Skyworks Solutions introduced the SKY6911x/2x family of NetSync network synchronizers for AI data center and other time-sensitive, high-speed communications infrastructure. This new family of devices combines network synchronization features, including IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) support, ITU-T compliant Synchronous Ethernet wander filtering, and the ability to lock to GNSS receiver clock outputs, with ultra-low jitter clock generation supporting 224G/448G SerDes interfaces enabling 800G and 1.6T networking platforms.
Integrated synchronization, clocking and software
Traditional timing architecture often requires separate hardware devices for synchronization and jitter attenuation, along with third-party software, to implement a complete synchronization solution. In contrast, Skyworks’ SKY6911x/2x NetSync family integrates these functions into a single IC. Working seamlessly with Skyworks’ AccuTime synchronization software, the SKY6911x/2x enables system designers to optimize synchronization designs for performance, power consumption, and PCB footprint, greatly reducing the hardware and software design effort required to support synchronization in telecommunications infrastructure, data centers, AI systems and broadcast video production facilities.
Key capabilities include:
- Ultra-low jitter: Supports direct clocking of high-speed serial links, including 224 and 448 Gbps based SerDes.
- Flexible architecture: Leverages Skyworks’ proven DSPLL and MultiSynth technologies, simplifying reconfigurability to support different topologies and address varying system architectures and requirements.
- Standards-based synchronization: The combination of NetSync and AccuTime supports physical layer clock standards such as Synchronous Ethernet, along with IEEE 1588 PTP packet-based timing for a diverse set of applications, including telecommunications, AI data center synchronization and video production genlock.
- Enhanced time-of-day support: High-resolution time-of-day counters and timestamping, combined with flexible encoding protocols and multiple physical-layer options, allow seamless time-of-day interconnection to many third-party clocks, switches and PHYs, as well as supporting time distribution over existing backplane designs.
- AccuTime enabled: NetSync devices are supported by Skyworks’ AccuTime synchronization software, which enhances system functionality and value, while reducing time to market, by incorporating the software-layer aspects of a modern synchronization solution:
- A full IEEE 1588 (PTP) stack supporting common PTP profiles across multiple industries
- A highly advanced time-recovery servo to allow accurate time alignment to be achieved over even the noisiest of networks
- An advanced sync manager allowing autonomous selection and fusion across multiple time and frequency sources – packet timing, physical layer clocks, local GNSS & central-office frequency supply
- Interworking with oscillator-vendor provided software to implement an extended TCXO/OCXO holdover capability, enabling enhanced performance while reducing overall system costs
- AccuTime Assistant GUI to simplify software configuration, bring-up and system debug