Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
SI5350A-B04522-GM Silicon Labs	IC ANY FREQ ANY OUT XTAL 20QFN	0
9FGV1005A014LTGI Renesas Electronics America	LGA 3.00X3.00X1.10 MM, 0.50MM PI	0
CY7C9915JXI-1 IR (Infineon Technologies)	IC CLK BUFF SKEW 8OUT 32PLCC	3297
SI5335D-B02269-GM Silicon Labs	IC 4OUT ANY FREQ <200MHZ 24QFN	0
74HCT4046ADB,112 Nexperia	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER, CMOS,	6049
SI5350A-B03491-GT Silicon Labs	IC ANY FREQ ANY OUT XTAL 10MSOP	0
8T49N004A-006NLGI Renesas Electronics America	IC CLK GENERATOR LVPECL 32VFQFN	0
SI5335D-B04630-GM Silicon Labs	IC 4OUT ANY FREQ <200MHZ 24QFN	0
CY28341OC-3T Rochester Electronics	FTG FOR VIA P4/KT/KM400A CHIPSET	496
5P50913DVGI8 Renesas Electronics America	IC CLK GEN SPREAD SPECTRUM 8MSOP	0
ADF4371BCCZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC INTEGER N SYNTH 48LGA	59
CY23EP09SXI-1H Cypress Semiconductor	NO WARRANTY	27
CY22050KZXC-149 IR (Infineon Technologies)	GENERAL-PURPOSE FLASH PROGRAMMAB	20685
SI5335D-B02248-GMR Silicon Labs	IC 4OUT ANY FREQ <200MHZ 24QFN	0
ADF4218LBRUZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 20TSSOP	350
2305-1DCG Renesas Electronics America	IC CLK BUFFER ZD PLL 3.3V 8-SOIC	0
SI5350A-B06065-GTR Silicon Labs	IC ANY FREQ ANY OUT XTAL 10MSOP	0
SI5335D-B05195-GM Silicon Labs	IC 4OUT ANY FREQ <200MHZ 24QFN	0
SI5335D-B01685-GMR Silicon Labs	IC 4OUT ANY FREQ <200MHZ 24QFN	0
PL602082UMG Roving Networks / Microchip Technology	IC CLK SYNTHESIZER DUAL 44QFN	0

Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

1. Overview

Clock and timing ICs are semiconductor devices that generate, regulate, and distribute timing signals in electronic systems. Key components include Clock Generators (produce stable clock signals), Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs, synchronize signals with phase alignment), and Frequency Synthesizers (generate precise frequencies from reference signals). These devices ensure synchronization across components in modern electronics, enabling reliable operation in communication systems, computing devices, and industrial equipment.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Clock Generators	Produce fixed or programmable clock signals with low jitter	Microprocessors, FPGAs, networking equipment
PLLs	Align output signal phase with reference input, enable frequency multiplication	Wireless transceivers, data recovery circuits
Frequency Synthesizers	Generate multiple frequencies from single reference with high precision	5G base stations, satellite communication systems

3. Structure and Components

Typical clock ICs feature: 1) Crystal oscillator interface for reference signal input; 2) Internal voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO); 3) Phase detector and loop filter (PLL components); 4) Programmable dividers; 5) Output buffers. Advanced packages include QFN (4x4mm to 8x8mm) and TSSOP with 8-48 pins. Integration levels vary from single-channel devices to multi-output clock generators with integrated EEPROM.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Frequency Range	1 kHz - 3.6 GHz	Determines application compatibility
Phase Noise	-150 to -120 dBc/Hz	Impacts signal integrity
Jitter (RMS)	50 fs - 1 ps	Critical for high-speed systems
Power Consumption	10-300 mA	Affects thermal design
Temperature Stability	20-100 ppm	Ensures reliability in harsh environments

5. Application Fields

Telecommunications: 5G NR base stations, optical transceivers
Computing: Server motherboards, PCIe clocks
Industrial: Precision test equipment, motor control systems
Automotive: ADAS sensors, infotainment systems
Medical: MRI imaging systems, patient monitoring devices

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
TI (Texas Instruments)	LMX2594	15-GHz wideband PLL with integrated VCO
Analog Devices	AD9548	4-channel clock generator with 0.1 ppb accuracy
STMicroelectronics	CLK2692	Programmable 2-output synthesizer for automotive
Microchip	ZL30264	High-performance network synchronizer

7. Selection Guidelines

Key selection criteria: 1) Required output frequency and voltage levels; 2) Acceptable phase noise/jitter specifications; 3) Number of required outputs; 4) Operating temperature range; 5) Power budget constraints; 6) Integration level (e.g., single-chip vs. discrete VCO solutions). For wireless applications, prioritize low phase noise. For portable devices, emphasize power efficiency.

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include: 1) Higher integration with on-chip EEPROM and multi-phase outputs; 2) Advancement to sub-10fs jitter performance; 3) Development of radiation-hardened variants for aerospace; 4) Adoption of 3D packaging for reduced EMI; 5) Increased use of AI-enabled dynamic frequency scaling. The market is projected to grow at 7.2% CAGR through 2027 driven by 5G and automotive electrification.