Microchip Technology has introduced its MD-990-0011-B family of plug-in timing modules, aimed at providing turnkey time synchronization for data center servers and 5G virtualized RAN deployments. The company positions the modules for environments where time and frequency accuracy, holdover behavior, and source resiliency matter for uptime and application stability.
Microchip developed the MD-990-0011-B timing module in collaboration with Intel, and designed it for compatibility with Intel Xeon 6 SoC-powered server platforms. The module supports synchronization inputs including Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE), and Precision Time Protocol (PTP), with automatic source selection and locking across those references.
For data center operators, timing hardware tends to get attention only after it becomes a problem, often during platform upgrades, network topology changes, or when applications become more latency-sensitive. A plug-in approach can simplify server timing integration compared with custom timing circuitry, but the real operational test is how well the module holds timing during GNSS loss and how cleanly it transitions between references.
Microchip is offering two variants: the MD-990-0011-BC01, rated for 8 hours of holdover performance, and the MD-990-0011-BA01, rated for 4 hours. Microchip says the modules integrate several components into a single solution, including a SyncE synthesizer (ZL80132B) with two independent DPLL channels, OCXOs (OX-22x), an MCP9808 temperature sensor, a 24LC024 EEPROM for board configuration, and a VC-820 for low jitter performance.
“Our plug-in solution eliminates the complexity of custom timing circuits, providing integration and reliability, accelerating innovation and reducing time-to-market for data centers and 5G networks,” said Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit. Intel’s Mike Merluzzi, GM of radio access networks, said the module “simplif[ies] timing integration and enhanc[es] reliability on Intel Xeon 6 SoC-powered platforms.”
Microchip says the MD-990-0011-BA01 and MD-990-0011-BC01 are available now in production quantities. More product information is available via Microchip’s Clock and Timing Systems page.
Source: Microchip Technology
