Microsemi extends master clock timing options for network edge deployments

Microsemi Corporation, a leading provider of differentiated semiconductor technology solutions in power consumption, safety, reliability and performance, announced the addition of two new models to its Integrated Grand Master (IGM) product family. These are the IGM-1100o(outdoor version) and IGM-1100x(external antenna support version), and increase the capacity of the IGM-1100i(indoor version). These products offer mobile network operators the ability to expand their outdoor and indoor deployment options in terms of cost-effective, precisely timed master clock requirements, including wireless backhaul for small cells and eNodeBs for LTE network edge wireless services.

Sri Purisai, Vice president and business unit manager at MGI Semi, said: "Last year, our innovative IGM-1100i solved the problem of providing accurate time in indoor locations where GPS signals would not normally be received. Now, going from wireless backhaul to Micro eNodeB is one of the biggest challenges faced by network operators. Our expanded IGM portfolio solves this problem by bringing the timing source closer to the base station. Mexo Semi is committed to solving the most difficult problems operators face through continuous innovation."

These expanded IGM product portfolios and technologies are more flexible for both indoor and outdoor deployment models, increasing network edge capacity and coverage for mobile service providers to deliver advanced wireless services in public hot spots such as K-20 campuses, mass transit and retail stores.

● IGM-1100i (Indoor version) : Using an integrated GPS antenna, it can work indoors without the need for a dedicated antenna and associated cables, avoiding installation obstacles. The increase in capacity of IGM-1100i from 8 PTP 1588 clients to now 16 clients also includes the addition of support for the Telecom 2008 and Default 1588 protocol specifications, as well as support for CLI command sets managed over the SSH protocol.

● IGM-1100o (Outdoor version) : Complementary to the IGM-1100i for outdoor wireless deployment cases where temperature range and durability are important, the IGM-1100o integrates the PTP 1588 master clock and outdoor GPS antenna in a single device that can be easily installed in outdoor locations, such as on rooftops or next to other eNodeB antenna facilities. The Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability of the IGM-1100o makes rooftop deployment much simpler than using coaxial cable.

● IGM-1100x (External antenna support) : This product is particularly suitable for applications where GPS antennas and associated wiring are already available, or where indoor installation is not feasible. The IGM-1100x utilizes simple cables to connect to existing cables and thus to telecommunications cabinets or hubs, providing extremely fast, low-cost deployment of the PTP 1588 master clock. The IGM-1100x utilizes existing GPS antennas and is the ideal solution for IEEE 1588 deployments of up to 16 clients, with TimeProvider® 2700 supporting up to 128 clients.

The same software is used throughout the IGM portfolio, so each model with a different form factor has consistent performance and capacity.

ThinkSmallCell founder David Chambers said: "As the use of smartphones increases around the world, operators must use their spectrum more efficiently to achieve greater network coverage and capacity. While network strategies vary from small cells, distributed antenna systems (DAS), spectrum reallocation, cloud RAN, eNodeB to carrier Wi-Fi, coordination and interference elimination in these heterogeneous networks are important to enabling new services, and the key is precise timing. We understand the importance of a flexible solution portfolio so that operators can deploy the right timing solution for their specific network architecture. "The expansion of our IGM portfolio is great news for operators and the mobile industry."

Market research firm Infonetics notes that the increase in global small cell deployment applications in the first nine months of 2015 continues to point to double-digit growth, and expects the overall small cell market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% to reach $2.2 billion in 2019.

The IGM portfolio is part of Megalo Semi's broad LTE Advanced deployment portfolio, which includes:

● TimePictra: a modular web-based synchronous management system that can be expanded and evolved according to operational needs for monitoring the IGM family and other IEEE 1588 master clocks;

● Indoor management PoE across: Allows the network to be upgraded to support PoE with little downtime. The product family includes a port density of up to 24 ports, each with a power of 60W, powering small cells and IGM-1100i; and

● Outdoor PoE switches, hubs, mid-span and surge protectors: The comprehensive outdoor PoE portfolio required for deployment of the IGM-1100o.