

BITS clock is a synchronous TDM signal that provides a highly reliable and stable source for propagating frequency across extensive transmission networks. It serves as the backbone for various legacy TDM networks, including SONET/SDH. Moreover, BITS clock finds its utility in local business telephone exchanges, VoIP systems, and TDM PBXs. It even extends its support to 2G and 3G mobile communication networks and aviation traffic control systems.

BITS clock

Limitations

While BITS clock is a powerful tool for synchronization, it does come with some limitations. It does not support phase or Time of Day (ToD) synchronization. This means that it excels in providing precise timing but might not be suitable for applications that require phase accuracy or time-specific synchronization.

The Unidirectional Path
BITS clock links are inherently unidirectional. They transmit the clock signal from a Master clock or Office clock to the relevant Network Elements. These Network Elements can either recover the clock directly from the line when terminating a service or continue transmitting it to Network Elements further down the chain.

In conclusion, BITS clocks are the unsung heroes of communication systems, offering a reliable and stable timing source for various applications. However, it’s important to keep in mind their limitations when considering them for synchronization needs. Their unidirectional nature ensures that the heartbeat of your network keeps ticking, making them an indispensable component in the world of modern communication.

About Syncworks

Syncworks is a the national leader in GPS security. Critical infrastructure in the US is a top priority at the highest level of government. Our mission is to enable, educate, and support efforts to become complaint with celestial and terrestrial GPS systems working together.
  
Our flagship product, the TimeProvider® 4100, is a gateway clock that accepts multiple inputs from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SynE), and IEEE 1588 PTP Grandmaster Clock and E1/T1 digital transmission links.  

As of January 1, 2024, we have expanded our Field Services to include Antenna Installation and Entrance Facility Cabling, Legacy Equipment Decom and Traffic Migration, Disposal (hazmat) Services, Radio Commissioning (MW, P-LTE, CBRS), Enterprise Wi-Fi.

For more information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234

Mastering the Art of Precision Timing and Synchronization Solutions

Mastering the Art of Precision Timing and Synchronization Solutions

Syncworks Harnesses the Power of Precision Timing and Synchronization

In our modern, interconnected digital landscape, the significance of timing and synchronization cannot be overstated. The accuracy and precision of timekeeping play a pivotal role in a wide array of critical infrastructures. These include data centers, wired and wireless communication networks, financial exchanges, industrial systems, and the ever-evolving smart power grid.

At our core, and as a Microchip Diamond Partner, we specialize in delivering comprehensive clock and timing system solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of needs. Our offerings span from compact plug-in timing server cards to extensive multi-rack national time scale systems. Our ultimate mission is to provide timing systems that are not only remarkably accurate but also imbued with robust security measures, ensuring their resilience in supporting a diverse range of applications and vital infrastructures.

Microchip TimeProvider 4100

GPS-Based Timing Solutions for Unmatched Precision

Sync and timing for GPS begins with a quality signal from antenna to ingress to timing equipment. As part of our turnkey solution for network timing, our Field Services includes GPS antenna installation. Resilient and professional GPS install is a key component to your network. With Syncworks’ dedicated technicians well-versed in installs for all types of building access, grounding needs, ingress points, and weather conditions, your GPS antenna will be installed to the highest standards.

When a clock goes in holdover due to a failed GPS signal, the cause can be range from a failed ground, a delamination of a printed board, a loose connection, a failed antenna head, or interference from a natural source. Correct antenna positioning is vital to timing reliability.

A GPS antenna requires a 360° visibility of the horizon.  Roof mounted antenna enable for more accurate GPS clocks since at least three satellites are required to be in view at all times to maintain timing accuracy (typically nanoseconds to UTC). Our antenna designs include this key component. Our technicians ensure the optimal location for all elements of the antenna installation.

three gps antennas ready to install

The Role of IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) in Modern Networks

However, achieving such high levels of precision timing is a formidable technological challenge. That’s why it’s crucial to find a trusted resource. Our end-to-end timing solutions are designed to generate, distribute, and apply precise timing across multiple industries. These include communications, aerospace/defense, IT infrastructure, financial services, industrial sectors, and more. Our clientele ranges from communications service providers and network equipment manufacturers to governments and their global suppliers.

