Timing and synchronization

1588 PTP and SyncE test solutions

SPEC SHEET
The complete, all-in-one FTB 5GPro test solution offers all the functionalities to confirm, both in the lab and in the
field, that 1588 PTP and SyncE protocols are delivered correctly and to validate that networks meet stringent 5G
timing accuracy requirements.

KEY FEATURES
1588v2 PTP protocol validation with high accuacy PDV and Time High-accuracy GNSS receiver slashes test set-up time from 3 hours
Error (TE) measurements (G.8265.1, G8275.1 and G.8275.2) to under 20 minutes—the industry’s fastest test set-up time for
validating timing and synchronization
SyncE protocol validation
Holdover mode for Time Error measurement without GNSS signal
Time Error measurement from 1 PPS and 1588 PTP interface

Wander measurement and analysis

Integrated, 184-channel, highly accurate GNSS receiver capable

of accuracy down to the nanosecond (+/- 5 ns)

RELATED PRODUCTS AND APPLICATIONS

1G to 100G network tester Complete, all-in-one 4G and 5G Timing and synchronization antenna kit
FTBx-88260 test solution GP-3166 GNSS antenna kit
FTB 5GPro
 Timing and synchronization

TIMING IS CRITICAL FOR 5G

Accurate network synchronization is critical for 5G. While 4G required frequency synchronization, 5G now requires frequency and
phase synchronization to support advanced features such as TDD (Time Division Duplexing), CoMP (Coordination Multipoint), CA
(Carrier Aggregation) and beamforming. Therefore, operators are turning to network synchronization relying on IEEE 1588 PTP
(Precision Time Protocol) and SyncE (Synchronous Ethernet) as the preferred solution to synchronize every network element, in
frequency and in phase, from the core to the radios. Whether you are qualifying new transport equipment in the lab or deploying 5G
equipment in the field, simple and reliable test solutions are needed to validate proper delivery of 1588 PTP and SyncE protocols
and ensure that networks meet stringent 5G timing accuracy requirements.

PTP client

PTP client

PTP client

BC

BC

BC

BC

Figure 1. Network synchronization relying on 1588 PTP and SyncE

TIMING AND SYNCHRONIZATION TEST APPLICATIONS

EXFO is supporting operators with a combination of three test applications optimized for network synchronization test requirements.

1588 PTP SyncE Time Error/Wander

Figure 2. Timing and synchronization test applications.

1588 PTP
EXFO’s 1588 PTP validates 1588 PTP packet network synchronization services, ensuring that the 1588 PTP protocol is delivered
correctly at any critical location in the network. This is a quick and simple test application used to validate the presence of the PTP
service, retrieve the boundary clock information and validate that the clock quality level is as expected. The 1588 PTP application
supports G8265.1 as well as the two profiles that are critical for 5G: G.8275.1 and G8275.2.

SyncE
EXFO’s SyncE application is a quick and easy-to-perform test which confirms that the SyncE protocol is running correctly on the
network. The SyncE test validates that ESMC messages are exchanged correctly, that the clock quality level is as expected and
that SyncE frequency is correct and stable.
 Timing and synchronization

Time Error/Wander
EXFO’s Time Error/Wander application provides all the key test metrics to validate the accuracy of the network synchronization.
And thanks to the built-in high precision GNSS receiver, the test is easy to setup and ready to measure in only a few minutes.
The application performs multiple Time Error measurements such as Maximum Absolute Time Error (Max |TE|), dynamic Time
Error (dTE), constant Timer Error (cTE), Maximum Time Interval Error (MTIE), Time Deviation (TDEV), etc. The Time Error/Wander
application automatically evaluates if the signal under test meets different standardized masks such as the MTIE mask defined by
ITU G.8271.1. Verdicts are presented to the user based on several different criteria. The Time Error/Wander feature also allows
users to zoom into Time Error graphical test results.

PTP client

GNSS and atomic clock (PRC) PTP client

PTP client

BC

BC
1PPS or 1/10GE optical interface
GNSS
BC Signal under test
(Time error measurement)

BC GNSS

Packet sync flow

Figure 3. EXFO’s Time Error/Wander validates timing accuracy at critical locations in the network.
 Timing and synchronization

TA-SYNC AND TA-SYNC PREMIUM

The TA-Sync and TA-Sync-Premium are optional timing modules that include a multi-constellation GNSS receiver. These can be
added to the FTBx-88260 module, available on the FTB 5GPro test solution, to provide a time reference for one-way latency or
Time Error and Wander measurements. The TA-Sync connects directly to an active GNSS antenna (SMA) and provides a 1 PPS
input (SMB) and EXT CLK option (SMB) that can be configured as input or output. The TA-Sync-Premium module integrates
a higher accuracy GNSS receiver and supports clock holdover to perform measurement when a GNSS signal is not available.

