Summary	Java Implementation of IEEE 1588 Precision Clock Synchronization
Categories	None
License	Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) License
Owner(s)	gthomps, jliu, lowlylowlypeon, semesa2

JPCSI     Java Precision Clock Synchronization Interface

Last modified:  12 August, 2004

Mission Statement

The Java Precision Clock Synchronization Interface project is developing a Java language API and implementation for the IEEE Standard for Precision Clock Synchronization protocol (IEEE 1588).

Background

Measurement and control systems are widely used in industrial automation, SCADA systems, electrical power systems, and many other technological areas. Systems of this nature intrinsically have strict timing requirements.  Historically, these requirements have been addressed through a centralized architecture, networks with a deterministic latencey period, and careful attention to programming and program scan times.  However, as Ethernet and other non-deterministic networks become more prevalent in measurement and control systems, an alternative to meeting these time constraints is required.  One such method is the use of real time clocks, all of which are synchronized within the system.  An example of this technique is the Network Time Protocol (NTP).  However, distributed measurement and control systems include a number of extended constraints:

• Timing accuracies in the sub-microsecond range.
• The technology must be available on a wide range of network environments including, but not limited to Ethernet.
• Administrative overhead must be kept at a minimum.
• Implementation must be possible on low cost devices.
• The required network and computing resources must be kept at a minimum

This API is complementary to, but independent of, the interfaces defined by JTI, the Java Transducer Interface.  

Announcements

Documentation

12 August, 2004

A short white paper describing the current concepts and basic design ideas in JPCSI is now available.

Project Summary

The following lists of tasks are open items as of 12 August, 2004 and will be updated as tasks are accomplished and needs develop.  

Task List Subject  Description Clock Management Design and specify a Java management interface to an IEEE 1588 compliant clock.  This interface would be used by those building applications managing 1588 clocks. Operational Interface Determine how the IEEE 1588 clock appears to artifacts like Transducer Blocks that deal with time and relies on JPCSI.

Participation

At this time we are currently seeking advisory members with expertise in such diverse backgrounds as J2ME, J2EE, JXTA, JINI over JXTA, and mobile communications.  We are currently in the process of outlining and developing the framework for this API.  A discussion forum will be opened shortly to provide a venue for communication.

In the meantime, for more information please contact Gary Thompson, JPCSI project owner.

Credits

Content for the homepage of this project relies on the National Institute for Standards and Technology, IEEE 1588 website https://ieee1588.nist.gov/.

Determination of project tasks has been guided by John Eidson, Chair IEEE 1588 Committee