Utilizing FPGAs in an IEEE 1588 precision time control implementation

By Frank Hansen, Altera Corp.    
March 30, 2007 -- pldesignline.com

Network provides microsecond control

The IEEE 1588 Standard Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is being used by industrial automation applications for precise time synchronization (PTS) on Ethernet networks. PTS provides accurate time synchronization for distributed control nodes.

According to the ARC Industrial Ethernet Report of June 2005, the Industrial Ethernet market has a projected CAGR of 51.4 percent and is expected to reach 6.6 million units by 2009 propelled by the heavy adoption of the IEEE 1588 Standard. Prudent industrial system designers must carefully evaluate their options to cost-effectively and confidently implement this industrial standard as it makes greater inroads. And certainly, the selected design route must take into consideration the update to Rev. 2.0 of the IEEE 1588 Standard when it is completed this year.

A triple-speed Ethernet medium access control (MAC) is essential for supporting the IEEE 1588 Standard. Today, designers have a few implementation approaches at hand including FPGAs as a first step in the implementation process.

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