In the world of computing platforms, integration has always played a crucial role in improving performance and efficiency while reducing power, complexity, and cost. However, clock timing solutions have lagged behind in terms of integration. SiTime is set to change that with the introduction of their Chorus family of clock generators, specifically designed for the rapidly evolving AI data center and data center networking sectors.
Clock timing circuits are essential components in any modern device, server, or workstation design, as they drive core frequencies and ensure synchrony with data flow. Traditionally, these circuits required multiple timing products, such as resonators and oscillators, to support various functions like clock duplication, division, and multiplication. With the acquisition of Aura Semiconductor, SiTime can now integrate these technologies into a single device based on their MEMS resonator technology and Aura’s clock synthesis technologies.
The SiTime Chorus clock generators offer new levels of integration, consolidating the entire timing solution into a single device. This integration reduces board complexity, power consumption, real estate, and potential points of failure. The Chorus clock generators are designed to deliver superior performance with up to 10 times better resilience, excellent stability, and lower phase jitter, all within a compact 4mm x 4mm package. This advancement simplifies clock timing circuit design for engineers, providing a competitive edge in time-to-market of up to 6 weeks.
Piyush Sevalia, executive vice president of marketing at SiTime, highlights the significant impact of AI on data throughput and power consumption in data centers. SiTime’s Chorus clock generators aim to address these challenges by offering integrated solutions that eliminate the need for multiple discrete products like clocks, oscillators, and resonators. This integrated approach not only improves performance but also simplifies the design process for hardware engineers, positioning SiTime as a leader in transforming the timing market with innovative solutions.
The Chorus clock generators are specifically targeted towards key applications in the modern AI data center, including Smart NICs, PAM-4 400-800Gbps high-speed communication links, and enterprise switching applications. Strategic customers are currently sampling the Chorus family of clock generators, with general sampling availability expected in the second half of the year. Overall, the Chorus clock generators offer precision timing solutions that are environmentally friendly, reliable, and tailored to the needs of AI system designers. SiTime’s innovative approach to clock timing solutions is poised to provide a significant advantage to engineers in the AI data center and data center networking sectors.
