Spectrum Control, an innovative leader in RF miniaturization and digital integration, expands its RF+ SiP platform with the introduction of the SCRS-00-1003 RF+ System in Package (SiP) high-speed signal source. The new standard product provides stable, low jitter and low noise floor clock signals to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in high-speed direct-sampling systems. The new clock device is part of Spectrum Control’s RF+ SiP platform that delivers unrivaled miniaturization of integrated microwave assemblies (IMAs).
The clock signal source, which provides low-phase noise signals at frequencies up to 32 GHz, is ideally suited for next-generation 64 Gsps devices such as Altera’s Agilex 9 device. It also incorporates a complete system of clocks by utilizing the functions of the Texas Instruments LMX1204 Low Noise JESD Buffer/Multiplier/Divider. The result is up to four buffered (or divided) high frequency (up to 4 GHz) clocks paired with synchronous system reference signals (SYSREF) for JESD interfaces, as well as one FPGA (LOGICLK) signal. These additional clock outputs are provided as 100 Ohm differential signals with selectable output types (e.g. CML, LVDS, or LVPECL) and programmable output levels.
The design relies extensively on Spectrum Control’s advanced filtering capabilities and leverages the company’s new digital development pipeline, which has reduced the typical IMA productization timeline by 75%. The clock source is tuned, monitored, and managed using an Altera FPGA through an open standard software interface for easy integration into a system and for in-mission adaptation. It also includes integrated power management using a single 9 VDC input. The small footprint, high performance, and integrated digital control give systems engineers the ability to shrink high-channel-count, direct-sampling subsystems while speeding development and manufacturing.
“Low noise clock signals are a critical part of modern, high-speed direct sampling systems used in electronic warfare and other defense applications,” said Jeff Miner, Spectrum Control's chief technologist. “We have done the design work to develop a high-performance, high-frequency signal source in a miniature package for easy integration.”
Applications
The SCRS-00-1003 RF+SiP can be used in multiple applications. It is well suited for test and measurement, wireless equipment testers, wideband digitizers, radar, electronic warfare, seeker front-ends, munitions, phased array antennas, analog-to-digital converter clocking, and clock buffer distribution.
Availability
Samples of the new SCRS-00-1003 clock signal source SiP will be available in Q1 2025. Customization options are available.
About the SCi Blocks™ Family
Spectrum Control’s SCi Blocks (pronounced “sky blocks”) RF+Digital architecture revolutionizes how RF is integrated into digital defense systems. Platform elements include SiPs, RF-on-mezzanine and SOSA-aligned 3U OpenVPX modules. Each offers a dramatic reduction in size, weight, and power (SWaP) and an open-standard digital interface for tuning, monitoring, & control, and vastly simplified system integration.
Click here to learn more about the RF+Digital Blocks from Spectrum Control.
