Renesas’ New Programmable Clock Generator Delivers Industry’s Best Combination of Programmability, Power, Jitter, and Size

Rhea-AI Summary

Renesas Electronics Corporation has launched the new VersaClock® 7 clock generators, featuring an internal crystal oscillator designed for PCIe and networking applications. This product line offers significant flexibility, allowing users to configure frequencies, I/O levels, and GPIO pins. Key features include low power consumption, multiple output options, and minimal board space requirements. The RICBox programming application further enhances user experience by allowing easy configuration. VersaClock 7's availability aims to support various applications in high-end computing, data centers, and wired infrastructure.

Positive

• Launch of VersaClock 7 clock generators enhances product portfolio.
• Offers configurable frequencies and I/O levels for diverse applications.
• Low power consumption and small package size improve cost-efficiency.
• RICBox tool provides easy configuration and customization for users.

Negative

• None.

New VersaClock^® 7 Devices from the Timing Leader Enable Users to Configure Frequencies, I/O Levels and GPIO Pins; Available in Space-Saving Packages to Reduce Board Space

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today introduced the VersaClock^® 7 clock generators, a family of configurable clock generators with an internal crystal oscillator for PCIe and networking applications in high-end computing, wired infrastructure and data center equipment. The VersaClock 7 delivers unmatched flexibility, enabling designers to configure frequencies, Input/Output (I/O) levels, and General Purpose I/O (GPIO) pin functionality. It establishes a new benchmark in combining low power consumption, cost-efficiency, and small package size.

(Graphic: Business Wire)

“Timing needs can vary greatly between different applications and equipment, and often change during a product design cycle,” said Zaher Baidas, Vice President of the Timing Products Division at Renesas. “VersaClock 7 gives our customers the flexibility to configure multiple design parameters while offering the best value available for their particular performance requirements.”

“High levels of integration and the flexibility of programmability helps manufacturers reduce component counts, saving board space and power,” said Susie Inouye, Principal Analyst at Databeans in Reno, Nevada. “Additionally, using fewer components reduces the risk of supply-chain issues interrupting production.”

Key Features of Renesas’ VersaClock 7 Clock Generators

• 8-, 12- differential outputs with integrated crystal options
• 150fs typical RMS 12k-20MHz phase jitter
• 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V flexible power rails
• Digital holdover and hitless switching
• SPI / I2C/ SMBUS interface support
• PCIe Gen 1-6 support
• Synchronous Ethernet support
• 5 x 5mm, 6 x 6 mm space saving QFN package
• One-time programmable (OTP) up to 27 configurations or external EEPROM

Easy Configuration with New Renesas IC ToolBox (RICBox)

In order to configure the VersaClock 7 devices, Renesas offers the new Renesas IC ToolBox (RICBox) Windows application that enables users to create configurations and program devices on evaluation boards. RICBox is a new introduced platform for delivering state-of-the-art software to customers for evaluating Renesas products. Customers can use either Python drivers or a Windows GUI to create customized configurations and program VersaClock 7 devices on evaluation boards.

Customers can create optimized configurations for devices by specifying high-level parameters that don’t require expert knowledge of the device. RICBox interfaces seamlessly with Renesas’ innovative Lab on The Cloud platform. Customers can download the configuration they create and work with it locally using RICBox. Alternatively, they can start with RICBox and upload their configuration to Lab on the Cloud to analyze the performance.

Winning Combination

Renesas has combined the VersaClock 7 clock generators with numerous analog and power offerings to create comprehensive solutions for a variety of applications, such as the “Power & Timing System for AI Accelerator Card” Winning Combination. This solution incorporates the RC21008A programmable VersaClock 7, 9QXL2001 PCIe Buffer and the ISL99390 90A Smart Power Stage module. The new VersaClock 7 is also available on Renesas Lab on The Cloud, for users to evaluate the phase noise performance of a specific clock configuration on a board using a phase noise analyzer. It can be found under “Clock ICs and Clock Timing Solutions.” Renesas Winning Combinations have technically vetted system architectures from mutually compatible devices that work together seamlessly to create an optimized, low-risk design for faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 300 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products to enable customers to bring their products to market more quickly. They can be found at https://www.renesas.com/win.

Availability

All of the new VersaClock 7 devices are available today from Renesas and its distribution partners, along with programming boards for instant prototyping. More information is available at www.renesas.com/VersaClock. The RICBox programming application is available via a free download at www.renesas.com/ricbox.

About Renesas Timing Solutions

Renesas offers the broadest and deepest silicon timing portfolio in the industry. In addition to a wide line of buffers and clock synthesizer products, the company delivers leading-edge system timing solutions to resolve timing challenges in wireless infrastructure, networking, data centers, and consumer applications. Proven expertise spanning more than twenty years in analog and digital timing produces a portfolio with the lowest phase noise and highest performance in advanced timing technology. Renesas is the only “one-stop-shop” for timing solutions, offering products from full-featured system solutions to simple clock building-block devices. More information about Renesas’ timing solutions is available at www.renesas.com/clocks.

About Renesas Electronics Corporation

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) empowers a safer, smarter and more sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. A leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas combines our expertise in embedded processing, analog, power and connectivity to deliver complete semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT applications, enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance the way people work and live. Learn more at renesas.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

(Remarks). All names of products or services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221129005419/en/

Americas

Don Parkman

Renesas Electronics Corporation

+ 1-408-887-4308

don.parkman.xh@renesas.com

Source: Renesas Electronics Corporation

FAQ

What are the key features of the Renesas VersaClock 7 clock generators?

The VersaClock 7 features 8-, 12-differential outputs, low phase jitter, flexible power rails, and support for PCIe Gen 1-6.

How does the RICBox tool benefit users of VersaClock 7?

RICBox allows users to easily configure and program devices without needing expert knowledge, enhancing usability.

When was the VersaClock 7 launched by Renesas Electronics?

The VersaClock 7 clock generators were launched today, making them available from Renesas and its distribution partners.

What applications can benefit from the VersaClock 7 clock generators?

The VersaClock 7 is ideal for high-end computing, networking, and data center equipment applications.