Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
AD9901KPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PHS/FREQ DISCRIMINATOR 20PLCC	56
AD9525BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GENERATOR PLL 48-LFCSP	28
AD9518-4BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	CLOCK DRIVER, 9518 SERIES	5260
HMC700LP4 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC FRACT-N PLL 16BIT 24QFN	0
HMC831LP6CE Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL W/VCO FRACTIONAL-N 40-QFN	0
ADF4360-0BCP Analog Devices, Inc.	PHASE LOCKED LOOP WITH VCO	28347
AD9576BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLK/FREQ SYNTHESIZER 64LFCSP	0
HMC834LP6GETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL W/VCO FRACTIONAL-N 40-QFN	6
ADF4355BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC INTEGRATED SYNTH/VCO 32LFCSP	627
HMC1032LP6GETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 1:1 350MHZ 40-SMT	372
ADF4252BCP Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	1358
HMC535LP4ETR Analog Devices, Inc.	VOLTAGE CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR, 1	1000
AD9572ACPZLVD-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL CLOCK GEN 25MHZ 40LFCSP	0
ADF4360-6BCPZRL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTHESIZER VCO 24LFCSP	0
HMC703LP4E Analog Devices, Inc.	IC FRACT-N PLL W/SWEEPR 24QFN	692
AD9520-0BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2.8GHZ VCO 64LFCSP	0
AD9552BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL CLOCK GEN LP 32LFCSP	271
HMC698LP5ETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTHESIZER 7GHZ INT-N 32-QFN	0
HMC698LP5E Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTHESIZER 7GHZ INT-N 32-QFN	455
AD9528BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 1.25GHZ VCO 72LFCSP	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.