Skyworks has introduced the SKY6911x/2x family of NetSync network synchronizers aimed at AI data centers and other time-sensitive, high-speed communications infrastructure. The devices combine IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), ITU-T-compliant Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) wander filtering, and the ability to lock to GNSS receiver clock outputs with clock generation intended to support 224G and 448G SerDes interfaces used in 800G and 1.6T networking platforms.
The SKY6911x/2x family is built to collapse what is often a multi-device timing architecture into a single IC. Skyworks points to traditional designs that use separate hardware for synchronization and jitter attenuation plus third-party software; NetSync combines synchronization and clocking on-chip and is designed to work with Skyworks’ AccuTime synchronization software.
On the clocking side, Skyworks describes the devices as “ultra-low jitter” and says they support direct clocking of high-speed serial links, including 224 Gbps- and 448 Gbps-based SerDes. The family uses Skyworks’ DSPLL and MultiSynth technologies, with the company calling out reconfigurability to support different timing topologies and system architectures. For standards-based sync, Skyworks highlights SyncE for physical-layer timing and IEEE 1588 PTP for packet timing.
For time-of-day (ToD) distribution, Skyworks says the devices include high-resolution time-of-day counters and timestamping, with flexible encoding protocols and multiple physical-layer options to interconnect to third-party clocks, switches, and PHYs. The company also says the ToD features can support time distribution over existing backplane designs, which is a practical detail for operators trying to add tighter timing without a full chassis redesign.
Software is a big part of the pitch. Skyworks says AccuTime provides a full IEEE 1588 PTP stack with support for common PTP profiles, a time-recovery servo designed to maintain alignment over noisy networks, and a sync manager intended to autonomously select and fuse multiple time and frequency sources (packet timing, physical-layer clocks, local GNSS, and central-office frequency supply). Skyworks also cites interworking with oscillator-vendor software to enable extended TCXO/OCXO holdover, plus an AccuTime Assistant GUI for configuration, bring-up, and debug.
“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.”
In packaging and availability, Skyworks lists BGA-based devices available now: SKY69115 (general-purpose network synchronizer), SKY69110 (centralized network synchronizer with ToD), and SKY69120 (line card network synchronizer with ToD). Smaller QFN-based versions—SKY69116, SKY69112, and SKY69122—are expected in early 2027, according to Skyworks.
Source: Skyworks
