In this document
This document describes how the time stamp sampling feature of Napatech SmartNICs can be used with the monitoring tool to qualify and fine-tune time synchronization.
Time synchronization measurement
Traditionally, to qualify and fine-tune time synchronization between SmartNICs, you would need equipment such as high-resolution sampling oscilloscopes or specialized time measurement instruments.
PPS-triggered SmartNIC time samples
In many cases, the built-in time stamp sampling feature of Napatech SmartNICs can replace other equipment. The SmartNIC time clock of a time synchronization master SmartNIC can be sampled when a PPS signal is received on the external connector. The sampled values can be aggregated and monitored by the monitoring tool.
If a PPS signal from a time synchronization slave SmartNIC is connected to the master, the propagation delay can be measured and verified to be as expected.
This is illustrated by an example in Using the monitoring Tool to Qualify and Fine-Tune Time Synchronization.