S6x0 Configurable NTP SyncServer®

Microchip (formerly Microsemi) S650 Configurable NTP SyncServer®

Microsemi S650 NTP Server

The modular Microchip (formerly Microsemi) S650 NTP Server combines the best of time and frequency instrumentation with unique flexibility and powerful network/security-based features. The level of timing signal flexibility is unprecedented and can even eliminate the need for additional signal distribution chassis and there is no degradation in the precise quality of the coherent output signals.

Unparalleled Flexibility

The base Timing I/O module with eight BNC connectors comes standard with the most popular Timing I/O signals  (IRIG B, 10 MHz, and 1 PPS). When more flexibility is required, the unique Microsemi FlexPort™ technology option enables six of the BNCs to output many supported signals (time codes, sine waves, programmable rates), all configurable in real-time via the secure web interface. This incredibly flexible BNC-by-BNC configuration makes efficient and cost-effective use of the 1U space available. Similar functionality is applied to the two input BNCs, as well. Unlike legacy modules with fixed count BNCs outputting fixed signal types per module, FlexPort™ technology can allow up to 12 BNCs output in any combination of supported signal types.

This level of timing signal flexibility is unprecedented, and can even eliminate the need for additional signal distribution chassis, as there is no degradation in the precise quality of the coherent output signals.

FlexPort Data Sheet

S650 NTP SyncServer Details

Robust Timing and Design

The 72-channel GNSS receiver coupled with Microsemi’s patented active thermal compensation technology provides excellent accuracy of <15 ns RMS to UTC (USNO) via GPS. Backstop this with a durable hardware design subjected to MIL-STD-810G testing, high-reliability components extending the operating temperature range to –20 °C to 65 °C, and a dual power supply option. Further, upgrading to a high-performance oscillator, such as a Rubidium atomic clock, keeps the S650 accurate for long periods in the event of a GNSS service disruption.

Secure Networking

Security is an inherent part of the Microsemi S650 NPT Server. In addition to many security features and protocols, unsecured access protocols are deliberately omitted while remaining services can be disabled.

The four standard GbE ports accommodate more than 10,000 NTP requests per second using hardware timestamping and compensation. All network traffic to the S650 CPU is bandwidth-limited for protection against denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. For more secure NTP operations, enable the optional security-hardened NTP Reflector™ with line speed, 100% hardware-based NTP packet processing. The Reflector is also a CPU-protecting firewall, with bandwidth limiting non-NTP traffic to the CPU. It is also equipped with DoS detection, notification, and protection against abnormally high network traffic.

Leverage Built-In Hardware

The Microchip SyncServer S650 includes additional built-in hardware features enabled through software license keys, such as the security-hardened NTP Reflector™, GLONASS/BeiDou support, and IEEE1588 PTP operations.

Microchip (formerly Microsemi) S600/650 Resources

At-a-glance dashboard presentation combined with the logical organization and intuitive controls that make configuring the Microsemi S650 NTP Server easy.

Four GbE Ports for Performance, Flexibility, and Security with Microsemi S650 NTP Server

The four GbE ports provide network configuration flexibility and enhanced security. Multiple isolated and synchronized time servers can also be configured.

The S650 has four dedicated and isolated GbE Ethernet ports, each equipped with NTP hardware timestamping. These are connected to a high-speed microprocessor with microsecond accurate timestamps to assure high-bandwidth NTP performance. This exceeds the need of servicing 10,000 NTP requests per second with no degradation in timestamp accuracy.

Multiple ports provide the flexibility to adapt to different network topologies as networks grow and change. An S650 can be the single time source to synchronize clients on different subnets and physical networks. There is only one-time reference, but it can appear as though there are four clocks available because each port is independent.

NTP can be served on all four ports. The highly secure web-based management interface is only available on port 1 so administrators may choose to keep that IP address private and secure. Unique access control lists for each port can govern server response to client requests for time.

Intuitive, Secure, and Easy-to-Use Web Interface

The modern web interface is the primary control interface of the S650. Once the keypad and display bring the unit online, complete status and control functions are easily found via the well-organized left navigation menu.

Standard Management Access Security

All of the expected network management protocols are standard in the S650. This includes mandatory password access, HTTPS/SSL only (using the high encryption cipher suite), SSH, access control lists, service termination, SNMPv2/v3, and NTP MD5 authentication. All traffic to the S650 CPU is bandwidth-limited for protection against DoS attacks. The local keypad on the server can be password protected to prevent tampering.

Security-Hardening Option

The SyncServer S650 can be seriously hardened from both an NTP perspective and an authentication perspective through the Security Protocol license option, which includes the security-hardened NTP Reflector.

