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EProClock® Programmable Clock Technology

SpectraLinear’s programmable EProClock spread-spectrum clock generators give system designers a high degree of flexibility with an extensive library of multiplexers and programmable elements. Available within hours or days of product definition, each product has over 2,000 control points that allow the performance of our customers’ systems to be optimized for operating speed, spectral phase noise, timing jitter, power, heat, and radiated emissions.

EProClock programmable clock technology offers a host of benefits.

Improve Time-to-Market
  • Solve new ASIC timing requirements quickly by changing clock frequencies, clock functional architecture and control functions
  • Optimize PLL parameters for reduced phase noise versus power dissipation
  • Change spread percent and spread modulation frequencies while conducting EMC tests to ensure fast regulatory compliance
  • Provide the use of programmable skew on multiple clock outputs to decrease system switching noise and EMI
  • Provide prototype samples within a few days, decreasing product development cycles
Improve Signal Integrity
  • Conduct output impedance matching to minimize signal reflection and power consumption
  • Vary clock output drive strength and adjust rise and fall times for noise sensitivity analysis and significant EMI reduction
  • Remove interference signals in wireless systems by making fine frequency adjustments to shift fundamental and harmonic spurs
  • Correct board timing problems by programming output impedance to eliminate reflections and reduce clock edge jitter
Improve System Reliability Using Margin Tests
  • Measure and verify set-up and hold-timing margins
  • Conduct over/under clocking for system performance verification, power reduction, and manufacturing margin tests
  • Measure downstream PLL performance tolerance (a critical block in most ASICs) in terms of frequency, bandwidth, tracking, duty-cycle and noise
  • Perform deliberate cycle-to-cycle and long term noise injection tests and measure system timing margins
  • Verify Spread Spectrum Clock EMI reduction frequency limits and spread percent margins
  • Provide additional programmable features such as frequency shifting, the use of variable modulation frequency and spread profile
Programmable Features
  • Output frequencies from 3 to 200 MHz using crystal or clock input
  • 0.25 to 5.0% center or down spread for EMI reduction
  • Lexmark™ or Triangular (Linear) spread spectrum profile
  • Spread modulation frequency from 25 to 120 kHz
  • Seven (7) independent programmable output drive strength levels for each output
  • On-chip crystal load capacitors to eliminate need for external crystal load capacitors
  • Up to four (4) clock outputs for 1-PLL clock generators
  • Up to twelve (12) clock outputs for 4-PLL clock generators
  • FS (Frequency Select), SSEL (Spread Select), SSON/OFF, PD# and OE functions
  • 3.3 to 2.5V or 1.8V power supply range
  • Low power dissipation versus jitter performance optimization

 

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