85MHz TurboClock Boost System Clock Performance; CMOS ICs feature four clock output pairs that are precisely programmable up to 18ns phase, low 200ps jitter, low 200-250ps output skew, and 3- And 5V operation.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 16, 1997--The new 85MHz TurboClock(TM) family that brings new levels of advanced functionality in performance, design, test, power consumption and QSOP packaging to programmable-skew PLL (phase-locked loop) clock drivers is announced today by Quality Semiconductor, Inc. (QSI) (NASDAQ:QUAL).

Programmable-skew PLL clock drivers become increasingly important as faster signals need to be distributed more precisely within high-performance computing, such as Pentium- or RISC-based systems. They also are becoming important in networking systems, such as Fast Ethernet, ATM and GSM/PCB base stations. The devices compensate for differences in trace delays and equalize differences during mismatches in set-up and hold times among devices.

Unlike existing BiCMOS technology, the all-CMOS TurboClock family: Operates up to 85MHz (at 20mA standby current); consumes less power; functions in 3.3V as well as 5V; and comes in a QSOP package that is half the size of a PLCC, which also is available. Space saving is further enhanced by an on-chip loop filter that helps maintain very low jitter and eliminates five to eight external components, easing board design as well.

The TurboClock family further adds features that boost performance and design flexibility. For example, one unique TurboClock feature gives system designers more flexibility -- with one device -- by enabling them to synchronize output signals with either the positive (rising) or negative (falling) edge of the system clock. This selectable positive or negative edge synchronization means that designers also can more easily work with devices that run on negative clock edges, such as digital signal processors. This feature also saves design time, cost and board space.

Another new feature is the synchronous output enable that essentially makes testing traces on system boards much easier -- something BiCMOS devices don't have. The TurboClock family contains five unique port types, and a wider selection of speed and packages.

"QSI's industry-leading TurboClock family enables board designers to dial in new, much-needed features for better overall system performance," according to Deepak Savadatti, strategic marketing manager. "We integrated these features to respond to what designers now require to successfully compete in today's and tomorrow's high-performance applications. Furthermore, our advanced CMOS technology is low power and the QSOP is a space-saving solution.

"The TurboClock family of five devices is ideally suited for a variety of flexible applications. These include generating a synchronous clock to multiple processors, implementing pulse width modulation, overcoming timing violations, operating as a universal clock multiplier, or serving as a continually phase- adjusted clock source, for example," Savadatti said.

The QS599X TurboClock family is pin-compatible with other currently-available devices. TurboClock features four pairs of clock skew outputs programmable up to 18ns delay in 750 picoseconds to 1.5ns intervals with 750 picoseconds resolution. Jitter is excellent at less than 200 picoseconds peak-to-peak. Skew also is very low at 200 picoseconds for the same pair and 250ps for all outputs.

Output frequency range is 3.75- to 85MHz. Outputs can be multiplied by 2 or 4, divided by 1/4 or 1/2, phase adjusted or inverted for design flexibility.

Pricing and Availability

The QS599X TurbClock family now is available for sampling with 5V TTL outputs in either 28-pin QSOP or 32-pin PLCC packages, 5V CMOS outputs in the PLCC package, or 3.3V outputs in either the QSOP or PLCC packages. Production release is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 1997. In lots of 10,000 the 750 picoseconds version in a PLCC package is $5.50, with the 500 picoseconds version in a PLCC package is only $7.50.

About Quality Semiconductor

Quality Semiconductor manufactures a complete line of 3.3V and 5V FCT logic devices, clock management devices, QuickSwitch devices, analog switches, JTAG devices, specialty memory devices and advanced network products. These products are used in today's most sophisticated data communications, networking, image processing and digital signal processing applications. Besides innovative product development, QSI has been instrumental in developing today's smallest packaging, such as QSOP, HQSOP and MillipaQ.

CONTACT: Quality Semiconductor, Inc.

Deepak Savadatti, 408/450-8016

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or

Dan Andersen, 408/450-8060

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