Programmable clock generators detect power-down status

Mouser Electronics is now shipping the VersaClock 3S range of programmable clock generators from Integrated Device Technology. The VersaClock 3S chips are intelligent timing devices to detect power-down status of the downstream-clocked component, resulting in further energy savings in the system. 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 suitable for consumer, industrial, computing, and automotive applications.

The IDT VersaClock 3S programmable clock generators deliver 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. The devices also have a low-power, digitally controlled oscillator supplying the system with a 32.768KHz clock with less than 2μA current consumption that can be powered by a coin battery, making it ideal for handheld and battery-powered applications.

The VersaClock 3S devices are supported by two series of evaluation boards. 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.