Skyworks Solutions Inc. SL16020DC

Overview

SL16020DC from Silicon Laboratories is a low-power spread-spectrum clock generator with integrated PLL, delivering 27.000MHz REFCLK and 100.000MHz SSCLK outputs, operating at 3.3V ±10%, -10 to +85°C, in a 10-pin 3×3×0.75 mm TDFN package for EMI reduction in video cards and embedded digital systems.

For engineers reviewing the SL16020DC datasheet, SL16020DC pinout, SL16020DC application, or SL16020DC equivalent, this device supports configurable down-spread options (0.0% to –1.5%), low-cycle-to-cycle jitter (±50 ps typ on SSCLK), and dual power domains for independent REFCLK/SSCLK supply management.

Technical Context

The SL16020DC integrates a proprietary low-jitter PLL with triangular modulation control, enabling precise 100.000MHz SSCLK synthesis from a 27.000MHz crystal or clock input. Its internal voltage regulators isolate VDD1 (SSCLK domain) and VDD2 (REFCLK domain), each rated 3.3V ±10%.

SSEL0 and SSEL1 pins implement 3-level logic (LOW/MIDDLE/HIGH) to select nine discrete spread percentages per Table 5, with 150 kΩ internal pull-down resistors and 1.0 ms settling time after selection change.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SL16020DC uses a 10-pin 3×3×0.75 mm TDFN package with exposed thermal pad. Pin 1 marked by top-side indentation; pins arranged counterclockwise from top-left corner in standard TDFN orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IDT 5V41065PGI and NB3N3020BDR2G, the SL16020DC uniquely integrates crystal drive capability, user-selectable spread via dual 3-level inputs, and separate power domains - offering higher integration and design flexibility for dual-clock EMI-critical applications.

Availability

SL16020DC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for video cards, embedded digital applications, and HDTV/DVD-R/W systems requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and extended temperature support.

Supply support for SL16020DC 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

Silicon Laboratories Inc. is a U.S.-based fabless semiconductor company specializing in timing, MCU, and wireless solutions, with headquarters in Austin, Texas.

The SL16020DC belongs to Silicon Labs' Spread Spectrum Clock Generator (SSCG) product line, designed specifically for EMI reduction in high-speed digital systems without compromising timing integrity or increasing bill-of-materials complexity.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable load capacitance for SL16020DC outputs?

The SL16020DC specifies a maximum load capacitance of 15 pF for both REFCLK (Pin 9) and SSCLK (Pin 5), as confirmed in Table 3 and Figure 4 of the datasheet. Exceeding this value degrades rise/fall times and increases jitter - for example, TR/F-4 shows SSCLK rise/fall time increases to 1.75 ns at CL=15pF. Always use series termination and proper PCB routing to maintain effective load within specification when driving multiple loads.

Does SL16020DC require an external crystal, or can it accept a clock input?

The SL16020DC supports both configurations: it can drive a 27.000MHz fundamental AT-cut crystal between XIN (Pin 1) and XOUT (Pin 10), or accept a 27.000MHz CMOS clock signal applied to XIN (Pin 1) with XOUT (Pin 10) left unconnected. This dual-mode capability is explicitly documented in Rev 2.1 (June 2010) and Figure 4, enabling flexibility in system clock architecture without redesigning the SL16020DC interface.

How does the SL16020DC achieve EMI reduction without compromising clock accuracy?

The SL16020DC achieves EMI reduction through triangular modulation of the 100.000MHz SSCLK output at 31–33 kHz, spreading energy across a narrow band rather than concentrating at harmonics. Crucially, REFCLK (Pin 9) remains unmodulated with ±0 ppm accuracy, preserving timing-critical functions. The ±50 ps typical cycle-to-cycle jitter on SSCLK ensures that modulation does not violate setup/hold windows for downstream receivers like GPUs or FPGAs.

What is the function of the 150 kΩ internal pull-down resistors on SSEL0 and SSEL1?

The 150 kΩ internal pull-down resistors on SSEL0 (Pin 7) and SSEL1 (Pin 3) ensure deterministic logic states (LOW) when those pins are unconnected or driven by open-drain sources. As defined in Table 1 and Rev 2.0 (April 2010), this prevents floating inputs from causing undefined spread % selection. When implementing MIDDLE (VDD/2) logic level, external 5kΩ/5kΩ resistor dividers must override these pull-downs - confirmed in Figure 3 and page 6 of the datasheet.

Can SL16020DC operate outside the –10°C to +85°C range?

No - the SL16020DC is characterized and guaranteed only for operation between –10°C and +85°C, as stated in the "Ambient Operating Temperature" row of Table 2 (Absolute Maximum Ratings) and reinforced in the Ordering Information table. Operation outside this range may result in frequency inaccuracy, increased jitter, or failure to lock the PLL. For extended temperature variants, contact Silicon Labs directly - no industrial or automotive grade versions of SL16020DC are documented in Rev 2.2.