What is SY58021UMG clock buffer and how to replace it?

SY58021U is a 2.5V/3.3V precision, high-speed, fully differential 1:4 LVPECL fan-out buffer located on the Antminer E9 and E9pro hash board. Optimized for SY58021U, it provides four identical output copies with less than 15 ps output offset and only 70 fsRMS phase jitter, capable of handling clock signals up to 4 GHz. It is powered by a 2.5V ±5% or 3.3V ±10% power supply. Operating with a 2.5V ±5% or 3.3V ±10% power supply ensures reliable operation across the entire industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).

If the SY58021UMG fan-out buffer fails, it can lead to signal distortion or loss, severely affecting the system's data transmission and processing. In the clock distribution network, this may cause clock synchronization issues, affecting the coordinated operation of various modules. Additionally, a damaged buffer may not provide sufficient driving capability, resulting in the inability of subsequent devices to function properly, potentially causing system instability or failures. Increased noise and interference can further impact signal accuracy and system performance. Therefore, maintaining the normal operation of the clock buffer is crucial to the reliability of the hash system.

Desoldering and soldering the Antminer SY58021UMG fan-out buffer:

I. Desoldering the faulty chip

● Cut off the miner's power to prevent the risk of electric shock and wait for a few minutes to allow the internal components to cool down sufficiently.

● Remove the protective case above the miner, uninstall the exhaust fan and conductive copper sheets, then unplug the cables.

● Carefully remove the faulty hash board and place it on an anti-static insulation pad.

● Clean the area around the faulty SY58021UMG chip. Apply flux to the pins of the faulty chip, and set the portable desoldering gun to 400°C, 2 gear, and heat until the solder on the pad melts.

● Use stainless steel tweezers to hold the chip and, once the solder on the pads has melted, remove the faulty chip.

● Carefully clean the original faulty chip's location and then cool the hash board.

II. Replacing with a new SY58021UMG chip

● Check that the new chip is intact and of the correct model.

● To tin a new chip, place it in the tinning tool and apply the tin evenly to the back of the chip.

● If there is insufficient tin on the pads, add a small amount of tin.

● Heat the solder paste with a desoldering gun until it melts, align the chip pins with the pads, and add flux to complete the soldering.

● After replacing the SY58021UMG chip, cool the hash board and clean any residual solder.

● Insert the hash board into the miner box, assemble the conductive copper sheets, all cables, fans, and install the miner's protective case.

● Turn on the miner's powering and test if the overall hash rate has returned to normal.

Every component located in the miner is crucial, then damage to any hardware can lead to abnormal miner operation or even shutdown. Replacing a faulty SY58021UMG clock buffer can restore the coordinated operation of the hash board's modules, providing normal driving capability and maintaining the miner's normal operation. In addition, if the application requires faster rise/fall time or larger bandwidth, we can consider using the SY58021UMG fan-out buffer.