SiTime ClkSoC enables 5G vision of zero downtime

This clock family uses SiTime’s recently launched third-generation MEMS resonators that deliver higher performance with lower power.

Communications and enterprise electronics have previously used clock ICs with external quartz references to integrate multiple timing functions and to distribute clock signals. SiTime’s new, all-silicon clock architecture provides more integration by integrating a MEMS resonator reference inside the package.

More importantly, with SiTime’s proven MEMS technology, the company claims that the Cascade clock-system-on-a-chip delivers up to ten times higher reliability and resilience, enabling the 5G vision of zero downtime. Either standalone or together with SiTime’s MEMS TCXOs and OCXOs, the SiT9514x delivers a complete timing solution for applications such as 5G RRUs, small cells, edge computers, switches, and routers.

“SiTime continues to expand our focus on the communications-enterprise market for many reasons. Our MEMS technology is well suited to solve the difficult timing challenges of emerging 5G infrastructure. This represents a large growth opportunity for SiTime that is complemented by production usage for many years,” said Rajesh Vashist, CEO of SiTime.

“Today, our Elite Platform Super-TCXOs and Emerald OCXOs have multiple design wins in this market. We are expanding our strong foothold with the introduction of the Cascade family. Not only is this a natural next step for our timing business, but it also brings us closer to the customer as we work together to define their clock tree. In fact, Cascade devices offer a complete clock-system-on-a-chip, which allows our customers to simplify their designs and reduce time to market. As the only provider of MEMS resonators, oscillators, and clock ICs, and delivering system-level benefits to customers, SiTime continues to transform the $8bn timing market.”

5G is expected to deliver faster speeds and 10,000 times more data, with 50 times lower latency and zero downtime. To make this vision a reality, ten to 30 times more devices will be deployed, many of them in uncontrolled environments close to the consumer.

Each of these connectivity gains is dependent on the accuracy, resilience and reliability of the timing heartbeat of the system. Silicon MEMS timing technology inherently provides better reliability and resilience which is critical to support the quality of service planned for 5G.

Benefits of SiTime’s complete ClkSoC

• Integrated MEMS resonator eliminates issues with quartz such as capacitive mismatch, activity dips, susceptibility to shock, vibration, and EMI.
• Four independent PLLs, with maximum flexibility to support time synchronisation applications where multiple independent clock domains are required.
• Up to 11 outputs with an operating frequency range of 8 kHz to 2.1 GHz, as well as a 1 PPS (pulse per second) output, for maximum frequency agility.
• Programmable PLL loop bandwidth down to 1 milli-Hz for maximum filtering of wander or network noise in IEEE 1588 and synchronous Ethernet.
• Fail-safe operation in case of input clock failures through faster hitless switching between four independent inputs. In such a situation, the device automatically switches to different input clock sources with minimum phase transient at the output, allowing the downstream PLL to remain locked, and the system to continue to operate reliably.
• Excellent PSNR for highest performance in the presence of power supply noise.
• Minimal external filtering circuits for simpler design, space savings, and BOM reduction.
• Rich programmable features and configuration options: Blank ISP (in-system programmable) devices provide maximum flexibility; and pre-programmed devices enable system boot up without software configuration for maximum simplicity.
• EVBs and TimeMaster software enable users to map clock configurations and generate the scripts for software integration, which speeds development.t

The SiT9514x clock-system-on-a-chip family is sampling now. High volume production quantities will be available in Q4 2020.