Renesas 553MLF

Overview

553MLF from IDT is a low-skew 1-to-4 CMOS clock buffer IC used for fan-out distribution of high-frequency timing signals in synchronous digital systems. It delivers ≤50 ps output-to-output skew, supports 2.5 V to 5 V supply operation, features 5 V-tolerant ICLK input, and includes an Output Enable (OE) pin for tri-state control. It is deployed in FPGA/ASIC clock tree distribution where deterministic phase alignment across four loads is critical.

For engineers reviewing the 553MLF datasheet, 553MLF pinout, 553MLF application, or 553MLF equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed sub-50 ps skew under matched loading, industrial temperature support (-40°C to +85°C), SOIC-8 package compatibility, and OE-controlled output disable for dynamic clock gating in power-sensitive designs.

Technical Context

The 553MLF implements a non-PLL, direct-buffer architecture with four identical CMOS outputs driven from a single low-capacitance input stage. Its internal design minimizes path-length mismatch and uses matched driver cells to achieve ≤50 ps output-to-output skew at 135 MHz with 15 pF load.

It operates across three supply voltages (2.5 V, 3.3 V, 5 V) with corresponding drive strengths - 16 mA, 25 mA, and 35 mA - and maintains rail-to-rail output swing and duty-cycle fidelity matching the input clock. The OE pin asserts high-impedance state on all Q0–Q3 outputs when pulled low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

553MLF is packaged in an 8-pin SOIC (150 mil narrow body), JEDEC MS-012 compliant, RoHS-compliant, lead-free (LF suffix). Pin pitch is 1.27 mm; body width is 3.9 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar clock buffer applications.

Compared with 553MLF, the 553MILF offers identical performance with extended temperature qualification, while the Si53301-D-GM trades simplicity and voltage flexibility for lower skew and configurability - making 553MLF optimal for fixed-function, cost- and space-constrained industrial clock trees.

Availability

553MLF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA clock distribution, network processor timing, and DDR memory interface applications requiring stable component supply, consistent SOIC-8 packaging, and commercial-temperature reliability.

Supply support for 553MLF includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Integrated Device Technology (IDT), now part of Renesas Electronics, is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in timing, memory interface, RF, and power management solutions for communications, computing, and industrial markets.

The 553MLF belongs to IDT's ClockBlocks™ family of low-skew clock buffers, designed specifically for deterministic, jitter-conscious clock distribution in high-speed digital systems where phase alignment and signal integrity are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the maximum input frequency supported by the 553MLF?

The 553MLF supports an input frequency range from DC to 200 MHz across all supply voltages (2.5 V, 3.3 V, 5 V). This specification is validated per AC Electrical Characteristics in the official datasheet and applies to both commercial and industrial variants. The 553MLF maintains ≤50 ps output-to-output skew and <1 ps additive period jitter up to 200 MHz with 15 pF capacitive load, making it suitable for PCIe Gen1/2 reference clocks and Gigabit Ethernet PHY timing.

Does the 553MLF require external configuration or initialization?

No, the 553MLF is a fully static, non-PLL clock buffer with no configuration registers, EEPROM, or startup sequence. It begins operating immediately upon power-up and stable VDD. All functionality - including output enable via OE pin and voltage-level translation - is hardwired. The 553MLF requires only a 0.01 µF decoupling capacitor between VDD and GND; no external resistors, capacitors, or firmware are needed for basic operation.

Can the 553MLF drive 50 Ω transmission lines directly?

Yes, the 553MLF has a nominal output impedance of 20 Ω and is designed to drive controlled-impedance traces. When paired with a 33 Ω series termination resistor (recommended for traces >1 inch), it forms a near-50 Ω source match for standard PCB routing. This configuration minimizes reflections and preserves the ≤50 ps output skew - provided all four outputs use identical termination and trace geometry as specified in the layout guidelines.

What is the function of the OE pin on the 553MLF, and how should it be used?

The OE (Output Enable) pin on the 553MLF is an active-low control that places all four outputs (Q0–Q3) into high-impedance state when pulled low. For normal operation, OE must be tied to VDD. This feature enables dynamic clock gating - for example, disabling clocks to unused peripherals during low-power modes. The 553MLF guarantees monotonic, glitch-free tri-state behavior with no shoot-through current, supporting robust power management in battery-powered or thermally constrained systems.

How does the 553MLF differ from the 553MILF variant?

The 553MLF and 553MILF share identical electrical specifications, pinout, and package (8-pin SOIC), but differ in temperature qualification: 553MLF is rated for 0°C to +70°C (commercial), while 553MILF is rated for -40°C to +85°C (industrial). Both carry "LF" RoHS-compliant marking, but only the "I" in 553MILF denotes industrial grade. No circuit or layout changes are needed to migrate - the difference is purely in screening and test conditions.