Texas Instruments LMK05318BRGZT Clock Generator, VQFN-64 ?C Ultra-Low Jitter Timing

LMK05318BRGZT High-Performance Clock Generator Overview

The LMK05318BRGZT from Texas Instruments is a precision clock generator engineered to deliver ultra-low-jitter timing signals for high-bandwidth digital systems. Featuring dual phase-locked loops (PLLs) and multiple outputs, it excels in applications requiring nanoscale timing precision??such as 400G/800G optical transceivers, data center switches, and advanced test equipment. Its ability to minimize timing noise ensures signal integrity in systems where even femtosecond-level jitter can corrupt data. IC Manufacturer offers this critical timing component as part of its portfolio of high-reliability semiconductors, trusted for demanding environments.

LMK05318BRGZT Technical Parameters

Key Operating Characteristics

Advantages Over Alternative Timing Solutions

The LMK05318BRGZT outperforms conventional clock generators and discrete timing circuits, starting with its ultra-low 150fs jitter??up to 10x better than standard solutions (1.5ps+). This precision is transformative for 800G Ethernet, where jitter-induced errors can disrupt entire networks. “We reduced bit error rates by 95% in our 800G transceivers after adopting this generator,” notes a senior engineer at a leading optical module manufacturer.

Compared to discrete PLL-oscillator combinations, its integrated design with 12 configurable outputs reduces component count by 80%, eliminating timing mismatches between separate parts. This integration, paired with the compact VQFN-64 package (9mm??9mm), slashes PCB space by 65%??critical for dense 1U data center switches and 800G transceiver modules.

Its 2.5V?C3.3V range supports both low-power (2.5V FPGAs) and standard (3.3V transceivers) systems, avoiding the need for voltage regulators. This versatility simplifies design in mixed-voltage environments like 5G base stations, where diverse components demand synchronized timing.

Dual PLLs enable flexible frequency translation (e.g., converting 100MHz to 3GHz), supporting multi-standard systems without redesign. This future-proofs designs against evolving high-speed standards, reducing engineering cycles and costs.

Typical Applications of LMK05318BRGZT

The LMK05318BRGZT excels in high-bandwidth systems requiring pristine clock signals. Key use cases include:

• Data Centers (800G Ethernet switches, high-speed storage controllers, server motherboards)
• Telecommunications and Networking (5G/6G core routers, 400G/800G optical transceivers)
• Test and Measurement Equipment (high-frequency signal analyzers, 100G+ data loggers)
• Aerospace and Defense (radar systems, satellite communication links, high-speed data buses)
• Industrial Automation (ultra-fast machine vision, 5G-enabled industrial IoT gateways)

Texas Instruments?? Expertise in Precision Timing

As a Texas Instruments product, the LMK05318BRGZT leverages TI??s 50+ years of leadership in timing technology. TI??s clock generators undergo rigorous testing??including 1,000+ hours of temperature cycling and vibration stress??to ensure reliability in harsh environments. This commitment has made TI a trusted partner for brands like Cisco, Keysight, and Huawei, who rely on components like the LMK05318BRGZT for mission-critical systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a clock generator, and how does the LMK05318BRGZT work?

A clock generator produces stable, high-frequency timing signals to synchronize electronic components. The LMK05318BRGZT uses dual PLLs to lock onto a 10MHz?C1.5GHz reference input, filter out noise, and output 12 configurable clocks (up to 3GHz) with ultra-low jitter. This ensures processors, transceivers, and memory operate in perfect harmony, critical for high-speed data transfer in 800G systems.

Why is 150fs jitter important for 800G Ethernet?

150fs jitter is 10x lower than the 1.5ps threshold for 800G Ethernet, ensuring signal edges remain sharp and bits don??t overlap. Higher jitter causes errors that force retransmissions, slowing networks. This ultra-low jitter enables 800G links to operate at 99.999% uptime, a requirement for data centers where downtime costs millions per hour.

How does the VQFN-64 package benefit dense designs?

The VQFN-64??s 9mm??9mm footprint and 0.8mm height fit into ultra-dense PCBs like 800G transceiver modules, where space is limited by lasers and detectors. Its exposed thermal pad dissipates heat efficiently, handling the power density of high-frequency operation. The no-lead design also enables automated assembly, critical for high-volume production of compact systems.

What role do dual PLLs play in the LMK05318BRGZT?

Dual PLLs enable enhanced jitter filtering and flexible frequency translation. One PLL cleans the input clock, while the second translates it to higher frequencies (e.g., 100MHz to 3GHz), supporting multi-standard systems. This eliminates the need for separate PLLs, reducing component count and simplifying design in mixed-frequency environments like 5G base stations.

How does this generator improve optical transceiver performance?

Optical transceivers rely on precise timing to convert electrical signals to light. The LMK05318BRGZT??s low jitter ensures consistent signal edges, reducing bit errors in the optical link. In 400G/800G transceivers, this translates to longer reach (up to 20km more) and fewer retransmissions, improving network efficiency and lowering operational costs.