Syncworks is the leading one-source value-added integrator in the USA.

Part 1-3 from a GPS World magazine interview with Syncworks’ Beacham Still and GPS World Editor-in-Chief Matteo Luccio

Syncworks’ Sales Manager, Beacham Still, fielded questions for the November 2024 cover story on network timing with GPS World. The interview was so dense and rich that Mr. Luccio decided to include it as an addition to the cover story. In a series of three posts, we share the transcript (editing for clarity) in three blog posts found here and here.

Syncworks Long Relationship With Microchip

In the world of telecommunications and critical infrastructure, synchronization and timing are essential components for stable network operations. Syncworks has established itself as a key player in this niche, thanks to its 25-year partnership with Microchip Frequency and Time Systems (formerly Microsemi and Symmetricom), a dominant force in the timing and synchronization space. This long-standing collaboration has allowed Syncworks to build expertise as a value-added reseller, engineering partner, and implementation service provider, catering to a range of sectors including telecommunications, power utilities, transportation, and cable networks.

A Partner in Precision

As a partner of Microchip Frequency and Time Systems, Syncworks brings specialized knowledge to the table, offering tailored synchronization solutions for industries where timing accuracy is not just beneficial, but mission-critical. The Syncworks team collaborates closely with clients to understand their specific needs, assessing how precise timing can enhance their operations and meet stringent industry requirements. They work actively with telecommunications providers to address the unique synchronization challenges presented by network transitions from traditional TDM (Time-Division Multiplexing) frequency synchronization to precision packet-based timing.

For many organizations, this evolution requires a shift in how they approach timing. The critical nature of timing in these sectors can be surprising to those unfamiliar with the industry. In telecommunications, for example, synchronization ensures that network signals travel seamlessly across vast distances, maintaining the reliability and efficiency of communications infrastructure. Without precise timing, networks could become unstable, leading to service disruptions and potentially costly outages.

Adapting to Industry Needs

Syncworks has also expanded its reach beyond telecommunications to power utilities, transportation, and even enterprise applications. These sectors share a common need for precise synchronization, but each brings its own unique requirements and challenges. Power utilities, for example, depend on stable timing for grid synchronization and protection schemes, which are critical for maintaining reliable electricity distribution. In transportation networks, accurate timing is essential for systems like positive train control (PTC), which enhance safety and efficiency on rail lines.

In each case, Syncworks provides more than just equipment — they offer a consultative approach that helps clients navigate the complexities of synchronization. By working directly with customers to understand their long-term vision, Syncworks ensures that they implement timing solutions that not only meet current demands but also anticipate future growth and changes.

Engineering and Implementation Services

Beyond supplying equipment, Syncworks offers a range of engineering and implementation services that are crucial for ensuring that synchronization solutions work seamlessly within existing network infrastructures. The timing industry often involves complex integrations with other network elements, and Syncworks excels at testing and verifying these systems to guarantee that they function as intended.

Their expertise is particularly valuable when it comes to migrating from legacy timing systems, such as BITS clocks, to modern precision timing platforms. For many organizations, this transition involves overcoming technical challenges and minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations. Syncworks assists with every step of the process, from initial assessment and planning to final deployment and maintenance.

Timing as a Critical Network Utility

For Syncworks, synchronization is not just another network component — it’s a fundamental utility, akin to power and grounding. The company views timing as a core element that underpins the functionality of the entire network. When timing fails, the repercussions can be far-reaching, impacting everything from telecommunications to power distribution. Syncworks’ role is to ensure that this critical infrastructure remains stable, secure, and ready to meet the demands of an increasingly connected world.

As industries continue to evolve and adopt new technologies, Syncworks stands ready to support their synchronization needs. Whether it’s helping a telecommunications provider transition to precision packet timing or assisting a power utility with grid synchronization, Syncworks brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence that sets them apart in the field.