This thread has been locked.

If you have a related question, please click the "Ask a related question" button in the top right corner. The newly created question will be automatically linked to this question.

LMK1C1104: Recommended clock buffer for distributing one 8MHz clock to four MCUs

Guru 15110 points

Part Number: LMK1C1104
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LMV112, CDC328A

Hi,

We are using four MCUs on a power controller board.
Currently, each MCU has its own 8MHz crystal resonator, but we have an issue with clock frequency mismatch between the individual crystals.

To solve this, we are considering using one 8MHz clock source and distributing it to all four MCUs.

Our conditions are as follows:

  • Clock frequency: 8MHz
  • Number of MCUs: 4
  • Preferred clock format: CMOS / LVCMOS
  • System supply rail: 5V
  • Output-to-output skew: not mandatory, but lower skew is preferred

We think LMK1C1104 may be a possible candidate because it is a 1:4 LVCMOS clock buffer.
We understand that LMK1C1104 supports 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V operation and has 25ps output skew.

Could you please confirm the following points?

  1. Is LMK1C1104 the recommended TI device for this application?
  2. Although our system is based on a 5V rail, if the MCU clock inputs can accept a 3.3V LVCMOS level, is it acceptable to use LMK1C1104 with a 3.3V supply?
  3. If a 5V CMOS clock level is mandatory, does TI have a recommended 5V-capable clock buffer or an alternative solution?

Thanks,

Conor

  • Hi Conor, 

    I apologize for the delayed response here, this thread did not get assigned to anyone in our clocks and timing applications team. 

    It sounds like LMK1C1104 would be the best fit for your application if 3.3V is acceptable. If 5V is a must-have requirement, then our only solution would be one of our legacy clock buffer devices such as LMV112 or CDC328A. Let me know if you have any other questions on this.