Infineon Technologies CY2544QC014

Overview

CY2544QC014 from Cypress Semiconductor is a quad-PLL programmable clock generator with spread spectrum capability, designed for high-precision timing synthesis in multi-clock domain systems. It delivers nine programmable LVCMOS outputs (3–166 MHz), supports 8–48 MHz crystal input or 8–166 MHz external reference, operates at 2.5/3.0/3.3 V VDD with selectable 1.8/2.5/3.0/3.3 V output bank supplies, and integrates Fractional-N synthesis for zero-PPM frequency error - used in PC motherboard clock trees and embedded networking controllers.

For engineers reviewing the CY2544QC014 datasheet, CY2544QC014 pinout, CY2544QC014 application, or CY2544QC014 equivalent, key selection criteria include its four independent PLLs enabling unrelated frequency synthesis, glitch-free frequency switching via FS pins, dual spread-spectrum PLLs (PLL3/PLL4) with Lexmark/Linear modulation profiles, and per-bank voltage control for mixed-voltage system interfacing.

Technical Context

The CY2544QC014 implements four fully integrated, independently configurable PLLs - two with spread spectrum (PLL3, PLL4) and two without - each supporting fractional-N synthesis to generate precise output frequencies from a single crystal or external reference. Input flexibility includes 8–48 MHz crystal (XIN/EXCLKIN) or 8–166 MHz LVCMOS CLKIN, with reference voltage compatibility matching VDD (2.5/3.0/3.3 V).

Outputs are grouped into three voltage-programmable banks (Bank1: CLK1–CLK3; Bank2: CLK4–CLK6; Bank3: CLK7–CLK9), each powered by dedicated VDD_CLK_Bx supplies (1.8/2.5/3.0/3.3 V). The crossbar switch enables arbitrary routing of six clock sources (XIN, CLKIN, PLL1–PLL4) to any output, while multifunction pins (FS0–FS2, SSON, PD#/OE) provide runtime control of frequency sets, spread spectrum enable/disable, and power/output states.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24-pin QFN (4 mm × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, thermally enhanced package with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments match CY2544/CY2548 variant (not CY2546); XOUT and XIN/EXCLKIN active for crystal operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

Two factory-programmable alternatives exist for systems requiring similar quad-PLL functionality and spread spectrum support:

Compared with IDT 5P49V5901B and Si5341-B-GM, CY2544QC014 offers one-time programmability for secure, tamper-resistant clock configuration, lower system-level complexity due to no serial bus dependency, and optimized cost for fixed-function applications where field updates are unnecessary.

Availability

CY2544QC014 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for PC motherboard clock trees, networking switch controllers, and embedded industrial controllers requiring stable component supply, guaranteed long-term availability, and Cypress-qualified timing performance.

Supply support for CY2544QC014 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

Cypress Semiconductor (now part of Infineon Technologies) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance timing, memory, and microcontroller solutions for computing, communications, and industrial markets.

CY2544QC014 belongs to Cypress's programmable clock generator product line, engineered for systems needing flexible, low-jitter, multi-output clock synthesis with EMI reduction - targeting PC, networking, and embedded applications where reliability and configurability outweigh field-upgradability.

FAQ

What is the default factory configuration for CY2544QC014?

The CY2544QC014 ships with a generic evaluation configuration: PLL1 = 100 MHz, PLL2 = 125 MHz, PLL3 = 133.333 MHz (center-spread), PLL4 = 156.25 MHz (down-spread), all routed to respective CLK outputs with 3.3 V bank supplies. This configuration is confirmed in Cypress Application Note AN72207 and supports immediate bench validation without programming.

Can CY2544QC014 operate without an external crystal?

Yes - CY2544QC014 supports direct connection of an 8–166 MHz LVCMOS clock signal to the CLKIN pin (pin 21), bypassing the crystal oscillator circuit. When using CLKIN, the XIN/EXCLKIN pin (pin 24) must be left unconnected or tied to GND; XOUT (pin 23) is unused and should be left floating.

How is spread spectrum enabled or disabled on CY2544QC014?

Spread spectrum is controlled via the CLK7/SSON pin (pin 15): driving it low disables SSC on PLL3/PLL4; driving it high enables SSC using the programmed profile (Lexmark/Linear) and spread range. This is a hardware-level control - no register write or I²C command is required for real-time toggling.

What are the thermal limitations for continuous operation in 24-QFN package?

The CY2544QC014 24-QFN package has a maximum junction temperature of +125°C and θ_JA = 42°C/W (standard JEDEC 2S2P board). At full 3.3 V operation with all nine outputs active at 166 MHz, typical power dissipation is 185 mW - resulting in ~8°C rise above ambient, well within safe operating limits for commercial and industrial temperature grades.