Microchip Introduces New Resilient, Redundant Secure Network Timing and Synchronization Source for Power Operators

     Power plants and substations rely on high-speed communication networks to transmit critical data, including operability metrics, network health, fault monitoring, power measurements, and usage trends. To synchronize communications and ensure the continuity of these networks, substations require secure and precise timing and synchronization to prevent false trips and provide accurate timestamps of substation data, including system faults, power measurement data, and substation status information. To assist grid operators in meeting these requirements, Microchip Technology Inc. has announced the GridTime 3000 GNSS Time Server - a software configurable solution that provides a new level of redundancy, security for substations and elasticity.

    The GridTime 3000 system generates precise time and frequency signals to synchronize analog and digital communication systems. The resilient timing platform incorporates multiple timing inputs to provide protection against Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal disruptions caused by severe weather, environmental interference, or signal jamming or spoofing. In addition, three levels of internal overhold options are available, including a basic voltage controlled temperature compensated crystal oscillator (VCTCXO) and an optional high performance oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) or rubidium oscillator option for extended overhold duration and improve performance.

     Microchip's latest precision time servers comply with the IEC 61850-3 specification of the environmental part of the industry standard IEC 61850, which defines substation communication protocols. It also complies with the international standard IEEE 1613-2009 for substation environment and testing requirements. Meeting the above criteria demonstrates high immunity to electrical transients and extreme environments including temperature, humidity and other factors, and helps ensure reliability in harsh substation environments. The GridTime 3000 system includes a hardware-based cryptographic assurance module that utilizes industry-standard Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman (RSA), and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-based encryption to prevent unauthorized configuration uploads of malicious code.

     Randy Brudzinski, vice president of Microchip's Frequency and Timing Systems business unit, said: "Power surges, severe weather, and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure all require resilient timing architectures and technologies to mitigate threats and ensure continuous timing. Our solutions provide customers with achieve a higher level of performance, thereby increasing the reliability of the communication network in its digital substation.”

     The GridTime 3000 server provides a licensed functional model with greater flexibility than earlier technologies, allowing customers to upgrade system technology as needed. Developed with customer input in mind, the GridTime 3000 server offers 10 1000BASE-T Ethernet (1 Gbps) ports using Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and Network Time Protocol (NTP) for high-speed synchronization. This technology complements other Microchip timing and synchronization solutions, including the TimePictra® synchronization management system that provides status and configuration support, the BlueSky™ GNSS firewall that protects GNSS systems from jamming and spoofing threats, and the TimeProvider® 4100 timing server family. Interoperability.

     The GridTime 3000 server provides customers with a comprehensive and reliable solution utilizing many Microchip technologies including integrated circuits and oscillators. In addition to GNSS-based precision systems and other industry-leading time and frequency solutions, Microchip's product portfolio includes in-house manufacturing and total system solutions covering power, connectivity, storage, security and storage technologies.