Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated DS1086Z

Overview

The DS1086Z from Maxim Integrated is a programmable spread-spectrum clock generator producing dithered square-wave outputs from 260kHz to 133MHz, with 2% or 4% selectable frequency deviation for EMI reduction. It features nonvolatile EEPROM configuration storage, 2-wire serial interface, and dedicated control pins (PDN, OE, SPRD) for power-down, output enable, and dither activation - deployed in PC peripherals, cable modems, and embedded timing systems.

For engineers reviewing the DS1086Z datasheet, DS1086Z pinout, DS1086Z application, or DS1086Z equivalent, key selection considerations include its 8-pin SO package, 5V supply operation, glitchless output-enable timing, 10kHz DAC step resolution, and factory-default 97.1MHz master oscillator frequency with ±0.75% tolerance at +25°C.

Technical Context

The DS1086Z integrates a voltage-controlled master oscillator (66–133MHz), a 10-bit DAC with 10kHz step size, an OFFSET register selecting 13 discrete 10.24MHz frequency bands, and a prescaler dividing by 1–256 (2^x, x = 0–8). Dither is generated via a triangle-wave modulator injected into the VCO control path, with unidirectional frequency deviation controlled by the J0 bit.

Its 2-wire interface supports standard (100kHz) and fast (400kHz) modes, with open-drain SDA/SCL pins and automatic EEPROM write-on-register-update (unless WC bit is set). Power-down mode reduces supply current to 35µA, while output-enable provides glitchless gating without stopping the internal oscillator.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DS1086Z uses an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package, RoHS-compliant, with 1.27mm pitch and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Thermal resistance θ_JA = 85°C/W; max continuous power dissipation at +70°C = 470.6mW.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar programmable spread-spectrum clock generator applications.

Compared with ICS8430M-01LFT and Si5351A-B-GM, the DS1086Z uniquely combines single-output programmability, on-chip dithering, nonvolatile storage, and 5V operation in an SO-8 package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, EMI-constrained, single-clock applications where configuration persistence matters.

Availability

DS1086Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printers, cable modems, and PC peripheral designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for DS1086Z 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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The DS1086Z belongs to Maxim's EconOscillator™ family - designed specifically for EMI-sensitive digital systems needing programmable, self-contained clock sources without crystals or external components.

FAQ

What is the default output frequency of the DS1086Z?

The DS1086Z ships with factory-default register settings yielding a master oscillator frequency of 97.1MHz. With prescaler = 1 and no dither, this results in a 97.1MHz output on the OUT pin. The default OFFSET is OS (92.16–102.39MHz range), DAC = 500 decimal, and PRESCALER = 0x10 (2% dither enabled). This default is stored in EEPROM and persists across power cycles.

Does the DS1086Z require an external crystal or resonator?

No, the DS1086Z does not require any external timing components. It contains an integrated voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and all necessary circuitry to generate its 66–133MHz master oscillator signal. The device operates fully stand-alone once programmed - eliminating crystals, load capacitors, and associated layout constraints.

How does the DS1086Z reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI)?

The DS1086Z reduces EMI through hardware-based spread-spectrum dithering: a triangle-wave modulator injects controlled frequency deviation (2% or 4%) below the programmed center frequency. This spreads spectral energy across a bandwidth, lowering peak radiated emissions by up to 15dB - as confirmed in Figure 1 of the DS1086Z datasheet using 9kHz RBW peak detection.

Can the DS1086Z be reprogrammed after soldering to the PCB?

Yes, the DS1086Z supports in-circuit reprogramming via its 2-wire (I²C-compatible) interface. SDA and SCL pins allow full read/write access to all configuration registers (PRESCALER, DAC, OFFSET) and EEPROM. Programming can occur during production test or in the field - provided appropriate pull-ups and firmware support are implemented.

What is the function of the PDN and OE pins on the DS1086Z?

The PDN (Power-Down) pin is active-low and disables the internal master oscillator, reducing supply current to 35µA; OUT goes high-Z. The OE (Output Enable) pin is active-high and gates only the output buffer - the oscillator remains running, enabling fast wake-up (<500µs) without frequency stabilization delay. Both controls operate synchronously to prevent output glitches.