Programmable clock generators meet PCIe standards

Delivering low power and low jitter scalability, the VersaClock 3S devices meet requirements for widely used standards including PCI Express Gen 1/2/3 and are ideal for consumer, industrial, computing and automotive applications.

The programmable clock generators deliver a unique set of features offering an optimal combination of performance, power and flexibility, while saving board space by eliminating the need for multiple discrete timing components.

The devices’ Performance-Power Balancing interface allows engineers to easily minimise power consumption based on targeted performance, while the Overshoot Reduction Technology prevents unwanted frequency overshoot that can lead to system failures during fast frequency changes.

An internal one-time programmable (OTP) memory allows engineers to store the configuration in the device without programming after power up, then program the devices again through the I²C interface.

The devices feature an architecture of three phase-locked loops (PLLs), each of which is individually programmable and allows up to three (5P35021) or six (5P35023) unique frequency outputs.

They also have a low-power, digitally controlled oscillator supplying the system with a 32.768 KHz clock with less than 2 μA current consumption that can be powered by a coin battery, making it ideal for handheld and battery-powered applications.

Two series of evaluation boards support the clock generators. The VersaClock 3S - 5P35021 and 5P35023 evaluation boards connect to a PC running IDT’s Timing Commander software, allowing designers to configure and program the VersaClock 3S device to generate different combinations of frequencies.

The VersaClock 3S - 5P35021 and 5P35023 USB programmer boards contain all necessary components and connections to help designers communicate through the IDT Timing Commander software with the VersaClock 3S devices for configuration and measurement on the board.