Programmable clock generator combines programmability and jitter
VersaClock 7 clock generators introduced by Renesas are a family of configurable clock generators with an internal crystal oscillator for PCIe and networking applications in high-end computing, wired infrastructure and data centre equipment.
The VersaClock 7 enables designers to configure frequencies, I/O levels, and general purpose I/O (GPIO) pin functionality.
“Timing needs can vary greatly between different applications and equipment, and often change during a product design cycle,” said Zaher Baidas, vice president of the Timing Products division at Renesas. “VersaClock 7 gives our customers the flexibility to configure multiple design parameters while offering the best value available for their particular performance requirements,” he added.
The clock generators are one-time programmable (OTP) offering up to 27 configurations or are available with external EEPROM.
Integration and flexible programmable contribute to a reduction in component counts and saves space. Susie Inouye, principal analyst at Databeans, commented that using fewer components reduces the risk of supply-chain issues interrupting production.
Key features of the VersaClock 7 clock generators are eight-, 12- differential outputs with integrated crystal options. They are also characterised by 150fs typical RMS 12k-20MHz phase jitter and have 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V flexible power rails. They also offer digital holdover and hitless switching and SPI / I2C/ SMBUS interface support.
For fast data transfer, there is also PCIe Gen 1 to 6 support and synchronous Ethernet support.
The clock generators are supplied in a space saving 5.0 x 5.0 or 6.0 x 6.0mm QFN package.
Renesas also offers the Renesas IC ToolBox (RICBox) Windows application for users to create configurations and programme devices on evaluation boards.
Customers can use either Python drivers or a Windows GUI to create customised configurations and program VersaClock 7 devices on evaluation boards.
RICBox also interfaces seamlessly with Renesas’ Lab on The Cloud platform. Customers can download the configuration they create and work with it locally using RICBox. Alternatively, they can start with RICBox and upload their configuration to Lab on the Cloud to analyse the performance.
All of the new VersaClock 7 devices are available today from Renesas and its distribution partners, along with programming boards for instant prototyping.
