Pentek's Programmable Multi-frequency Clock Synthesizer Offers System Flexibility and Quick Delivery

Pentek Model 7191 Programmable Multifrequency Clock Synthesizer - PMC (click image to zoom)

* Simultaneous synthesis of up to five different clock frequencies

* Independently programmable clocks from 50 MHz to 800 MHz

* Eight clock outputs phase-locked to input frequency reference

* Exceptionally low phase noise and jitter for improved signal quality

* Immediate product availability

Expanding on its popular multi-frequency clock synthesizer, Pentek, Inc., today announced the release of the user-configurable Model 7191 programmable clock synthesizer PMC module. Like its predecessor, the Model 7190, the new Model 7191 gives designers working with A/Ds and D/As a highly-precise clock source with the added flexibility of custom frequency generation under simple software control.

"Multichannel A/D and D/A systems for most radar and communication applications require synchronized sampling using precision clocks," said Rodger Hosking, vice president of Pentek. "The Model 7191 is ideal when the desired clock frequency is not known up front, such as in laboratory systems or field-configurable deployed applications." Hosking added, "As a user programmable PMC module clock generator, the Model 7191 can replace bulky and expensive frequency synthesizers in systems needing several high quality clock signals, all phase locked to a system reference."

Improved Signal Quality and Flexibility

The Model 7191 achieves its combination of flexibility and performance by using low-noise VCXOs for the fundamental frequency generation. The VCXO output is followed by a clock synchronizer from Texas Instruments to allow synchronization with common frequency reference sources.

"Customers like Pentek who are designing precision multi-rate signal processing systems need a high-performance clock synchronizer to significantly reduce the amount of jitter in their board's output clocks," said Brad Ruzicka, Clocks and Timing Products marketing, Texas Instruments. "The CDC7005's multiple, independent channels of frequency locked clocks with excellent jitter performance help ease development of these systems."

The Model 7191 generates four different user-programmable VCXO frequencies, plus four divided versions (by 2, 4, 8, and 16) of each oscillator. Using the provided software, users can freely route up to five different frequencies from this set of 20 choices to the board's eight buffered 50-ohm outputs.

Enabling Rapid Development and Delivery

The user-programmability of the Model 7191 provides arbitrary frequencies to help speed development by providing immediate access to non-standard operating frequencies. Conventional crystal oscillators for custom frequencies often require extremely long lead times.

The Model 7191 also helps streamline development by being easy to integrate into popular system architectures. The board's base format is an industry-standard PMC Module with 32-bit 33/66 MHz PCI interface, usable on any type of carrier that supports PMC. Pentek also offers this module on simple carriers for PCI, PCIExpress, CompactPCI, VME and VPX form factors.

In Linux, Windows, or VxWorks operating systems, the 7191 is supported with the ReadyFlow Board Support Package for full control over and status of board operation across the PCI bus. The board is also equipped with non-volatile configuration memory for dedicated operation in systems without PCI control.

For the latest pricing and availability information, please contact Mario Schiavone by phone at (201) 818-5900 ext. 229, or by email to mario@pentek.com.