What do these features mean for end-applications? The biggest niche this device can service, which previous Stellaris Ethernet enabled devices could not, is for applications that require high precision synchronization. These are typically systems that require a very tightly controlled coordination of events. These types of applications consist of a distributed network nodes that require regular adjustments to disjoint clock domains in order to remain synchronized. The precision of synchronization required in these systems is often on the order of sub-1 ms range, down to the sub-1 µs ranges. Some examples of systems requiring real time synchronization would be automation for a high speed manufacturing process, requiring precise assembly line controls, or a process requiring the ability to keep precise time data of instrumentation or sensors. Conformity to IEEE 1588 is the underlying HW enabler allowing the TM4C129x device to provide a compelling, cost-effective solution for such applications.