Renesas releases new programmable clock generator

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, has introduced the VersaClock 7 clock generators, a family of configurable clock generators with an internal crystal oscillator for PCIe and networking applications in high-end computing, wired infrastructure, and data center equipment.

The VersaClock 7 delivers unmatched flexibility, enabling designers to configure frequencies, Input/Output (I/O) levels, and General Purpose I/O (GPIO) pin functionality. It establishes a new benchmark in combining low power consumption, cost-efficiency, and small package size.

“Timing needs can vary greatly between different applications and equipment, and often change during a product design cycle,” said Zaher Baidas, VP 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.”

“High levels of integration and the flexibility of programmability help manufacturers reduce component counts, saving board space and power,” added Susie Inouye, principal analyst at Databeans in Reno, Nevada. “Additionally, using fewer components reduces the risk of supply-chain issues interrupting production.”

Features

8-, 12- differential outputs with integrated crystal options
150fs typical RMS 12k-20MHz phase jitter
1.8V/2.5V/3.3V flexible power rails
Digital holdover and hitless switching
SPI / I2C/ SMBUS interface support
PCIe Gen 1-6 support
Synchronous Ethernet support
5 x 5mm, 6 x 6 mm space saving QFN package
One-time programmable (OTP) up to 27 configurations or external EEPROM

To configure the VersaClock 7 devices, Renesas offers the new Renesas IC ToolBox (RICBox) Windows application that enables users to create configurations and program devices on evaluation boards. RICBox is a new introduced platform for delivering state-of-the-art software to customers for evaluating Renesas products. Customers can use either Python drivers or a Windows GUI to create customized configurations and program VersaClock 7 devices on evaluation boards.

Customers can create optimized configurations for devices by specifying high-level parameters that don’t require expert knowledge of the device. RICBox interfaces seamlessly with Renesas’ innovative 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 analyze the performance.