PLL clock IC replaces expensive crystal oscillators

21 September 2005 Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI

ON Semiconductor has released to market a phase lock loop (PLL) IC designed to replace expensive crystal oscillators for clock generation in a variety of consumer and networking applications. A pioneer of PECL (positive emitter coupled logic) signalling, ON Semiconductor claims that its latest family of PLL ICs offers performance compatible to the most widely-used crystal oscillators at a fraction of the cost.

For applications ranging from VGA graphics cards to Fibre Channel clock generation, the traditional method for generating the master clock signal has been to implement a single crystal oscillator. Historically, crystal oscillators have offered better jitter performance than silicon-based devices. These canned oscillators are complex to manufacture, and so, are relatively expensive and require long lead times.

ON Semiconductor says the new NB4N507A is a high-performance silicon PLL that delivers jitter performance comparable to crystal oscillators but offers far more design flexibility, a lower overall cost and greatly reduced lead times. With accuracy of 100 parts per million (ppm), the NB4N507A is a preferable alternative to crystal oscillators with similar stability.

The NB4N507A generates a clock signal ranging from 50 MHz to 200 MHz via an inexpensive reference crystal. With a maximum RMS period jitter of less than 10 ps, it delivers half the jitter (or noise) of standard silicon PLL products. Being fully configurable, it also provides design flexibility. For example, says the manufacturer, a single device can be used to generate different frequencies within a system and can be re-used on future designs regardless of changes in timing requirements. In addition, silicon-based ICs like the NB4N507A are inherently much simpler to manufacture which leads to lower costs and lower lead times. The NB4N507A comes in a 16-pin SOIC package.

Further reading:

Java Card-based solution
Future Electronics Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The SECORA ID Key S USB, from Infineon Technologies, is a Java Card-based solution with USB and NFC connectivity for secured authentication and digital signatures.

Read more...

---

Digital isolators for I2C interfaces
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Würth Elektronik has expanded its range of digital isolators with 2-channel bidirectional isolators for I2C communication interfaces.

Read more...

---

Ultra-low-power smart metering
EBV Electrolink Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
ScioSense’s UFC23 sensor combines improved resolution and offset stability with ultra-low standby current, enabling high-end battery-powered water, heat, gas and leak detection meter designs.

Read more...

---

Industrial vibration sensing simplified
Altron Arrow Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The IIS3DWBG1 from STMicroelectronics is a high performance, three-axis digital vibration sensor engineered for demanding industrial applications where accurate motion monitoring is essential.

Read more...

---

Understanding two key tools for cleaner serial data
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Understanding how pre-emphasis and equalisation works, and when to use one over the other, is critical when designing reliable high-speed systems.

Read more...

---

Smart IMU for high/low-g acceleration
Altron Arrow Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The ISM6HG256X is a 6-axis intelligent inertial measurement unit that enables smart motion sensing, edge computing, and real-time awareness.

Read more...

---

Compact Schottky diodes increase efficiency
RS South Africa Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Gen 3 SiC Schottky diodes from Vishay in the compact SlimSMA HV package increase efficiency while enhancing electrical insulation.

Read more...

---

Silanna launches Plural ADC EVKs
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Silanna Semiconductor has released its first evaluation kits for the Plural data converter family to offer the fastest, most cost-effective way to evaluate and deploy high-performance ADCs.

Read more...

---

High speed, low noise 2 A driver
iCorp Technologies Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The SGM8423-2A from SGMICRO is a high efficiency, class AB, low distortion power line driver optimised to accept a signal from a Power Line Carrier modem.

Read more...

---

Online sensor technology hub
Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
Mouser’s sensor content hub offers an extensive collection of articles, blogs, eBooks, and product information from its technical experts and leading manufacturing partners.

Read more...

---