Diodes Incorporated PI6LC48P0201AZHIE

Overview

PI6LC48P0201AZHIE from Pericom is a 2-output LVPECL clock synthesizer optimized for Ethernet reference clock generation, featuring selectable crystal or LVCMOS/LVTTL input, 3.3V/2.5V dual supply support, and ultra-low RMS phase jitter of 0.3ps (typ) at 156.25MHz using a 25MHz crystal. It delivers precise 62.5MHz, 125MHz, and 156.25MHz outputs for high-integrity networking interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the PI6LC48P0201AZHIE datasheet, PI6LC48P0201AZHIE pinout, PI6LC48P0201AZHIE application, or PI6LC48P0201AZHIE equivalent, key selection criteria include differential LVPECL output compliance, industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C), PLL bypass capability, N_SEL frequency select logic, and TQFN-20 package thermal performance (θ_JA = 19.8°C/W).

Technical Context

The device implements a proprietary low-phase-noise PLL architecture with separate analog (VDDA), core (VDD), and output (VDDO) power domains to isolate switching noise and preserve jitter integrity. Frequency selection is determined by two binary inputs (N_SEL0/N_SEL1), enabling deterministic output frequencies without reprogramming.

It supports dual clock sources: a parallel-resonant 25MHz fundamental-mode crystal (18pF load, ≤50Ω ESR) or single-ended LVCMOS/LVTTL reference input via AC-coupled XTAL_IN, with IN_SEL controlling source selection and PLL_ByPass enabling direct clock pass-through mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The PI6LC48P0201AZHIE is housed in a 20-pin TQFN (ZH) package with an exposed thermal pad connected to GND. Pin layout supports symmetrical routing of differential LVPECL outputs and dedicated power domains (VDDA, VDD, VDDO) for optimal noise isolation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IDT 8T49N241 and Si5338A-B-GM, the PI6LC48P0201AZHIE offers hardware-strapped simplicity, lower quiescent current (110mA), and zero-firmware integration-ideal for cost-sensitive, high-volume Ethernet PHY clocking where fixed frequencies suffice.

Availability

PI6LC48P0201AZHIE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 10GBASE-T Ethernet PHY clocking, multi-port Gigabit switch timing, and industrial Ethernet gateway synchronization requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for PI6LC48P0201AZHIE 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 clock management, signal integrity, and interface solutions for networking, computing, and communications markets.

The PI6LC48P0201AZHIE belongs to Pericom's HiFlex family-designed specifically for low-jitter, pin-strapped Ethernet clock generation in space-constrained, thermally demanding infrastructure equipment.

FAQ

What crystal specifications are required for optimal 156.25MHz output performance?

The PI6LC48P0201AZHIE requires a 25MHz fundamental-mode parallel-resonant crystal with 18pF load capacitance, ≤50Ω equivalent series resistance (ESR), and ±20ppm frequency tolerance. Pericom recommends FL2500047 (3.2×2.5mm, CL=18pF) or FY2500091 (5×3.2mm, CL=18pF). Deviations increase ppm error and degrade phase jitter beyond 0.5ps.

Can the device operate with only one LVPECL output enabled?

Yes. Unused LVPECL outputs (e.g., CLK1/CLK1#) may be left floating without impact on performance. The device does not require termination on inactive outputs. However, all power supplies (VDD, VDDA, VDDO) and ground pins must remain connected per datasheet recommendations to maintain PLL stability and jitter integrity.

How does PLL bypass mode affect jitter and output frequency accuracy?

In PLL bypass mode (PLL_ByPass = high), the selected input clock (crystal or Ref_IN) passes directly to both outputs with no multiplication or division. Output jitter equals the input source jitter plus propagation delay skew (<10ps). Frequency accuracy matches the input source-no PLL-induced drift or multiplication error. This mode is used for ultra-low-latency clock forwarding or when input jitter is already within specification.

What PCB layout practices minimize phase jitter in high-density designs?

Place 0.1μF ceramic bypass capacitors within 2mm of each VDD/VDDA/VDDO pin, route VDDA with a dedicated 10Ω + 10μF RC filter, and connect the exposed thermal pad to a solid GND plane using ≥4 thermal vias. Route differential LVPECL traces as controlled-impedance pairs (100Ω differential), avoid stubs or splits, and keep XTAL traces short and shielded from digital switching noise.