{"id":32008,"date":"2026-05-01T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.engineernewsnetwork.com\/blog\/?p=32008"},"modified":"2026-04-23T13:17:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T12:17:01","slug":"plug-in-timing-module-delivers-precise-reliable-synchronisation-for-data-centre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.engineernewsnetwork.com\/blog\/plug-in-timing-module-delivers-precise-reliable-synchronisation-for-data-centre\/","title":{"rendered":"Plug-in timing module delivers precise, reliable synchronisation for data centre"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As data centres and 5G networks become the backbone of AI-driven innovation and digital transformation, the need for precise, resilient timing solutions has never been more critical. Timing is not just a technical requirement, but rather a strategic enabler for high-performance, scalable infrastructure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microchip Technology announces its MD-990-0011-B family of plug-in timing modules<\/strong><\/a>, delivering turnkey, high-precision synchronisation for data centre servers and 5G virtualised Radio Access Networks (vRAN).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developed in collaboration with Intel, the MD-990-0011-B timing module is designed for seamless compatibility with Intel Xeon 6 SoC-powered server platforms, supporting both OEMs and ODMs in building future-ready systems. By leveraging Intel\u2019s foundational vRAN architecture, the module enables robust, low-latency time synchronisation, which is essential for distributed AI workloads and real-time applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engineered for the reliability and scalability required by cloud infrastructure, virtualization and high-availability deployments, the MD-990-0011-B supports automatic source selection and locking across Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP). This flexibility supports continuous, accurate timing even as network demands evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTiming is the invisible force that guides the world\u2019s most transformative technologies. With the MD-990-0011-B timing modules, Microchip enables designers to address timing requirements proactively, whether at the outset or during upgrades,\u201d said Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip\u2019s frequency and time systems business unit. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Microchip\u2019s MD-990-0011-B Timing Module aligns with Intel\u2019s commitment to enable next-generation infrastructure by providing scalable, high-performance platforms that are ready for the demands of 5G, AI and cloud computing,” said Mike Merluzzi, GM of radio access networks at Intel Corporation. “By simplifying timing integration and enhancing reliability on Intel Xeon 6 SoC-powered platforms, we’re helping customers accelerate innovation and deployment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivering exceptional precision in time and frequency accuracy, along with robust holdover capabilities, the MD-990-0011-B timing modules are available in two variants. The MD-990-0011-BC01 offers 8-hours of holdover performance, while the MD-990-0011-BA01 offers 4-hours of holdover performance. These timing modules consolidate several of Microchip\u2019s advanced technologies into a single, highly integrated solution. Key components include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n