Si5356
Preliminary Rev. 0.3
11
3.4. Frequency Configuration
The Si5356 utilizes a single PLL-based architecture,
four independent MultiSynth fractional output dividers,
and a MultiSynth fractional feedback divider such that a
single device provides the clock generation capability of
four independent PLLs. Unlike competitive multi-PLL
solutions, the Si5356 can generate four unique non-
integer related output frequencies with 0 ppm frequency
error, with respect to the reference, for any combination
of output frequencies. In addition, any combination of
output frequencies can be generated from a single
reference frequency without having to change the
crystal
or
reference
clock
frequency
between
configurations.
Frequency configurations are fully programmable by
writing to device registers using the I2C interface. Any
combination of output frequencies ranging from 1 to
200 MHz can be configured on each of the device
outputs.
The following equation governs how the output
frequency is calculated.
where fIN is the reference frequency, N is the MultiSynth
feedback divider value, P is the reference divider value,
Mi is the MultiSynth output divider value and fOUT is the
resulting output frequency. The MultiSynth output and
feedback dividers are fractional dividers expressed in
terms of an integer and a fraction. The integer portion
has 10-bit resolution and the fractional portion has 30-
bit resolution in both the numerator and denominator,
meaning that any output frequency can be defined
exactly from the input frequency with exact (0 ppm)
frequency synthesis error.
3.5. Configuring the Si5356
The Si5356 is a highly-flexible clock generator that is
entirely configurable through its I2C interface. The
device’s default configuration is stored in non-volatile
memory (NVM) as shown in
Figure 4. The NVM is a
one-time programmable memory (OTP), which can
store a custom user configuration at power-up. This is a
useful feature for applications that need a clock present
at power-up (e.g., for providing a clock to a processor).
Figure 4. Si5356 Memory Configuration
During a power cycle or a power-on reset (POR), the
contents of the NVM are copied into random access
memory (RAM), which sets the device configuration that
will be used during operation. Any changes to the
device configuration after power-up are made by
reading and writing to registers in the RAM space
through the I2C interface. ClockBuilder Desktop (see
can be used to easily configure register map files that
register map file can be created manually with the help
of the equations in AN565.
Two versions of the Si5356 are available. First, non-
customized Si5356 devices are available in which the
RAM can be configured in-circuit via I2C. These blank
Si5356 devices can also be field programmed using the
programmed Si5356 devices are available that include
a
user-specified
startup
frequency
configuration
(example part number Si5356A-Axxxxx-GM).
3.5.1. Ordering a Custom NVM Configuration
The Si5356 is orderable with a factory-programmed
custom NVM configuration. This is the simplest way of
using the Si5356 since it generates the desired output
frequencies at power-up or after a power-on reset
(POR). This default configuration can be reconfigured in
RAM through the I2C interface after power-up (see
The first step in ordering a custom device is generating
an NVM file which defines the input and output clock
frequencies and signal formats. This is easily done
using the NVM
Save for Factory Programming... menu
option
in
ClockBuilder
Desktop.
(See
Windows based software allows the user to generate an
NVM file, which is used by the factory to manufacture
custom parts. Each custom part is marked with a unique
part number identifying the specific configuration (e.g.,
Si5356A-A00100-GM).
Consult your local sales representative for more details
on ordering a custom Si5356.
3.5.2. Creating a New Configuration for RAM
Any Si5356 device can be configured by writing to
registers in RAM through the I2C interface. A non-
factory programmed device must be configured in this
manner.
fOUT
fIN N
PMi
-----------------
=
Power-Up/POR
I
2C
RAM
NVM
(OTP)
Default
Config