Excelfore’s generalised Precision Time Protocol (gPTP) source code is now available to developers free, to use, share and modify, says the company behind smart mobility networks.
The Excelfore gPTP software conforms to the IEEE 802.1AS-Rev specification (“Timing and Synchronisation for Time-Sensitive Applications”) and helps designers synchronise networked devices in automotive applications. It forms a core component of Excelfore software for Audio Video Bridging (AVB) and Time Sensitive Networking (TSN). The gPTP source code will be released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), version 2 (GPLv2), and will be available on GitHub, a subsidiary of Microsoft that provides global hosting for software development version control. The GPL is a widely used software license, which ensures end users have the freedom to run, share and modify the software where it applies. An example of well-known software that has previously been licensed under the GPL is the Linux kernel.
“Excelfore is releasing its commercial grade gPTP source code to the benefit of the community at large. By opening up our code, we aim to encourage developers to take advantage of our expertise in Ethernet AVB and TSN, and to build new state-of-the-art products that will raise future in-car systems to the next level,” said Shrikant Acharya, Excelfore’s CTO. “This step is consistent with our efforts to spearhead the cause of standardisation in the connected car, along with our role in standardising OTA through the eSync Alliance.”
Excelfore has implemented Ethernet AVB/TSN in automotive time-sensitive networking, installing it in multiple operating systems and a variety of automotive electronics devices. The Excelfore Ethernet AVB protocol stack was the first software stack to be certified by the Avnu Alliance for both the ‘talker’ and ‘listener’ functions.
Excelfore eAVB/TSN (see block diagram) now runs in cameras, video displays, head units and Electronic Control Units (ECUs) from numerous vendors. It has already been ported to automotive-grade operating systems including Linux, Mentor AUTOSAR and Green Hills Software INTEGRITY.
