Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LTC6946IUFD-2#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC INTEGER-N PLL W/VCO 28-QFN	174
LTC6955IUKG-1#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC FANOUT BUFFER 52QFN	47
HMC1034LP6GETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 1:1 3GHZ 40-SMT	312
AD9520-0BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2.8GHZ VCO 64LFCSP	5
HMC820LP6CETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL W/VCO FRACTIONAL-N 40-QFN	0
ADF4153YRUZ Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER, BICMO	15942
ADF4112BRUZ-REEL Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL RF FREQ SYNTHESZR 16TSSOP	0
ADF4351BCPZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTH PLL VCO 32LFCSP	1215
ADF4110BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTH PLL 550MHZ 20LFCSP	220
ADF4002BRUZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQUENCY SYNTH 16-TSSOP	161
ADF4360-6BCPRL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	PHASE LOCKED LOOP WITH VCO	1500
ADF4106BRUZ-RL Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 16TSSOP	2328
AD9901KP Analog Devices, Inc.	PHASE DETECTOR	3172
DS1087LU-4CL Analog Devices, Inc.	SPREAD-SPECTRUM ECONOSCILLATOR	6255
ADF4150HVBCPZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC FRACTION-N FREQ SYNTH 32LFCSP	1686
ADF4153YRUZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTH FRACT-N FREQ 16-TSSOP	0
ADF4111BRU Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	15878
AD9901KPZ-REEL Analog Devices, Inc.	IC DISCRIMINATOR PH/FREQ 20PLCC	0
HMC832ALP6GETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC INTEGER-N/FRACTIONAL 40LFCSP	0
AD9572ACPZLVD Analog Devices, Inc.	CLOCK GENERATOR, 156.25MHZ, CMOS	192

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.