Zarlink introduces integrated single-chip synchronization solutions for optical transport networks

JULY 9, 2010 - Zarlink Semiconductor has introduced two new single-chip ClockCenter universal clock translator products intended to simplify design, lower power consumption, and reduce bill of material costs of multiservice platforms targeting OTN expansion.

OTN is a next-generation, industry-standard protocol that provides an efficient way to deliver the full range of communication services over a single optical network.

"ClockCenter are the only single-chip, multichannel timing products available that accept and generate all frequencies required to support the full range of services over OTN," says Louise Gaulin, product line director of Zarlink's Timing and Synchronization product group. “In comparison, competing products offer limited frequency support, forcing equipment manufacturers to rely on multiple devices to achieve the same flexibility supported by our single-chip ClockCenter products."

Zarlink's ClockCenter universal clock translator products are highly integrated, programmable solutions that provide translation from any input frequency to any output clock frequency with jitter performance that can directly drive 10G PHY devices. The devices synchronize "any rate, any port, all the time", meaning a single-chip ClockCenter solution accepts and generates any frequency (1 kHz to 720 MHz) required to support all different traffic types over a single high-speed optical or Ethernet connection.

The ZL30155 Dual Channel Universal Clock Translator provides full duplex timing and integrates two independent narrowband digital phase locked loops (DPLLs) to support any rate to any rate frequency translation between four input references and up to 12 programmable output clocks. Two high-performance synthesizers provide independent output clock programmability on a per-port basis, which is critical in OTN applications where systems need to be able to support multiple types of traffic and requirements may change dynamically.

The ZL30160 Four Channel Universal Clock Translator accepts up to four, single-ended or differential input references of any frequency between 1 kHz and 720 MHz and generates up to 20 programmable output clocks. Narrowband DPLLs enable the device to accept low-frequency input references and provide improved filtering for up to four independent timing paths. The ZL30160 device can also perform hitless reference switching.

Zarlink's ClockCenter dual-channel and quad-channel synchronous clock translator products are now available.