Si5351A I2C Programmable Clock Generator Breakout 8kHz–160MHz

Si5351A I2C Programmable Clock Generator Breakout Board

Never hunt for another crystal again! The Si5351A I2C Programmable Clock Generator Breakout puts a precision 25 MHz crystal reference, internal PLLs, and programmable dividers right at your fingertips — letting you generate virtually any frequency from under 8 kHz all the way up to 160+ MHz. Whether you're prototyping RF circuits, building a software-defined radio, or developing embedded systems, this compact breakout board gives you three fully independent, low-jitter clock outputs in a breadboard-friendly package.

Key Features

• Wide Frequency Range: Generates frequencies from <8 kHz up to 160+ MHz with high precision
• 3 Independent Outputs: Each output can be set to a completely different frequency simultaneously
• I2C Control: Simple two-wire interface — configure PLLs and clock dividers with easy I2C commands
• 3.3V LDO Onboard: Powered by 3–5 V DC; built-in regulator keeps the chip happy across a wide supply range
• Logic Level Shifting: I2C lines are level-shifted for safe use with both 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers
• 3 Vpp Outputs: Available via breadboard-friendly header pins or optional SMA connector for RF work
• Arduino-Ready: Compatible library and tutorials available for quick Arduino integration; easily ported to any platform with I2C support
• Low Jitter: Precision crystal reference ensures clean, stable clock signals for demanding lab and maker applications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Si5351A I2C Clock Generator Breakout Board (8 kHz to 160 MHz)
• DIY kit included

Specifications

Perfect For

• Arduino & microcontroller projects requiring precise clocking
• RF signal generation and software-defined radio (SDR)
• Frequency synthesizer experiments and lab bench work
• Replacing fixed crystals with a programmable alternative
• Embedded systems development and prototyping

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Si5351A I2C Programmable Clock Generator Breakout and what can it do?

A: The Si5351A Clock Generator Breakout is a compact PCB featuring the Silicon Labs Si5351A chip, which uses an onboard 25 MHz precision crystal reference along with internal PLLs and clock dividers to synthesize virtually any frequency from under 8 kHz up to 160+ MHz. It offers three independent output channels, each configurable to a different frequency via simple I2C commands — making it ideal for RF projects, embedded development, and lab-grade frequency generation.

Q: What voltage does the Si5351A breakout board require, and is it compatible with 5V Arduino boards?

A: The Si5351A breakout board accepts a supply voltage of 3 V to 5 V DC thanks to its onboard 3.3 V LDO regulator. It also includes built-in I2C level-shifting circuitry, so it works safely and reliably with both 3.3 V and 5 V logic — including standard Arduino Uno, Mega, and Nano boards — without any additional components.

Q: How do I program the Si5351A clock generator for use with Arduino?

A: Programming the Si5351A is straightforward using the available Arduino-compatible library. You configure the desired output frequencies by setting the PLL multipliers and clock dividers over the I2C bus. The library abstracts much of this math, so you can call simple functions to set each of the three output channels to your target frequency. The same approach can be ported to other I2C-capable platforms such as Raspberry Pi, ESP32, or STM32 with minimal effort.

Q: Can I use the Si5351A breakout for RF applications and signal generation?

A: Yes. The board supports an optional SMA connector output (in addition to the standard header pins), making it well-suited for RF signal generation tasks. With a frequency range extending to 160+ MHz and low-jitter output, it is a popular choice for software-defined radio (SDR) upconverters, VFO replacements, and general-purpose RF lab work.

Production & Packaging Notice

To maintain high stock availability and fast shipping times, our items are sourced from multiple verified manufacturing facilities. While the core quality, materials, and product specifications remain identical, you may notice slight variations in the packaging design, manufacturing origin, or the wording of the printed instructions.