Clock distribution keeps memory modules on track

Clock distribution devices synchronise memory modules in the most advanced computing, data storage, networking consumer applications.

ON Semiconductor has expanded its high performance ECLinPS clock management portfolio with the introduction of two new clock distribution devices for synchronisation of memory modules found in today's most advanced computing, data storage, networking consumer applications.

The new NB4N121K and NB4N111K feature differential host clock signalling level (HCSL) outputs and ultralow propagation delay variation for fully buffered dual inline memory module (FBDIMM) applications.

"Within the industry, the design of memory subsystems is transitioning from a parallel to a serial address-and-data architecture as system speed and capacity requirements continue to increase", says Dan Huettl, Director of ON Semiconductor's Standard Products Advanced Logic Division.

"Building on our ECLinPS leadership in low jitter differential signalling, we have created HCSL FBDIMM clock distribution products with the industry's lowest jitter, lowest skew and the widest fanout available".

"We will continue to expand both our ECLinPS clock distribution and PureEdge clock generation portfolios aimed at providing timing solutions for the entire clock tree".

"In this way, ON Semiconductor will continue to build on its reputation as a key player in the market space".

The new NB4N121K and NB4N111K are 3.3V clock distribution devices with differential HCSL outputs targeted for typical FBDIMM frequencies of 100, 133, 166, 200, 266, 333 and 400MHz.

Employing advanced 0.25um CMOS technology, they significantly outperform competing devices - producing additive phase jitter of only 0.3ps and output-to-output skew less than 100ps.

Competing devices perform at typically greater than 1ps jitter with skews well above 100ps.

As such, ON Semiconductor's newest ECLinPS devices free up more of the system designer's precious timing budget.

The optimal design, layout and processing of ON Semiconductor's new clock distribution devices minimise within device skew and skew from device to device.

System designers can take advantage of this superior performance to distribute low skew, low jitter clocks to their memory controllers and FBDIMM modules.

Clock inputs for both devices incorporate internal 50ohm on die termination to reduce component count and simplify board layout.

The NB4N121K is a 1:21 or 1:42 HCSL clock distribution device.

At 1:21, the device provides the industry's widest fanout, and can be configured in 2X mode to provide a 1:42 HCSL fanout.

The device accepts differential LVPECL, CML, or LVDS levels as well as single-ended LVPECL, CML, LVCMOS or LVTTL with the proper VREFAC supply.

Output drive current at IREF (Pin 1) for 1x load is selected by connecting to GND.

Configuring to 2x mode is easily accomplished by connecting IREF to VCC.

The NB4N111K is a 1:10 HCSL clock distribution device.

It also accepts differential LVPECL, CML, or LVDS input levels as well as single-ended LVPECL, CML, LVCMOS, or LVTTL by properly setting the VREFAC supply.

"As the industry reacts to uncertainties created by clock and timing supplier consolidations and business divestitures, ON Semiconductor has continued to provide customers with competitively priced timing solutions that deliver products of the highest performance and best quality", says Prescott Sakai, ON Semiconductor Marketing Manager for Advanced Logic.

"The company's reputation for solid delivery, superior customer service, and consistent financial performance serves to further strengthen the confidence of our customers".

"During the coming year, we plan to introduce additional products that target the demanding technological needs and unique industry challenges of the marketplace".

Packaged for the NB4N121K is in a RoHS, 52-pin, exposed pad QFN priced at US $4.00 in quantities of 1000.

The NB4N111K is packaged in a RoHS-compliant 32-pin, exposed pad QFN priced at $3.75 in quantities of 1000.

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