Diodes Incorporated PI6LC48C21LEX
- Part No.:
- PI6LC48C21LEX
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Application Specific Clock/Timing
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
PI6LC48C21LEX.pdf
- Description:
- 125MHZ CMOS SYNTHESIZER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,543
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Product details
Overview
PI6LC48C21LEX from Pericom Semiconductor is a single-output LVCMOS clock synthesizer optimized for Ethernet reference clock generation, using a 25MHz fundamental-mode crystal to produce 125MHz (or 130MHz) output with 0.15ps typical RMS phase jitter (1.875MHz–20MHz offset), full 3.3V/2.5V supply support, and industrial temperature operation (−40°C to +85°C).
For engineers reviewing the PI6LC48C21LEX datasheet, PI6LC48C21LEX pinout, PI6LC48C21LEX application, or PI6LC48C21LEX equivalent, key selection criteria include its low-jitter 125MHz LVCMOS output, OE-controlled tri-state capability, dual-voltage operation, TSSOP-8 packaging, and crystal interface requirements for Ethernet PHY timing.
Technical Context
The PI6LC48C21LEX integrates a PLL-based frequency synthesizer with a 25MHz crystal oscillator input, generating precisely multiplied outputs (×5 for 125MHz or ×5.2 for 130MHz). It employs separate analog (VDDA) and core (VDD) power domains to isolate PLL noise from the LVCMOS output driver.
Its crystal interface supports parallel-resonant 18pF crystals with recommended ESR ≤50Ω; the OE pin enables hardware-controlled output disable with internal 51kΩ pull-up, and XTAL_OUT may be left floating when using external LVCMOS clock injection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Frequency | 125MHz (with 25MHz crystal) or 130MHz (with 26MHz crystal); fixed integer multiplication, no programmability |
| RMS Phase Jitter (1.875MHz–20MHz) | 0.15ps typical; meets IEEE 802.3 clause 40/48 jitter budgets for 1000BASE-T/10GBASE-T PHY clocks |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V ±5% or 2.5V ±5%; independent VDD (core) and VDDA (analog PLL) pins require separate bypassing |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C ambient; qualified for industrial-grade networking equipment deployment |
| Output Drive | LVCMOS-compliant; 15Ω output impedance, 47–53% duty cycle, 250–800ps rise/fall time (20–80%) |
| Crystal Interface | Supports 22.4–27.2MHz fundamental-mode parallel-resonant crystals; CL = 18pF, ESR ≤50Ω, drive level ≤1mW |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-pin Pb-free Green TSSOP (173mil width), JEDEC MO-153F/AA compliant, with exposed pad not present.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 VDDA | Analog Power Supply | Supplies PLL analog circuitry; requires 10μF + 10Ω RC filter and local 0.1μF bypass to minimize phase noise |
| 2 OE | Output Enable Input | Active-high control; internal 51kΩ pull-up; drives CLK into high-impedance state when low |
| 3 XTAL_OUT | Clock Oscillator Output | Drives crystal in Pierce configuration; may be left floating if external LVCMOS clock injected at XTAL_IN |
| 4 XTAL_IN | Clock Oscillator Input | Accepts crystal or AC-coupled LVCMOS clock; input capacitance 4pF; edge rate ≥10ns supported |
| 5 NC | No Connect | Not bonded; must remain unconnected per datasheet |
| 6 GND | Ground Reference | Digital and analog ground common point; requires low-inductance connection to PCB ground plane |
| 7 CLK | LVCMOS Clock Output | Single-ended 125/130MHz LVCMOS output; 15Ω source impedance; 2.6V VOH @ −8mA (3.3V supply) |
| 8 VDD | Digital Core Power | Supplies digital logic and output buffer; requires dedicated 0.1μF bypass capacitor |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low-jitter 125MHz synthesis | 0.15ps RMS phase jitter (1.875MHz–20MHz) enables compliance with stringent Ethernet PHY timing margins |
| Dual-supply domain isolation | Separate VDD (digital) and VDDA (analog PLL) pins reduce supply-induced jitter by >5dB vs. single-rail designs |
| Hardware output enable | OE pin provides deterministic, glitch-free CLK disable without requiring I²C/SPI control or reset sequencing |
| Flexible crystal interface | Supports both quartz crystal (25MHz) and AC-coupled LVCMOS clock injection, easing board-level clock tree design |
| Industrial temperature grade | Qualified from −40°C to +85°C, enabling use in uncontrolled environments like enterprise switches and PoE-powered devices |
Applications
| 1000BASE-T Ethernet PHY | 10GBASE-T Ethernet PHY |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing reference clock to Marvell Alaska 88E1512 or Broadcom BCM54616S PHY ICs in gigabit copper switch ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 125MHz LVCMOS clock source synchronized to crystal; replaces discrete crystal + buffer solutions. Use Value: 0.15ps jitter ensures <0.3UI total jitter at PHY receiver, meeting IEEE 802.3-2018 clause 40 mask compliance. | Use Scenario: Generating 125MHz reference for Aquantia AQC107 10GBASE-T controller in high-density server NICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise clock generator feeding multi-gigabit SerDes PLLs; operates with 25MHz FL2500047 crystal. Use Value: Dual-supply isolation prevents digital switching noise from degrading SerDes BER performance below 10⁻¹². |
| Industrial Ethernet Switch | Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Endpoint |
