Cost and complexity of timing technology for coherent optical market reduced

Providing a high-frequency, flexible clocking solution that significantly reduces system-level cost and complexity, Silicon Labs has introduced a new family of jitter-attenuating clock devices that simplifies 100G/400G coherent optical line card and module design. The Si534xH coherent optical clocks replace discrete timing solutions that rely on expensive, large-footprint voltage-controlled SAW oscillators (VCSOs) to provide low-jitter reference timing for data converters. Unlike VCSOs that support single, fixed frequencies, the new Si534xH clocks operate over a wide frequency range, supporting frequencies up to 2.7GHz without the need to change bill-of-material (BOM) components. The Si5344H and Si5342H clocks combine best-in-class frequency flexibility with unparalleled jitter performance of 50fs RMS. The devices simplify component sourcing, replacing multiple custom, long-lead time VCSOs with a clock IC solution available with short, two-week lead times. Featuring a jitter-attenuating PLL, high-frequency output drivers, fractional frequency synthesis and digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) technology, the Si534xH family provides all the clocking functions required for coherent optical transceiver applications while enabling 40 percent smaller footprint and 40 percent lower power than competing solutions, says the company.