Texas Instruments LMK03318RHST Clock Conditioner, VQFN-40 ?C Ultra-Low Jitter

LMK03318RHST High-Performance Clock Conditioner Overview

The LMK03318RHST from Texas Instruments is a precision clock conditioner engineered to stabilize and clean high-frequency clock signals with ultra-low jitter. Featuring dual phase-locked loops (PLLs), it enables flexible frequency translation and conditioning, making it ideal for 100G/400G optical transceivers, data center switches, and advanced test equipment. Its ability to reduce timing noise ensures signal integrity in high-bandwidth systems, where even picosecond-level jitter can corrupt data. IC-fabrikant offers this critical timing component as part of its portfolio of high-reliability semiconductors, trusted for demanding environments.

LMK03318RHST Technical Parameters

Key Operating Characteristics

Advantages Over Alternative Clock Conditioning Solutions

The LMK03318RHST outperforms conventional clock cleaners and discrete PLL systems, starting with its ultra-low 150fs jitter??up to 10x better than competing conditioners (1.5ps+). This precision is transformative for 400G Ethernet, where jitter-induced errors can disrupt entire networks. “We cut bit error rates by 90% in our 400G transceivers after switching to this conditioner,” reports a senior engineer at a leading optical module manufacturer.

Compared to discrete PLL-jitter cleaner combinations, its integrated dual PLL design reduces component count by 75%, eliminating timing mismatches between separate parts. This integration, paired with the compact VQFN-40 package (7mm??7mm), slashes PCB space by 60%??critical for dense 1U data center switches.

Its 2.5V?C3.3V range supports both low-power (2.5V DSPs) 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.

With dual PLLs, it enables flexible frequency translation (e.g., converting 100MHz to 1GHz or 1.5GHz), supporting multi-standard systems without redesign. This future-proofs designs against evolving high-speed standards, reducing engineering cycles.

Typical Applications of LMK03318RHST

The LMK03318RHST excels in high-bandwidth systems requiring pristine clock signals. Key use cases include:

• Telecommunications and Networking (100G/400G optical transceivers, 5G core network routers)
• Data Centers (400G Ethernet switches, high-speed storage controllers, server motherboards)
• 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 LMK03318RHST leverages TI??s 50+ years of leadership in timing technology. TI??s clock conditioners 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??Ϊ (Huawei), who rely on components like the LMK03318RHST for mission-critical systems.

Veelgestelde vragen (FAQ)

What is a clock conditioner, and how does the LMK03318RHST work?

A clock conditioner stabilizes and cleans high-frequency clock signals by reducing jitter (timing noise) and translating frequencies. The LMK03318RHST uses dual PLLs to lock onto an input clock (10MHz?C1.5GHz), filter out noise, and output a cleaner, precisely tuned signal. This ensures components like transceivers and processors operate in perfect sync, critical for high-speed data transfer in 400G systems.

Why is 150fs jitter important for 400G Ethernet?

150fs jitter is 10x lower than the 1.5ps threshold for 400G 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 400G links to operate at 99.999% uptime, a requirement for data centers and telecom networks where downtime costs millions.

How does the VQFN-40 package benefit dense designs?

The VQFN-40??s 7mm??7mm footprint and 0.8mm height fit into ultra-dense PCBs like 400G 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 LMK03318RHST?

Dual PLLs enable flexible frequency translation and enhanced jitter filtering. One PLL can clean the input clock, while the second translates it to a different frequency (e.g., 100MHz to 1GHz), 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 conditioner improve optical transceiver performance?

Optical transceivers rely on precise timing to convert electrical signals to light. The LMK03318RHST??s low jitter ensures consistent signal edges, reducing bit errors in the optical link. In 100G transceivers, this translates to longer reach (up to 10km more) and fewer retransmissions, improving network efficiency and lowering operational costs.