ACRA CONTROL today announces the launch of a ruggedized managed Grandmaster Ethernet switch designed for airborne applications.

ACRA CONTROL has responded to the requirement from the airborne community for a more deterministic Ethernet switch with IEEE 1588 support that is suitable for use in harsh environments.

The NET/SWI/004 is a compact, lightweight, MIL-STD-810 ruggedized Ethernet switch. It has an embedded Grandmaster that transmits IEEE 1588 PTP precision Time Protocol (PTP) packets to achieve system wide synchronization using time data from a built-in GPS receiver or a digital IRIG-B time source, or via an internal free-running clock.

The Grandmaster switch has negligible start up delay due to its microprocessor free operation. Its hardwired construction provides deterministic functionality that eliminates adaptive behavior resulting in lower latencies than for traditional switches. This results in greater throughput and lower data loss from power outages. The NET/SWI/004 is powered from standard 28V aircraft power and has a temperature operating range of -40 to 85°C.