Silicon Labs Launches New Oscillator for Communications and Embedded Computing Systems

Si51x XO/VCXO product family,
Minimizing jitter and costs in communication and embedded computing systems
Providing flexible frequency timing solutions for price-sensitive applications up to 250MHz

Silicon Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: SLAB, Country Manager Jong-Chan Lee), a global leader in high-performance analog-intensive mixed-signal ICs, announced today the launch of its Crystal Oscillator (XO) and Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator (VCXO) family (Si51x XO/VCXO). This family is designed to minimize jitter, system cost, and design complexity in a wide range of cost-sensitive, high-performance applications up to 250 MHz. The new Si51x XO/VCXO family provides best-in-class frequency flexibility for networking, communications, storage, servers, embedded computing, and broadcast video systems, and can also be utilized in FPGA, SerDes (serializer/deserializer), and multi-rate clocking applications.

The Si51x, the latest family in Silicon Labs' flexible frequency crystal oscillator portfolio, integrates a dual-frequency XO/VCXO along with the industry's first I2C programmable, low-jitter XO in a space-saving 3.2mm x 5mm package. The Si51x family offers excellent frequency flexibility and power supply noise rejection capabilities, and is drop-in compatible with fixed-frequency XO and SAW (surface acoustic wave) oscillators. The Si51x XO/VCXO, featuring jitter performance of 0.8 ps (picoseconds) rms across the entire frequency range, provides up to 2.5 times lower jitter performance compared to conventional oscillators programmed during the production phase.

The Si51x XO/VCXO features Silicon Labs' patented DSPLL® technology for frequency generation in the 100 kHz to 250 MHz range, along with a frequency programming resolution of 26 ppt (parts per trillion). Unlike conventional crystal and SAW oscillators that require a unique crystal or SAW resonator for each frequency, the Si51x device can utilize a single low-frequency crystal in conjunction with a DSPLL clock IC. Specific device configurations are programmed during outgoing testing. This efficient, mass-customization approach eliminates the need for individual crystal customization for new frequencies, thereby minimizing lead times. Because Silicon Labs can respond quickly to increased demand, customers can consequently reduce inventory levels and associated costs. All Si51x products are manufactured using a common process, ensuring high reliability and quality.

Silicon Labs' Si512/3 dual-frequency XO can replace two separate XOs and multiplexers in networking, broadcast video, multirate SerDes devices, and other applications using FPGAs. The I2C programmable Si514 XO can be used instead of clock generators that require an external crystal for local clock generation; the use of the Si514's internal crystal provides stricter and guaranteed stability while simplifying the design. Additionally, the Si514 can replace digital PLLs and direct digital synthesis (DDS) clock ICs that typically use a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a VCXO for clock synchronization. The Si514 can be internally reprogrammed at any frequency, providing various options for prototype generation.

The Si51x XO/VCXO supports a wide range of voltage options (1.8, 2.5, 3.3 V) and output formats (LVPECL, LVDS, CMOS, HCSL), making it ideal for applications requiring various frequencies, formats, and power supply voltages. All Si51x devices support on-chip voltage levels