Programmable clock generators deliver flexibility

Renesas Electronics Corp. has launched its family of VersaClock 7 programmable clock generators. These configurable clock generators target PCIe and networking applications in high-end computing, wired infrastructure, and data center equipment.

The programmable VersaClock 7 enables designers to configure frequencies, input/output (I/O) levels, and general purpose I/O (GPIO) pin functionality. Aimed at providing optimized power, jitter, and size, the new clock generator is said to establish a new benchmark in the combination of low power consumption, cost efficiency, and small package size.

(Source: Renesas Electronics Corp.)

The VersaClock 7 family is available with 5-, 8- and 12-output devices. The 8- and 12-differential outputs offer integrated crystal options. In addition, the 8-output version is housed in a 5 × 5 mm QFN package that is 30 percent smaller than competing devices, said Renesas. Other devices are available in the 6 × 6 mm QFN package.

By replacing multiple discrete timing devices, the VersaClock 7 clock generators simplify system design and reduce bill of materials, said the company.

The VersaClock 7 devices deliver low power consumption of 300 mA. Other key features include operating voltages of 1.8 V, 2.5, and 3.3 V; 150 fs typical RMS 12k-20 MHz phase jitter, one-time programmable memory, differential (LVPECL/ HCSL/LVDS/LP-HCSL) and LVCMOS output types, up to 3 PLLs, and multiple fractional dividers to generate virtually any frequency, said Renesas. The devices support SPI, I2C, and SMBUS interfaces as well as PCIe Gen 1-6 and synchronous Ethernet.

To configure the devices, the new Renesas IC ToolBox (RICBox) Windows application enables designers to create configurations and program devices on evaluation boards by specifying high-level parameters. Designers can use either Python drivers or a Windows GUI to create configurations and program VersaClock 7 devices on the evaluation boards.

RICBox interfaces with the company’s Lab on The Cloud platform. Customers can download the configuration and work with it locally using RICBox or they can start with RICBox and upload their configuration to Lab on the Cloud to analyze the performance, said Renesas.

Designers can use Lab on the Cloud to evaluate the phase noise performance of a specific clock configuration on a board using a phase noise analyzer. It can be found under “Clock ICs and Clock Timing Solutions.”

Renesas also offers a variety of Winning Combination designs using the VersaClock 7 clock generators, including the Power & Timing System for AI Accelerator Card Winning Combination. This solution incorporates the RC21008A programmable VersaClock 7, 9QXL2001 PCIe buffer, and the ISL99390 90-A smart power stage module.

All of the new VersaClock 7 devices and programming boards are available from Renesas and its distribution partners. The RICBox programming application is available via a free download.