Timing distribution and synchronization of an ATCA fast controller for fusion devices

An ATCA-based fast plant system controller was developed by IPFN to meet ITER's requirements. Timing synchronization and distribution for all hardware units in the ATCA shelf is implemented on a PCIe-based, AMC quad-carrier module that includes a timing switch. This hardware architecture allows for AMC COTS products to be rapidly integrated into the system, resulting in innumerous possibilities for PCIe host and ATCA/AMC clock source locations. For this purpose, timing distribution and synchronization is fully programmable. Each ATCA/AMC clock may originate from any physical location, to be distributed elsewhere within the ATCA shelf. This is achieved via firmware, implemented in a Virtex-6 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Firmware will also include IEEE-1588-2008 and White Rabbit over Ethernet support.