Skyworks Solutions Inc. SI5338A-B01224-GM

Overview

SI5338A-B01224-GM from Skyworks Solutions is a quad-output, I²C-programmable clock generator with MultiSynth™ frequency synthesis. It delivers four independent, any-frequency clocks (0.16–710 MHz) with 0.7 ps RMS typical phase jitter, PCIe Gen 1–4 Common Clock and Gen 3 SRNS compliance, and configurable LVPECL/LVDS/HCSL/CMOS outputs - deployed in high-speed Ethernet switches and FPGA timing systems.

For engineers reviewing the SI5338A-B01224-GM datasheet, SI5338A-B01224-GM pinout, SI5338A-B01224-GM application, or SI5338A-B01224-GM equivalent, key selection criteria include differential output jitter performance at 125 MHz (0.7 ps RMS), independent per-output voltage control (1.5–3.3 V), and support for external crystal (8–30 MHz), CMOS (5–200 MHz), or differential inputs (5–710 MHz).

Technical Context

The SI5338A-B01224-GM implements a two-stage PLL architecture: a high-stability integer-N PLL (Stage 1) locks to an input reference, followed by four independent fractional-N MultiSynth™ synthesizers (Stage 2) generating each output. Each MultiSynth supports programmable phase offset (<20 ps step), frequency increment/decrement (1 ppm step), and spread-spectrum modulation (0.5–5.0% spread, 33–63 kHz rate).

Input flexibility includes six dedicated clock inputs (IN1–IN6): differential pairs (IN1/IN2, IN5/IN6) accepting 5–710 MHz, and single-ended pins (IN3/IN4) supporting 5–200 MHz CMOS or 5–350 MHz SSTL/HSTL. Output drivers are fully independent - enabling mixed signal formats (e.g., LVDS on CLK0, HCSL on CLK1, CMOS on CLK2) and per-driver supply voltages (VDDO0–VDDO3).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SI5338A-B01224-GM uses a 24-lead QFN package (4 mm × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments follow Skyworks' standard Si5338 top-view layout.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad-output clock generator applications.

Compared with SI5338A-B01224-GM, Si5332A-D07189-GM offers superior jitter and integration but requires redesign for crystal omission and pin compatibility, while ICS853S02IAGLF sacrifices programmability and flexibility for lower unit cost in static clock trees.

Availability

SI5338A-B01224-GM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Ethernet switch/router, PCIe Gen 1–4 host systems, and broadcast video timing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for SI5338A-B01224-GM 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

Skyworks Solutions is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal connectivity solutions, with leadership in RF, timing, and power management ICs.

The Si5338 family is designed as a programmable, low-jitter clock generator platform for high-speed digital systems - targeting applications demanding flexible, multi-frequency timing with PCIe, Ethernet, and broadcast video compliance.

FAQ

What is the maximum differential input frequency supported by SI5338A-B01224-GM?

The SI5338A-B01224-GM supports differential input frequencies up to 710 MHz on pins IN1/IN2 and IN5/IN6. This capability enables direct use with high-speed SerDes reference clocks (e.g., 622.08 MHz OC-12, 709.5 MHz 100G CAUI-4) without external dividers or translators. The device maintains low additive jitter (0.165 ps RMS) even in PLL bypass mode at these rates.

Does SI5338A-B01224-GM support PCIe Gen 4 Common Clock compliance?

Yes, SI5338A-B01224-GM meets PCIe Gen 4 Common Clock specifications with 0.15–0.45 ps RMS jitter (10 kHz–50 MHz) when configured per Skyworks AN562 guidelines. It is validated using the Skyworks PCIe Clock Jitter Tool and Intel Clock Jitter Tool v1.6.4, supporting both 100 MHz reference clock generation and SRNS mode for endpoint timing.

Can SI5338A-B01224-GM generate four different output frequencies simultaneously?

Yes, SI5338A-B01224-GM synthesizes four independent output frequencies (0.16–710 MHz each) using its four MultiSynth™ engines. Each output supports distinct formats (e.g., LVDS, HCSL, CMOS), voltages (1.5–3.3 V), and phase offsets - enabling simultaneous clocking of heterogeneous subsystems like CPU, GPU, memory, and I/O in a single SoC platform.

What is the function of the INTR pin on SI5338A-B01224-GM?

The INTR pin on SI5338A-B01224-GM is an open-drain interrupt output that asserts low during loss-of-lock (LOL) or loss-of-signal (LOS) conditions. It provides real-time fault detection for system monitoring and fail-safe clock switchover. The pin is compatible with 1.8/2.5/3.3 V logic and supports pull-up to any VDDO rail for flexible host MCU interfacing.

How is SI5338A-B01224-GM programmed, and is external non-volatile memory required?

SI5338A-B01224-GM is programmed via its I²C/SMBus interface using Skyworks' ClockBuilder Pro software. Configuration is stored in on-chip one-time-programmable (OTP) NVM, eliminating need for external EEPROM. Factory pre-programmed units (like SI5338A-B01224-GM) ship with default settings enabling immediate operation after power-up, with optional field reconfiguration via I²C.