A single chip replaces multiple timing devices, helping reduce components, board space, power use, and design time in network equipment.
Skyworks Solutions has introduced the SKY6911x/2x NetSync family of network synchronisers designed for AI data centres, telecommunications, broadcast video, and other applications that require precise timing. The devices support IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), ITU-T compliant Synchronous Ethernet, GNSS receiver clock inputs, and ultra-low jitter clock generation for 224G and 448G SerDes interfaces used in 800G and 1.6T networking platforms.
The family of network synchronisers combines network synchronisation, clock generation, and software support into a single chip, reducing the need for separate synchronisation devices, jitter attenuators, and third-party software. According to the company, this integration helps lower hardware complexity, power consumption, PCB space, and development time.
The devices generate low-jitter clocks for high-speed serial links and use the company’s DSPLL and MultiSynth technologies to support different network architectures through flexible configuration. They support both Synchronous Ethernet and IEEE 1588 PTP to maintain accurate frequency and time synchronisation across communication networks, AI infrastructure, and video production systems.
The synchronisers also include high-resolution time-of-day counters and timestamping, along with multiple encoding and physical-layer options for connecting to third-party clocks, switches, PHYs, and existing backplane designs.
The devices work with Skyworks’ AccuTime synchronisation software, which provides an IEEE 1588 PTP stack supporting multiple industry profiles, time-recovery algorithms for synchronisation over noisy networks, automatic selection between timing sources such as packet timing, physical-layer clocks, GNSS, and central-office frequency supplies, extended TCXO and OCXO holdover support, and a graphical configuration tool for system setup and debugging.
“Modern network infrastructure requires precise timing and support for increasing data speeds,” said James Wilson, vice president and general manager for timing at Skyworks. “Our latest NetSync devices bring these capabilities together to help customers significantly reduce system complexity, simplify product development and accelerate complex system integration. These benefits are increasingly important in fast-moving markets, such as scale-across networking in AI data center infrastructure.”
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