IXXAT offers it's IEEE 1588 protocol software for download as ISO image for a Linux live CD. The software, according to the IEEE1588-2008 standard, is included as object code in the scope of supply and thus enables a quick and easy introduction to the IEEE 1588 technology. The live CD is based on the Puppy Linux distribution (http://www.puppylinux.com/) and can due to this also be used on older PC systems.

The IEEE 1588 protocol software for Linux (generic version) dosn't use the hardware supported time stamping and can be used on any PC system. At this, a synchronization accuracy in the microsecond range can be achived. In the endurance test, the platform reached a synchronization accuracy of +/- 18 microseconds maximum deviation back-to-back with a synchronization interval of 1 second and a standard deviation of 2.3 microseconds. The IEEE1588 protocol software from IXXAT is synchronized in an average of approx. 20 synchronization intervals (i.e. < 20 seconds).



Fig. 1: Start of the synchronization process

Over the complete test period a synchronization accuracy of +/- 18 microseconds was maintained.



Fig. 2: 4 hours synchronization offset


The following synchronization distribution was observed:


Fig. 3: Synchronization distribution


The IXXAT IEEE1588 software offers a large number of configuration possibilities and completely implements the IEEE1588 standard. The stack has a management API, via which a management device can be implemented. Configuration for a boundary clock  or transparent clock with any number of Ethernet interfaces is also possible.