Use Scenario: Clocking multiple PHYs in DIN-rail mounted managed switches deployed in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-output timing device supporting extended temperature range and EMC-robust layout via split supplies. Use Value: −40°C to +85°C rating and TSSOP-8 package allow direct placement near PHYs without thermal derating. | Use Scenario: Providing 125MHz clock to PoE PD controllers (e.g., Microchip PD69200) integrated with Ethernet MACs in IP cameras. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, low-power clock source sharing 3.3V rail with MAC and PD controller; OE enables power-aware clock gating. Use Value: 45mA total supply current and OE-controlled shutdown reduce standby power in battery-backed surveillance systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar single-output LVCMOS clock synthesizer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDT 5P49V5901BGI | Programmable output (I²C-configurable), higher integration (dual output), 0.23ps jitter @125MHz | Requires firmware initialization; supports multiple frequencies beyond 125/130MHz | Choose for flexible multi-frequency designs; avoid if pin-strapped simplicity and zero-config startup are required |
| Si5351A-B-GM | 3-output, I²C-programmable, CMOS output, 0.5ps jitter @125MHz (worse than PI6LC48C21LEX) | Needs external crystal load capacitors; no OE pin; wider supply range (2.5–3.6V) | Choose for cost-sensitive multi-output needs; avoid for jitter-critical 10GBASE-T where 0.15ps is mandatory |
Compared with IDT 5P49V5901BGI and Si5351A-B-GM, the PI6LC48C21LEX delivers superior phase jitter (0.15ps) and simpler hardware-only configuration, making it optimal for fixed-frequency Ethernet PHY timing where minimal BOM count and guaranteed startup behavior are critical.
Availability
PI6LC48C21LEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 1000BASE-T PHY timing, 10GBASE-T controller clocking, and industrial Ethernet switch designs requiring stable component supply, lead-free compliance, and industrial temperature grading.
Supply support for PI6LC48C21LEX 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
Pericom Semiconductor (acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2016) specialized in high-performance timing, signal integrity, and interface solutions for networking and communications infrastructure.
The PI6LC48C21LEX belongs to the HiFlex family of low-jitter clock synthesizers, designed specifically to replace crystal oscillators and buffers in Ethernet physical layer timing applications.
FAQ
What crystal specifications are mandatory for stable 125MHz operation?
The PI6LC48C21LEX requires a 25MHz fundamental-mode parallel-resonant crystal with 18pF load capacitance, ESR ≤50Ω, shunt capacitance ≤7pF, and drive level ≤1mW. Pericom recommends FL2500047 (3.2×2.5mm, ±20ppm) or FY2500091 (5×3.2mm, ±30ppm); deviation risks frequency error or start-up failure.
Can the PI6LC48C21LEX accept an external LVCMOS clock instead of a crystal?
Yes - the XTAL_IN pin accepts AC-coupled LVCMOS signals (amplitude reduced to half-swing to limit rail noise), while XTAL_OUT is left floating. The input edge rate must be ≥10ns, and source impedance plus series resistor must match the transmission line (e.g., 50Ω). Crystal remains optional but required for guaranteed jitter performance.
How does the dual-supply architecture (VDD/VDDA) improve jitter performance?
VDD powers digital logic and the CLK output buffer, while VDDA exclusively supplies the PLL's VCO and phase detector. Separating these rails with dedicated 0.1μF (VDD) and 10μF+10Ω (VDDA) filtering prevents digital switching noise from modulating the VCO, reducing RMS phase jitter by up to 40% compared to single-supply clock generators.
Is the PI6LC48C21LEX pin-compatible with other Pericom HiFlex clock generators?
No - the PI6LC48C21LEX uses an 8-pin TSSOP footprint with unique pin assignments (e.g., VDDA on Pin 1, OE on Pin 2, NC on Pin 5). Other HiFlex devices like PI6C20400 or PI6CB18501 have different pin counts, functions, and packages; direct replacement requires PCB redesign and validation.
PI6LC48C21LEX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- HiFlex™
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- PLL:
- Yes
- Main Purpose:
- Ethernet
- Input:
- Crystal
- Output:
- LVCMOS
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 1:1
- Differential - Input:Output:
- No/No
- Frequency - Max:
- 136MHz
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.375V ~ 2.625V, 3.135V ~ 3.465V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
PI6LC48C21LEX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PI6LC48C21LEX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PI6LC48C21LEX on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PI6LC48C21LEX reliable?
The price and inventory of PI6LC48C21LEX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PI6LC48C21LEX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PI6LC48C21LEX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PI6LC48C21LEX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PI6LC48C21LEX?
PI6LC48C21LEX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PI6LC48C21LEX order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PI6LC48C21LEX?
For technical support, including PI6LC48C21LEX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PI6LC48C21LEX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PI6LC48C21LEX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PI6LC48C21LEX products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PI6LC48C21LEX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PI6LC48C21LEX?
All PI6LC48C21LEX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PI6LC48C21LEX, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PI6LC48C21LEX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PI6LC48C21LEX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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