Our comprehensive portfolio of timing and synchronization options:

1. GPS-Based Timing: Leveraging Microsemi’s cutting-edge timing technologies and solutions, we enable our customers to build more reliable networks and systems that meet today’s precise timing standards.

2. IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP): This protocol is designed to deliver highly accurate timing information, essential for various industries.

3. Network Time Protocol (NTP): NTP ensures synchronization across networks and systems, facilitating seamless communication.

4. Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE): For maintaining synchronization in Ethernet networks, especially crucial in data-heavy operations.

5. Data-over-Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) Timing: A critical element for cable operators to ensure precise timing for their services.

In our increasingly digital and interconnected world, timing and synchronization are essential components. Precise and accurate timing underpins the functionality of data centers, wired and wireless communications, financial exchanges, industrial networks, smart power grids, and virtually all other secure communication infrastructures.

We offer a range of clock and timing system solutions, from compact plug-in timing server cards to multi-rack national time scale systems. Our ultimate goal is to provide the most accurate, secure, and resilient timing systems possible to support diverse applications and critical infrastructures.

About Syncworks

Syncworks is a value-added reseller of network sync and timing equipment for critical infrastructure companies. SyncCare and Field Services ensure your network equipment is flawlessly executed and supported. Our warehouse is stocked with new Microchip products, as well as Symmetricom, Datum, Telecom Solutions, and Microsemi brands. 

Syncworks delivers the highest level of expertise to every project and offers a complete menu of network synchronization products and services. Our flagship product, the TimeProvider® 4100, is a gateway clock that accepts multiple inputs from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SynE), and 1588 PTP Grandmaster Clock and E1/T1 digital transmission links.  

As a Microchip Diamond Partner, we maintain the largest and most diversified stocking supply of Microchip network sync & timing products to meet our customers’ every need when it comes to sync and timing technology.  

For more information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234

Background History of Cesium and Rubidium Clocks

Background History of Cesium and Rubidium Clocks

How Atomic Clocks Were Developed

Atomic clocks like Cesium (Cs) and Rubidium (Rb) are highly precise time-keeping devices that utilize the vibrations of atoms to measure time. The discovery and development of atomic clocks began in the late 1940s and early 1950s, as researchers explored the use of atomic resonance for time measurement. The concept of an atomic clock was first proposed by American physicist Isidor Rabi in 1945. He suggested that the natural vibrations of atoms could be used to create an incredibly precise timekeeping device. However, it wasn’t until 1949 that the first atomic clock was actually built.  

The first atomic clock was developed by Harold Lyon at the National Bureau of Standards (now known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST) in the United States. (Other sources cite that the first atomic clock was invented in 1949 by Louis Essen and Jack Parry at the National Physical Laboratory in the UK.) This new clock was based on the vibrations of a cesium atom, which is used to define the second as the unit of time in the International System of Units (SI).  

Over the years, atomic clocks have become increasingly accurate and reliable. In the 1960s, the development of the hydrogen maser, an atomic clock that used the vibrations of hydrogen atoms, further improved the accuracy of atomic clocks. In the 1960s, the first commercial atomic clocks were introduced, and they quickly became essential tools for industries that required extremely accurate timekeeping, such as telecommunications and navigation. Today, the most precise atomic clocks are based on the vibrations of ytterbium atoms and can measure time to an accuracy of one part in 10^18, which is equivalent to about one second over the entire age of the universe. 

In the 1970s and 1980s, scientists began to develop more advanced types of atomic clocks, including hydrogen maser clocks and rubidium atomic clocks. These newer clocks were even more accurate than earlier models. 

The invention of atomic clocks revolutionized time-keeping and enabled significant advances in science and technology. For example, atomic clocks played a critical role in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS), which utilizes signals from GPS satellites to determine the location of objects on Earth. GPS requires extremely precise time-keeping and atomic clocks are used to synchronize the time-keeping systems on GPS satellites and GPS receivers on Earth. 

Atomic clocks also have many applications in the telecommunications, cable, and utilities industries. In the telecommunications industry, atomic clocks are used to synchronize the timing of data transmissions. Accurate time-keeping is essential for the efficient transmission of data over long distances, and atomic clocks ensure that data is transmitted accurately and efficiently, even over long distances.  

