Simple, Accurate Time Synchronization in an Ethernet Physical Layer Device

Abstract

Achieving a high level of synchronization accuracy using IEEE 1588 requires dedicated hardware to timestamp messages as close to the physical layer as possible. Existing solutions often require a significant development cost in time and money, and may also require expensive components, such as high-end microcontrollers with dedicated 1588 hardware. This paper describes an alternative solution: a 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet physical layer device with integrated hardware support for IEEE 1588. Configuration, control, and status are all handled using standard interfaces, allowing hardware timestamps using any microcontroller or FPGA with an integrated Ethernet Mac. This solution provides extremely accurate synchronization by integrating the time-sensitive portions of the protocol within the physical layer.