IEEE 1588 IP Core Module for FPGAs
IP Core module enables IEEE1588-2008 compliant clock synchronization with high accuracy
For the clock adjustment between the local real-time clock and the master clock, it is necessary to provide the IEEE1588 telegrams with very accurate time stamps. If the used CPU has no IEEE1588 support, it is necessary to use software time stamping or to use an external IEEE1588 real time clock (RTC) with a time stamping unit (TSU). If the time stamp is generated by software, the clock synchronization is in the range from several 10 µs up to milliseconds.
If done in hardware (FPGA), the accuracy for the time stamp generation corresponds to the FPGA interal clock, which is in the range of 20-50 ns. So a timer synchronization between master and slave clock in the double-digit nanosecond range is possible.

Using the trigger unit, changes of digital input signals can be captured chronological exactly via time stamps. In addition, it is possible to generate digital output signals, at this the starting time and the frequency can be specified exactly.
The IEEE1588 IP Core is intended for :
- Usage with a FPGA internal soft CPU like the Altera NIOS,
running the IEEE1588 protocol software (IEEE1588 device as one chip solution)
- Usage with an external CPU running the IEEE1588 protocol
software and application software In both cases no special real-time requirements to the software environment are needed. It is completely sufficient to run the IEEE1588 protocol software cyclically, approx. every 10 - 100 ms. This results in a CPU load of less than 1 %.
Features
- Real time clock setting and adjustment via software
- Time stamping of external input signals via the trigger unit
- Triggering of external output signals based on
configurable timers
- MII interface for incoming and outgoing sync message detection
- Support for IEEE1588 version 1 and 2
- Standard address/data bus interface
- Buffer storage for time stamps and additional information for the message assignment incl. the possibility of interrupt generation
- Variable external clock frequencies possible
- Generation of a external PPS signal for clock accuracy measurements
Contents of Delivery
- CD with VHDL code
- User manual
- Quick start guide
Technical Data
- Number of logic elements (Altera): approximately 2000
- Accuracy: +/- 150 ns (external clock with 50 MHz)
- VHDL code prepared for Altera, Lattice and Xilinx FPGAs
Additional Services (not included in contents of delivery)
Maintenance contract IXXAT offers a maintenance contract to supplement the software package. The maintenance contract includes the following services during the contractual period:
- Free updates and troubleshooting
- Technical support
Implementation support IXXAT handles adaptation, implementation and testing of the IEEE1588 IP Core to your hardware or application.
IEEE 1588 PTP Protocol Software The IEEE 1588 protocol software enables simple, rapid development of IEEE 1588 compliant devices based on the IEEE1588 IP Core.
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