Renesas Network Synchronizer Solutions for 5G O‑RAN Systems

On‑Demand Webinar

Traditional Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment used in 2G, 3G, 4G, and early 5G cellular networks have been provided as a single black box solution to operators using internal interfaces that were prioprietary to each vendor and non‑standard. Such implementations led to operational efficiencies and cellular operators getting locked‑in to specific vendor solutions across the cellular generations. By enabling an open, multi‑vendor RAN ecosystem, O‑RAN introduces a more flexible RAN architecture by decoupling hardware and software through the application of network function virtualization (NFV) principles. The different functions of the base station is now split into the following entities with open interfaces between them: a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and a radio unit (RU). Such an approach also enables faster time‑to‑market compared to traditional RAN.

Despite aforementioned advantages, guaranteeing system performance and managing complexity are inherent challenges of the O‑RAN approach. In practice, the responsibility for validating and deploying systems will fall on cellular operators themselves – either directly, or through partnerships with Systems Integrators (SI). With multiple system integrators in play, silicon vendors often bear the responsibility to minimize the overall system complexity and guarantee performance of individual components.

As the O‑RAN approach is intended to deliver the full range of enhanced capabilities available with newer 5G network equipment, the fundamental need to guarantee synchronization, with strict timing requirements, remains.

In this webinar, you will learn:

• What O‑RAN is and its advantages over traditional RAN topologies
• Timing topologies and requirements for each of the four synchronization plane configuration modes as defined by the O‑RAN Alliance
• How Renesas' complete HW and SW timing solutions, with ClockMatrix hardware and PCM4L software, meet the O‑RAN timing requirements for all configuration modes
• Benefits of using Renesas' ClockMatrix Family of synchronizers to guarantee both synchronization and low‑noise sampling clocks for the RF converters and LO
• Benefits of using Renesas' PTP Clock Manager Software for Linux (PCM4L) with the ClockMatrix Family of synchronizers to guaranratee IEEE 1588 compliance
• How the PMOD type 6A hardware architecture makes it simple to connect to any Renesas development kit
• How the integrated software reduces integration effort by providing software libraries and simple software APIs
• How the combined hardware and software solution of the Renesas Quick Connect system simplifies the transition from prototype to production

Presented by:

Greg has over 25 years of experience in system architecture and design in the telecommunications and optical networking industry. Greg's specialty is on network synchronizers, with specialization in circuit emulation and timing‑over‑packet technologies that enable the transfer of frequency, phase and time synchronization‑over‑packet networks. Greg holds a Bachelors of Science degree from University of Regina.