Using DP83640, Designers May Choose Any Microcontroller, FPGA or ASIC to
Achieve 8-Nanosecond Precision with Maximum System Flexibility
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National
Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM) today introduced the industry's first
Ethernet transceiver with integrated hardware support for the IEEE 1588
Precision Time Protocol (PTP). For applications in motion control,
instrumentation, data acquisition and telecommunications, the DP83640
precision PHYTER(R) transceiver synchronizes the distributed network nodes
to a master clock with 8-nanosecond accuracy. This precision
synchronization is critical to high-performance factory automation, test
and measurement, and wireless infrastructure systems.
National's DP83640 precision PHYTER transceiver integrates hardware
time stamping of receive and transmit packets, a high-accuracy IEEE 1588
clock and 12 general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins that handle
simultaneous real-time events or multiple triggers. The DP83640 interfaces
with any microcontroller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with an Ethernet media
access controller (MAC). National is demonstrating its new Ethernet
transceiver at the 2007 International IEEE Symposium on Precision Clock
Synchronization in Vienna, Austria, from October 1-3.
Unlike existing software or customized hardware implementations, the
DP83640 integrates the IEEE 1588 PTP functionality in the physical layer.
It records the timestamps as close to the wire as possible, with an 8 ns
resolution, to yield the highest accuracy for precision control and the
lowest jitter for data acquisition. By using one of four clock update
algorithms the user adjusts the on-board PTP clock to 1-part-per-billion
(ppb) accuracy. In addition, a high-precision frequency-controlled
oscillator generates a low- jitter, selectable-frequency clock output from
the PTP clock. The transceiver also synchronizes the GPIOs directly with
the timestamp engine and the PTP clock to extend this accuracy throughout
the real-time system.
"Devices that require close coordination of events, such as industrial
controllers, are increasingly interconnected by Ethernet and synchronized
using protocols such as IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol," said Alexandra
Dopplinger, industrial segment marketing manager for Freescale's Network
Computing and Systems Group. "National's Precision PHYTER transceiver
allows customers to implement IEEE 1588 solutions with any ColdFire(R)
microcontroller or PowerQUICC(R) communications processor that doesn't
already have that capability. The Precision PHYTER also may be used with
some IEEE 1588-enabled processors to further improve clock synchronization
accuracy for applications such as test and measurement."
The first reference board to implement the DP83640 precision PHYTER
transceiver with an MCF5234 ColdFire microcontroller may be ordered from
Freescale as M5234BCCKIT. More information about the M5234BCCKIT evaluation
platform will soon be added at http://www.freescale.com and is available by
contacting your local Freescale representative.
The DP83640 is the newest addition to the PHYTER family, which also
includes the DP83848 commercial, industrial and extreme-environment
transceivers, and the DP83849, the industry's first dual-port transceivers
with flex-port switching and advanced cable diagnostics. With a broad range
of high-performance, low-power industrial connectivity products, the PHYTER
family offers enhanced performance and reliability in a range of
temperature ranges to meet the requirements of harsh operating
environments.
Key Technical Features and Benefits
The DP83640 transceiver supports both versions 1 and 2 of the IEEE 1588
PTP specification. For ease of implementation, the standard register
interface used for data transmission and control of the PHY operation also
provides control of the IEEE 1588 PTP features. A platform-independent "C"
software library is available to simply integration by eliminating the need
to interact directly with the device registers.
For increased precision and phase accuracy, the DP83640 offers a unique
100 Mb synchronous Ethernet mode that eliminates any inaccuracy caused by
clock drift between nodes. The DP83640 also supports 100Base-FX and
includes a signal detect pin that allows selection of a wide variety of
fiber transceivers.
A powerful cable diagnostic tool is included that features dynamic link
quality monitoring, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation and time domain
reflectometry (TDR). The dynamic link quality monitor developed by National
Semiconductor allows designers to implement a fault- prediction mechanism
that detects changing or deteriorating link conditions and proactively
takes corrective action, saving lengthy system downtime and costly repairs.
Complete Synchronized Signal Path Portfolio
National designs its high-performance analog products, such as
National's new operational amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs)
and PHYTER transceivers to ensure the fidelity of the signal path,
resulting in improved system performance. For example, the DP83640 can be
designed with the new LMP7731 and LMP7732 precision operational amplifiers,
as well as the recently released ADC121S655 ADC, to create a low-power,
cost-effective high-resolution data acquisition system. For more
information on National's signal path products, visit
http://signalpath.national.com.
About National's Interface Portfolio
National Semiconductor, the LVDS and CML technology innovator and
market leader, offers a wide range of interconnect solutions that transfer
high-speed digital signals using world-class analog technology. These
solutions help system designers develop high-performance applications in a
variety of markets, including communication and industrial systems. The
products feature high reliability, low power and low noise, as well as
dramatic systems savings in cable and connector costs. National
Semiconductor is the world's largest supplier of high-speed LVDS products,
according to Databean's 2006 Analog IC Market Share survey. For more
information on National's interface products, visit
http://www.national.com/appinfo/interface/.
Packaging, Pricing and Availability
Samples of the DP83640 transceiver are available now in a 48-pin LQFP.
The DP83640 will be priced at $5.24 each in 1,000-unit quantities. For more
information on the DP83640 or to order samples and an evaluation board,
visit http://www.national.com/pf/DP/DP83640.html. For more information on
National's Ethernet products, visit http://ethernet.national.com.
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor, the industry's premier analog company, creates
high-value analog devices and subsystems. National's leading-edge products
include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational
amplifiers, interface products and data conversion solutions. National's
key analog markets include wireless handsets, displays, communications
infrastructure, medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement
applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales
of $1.93 billion for fiscal 2007, which ended May 27, 2007. Additional
company and product information is available at http://www.national.com.
National Semiconductor and PHYTER are registered trademarks of National
Semiconductor Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Media Contact Reader Information
Naomi Mitchell Design Support Group
National Semiconductor (800) 272-9959
(408) 721-2142 World Wide Web
naomi.mitchell@nsc.com http://www.national.com
SOURCE National Semiconductor Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.national.com/
CONTACT:
Naomi Mitchell of National Semiconductor,
+1-408-721-2142, naomi.mitchell@nsc.com, or Reader Information,
Design Support Group, +1-800-272-9959
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