Clock Data Recovery Unit for SerDes Systems

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

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Data Rate Range	1–12.5 Gbps	Supports common serial standards; outside range may cause bit errors.
Supply Voltage	1.8 V ±10% V	Must match system power rail; deviation may cause malfunction.
Power Consumption	50–150 mW	Lower is better for portable devices; high power may require heat sinking.
Jitter Tolerance	0.6 UI @ 1e-12 BER UI	Ensures reliable data recovery under noisy conditions.ITU-T G.825
Operating Temperature Range	-40–+85 °C	Industrial grade; wider range for automotive.IEC 60068-2-1/2
Input Sensitivity	50–200 mVpp	Minimum signal amplitude for reliable clock recovery.
Lock Time	1–10 ms	Time to acquire lock after signal loss; faster is better for burst mode.
Output Clock Jitter	≤ 1 ps RMS	Low jitter critical for high-speed data integrity.
Package Type	QFN-32, BGA-48	Affects PCB footprint and thermal performance.JEDEC MS-026
ESD Protection	±2 kV HBM kV	Ensures robustness in handling and operation.IEC 61000-4-2
Input Impedance	50 ±10% Ω	Matching to transmission line reduces reflections.
Output Logic Level	CML, 400 mVpp mV	Compatible with common SerDes interfaces.
Process Technology	28 nm CMOS nm	Smaller 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)

Application & selection

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)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

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

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

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

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Manufacturers of Clock Data Recovery Unit

Manufacturer profiles associated with Clock Data Recovery Unit.

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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.

Related equipment

Applied To / Applications

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

Data Serializer/Deserializer

View system integration details

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems

Downstream Applications

Specialized Tooling

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.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 13 October 2026

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