• Operational Hardening— via the 360,000 NTP packet per second NTP Reflector™ with 100% hardware-based NTP packet processing that also works with a CPU-protecting firewall by bandwidth limiting all non-NTP traffic. The Reflector also monitors packet flow for DoS detection and reporting, yet remains impervious to the level of network traffic as it operates at line speed.
• Authentication Hardening— is available for NTP client or server authentication through the NTP Autokey function or user access authentication via TACACS+, RADIUS, and LDAP. Third-party CA-signed X.509 certificates are installable for further hardening of management access.

Unprecedented NTP Accuracy

The Stratum 1 level S650 derives nanosecond-accurate time directly from the atomic clocks aboard the GNSS satellites. By using an integrated, 72-channel GNSS receiver, every visible satellite can be tracked and used to maintain accurate and reliable time. Even in urban canyon environments where direct satellite visibility can be limited, manually inputting the position can be sufficient to acquire accurate time from as few as one intermittent satellite. Ultra

The Stratum 1 level S650 derives nanosecond-accurate time directly from the atomic clocks aboard the GNSS satellites. By using an integrated, 72-channel GNSS receiver, every visible satellite can be tracked and used to maintain accurate and reliable time. Even in urban canyon environments where direct satellite visibility can be limited, manually inputting the position can be sufficient to acquire accurate time from as few as one intermittent satellite. Ultra

Ultra High-Performance NTP

The S650 can effortlessly support hundreds of thousands of network clients while maintaining microsecond caliber NTP timestamp accuracy. NTP request throughput rates exceed 10,000 requests/second while maintaining NTP timestamp accuracy. If the Security License option is enabled, the NTP Reflector™ can process over 360,000 NTP requests per second with 15 ns caliber timestamp accuracy with the added benefit of security-hardening the network port. This can easily translate into sub-millisecond typical NTP client synchronization accuracy on a LAN.

Multi-GNSS Constellation Support for Enhanced Reliability

Timing integrity, continuity, and reliability can be improved with the GNSS option that adds support for GLONASS, BeiDou, and SBAS constellations in addition to the standard GPS constellation. With more satellites in view, timing performance can be improved in challenging environments, such as urban canyons. SyncServer S650’s ship with GNSS hardware ready to be enabled with a software license. The S650 is also available without GNSS in the S650i model.

IEEE1588 PTP Grandmaster

Applications demanding very precise time accuracy can require precise time protocol (PTP). The S650 PTP Output license enables PTP grandmaster operations leveraging the built-in hardware timestamping on each LAN port of the S650. (See the SyncServer Options datasheet for more detail on the PTP Output option.)

Serial Time Outputs

The dedicated data/timing port is provided to output NMEA-0183 or NENA PSAP strings. If NENA is selected, the serial console port also supports the two-way timing aspects of the standard. The F8 and F9 Microsemi legacy time strings are also available.

More Timing I/O Standard

The base S650 can host two modules. The Timing I/O module is equipped with eight BNC connectors for timing signal input and output. The standard configuration offers a broad yet fixed selection of signal I/O, including IRIG B, 10 MHz, 1 PPS.

FlexPort™, the Ultimate in Timing Flexibility

Microsemi’s unique FlexPort™ technology efficiently and cost-effectively adds innovative “any signal, any connector” technology, eliminating the wasted space inherent with legacy-style fixed signal modules/BNCs.

The FlexPort™ technology option enables the six output BNCs (J3-J8) to output many supported signals (time codes, sine waves, programmable rates) all configurable in real-time through the secure web interface. User entered, nanosecond caliber phase offsets for each BNC output accommodates variable cable lengths. The two input BNCs (J1-J2) can support a wide variety of input signal types.

This level of timing signal flexibility is unprecedented and can even eliminate the need for additional signal distribution chassis as there is no degradation in the precise quality of the coherent signals.

Oscillator Upgrades Improve Holdover Accuracy and Save Valuable Time

The standard S650 is equipped with a crystal oscillator that keeps the S650 accurate to nanoseconds when tracking GNSS. However, if GNSS connectivity is lost, thereby placing the server in holdover, the oscillator will begin to drift and impact timing accuracy. Upgrading the oscillator improves the holdover accuracy significantly. For example, consider the following drift rates for the standard oscillator compared to the OCXO and Rubidium upgrades:

Oscillator Holdover Drift (1st 24 hours)

• Standard: 400 microseconds
• OCXO: 25 microseconds
• Rubidium: ≤1 microsecond

The value of the upgraded oscillator is that if the GNSS signal is lost, the S650 can continue to serve very accurate NTP time. This provides the IT staff plenty of time to correct the problem with no degradation or disruption in network time synchronization accuracy.

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