SiTime Corp. has introduced its TimeFabric software suite to improve timing in data centers, networking, and communication systems, delivering IEEE-1588-2019–based precision timing synchronization and extended holdover. The TimeFabric software suite consists of two modules: the IEEE 1588 standards-compliant synchronization software and proprietary technology to extend holdover performance to 24 hours.

TimeFabric, combined with SiTime’s oscillators and clocks, delivers up to 9× more accurate time synchronization than quartz-based solutions, enabling higher system performance and utilization in AI data centers, according to SiTime.

The software is IEEE 1588-2019–compliant and meets ITU-T G.8273.2 Class D. Key features include IEEE 1588 management support, full timeTransmitter and timeReceiver capabilities, hardware timestamping, and device drivers for SiTime network synchronizers.

With the addition of the software, SiTime now offers a complete timing solution, including oscillators and clocks (network synchronizers, clock generators, buffers, and jitter cleaners).

“The challenge is that when customers have disparate hardware, the performance may be less optimized,” said Piyush Sevalia, SiTime’s executive vice president of marketing. “We’re giving customers a complete solution and a single expert who can address all aspects of the clock tree.”

In addition to the optimized performance, it provides a faster time to market. “Not only do we have the oscillators, the clocks, and now the software; it’s a fine-tuned completely working system together,” Sevalia said.

TimeFabric, combined with SiTime’s oscillators and clocks, delivers up to 9× more accurate time synchronization than quartz-based solutions. (Source: SiTime Corp.)

Better time accuracy and longer holdover

SiTime made the decision to develop the timing software to provide a complete solution to customers. The company also knew that it could write better software that would improve the performance compared with what was available in the market, including more accurate synchronization and better holdover.

First is to implement the IEEE 1588 servo, which is the control loop as well as the stack, Sevalia said. The IEEE 1588 precision time protocol standards-compliant servo and stack software module offers sub-nanosecond (0.5 ns) synchronization accuracy for tighter control and greater timing stability over generic IEEE 1588 solutions, even in demanding network systems.

The benefit of using the Epoch MEMS OCXOs or the Elite X or Elite RF TCXOs, along with the software, is the time accuracy, Sevalia said. “The IEEE 1588 specification for time accuracy is 5 ns, which is the highest Class D performance, and if you use our devices, you can get down to 0.5 ns of time accuracy.”

SiTime’s complete timing solution offers 5× better synchronization than ITU-T Specification (Class D). (Source: SiTime Corp.)

“For example, in a data center, if you have multiple different AI server clusters or GPU clusters, and you’re breaking up a task—a training task, as an example—and routing it to these multiple GPU clusters, if the clusters are not time-accurate with the best time accuracy with each other, the cueing of the tasks will be inefficient,” Sevalia said.

“If the two clusters are within 0.5 ns of time accuracy versus 4.5 ns [for a quartz OCXO], even though they meet Class D performance, you can queue up the task faster,” he continued. “That is how it helps in utilization, and when you have better synchronization, you get service continuity and network reliability.”

“The second aspect is getting better holdover, and that’s where we optimize it for our products to double the holdover from 12 hours [with the Epoch platform] up to 24 hours,” Sevalia said.

The TimeFabric’s proprietary holdover extension software can be used to enhance the functionality of SiTime’s precision devices with in-field software upgrades. The extended holdover is critical for mobile and network infrastructure reliability, providing full operation in the event of GNSS outages or network clock failures. It enables up to 2× longer holdover with the SiT5811, SiT5812, or SiT7101 OCXOs.

TimeFabric extends holdover by 2×, ensuring service continuity. (Source: SiTime Corp.)

Holdover is critical in the network because if the network clock disappears then to maintain operation with a high degree of performance and reliability, a localized clock, usually an OCXO, is needed to maintain the time accuracy, Sevalia said.

These devices “hold over” the networks to ensure continued operation. “In a base station, for example, if the network clock coming to the base station disappears, the base station should still be able to transfer traffic,” he added.

How it works: The software tracks the reference clock’s ultra-low daily drift, and if the reference is lost, it actively adjusts the local oscillator to maintain timing accuracy until the reference is restored.

SiTime plans to add more functions in the future. Applications include AI data center applications such as smart network interface cards, switches, routers, and accelerators, as well as 5G infrastructure, including remote radio units and base stations, fixed wireless access equipment, and core network equipment.

TimeFabric is now available for SiTime OCXOs, TCXOs, and network synchronizers. A demo is available for download.

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