TOKYO, Nov. 29, 2022 — Renesas Electronics Corporation 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.

“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.

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 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.

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Source: Renesas