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Altera_Forum
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9 years ago

Why is the use of different PLL feedback modes in Altera devices?

The documentation states that the Altera PLLs have 6 different clock feedback modes. These are:

1. Direct mode

2. Normal mode

3. Source-Synchronous mode

4. External Feedback mode

5. Zero-Delay Buffer mode

6. LVDS mode

Why are there so many clock feedback modes and how do I know which one I need?

2 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    --- Quote Start ---

    The documentation states that the Altera PLLs have 6 different clock feedback modes. These are:

    1. Direct mode

    2. Normal mode

    3. Source-Synchronous mode

    4. External Feedback mode

    5. Zero-Delay Buffer mode

    6. LVDS mode

    Why are there so many clock feedback modes and how do I know which one I need?

    --- Quote End ---

    They are offered to tackle timing problems in case you have io violations.

    Direct : only de-jitters clock, does not compensate for delay.

    normal, de-jitters and reduces clock delay from pin to register and compensates for clock delay from pin

    source synchronous, keeps data/clk phase same between pins and registers

    external: relevant if so

    zero delay: relevant to an output clock from pll, maintains same phase of output clock as that of input clock.

    lvds: relevant to serdes.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    if I am connecting a audio DAC that needs MCLK (master clock) and takes I2S signals SCLK, Data and LRCK (same frequency as audio sample rate, used to select left/right channels), and I intend to generate MCLK and other clock signals from a PLL inside the FPGA, which of these shall I need to use?