The Microchip/Microsemi/Symmetricom 87-8036 XLi is a PTP slave module that implements IEEE 1588-2008 (PTP v2) for precision time synchronization across Ethernet networks. Hardware timestamping capabilities deliver sub-microsecond to nanosecond-level accuracy—better than 50 nanosecond RMS to UTC—making it ideal for telecommunications, data centers, industrial automation, and test environments where timing precision is critical. By shifting timestamping to dedicated PTP processors on high-speed interfaces, the module eliminates software latency and jitter that plague pure software implementations. The 87-8036 functions as an Ordinary Clock and synchronizes to a master clock via standard Ethernet, supporting multiple PTP profiles for telecom, industrial, and broadcast applications. It integrates with the broader XLi platform, which offers complementary Grandmaster and Boundary Clock capabilities for complete network timing architectures.
Technical Specifications
• Protocol: IEEE 1588-2008 (PTP v2) with support for multiple PTP profiles
• Synchronization Accuracy: Sub-microsecond to nanosecond-level over Ethernet; better than 50 nanosecond RMS time stamp accuracy to UTC
• Timestamping: Hardware-based PTP message timestamping via dedicated PTP timestamp processors
• Clock Role: PTP Slave/Ordinary Clock (OC)
• Network Interface: 10/100 Base-T Ethernet via standard PHY/MAC
• Time Outputs: 1 PPS, selectable pulse rates, IRIG A/B, IEEE 1344, NASA36 time codes
• Frequency Output: 10 MHz low phase noise
• Management: HTTP, Telnet, SNMP, CLI via Telnet or serial ports
– Key Features
• Hardware timestamping eliminates software-induced latency and jitter
• Dedicated PTP timestamp processors for high-speed interfaces
• Nanosecond-class accuracy without requiring GPS at every node
• Standards-based IEEE 1588-2008 compliance
• Multiple output formats for legacy and modern systems
– Typical Applications
• Telecommunications networks requiring precise frequency and phase alignment
• Data center synchronization and server timing
• Industrial automation and process control timing
• Test and measurement environments with sub-microsecond requirements
– Compatibility & Integration
The 87-8036 slave module integrates with XLi Grandmaster and Boundary Clock products to create complete PTP timing hierarchies. Standard Ethernet connectivity ensures deployment in existing network infrastructure.