In the cable TV industry, atomic clocks are used to synchronize the timing of video signals. Any timing discrepancies between the video and audio signals can lead to a loss of picture quality, and atomic clocks ensure that video and audio signals are synchronized properly, resulting in high-quality video and audio. 

In the utilities industry, atomic clocks are used to monitor and control the frequency of the power grid. The frequency of the power grid must be kept within a certain range to ensure that electrical devices function properly, and atomic clocks monitor and control the frequency of the power grid, minimizing power outages and ensuring that electrical devices function properly. 

Atomic clocks are among the most accurate timekeeping devices ever created, and they play a critical role in a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, cable, and utilities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the discovery and history of atomic clocks, as well as their current uses and importance in modern technology. 

Today, atomic clocks continue to push the boundaries of time-keeping accuracy. Scientists are working on developing even more advanced types of atomic clocks, such as optical lattice clocks, which could be accurate to within one second over the entire age of the universe. 

In short, the discovery and development of atomic clocks has had a significant impact on many industries, including telecommunications, cable TV, utilities, space exploration, and GPS technology. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that atomic clocks will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that systems function accurately and efficiently. 

network atomic clock encased in a portable card with circuit board visible

About Syncworks

Syncworks is a the national leader in GPS security. Critical infrastructure in the US is a top priority at the highest level of government. Our mission is to enable, educate, and support efforts to become complaint with celestial and terrestrial GPS systems working together.
  
Our flagship product, the TimeProvider® 4100, is a gateway clock that accepts multiple inputs from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SynE), and IEEE 1588 PTP Grandmaster Clock and E1/T1 digital transmission links.  

As of January 1, 2024, we have expanded our Field Services to include Antenna Installation and Entrance Facility Cabling, Legacy Equipment Decom and Traffic Migration, Disposal (hazmat) Services, Radio Commissioning (MW, P-LTE, CBRS), Enterprise Wi-Fi.

For more information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234

BITS Clocks For PTP and NTP Explained

BITS Clocks For PTP NTP

What Are PTP and NTP BITS Clocks?

BITS (Building Integrated Timing Supply) clocks for PTP and NTP Network Timing are commonly used to provide accurate and reliable timing signals for network synchronization. They are particularly important in networks that require precise timing, such as those used for telecommunications and financial trading. 

There are two main types of network timing protocols that use BITS clocks: Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP). NTP provides millisecond accuracy. PTP provides sub-microsecond accuracy. 

NTP is a widely used protocol that allows computers on a network to synchronize their clocks with a central time server. BITS clocks can be used as a time source for NTP servers, providing a highly accurate and stable time reference for the network. 

PTP, on the other hand, is a newer protocol that is designed to provide even more precise timing for networks that require sub-microsecond accuracy. BITS clocks can also be used as a time source for PTP networks, either as a server clock or as a boundary clock that distributes time signals to other devices on the network. 

In summary, PTP and NTP BITS clocks are an essential component of network timing systems, providing accurate and reliable timing signals for NTP and PTP protocols. They play a critical role in ensuring the synchronization and performance of high-speed networks that rely on precise timing. 

Legacy BITS Clocks – Rob Jodrie Explains 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generation BITS Clock Technology

Rob Jodrie is Syncworks Technical Director. With a lifetime of service in telecoms across the USA, Rob’s been in more NOC’s than most people. His presentation from our What’s New, What’s Next webinar is found below. In it, Rob illustrates how BITS clocks came into the networks and how the technology advanced to where we are today: 3rd Generation BITS.

About Syncworks

Syncworks is a the national leader in GPS security. Critical infrastructure in the US is a top priority at the highest level of government. Our mission is to enable, educate, and support efforts to become complaint with celestial and terrestrial GPS systems working together.
  
Our flagship product, the TimeProvider® 4100, is a gateway clock that accepts multiple inputs from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SynE), and IEEE 1588 PTP Grandmaster Clock and E1/T1 digital transmission links.  

As of January 1, 2024, we have expanded our Field Services to include Antenna Installation and Entrance Facility Cabling, Legacy Equipment Decom and Traffic Migration, Disposal (hazmat) Services, Radio Commissioning (MW, P-LTE, CBRS), Enterprise Wi-Fi.

For more information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234