ClockBuilder Pro Overview

What is ClockBuilder Pro?

ClockBuilder Pro – from Silicon Labs [video]

ClockBuilder Pro is Silicon Labs' solution for simplifying complex clock configuration. It serves as a comprehensive platform for configuring, validating, and programming Silicon Labs timing products. The following provides a quick overview of ClockBuilder Pro's various capabilities and features.

[Diagram: A circular flow illustrating ClockBuilder Pro's capabilities. In the center is "CBPro". Radiating outwards are: Estimate Performance (linked to Power, output coupling, & phase noise analysis), Configure Device (Wizard), Export File (linked to Oxff format), Create Custom Part Number for Your Configuration, Silicon Labs, Customer Board, In-System Debug & Programming, Field Programmer Socket + Blank Part, Create Samples, Evaluate (linked to Silicon Labs EVB), Design Report, and Review Config and Automated Design Checks.]

How to Approach CBPro

ClockBuilder Pro features two primary interfaces: the main Wizard and the Design Dashboard.

The main Wizard serves as the homepage of CBPro. From this interface, users can:

Browse Silicon Labs products to start a new project.
Open an existing project.
Upload an NVM file from older ClockBuilder Desktop versions to convert it to a CBPro Project.
Quickly start by opening a pre-created Sample Project.
Begin using an Evaluation Board to analyze their configuration.

[Screenshot: ClockBuilder Pro Wizard interface showing sections for "Work With a Design" (with options like Create New Project, Open Project, Convert Existing Project/NVM File, Open Sample Project, No EVB Present), "Quick Links" (Silicon Labs Timing Solutions, Knowledge Base, Custom Part Number Lookup), "Applications Documentation", and "ClockBuilder Pro Documentation".]

The Design Dashboard

The Design Dashboard is accessed upon creating a new CBPro Project or opening a pre-existing one. This is where the full device configuration process takes place. Users can then export the design for in-system programming or create an Orderable Part Number (OPN) to have the configuration permanently stored in NVM.

The Device Configuration Wizard

ClockBuilder Pro's primary function is to create custom configurations for Silicon Labs Timing Products. To streamline this, CBPro breaks down the configuration process into logical steps, focusing on high-level design features. After each step, the software automatically optimizes device settings for optimal performance.

Some products offer a "set for me" option, which automatically selects and optimizes configuration parameters based on the overall design input.

During the Output Frequency definition step, CBPro provides real-time checks and warnings for potential output coupling issues. The Design Rule Check (DRC) widget acts as a central hub for errors and warnings, simplifying the process of ensuring a design is issue-free.

[Screenshot: ClockBuilder Pro Design Dashboard interface showing sections like "Edit Configuration with Wizard" (with detailed sub-options like Design ID & Notes, Input Clocks, Output Drivers, etc.), "Save Design to Project File", "No EVB Present", "Export", "Design Report & Datasheet Addendum", "Documentation", "Silicon Labs Cloud Services", and "Ask for Help". It also displays status indicators like "Frequency Plan Valid", "Design OK", and "Typical Pd".]

[Screenshot: ClockBuilder Pro interface showing a step-by-step progression (Step 1 to Step 12) for configuration. It also displays an example of input configuration settings with "Set for me" options and communication standards like "Select GR-253/GR-1244 ST-3/3E".]

Configuration Details and Estimation

Once a device is configured, CBPro generates a high-level estimation of power consumption and junction temperature based on the overall frequency plan, using actual characterization data from lab tests.

[Screenshot: ClockBuilder Pro interface showing the "Define Output Frequencies" step with output modes, frequencies, and features. It also displays an "Estimated Power & Junction Temperature" table detailing parameters like VDD, Ta, Theta-JA, and power/current/voltage for different conditions and outputs.]

Upon completion, CBPro compiles a design report that summarizes key inputs, the resulting frequency plan, design rule check outcomes, estimated power consumption, and register values. This report offers insight into CBPro's optimization process, including VCO frequencies and divider values. The report is accessible via the bottom window widget or the main design dashboard.

[Screenshot: ClockBuilder Pro interface showing the "Output Clocks" configuration step and the corresponding "Estimated Power & Junction Temperature" table. The table includes columns for Condition, Voltage, Current, Power, and detailed breakdowns for VDDOs.]

Exporting and Custom Part Number Creation

After a configuration is finalized, there are two methods to implement it onto a device: creating an Orderable Part Number (OPN) or exporting the register file for in-system volatile programming. System designers can select either or both options based on their project requirements.

OPNs are used to order Silicon Labs custom factory-programmed devices. The configuration is burned into the device's NVM, enabling automatic startup in the specified configuration upon power-up. Creating a new part number triggers an email containing the new part number, a datasheet addendum, and the project file used for generation.

[Screenshot: A "Si5395 Design Report" detailing Device Grade, Output Clock information, Host Interface, Inputs, and Outputs. It also shows the "Design Report & Datasheet Addendum" option.]

Exports are utilized for volatile programming of blank or factory-programmed devices during system operation. CBPro's export tools can generate simple "script" files executable by an in-system microcontroller for complete device reconfiguration.

[Screenshot: An email notification confirming a "Part Number Request" for Si5395A-A11675-GM, with attachments for the datasheet addendum and project file. It directs users to www.silabs.com/custom-timing for more information.]

Silicon Labs Cloud Services allow users to create custom part numbers for factory pre-programmed devices or request phase noise reports. For more information, visit www.silabs.com/custom-timing.

The Timing Products Support Team can be reached at Silicon Labs - Austin, Texas USA, or via www.silabs.com/timing.

Hardware Interfacing (The EVB GUI)

ClockBuilder Pro integrates seamlessly with Silicon Labs' evaluation and field programmer boards. CBPro can write a device's complete project file to a compatible EVB, facilitating performance validation and further frequency plan optimization in a lab environment.

Upon connecting an EVB, an option to open the EVB GUI appears. This GUI provides enhanced control over the evaluation board, including power supply management, power consumption monitoring, and direct read/write access to device registers.

[Screenshot: "Register Export" options, including CSV File and C Code Header File, with settings for including summary headers and pre/post-write control registers. It also shows a preview of register data.]

[Diagram: A visual representation of the CBPro EVB GUI workflow. It shows "USB Control" connecting CBPro to the "CBPro EVB GUI", which enables "Write Project Files", "Monitor Power", and "Read/Write DUT registers". This is connected to a circuit board (EVB) which is then used to "Analyze Any Configuration on the Bench" using test equipment.]

[Screenshot: EVB GUI showing register peek/poke functionality with fields for Address, Bytes, Hex, Decimal, and Binary values.]

[Screenshot: EVB GUI displaying power supply status (Voltage, Current, Power) for various VDD and VDDO rails.]

The CBPro Dongle

The CBPro Dongle (CBPROG-DONGLE) is a portable tool that extends CBPro functionality. It is highly useful for in-system testing and debugging, enabling communication with soldered-down devices via the CBPro GUI.

Specifically, the dongle facilitates:

Reading/Writing settings and registers.
Burning the NVM of select blank devices (*Users should consult the device's datasheet for NVM burning compatibility*).
Writing CBPro project files.
Flashing firmware and configurations.

Communication with in-system soldered devices can be established using a standard 10-pin header and ribbon cable, or via flying leads for I2C or SPI communication.

The Dongle can also be paired with a socket adapter for programming the NVM of loose sample parts.

[Image: A CBPro Field Programmer (CBPROG-DONGLE) connected via USB to a computer, and also connected to a development board with various connectors and components. A close-up shows the dongle's labels and ports.]

For more detailed information, please refer to the Field Programmer User Guide.

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