What is the PTPMaster?

The PTPMaster is a GNSS-disciplined PTP IEEE 1588 Grandmaster that distributes a precise time reference over an Ethernet network using a hardware timer aligned to the GNSS receiver PPS.

Can the PTPMaster also work as an NTP server?

Yes. It can operate in PTP-only, NTP-only or PTP+NTP mode and act as a local Stratum-1 NTP server.

Which profiles and standards does it support?

It supports the SMPTE ST 2059-2 and AES67 profiles, with two hardware PPS outputs and a hardware IEEE 1588v2 timer, not software emulation.

How is it configured and updated?

Through an integrated real-time web dashboard. The firmware updates OTA over Ethernet and the configuration is stored persistently in EEPROM.

PTPMaster — one time source for your whole network

Name: PTPMaster
Brand: Elettronica Mangione

GNSS-disciplined PTP IEEE 1588 Grandmaster for local timing infrastructure. Distributes precise time over Ethernet using a hardware IEEE 1588 timer aligned to the GNSS receiver's PPS signal. Supports SMPTE ST 2059-2 and AES67 profiles, features an integrated web dashboard, and can also operate as an NTP Stratum-1 server.

Data Sheet

User Manual

PTPMaster – Front display view

PTP IEEE 1588v2 Grandmaster
GNSS discipline with hardware PPS
Local NTP Stratum-1 server

Operating modes: PTP only, NTP only, PTP+NTP
Two hardware PPS outputs
Real-time integrated web dashboard

IEEE 1588 hardware timer (not software emulation)
OLED display 128×64 px
OTA firmware update via Ethernet
Persistent configuration (EEPROM)

PTPMaster – PTP Grandmaster for Local Timing Networks

PTPMaster is a time source for Ethernet networks designed for applications where the time reference cannot be left to the local clocks of individual endpoints. The device uses a multi-constellation GNSS receiver as an absolute reference and disciplines a hardware IEEE 1588 timer to operate as a PTP Grandmaster on the network. In parallel, when required, it can also expose a local NTP service. For an engineer this means one GPS-locked time source for the whole network: no drift between endpoints, SMPTE ST 2059-2 and AES67 profiles ready. Elettronica Mangione has synchronized TV studios since 1984.

The system's timebase is not purely software. The firmware uses the ENET 1588 hardware timer as the effective timebase. The GNSS receiver provides two distinct contributions: an absolute timestamp via navigation messages and phase alignment via the PPS pulse. The device does not simply "read the GPS time" — it disciplines the hardware timer that is then used for PTP messages, local PPS output, and status services.

Supported protocols and profiles:

IEEE 1588v2: PTP Grandmaster, Layer 3, E2E delay mechanism
SMPTE ST 2059-2: Profile for broadcast infrastructure
AES67: Profile for audio-over-IP networks
NTP Stratum-1: For non-PTP hosts or mixed networks
Custom profile: Configurable for specific scenarios

Typical use cases:

Broadcast: Infrastructure with SMPTE ST 2059-2 profile
Audio-over-IP: Networks with AES67 devices
Laboratories: Testing, verification and measurement
Embedded systems: Local timing reference source
Isolated LANs: Segmented technical installations

The web dashboard lets you verify in real time: current clock time, GNSS fix status, number of visible and used satellites, constellation distribution, satellite sky plot, PTP offset, path delay, lock count, Grandmaster status (GPS-LOCK or HOLDOVER), active PTP profile, and NTP parameters. For a technician, this means being able to quickly distinguish between a GNSS reference issue, a PPS acquisition problem, a servo convergence issue, or a client-side network problem.

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