Real Time Systems GmbH (RTS), in real time software development, introduced their software only implementation of the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol. The new software eliminates the need for hardware based timestamping and delivers possible accuracies of ± five microseconds or better. The company expects the software to find use in instrumentation, automation systems and process control networks.
In the past, all implementations of the IEEE 1588 protocol required hardware implemented timestamping which also adds extra non standard components and costs. The RTS implementation achieves accuracy using only common network interfaces, and does not require hardware implemented timestamping. The new product includes all servo algorithms, regulators, filters, PTP-Clock based on hardware timer and direct Timer access. It is also fully tested and comes complete with documentation and an example implementation on VxWorks for x86.
The RTS IEEE 1588 Master and Slave software stack incorporates the full specification and functionality of the Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems (PTP). The RTS protocol stack determines the most accurate clock, otherwise known as the Grand Master Clock. During operation and after initial synchronization, the PTP real-time clocks are constantly adjusted by exchanging timing messages.
