Editorial Technical Reference

Clock Data Recovery Unit

This page explains how Clock Data Recovery Unit is classified within Computer, Electronic and Optical Product Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A circuit that extracts and reconstructs the clock signal from a serial data stream, enabling synchronous data recovery in serializer/deserializer systems.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Clock Data Recovery Unit

Definition
The Clock Data Recovery Unit is a critical component within Data Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) systems. Its primary function is to recover a stable, low-jitter clock signal directly from the incoming serial data stream, which lacks a separate clock line. This recovered clock is then used to sample the data at the optimal point in each bit period, ensuring accurate data reconstruction and synchronization between transmitter and receiver. The unit operates over a data rate range of 1–12.5 Gbps, supporting common serial standards; operation outside this range may cause bit errors. It requires a supply voltage of 1.8 V ±10% and consumes 50–150 mW, with lower power consumption being advantageous for portable devices. The jitter tolerance is 0.6 UI at a bit error rate of 1e-12, per ITU-T G.825, ensuring reliable data recovery under noisy conditions. The operating temperature range is -40 to +85 °C, suitable for industrial applications, with a wider range available for automotive use. Input sensitivity is 50–200 mVpp, and lock time is 1–10 ms, which is faster for burst mode operation. Output clock jitter is ≤1 ps RMS, critical for high-speed data integrity. The unit is available in QFN-32 and BGA-48 packages, per JEDEC MS-026, and offers ESD protection of ±2 kV HBM per IEC 61000-4-2. Input impedance is 50 Ω ±10%, and output logic level is CML at 400 mVpp, compatible with common SerDes interfaces. The process technology is 28 nm CMOS, offering lower power and higher speed. The unit is fabricated on a silicon semiconductor substrate. For specific applications, verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
It operates by using a phase-locked loop (PLL) or delay-locked loop (DLL) architecture. The circuit compares the phase of a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) output with transitions in the incoming data stream. A phase detector generates an error signal proportional to the phase difference. This error signal is filtered and used to adjust the VCO frequency and phase until it locks onto the data rate, thereby regenerating a clean clock signal synchronized to the incoming data.
Common Materials
Silicon (Semiconductor Substrate)
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Data Rate Range1–12.5 GbpsSupports common serial standards; outside range may cause bit errors.
Supply Voltage1.8 V ±10% VMust match system power rail; deviation may cause malfunction.
Power Consumption50–150 mWLower is better for portable devices; high power may require heat sinking.
Jitter Tolerance0.6 UI @ 1e-12 BER UIEnsures reliable data recovery under noisy conditions.ITU-T G.825
Operating Temperature Range-40–+85 °CIndustrial grade; wider range for automotive.IEC 60068-2-1/2
Input Sensitivity50–200 mVppMinimum signal amplitude for reliable clock recovery.
Lock Time1–10 msTime to acquire lock after signal loss; faster is better for burst mode.
Output Clock Jitter≤ 1 ps RMSLow jitter critical for high-speed data integrity.
Package TypeQFN-32, BGA-48Affects PCB footprint and thermal performance.JEDEC MS-026
ESD Protection±2 kV HBM kVEnsures robustness in handling and operation.IEC 61000-4-2
Input Impedance50 ±10% ΩMatching to transmission line reduces reflections.
Output Logic LevelCML, 400 mVpp mVCompatible with common SerDes interfaces.
Process Technology28 nm CMOS nmSmaller nodes offer lower power and higher speed.

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
    Compares the phase of the incoming data edges with the internally generated clock to produce an error signal.
    Material: Semiconductor (CMOS transistors)
  • Loop Filter
    Filters the phase error signal to control the dynamics of the feedback loop and reduce noise.
    Material: On-chip resistors and capacitors
  • Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
    Generates the clock signal; its frequency is adjusted by the filtered error voltage from the loop filter.
    Material: Semiconductor (CMOS/LC components)

Applied To / Applications

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

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
voltage: 1.8V to 3.3V supply range
data rate: 1 Mbps to 10 Gbps
temperature: -40°C to +85°C (industrial grade)
jitter tolerance: 0.1 UI to 0.5 UI
power consumption: 10 mW to 500 mW
Media Compatibility
✓ NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero) serial data streams ✓ PAM-4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) encoded signals ✓ Optical transceiver electrical interfaces
Unsuitable: High-voltage power line communication environments (>50V)
Sizing Data Required
  • Data rate (bps)
  • Jitter specification (UI or ps)
  • Reference clock frequency (MHz)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Jitter accumulation and timing drift
Cause: Degradation of phase-locked loop (PLL) components (e.g., voltage-controlled oscillator aging, charge pump leakage) or power supply noise affecting reference clock stability
Signal lock failure or loss of synchronization
Cause: Clock signal amplitude attenuation due to transmission line impedance mismatch, electromagnetic interference (EMI), or degradation of input buffer circuitry
Maintenance Indicators
  • Increased bit error rate (BER) or data corruption in downstream systems
  • Audible high-frequency whine or visible overheating of the CDR unit enclosure
Engineering Tips
  • Implement periodic calibration of PLL parameters using automated test equipment to compensate for component aging and environmental drift
  • Maintain strict EMI shielding and power supply decoupling protocols, including regular inspection of filter capacitors and grounding integrity

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
IEC 61000-4-2 - Electromagnetic Compatibility (Immunity to ESD)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Jitter Tolerance: +/- 100 ps peak-to-peak
  • Phase Lock Range: +/- 500 ppm
Quality Inspection
  • Bit Error Rate Test (BERT)
  • Jitter Tolerance Test

Manufacturers of Clock Data Recovery Unit

Manufacturer profiles associated with Clock Data Recovery Unit.

Sourcing Clock Data Recovery Unit from China?
Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.
Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.
Manufacturing capability
Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.
Inspection readiness
Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.
Supplier transparency
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Supply Chain Compatible Machinery & Devices

Modular Industrial Edge Computing Device

This modular industrial edge computing device is a ruggedized system designed for deployment in harsh industrial environments to perform real-time data processing, analytics, and control functions at the network edge.

Explore Specs →
Industrial Smart Camera Module

The Industrial Smart Camera Module is a compact, self-contained vision processing unit designed for integration into industrial machinery and production lines.

Explore Specs →
Surface Mount Resistor

Passive electronic component for current limiting and voltage division in circuits

Explore Specs →
Surface Mount Capacitor

A surface mount capacitor is a fundamental electronic component used for energy storage, filtering, coupling, and decoupling in electronic circuits.

Explore Specs →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It extracts and reconstructs a stable clock signal from an incoming serial data stream, enabling accurate data sampling and synchronization in SerDes systems.

What data rates does this unit support?

The unit supports a data rate range of 1–12.5 Gbps. Operation outside this range may cause bit errors, so verify compatibility with your system.

What is the jitter tolerance specification?

The jitter tolerance is 0.6 UI at a bit error rate of 1e-12, per ITU-T G.825, ensuring reliable data recovery under noisy conditions.

What package options are available?

The unit is available in QFN-32 and BGA-48 packages, per JEDEC MS-026. Confirm the exact package and thermal requirements with the manufacturer.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.
Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Clock Data Recovery Unit

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes
Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here
We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman
CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim
A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

Your business information is used only to process this request.

Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1–3 business days.
Sorry, we couldn't send your message. Please try again, or email us at contact@cnfx.com.

Need to Manufacture Clock Data Recovery Unit?

Compare manufacturer profiles with relevant product and process capability.

Previous Product
Clock Circuit
Next Product
Clock Generator / PLL
Get QuotesChat