Clock Data Recovery Circuit (CDR) - Component for High-Speed Serial Links

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Clock Data Recovery Circuit

Definition

The Clock Data Recovery (CDR) circuit is a component used in high-speed serial communication systems, particularly within Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and deserializers. Its primary function is to generate a stable, synchronized clock signal directly from the incoming serial data stream. This recovered clock is essential for accurately sampling data bits at the optimal moment, compensating for timing jitter, frequency drift, and phase misalignment between transmitter and receiver. By doing so, it ensures reliable data transmission and conversion. The circuit typically employs a phase-locked loop (PLL) or delay-locked loop (DLL) architecture. It compares the phase of incoming data transitions with that of a locally generated clock from a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). A phase detector produces an error signal proportional to the phase difference, which is filtered and used to adjust the VCO's frequency and phase, locking it to the average frequency and phase of the incoming data stream. Once locked, the recovered clock triggers sampling of data bits in the subsequent data path. The CDR supports data rates from 0.1 to 12.5 Gbps, operates from a single 1.8–3.3 V supply, and consumes 50–150 mW at maximum data rate. It offers jitter tolerance of 0.5–1.0 UI peak-to-peak at a bit error rate (BER) of 1e-12, lock time from 0.1 to 10 ms, and operates over -40 to 85 °C. Input sensitivity is 50–200 mV differential peak-to-peak, and output swing is 400–800 mV differential, selectable. The device is available in a 4x4 mm QFN-32 package, RoHS compliant, and has an ESD rating of ±2 kV (HBM) per IEC 61000-4-2. Materials include silicon substrate, copper interconnects, and dielectric insulation. These specifications are reference ranges; verify model-specific values with the manufacturer.

Working Principle

The CDR circuit uses a phase-locked loop (PLL) or delay-locked loop (DLL) to recover a clock from the data stream. A phase detector compares the phase of incoming data transitions with a locally generated clock from a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). The resulting error signal is filtered and applied to the VCO, adjusting its frequency and phase to match the average of the incoming data. Once locked, the recovered clock is used to sample data bits at the optimal point, ensuring accurate data recovery.

Common Materials

Silicon (Semiconductor substrate), Copper (Interconnects), Dielectric materials (Insulation)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Data Rate	0.1–12.5 Gbps	Supports common serial standards
Supply Voltage	1.8–3.3 V	Single supply operation
Power Consumption	50–150 mW	At max data rate
Jitter Tolerance	0.5–1.0 UI	Peak-to-peak at BER 1e-12
Lock Time	0.1–10 ms	From power-up or reset
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Industrial grade
Input Sensitivity	50–200 mV	Differential peak-to-peak
Output Swing	400–800 mV	Differential, selectable
Package Type	QFN-32	4x4 mm, RoHS compliant
ESD Rating	±2 kV	HBMIEC 61000-4-2

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Phase Detector / Phase Frequency Detector (PFD)
Compares the phase (and sometimes frequency) of the incoming data transitions with the feedback clock from the VCO and generates an error signal.

Material: Semiconductor (CMOS/BiCMOS transistors)
Charge Pump & Loop Filter
Converts the phase detector's digital error signals into an analog control voltage. The loop filter smooths this voltage to set the dynamics (bandwidth, stability) of the PLL.

Material: Semiconductor (transistors, capacitors, resistors)
Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
Generates the local clock signal. Its oscillation frequency is controlled by the voltage from the loop filter.

Material: Semiconductor (inductors, varactors, transistors)
Frequency Divider
Divides the high-frequency VCO output down to a lower frequency for comparison in the phase detector, setting the multiplication ratio of the PLL.

Material: Semiconductor (digital logic gates)

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) / Deserializer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a Clock Data Recovery circuit?

The primary function is to extract a stable clock signal from an incoming serial data stream, enabling accurate sampling of data bits in communication systems.

What architectures are commonly used in CDR circuits?

Common architectures include phase-locked loops (PLL) and delay-locked loops (DLL), which adjust a local oscillator to match the incoming data timing.

What data rates does this CDR support?

The reference range is 0.1 to 12.5 Gbps, but actual supported rates depend on the specific model and configuration.

What is the operating temperature range?

The industrial-grade operating temperature range is -40 to 85 °C, as listed in the reference parameters.

Data Basis

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Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	N/A (solid-state electronic component)
other spec:	Data rate range: 1 Mbps to 10 Gbps, Jitter tolerance: < 0.1 UI, Power supply: 1.8V to 3.3V
temperature:	-40°C to +85°C (industrial grade), -40°C to +125°C (extended)

Clock Data Recovery Circuit

Product Specifications

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