High-Performance 3V LVTTL/LVCMOS to CML Clock Fanout Buffer: Microchip SY55855VKG-TR

In high-speed digital systems, the integrity and precise distribution of clock signals are paramount. The Microchip SY55855VKG-TR stands out as a specialized integrated circuit designed to address this critical need. This device is a high-performance, 3.3V clock fanout buffer that translates signals from common single-ended logic levels (3V LVTTL/LVCMOS) to high-speed Current Mode Logic (CML), providing exceptional signal quality for the most demanding applications.

The primary function of the SY55855VKG is to take a single LVTTL or LVCMOS input clock signal and generate multiple, identical, and ultra-low-skew copies at CML output levels. This translation is crucial in systems where a clock is generated by a processor or FPGA (which typically uses LVCMOS outputs) but must be distributed to high-speed data converters, SerDes transceivers, or other components that require the superior noise immunity and fast edge rates of differential CML signaling.

A key feature of this buffer is its exceptional additive phase jitter performance, which is remarkably low at <100 fs (typical). This is vital for maintaining overall system timing margins and minimizing bit error rates (BER) in high-speed serial links. The device offers four differential CML outputs from a single input, ensuring synchronized clock distribution across multiple components. The outputs are designed to terminate into 50Ω to VCC, simplifying board design and ensuring signal integrity without external termination resistors.

The SY55855VKG operates from a single 3.3V power supply and is characterized for operation over a wide industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). Its high-speed operation supports input frequencies up to 2 GHz, making it suitable for a vast array of applications, including:

Telecommunications and networking equipment ( routers, switches)

High-performance computing and data center hardware

Test and measurement instrumentation

Medical imaging systems

High-speed data acquisition systems

Housed in a compact, space-saving 20-pin TSSOP package, the SY55855VKG-TR provides a robust and reliable solution for system architects needing to bridge the gap between single-ended and differential clock domains without compromising on performance.

ICGOOODFIND: The Microchip SY55855VKG-TR is an optimal solution for engineers designing high-frequency systems who require impeccable signal integrity, minimal jitter, and efficient translation from single-ended to differential clock signals. Its integration simplifies design, reduces component count, and enhances overall system timing performance.

Keywords: Clock Fanout Buffer, CML Output, Low Jitter, LVTTL to CML Translator, Signal Integrity