Consumer and networking system design made easier with new 4-PLL clock generator

A new high-performance programmable clock generator family that simplifies the design of consumer and networking systems has been introduced by Cypress Semiconductor. The new CY27410 4-PLL (phase-locked loop) clock generator can generate up to 12 programmable output frequencies on a single chip with best-in-class jitter performance. The clock also saves board space and reduces bill-of-material costs by consolidating system components to provide a flexible, low-cost solution. With support for frequencies up to 700MHz and RMS phase jitter of 0.7ps, the CY27410 family can support reference clocks for PCIe 1.0/2.0/3.0, SATA1.0/2.0, 10GbE and USB1.0/2.0/3.0 peripherals. The devices support on-board programming using I2C interface, adding to design flexibility. They can also store up to eight different configuration settings that are selectable using external digital control pins. The family supports 12 single-ended clock outputs, as well as 8 differential output pairs that can be configured as HCSL, LVPECL, LVDS, CML or LVCMOS outputs. The devices also integrate a unique combination of value-added features that simplify design, including VCXO, glitch-free outputs, EMI-reduction, configurability as a zero or non-zero delay buffer, early/late clocks and PLL cascading, says the company. “As more and more consumer products integrate storage, media processing and connectivity for storing and sharing of digital media content, the reference clocks for these systems need to support multiple data transfer standards,” said Sonal Chandrasekharan, business unit director for timing solutions, Cypress. “Our new high-performance 4-PLL clock generators address this design challenge by providing a highly integrated, flexible solution that can implement your clock tree with a single chip. The family builds upon the success of our industry-leading portfolio of programmable clock generators that we have built up over the past two decades.” The CY27410 clocks come with the CY3679 evaluation kit and CyClockWizard 2.0 programming software to help designers create their desired frequencies and to easily check device performance.