System on chip for comparison of precise time sources

Abstract

This paper deals with a precise time, particularly comparison of diverse precise time transfer methods and sources. We deal with two ways of the precise time acquisition - the dedicated time and frequency transfer infrastructure and the time network protocols. For the needs of distinct time and frequency methods evaluation, we designed a FPGA based System on Chip (SoC) that may acquire time and frequency from dedicated time transfer infrastructure or from a standard TCPIP network utilizing IEEE 1588 or NTP protocol. The SoC is implemented on a Zynq field-programmable gate array (FPGA). We also present an experience with the design and intended applications of our system.