TA-SYNC or TA-SYNC-PREMIUM

GP-3166

Figure 4. TA-Sync/TA-Sync-Premium timing module on the FTBx-88260.

Figure 5. Integrated GNSS configuration and statuses user interface.

 Timing and synchronization

FTB 5GPRO TEST SOLUTION: WITH TIMING AND SYNCHRONIZATION

EXFO’s timing and synchronization feature is available on the FTBx-88260 network tester, part of the FTB 5GPro test solution.
A complete all-in-one 4G and 5G test solution, the FTB 5G Pro empowers technicians and contractors to efficiently validate next-
gen fiber-based mobile networks and ensures your 5G deployment is done right.
Leveraging the powerful and intelligent FTB-1Pro handheld test platform, the FTB 5GPro is a complete and future-proof solution
that takes the guesswork out of test set-up, execution and analysis.
The FTB 5GPro is designed to boost field-testing efficiency and deliver high-quality 5G and 4G/LTE networks, on time:
• Follows standardized, field-proven test procedures
• Enables technicians of any skill level to instantly interpret results and accelerate outcomes
• Addresses any potential issues when installing, activating and maintaining mobile networks

Portable tool
With the FTB 5GPro, field technicians no
longer need to carry 3-4 heavy test sets to
get the job done.

FTB 5GPro kit

Streamline field operations when deploying 5G
fronthaul, midhaul and backhaul networks.
 Timing and synchronization

SPECIFICATIONS
TA-SYNC SPECIFICATIONS
Size (H x W x D) 25 mm x 56 mm x 100 mm (1 in x 2 ¼ in x 4 in)
Weight 0.071 kg (0.156 lb)
Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Storage temperature –40 °C to 70 °C (–40 °F to 158 °F)
Relative humidity ≤ 95 % non-condensing
GNSS receiver
72-channel GPS/QZSS L1 C/A, GLONASS L10F, BeiDou B1, SBAS L1 C/A: WAAS, EGNOS,
Receiver type
MSAS, GAGAN Galileo E1B/C
Timing accuracy ≤ 20 ns 1-sigma (clear sky)
Time-pulse jitter ± 11 ns
Time-mark resolution 21 ns
Supported antenna Active
Interfaces
Antenna (input) SMA, 50 Ω ± 5 %, active antenna up to 5V
PPS (input) SMB, 50 Ω ± 5 %, unbalanced
EXT CLK (input/output) SMB, 50 Ω ± 5 %, (1 PPS, 10 MHz) or 75 Ω ± 5 %, (2 MHz)

TA-SYNC-PREMIUM SPECIFICATIONS
Size (H x W x D) 25 mm x 56 mm x 100 mm (1 in x 2 ¼ in x 4 in)
Weight 0.071 kg (0.156 lb)
Operating temperature 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Storage temperature –40 °C to 70 °C (–40 °F to 158 °F)
Relative humidity ≤ 95 % non-condensing
GNSS receiver
184-channel GPS L1C/A L2C, GLONASS L1OF L2OF, GALILEO E1B/C E5b, BeiDou B1I
Receiver type
B2I, QZSS L1C/A L2C, SBAS L1C/A: WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN
Timing accuracy ≤ 5 ns 1-sigma (clear sky)
Time-pulse jitter ± 4 ns
Time-mark resolution 8 ns
Supported antenna Active
Holdover (future)
Time error ≤ 100 ns over 1 hour, ≤ 200 ns over 2 hours a, b
Frequency stability ±5 ppb over temperature
Interfaces
Antenna (input) SMA, 50 Ω ± 5 %, active antenna up to 5V
PPS (input) SMB, 50 Ω ± 5 %, unbalanced
EXT CLK (input/output) SMB, 50 Ω ± 5 %, (1 PPS, 10 MHz) or 75 Ω ± 5 %, (2 MHz)
a. Typical values.
b. Under validation. Final numbers to be confirmed.

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EXFO serves over 2000 customers in more than 100 countries. To find your local office contact details, please go to www.EXFO.com/contact.

For the most recent patent marking information, please visit www.EXFO.com/patent. EXFO is certified ISO 9001 and attests to the quality of these products. EXFO has made every effort to ensure that
the information contained in this specification sheet is accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions, and we reserve the right to modify design, characteristics and products
at any time without obligation. Units of measurement in this document conform to SI standards and practices. In addition, all of EXFO’s manufactured products are compliant with the European Union’s
WEEE directive. For more information, please visit www.EXFO.com/recycle. Contact EXFO for prices and availability or to obtain the phone number of your local EXFO distributor.
For the most recent version of this spec sheet, please go to www.EXFO.com/specs.
In case of discrepancy, the web version takes precedence over any printed literature.­­­

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