4DSP Adds New FMCs for Clock Generation and Distribution
4DSP is proud to announce two new FPGA mezzanine cards (FMCs) that supersede our popular FMC408 clock and trigger distribution module, which was released in August 2013. The FMC406 and FMC407 are low-noise, clock generation and distribution cards that feature eight synchronized clock outputs and eight synchronized PPS (pulse-per-second) signals which make it possible to easily build high-speed multichannel solutions. They can either distribute an externally supplied or a locally generated clock. A synchronous trigger signal received from the FMC connector is distributed to the eight trigger outputs. Additionally, an external trigger signal can be synchronized to the output clocks and distributed on the eight trigger outputs, and it is possible to distribute the external 1PPS or a locally generated 1PPS signal for data time-stamping.
The FMC406 can generate any clock frequency between 34.375 MHz and 250MHz. The maximum clock frequency can be extended to 350MHz as a build option. The FMC407, on the other hand, can generate any clock frequency between 34.375 MHZ and 4.4GHz. Both designs are based on Analog Devices‘ ADF4351 PLL synthesizer. This is combined with the Cypress Semiconductor CY29948AXI LVCMOS fan-out buffer on the FMC406 and with the Analog Devices’ ADCLK954 LVPECL fan-out buffer on the FMC407.
Many applications will require the FMC407 because the LVPECL electrical output it uses is much more common for clock interfaces. It enables higher frequencies and the signal integrity is maintained by having a 50 ohm load. The FMC406, however, offers LVCMOS which provides a limited frequency range but is DC-coupled and can be used to drive into high-impedance loads. The FMC406 was designed at the request of a 4DSP client, and we now make it available to any customer who may have similar requirements.
These cards are recommended for applications that require synchronous A/D or D/A sampling across multiple cards or systems. With a low-pin count connector and front panel I/O, both modules can be used in a conduction-cooled environment. When combined with several eight-channel FMC168 analog-to-digital conversion modules from 4DSP, these cards can provide 64 fully synchronous A /D channels that can be enclosed in a single ruggedized chassis or 3U server.
Please note that the FMC408 is still supported by 4DSP, but we recommend the FMC406 and FMC407 for new designs. Contact sales@4dsp.com for more details.