Clock/Timing - Clock Buffers, Drivers

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	CY7B991-5JXCT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 8:8 80MHZ 32PLCC	0
	CY2DP1504ZXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 2:4 1.5GHZ 20TSSOP	0
	CY7B991-5JXI Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 8:8 80MHZ 32PLCC	0
	CY2DM1502ZXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:2 1.5GHZ 8TSSOP	0
	CY2DL1510AZI Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:10 1.5GHZ 32TQFP	0
	CY2CC810OXCT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:10 650MHZ 20SSOP	0
	CY2DP1502SXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:2 1.5GHZ 8SOIC	0
	CY29940AXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:18 200MHZ 32TQFP	0
	CY7B991-2JXCT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 8:8 80MHZ 32PLCC	0
	CY2DL1504ZXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 2:4 1.5GHZ 20TSSOP	0
	CY29947AXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 2:9 200MHZ 32TQFP	0
	CY7B991V-5JI Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 8:8 80MHZ 32PLCC	0
	CY2HH8110AXC Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:10 150MHZ 32TQFP	0
	CY2CP1504ZXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 2:4 250MHZ 20TSSOP	0
	CY2CC910OXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:10 650MHZ 20SSOP	0
	CY29948AXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 2:12 200MHZ 32TQFP	0
	CY2DL814SXI Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 400MHZ 16SOIC	0
	CY2DP1502ZXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:2 1.5GHZ 8TSSOP	0
	CY2DL814SXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 400MHZ 16SOIC	0
	CY2DP1510AXIT Cypress Semiconductor	IC CLK BUFFER 2:10 1.5GHZ 32TQFP	0

Clock/Timing - Clock Buffers, Drivers

1. Overview

Clock buffers and drivers are integrated circuits (ICs) designed to distribute clock signals in electronic systems. They amplify, condition, and route timing signals to multiple destinations while minimizing skew, jitter, and signal degradation. These components are critical in synchronizing operations across processors, memory modules, communication interfaces, and other timing-sensitive circuits. Their importance spans industries such as telecommunications, automotive, and high-performance computing.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Clock Buffers	Single-input, multiple-output devices with low phase noise and skew	CPU clock distribution, FPGA systems
Clock Drivers	High-drive capability for fan-out applications	Networking switches, server motherboards
Differential Clock Buffers	Supports LVDS, HCSL, and CML signal types	High-speed ADC/DAC systems, RF transceivers
Programmable Clock Buffers	Configurable output frequency/division ratios	Industrial automation, test equipment

3. Structure and Composition

Clock buffers/drivers typically consist of:

Input receivers (single-ended or differential)
Internal amplification stages
Output drivers with controlled impedance
Power supply decoupling structures
Thermal management pads (in QFN/SSOP packages)

They are fabricated using CMOS, Bipolar, or SiGe processes to optimize speed and noise performance.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Max Operating Frequency	Up to 1.2 GHz (CMOS), 3.2 GHz (SiGe)	Determines application suitability for high-speed systems
Additive Phase Jitter	0.05 ps RMS to 1 ps RMS	Impacts timing precision in data converters
Propagation Delay	50 ps to 5 ns	Critical in synchronized multi-channel systems
Output Voltage Levels	LVCMOS, LVDS, HSTL, etc.	Ensures compatibility with downstream circuits
Supply Voltage	1.8V to 5V	Affects power consumption and integration

5. Application Areas

Telecommunications: 5G base stations, optical transceivers
Computing: Servers, workstations, high-end PCs
Industrial: PLCs, motor controllers, test instruments
Automotive: ADAS clock synchronization, infotainment systems

Case Study: In 5G massive MIMO systems, low-jitter clock drivers ensure phase coherence across 64+ antenna elements.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Specifications
TI (Texas Instruments)	CDCE62005	3.2 GHz LVDS driver, 0.1 ps RMS jitter
Analog Devices	ADCLK846	16-output clock buffer, 1.6 GHz bandwidth
STMicroelectronics	DF1610S	1.8V/3.3V dual supply buffer, 8 outputs
ON Semiconductor	MC100EP195	Differential ECL buffer, 2.5 GHz operation

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

Match output type to receiver requirements (LVDS/CML/LVCMOS)
Calculate required fan-out capacity with voltage margin
Specify jitter budget (e.g., <0.3 ps RMS for 10 Gbps SerDes)
Consider temperature stability (-40 C to +125 C automotive grade)
Optimize package size vs. thermal dissipation needs

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include:

Sub-100 fs jitter performance using advanced CMOS processes
Integration with PLL/VCO for clock generation
Multi-die packaging for hybrid signal conditioning
Energy-efficient designs for battery-powered IoT devices
Automotive-grade ICs with AEC-Q100 qualification