Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
HMC1031MS8ETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN INT-N PLL 8-MS8E	606
AD9552BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL CLOCK GEN LP 32LFCSP	897
HMC7043LP7FE Analog Devices, Inc.	IC FRACT-N PLL W/SWEEPR 48LFCSP	355
AD9522-0BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2.8GHZ VCO 64LFCSP	1
HMC988LP3ETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLK DIVIDER 16-QFN	552
ADF4360-1BCPZRL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTHESIZER VCO 24LFCSP	133
AD9517-0ABCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2.8GHZ VCO 48LFCSP	65
AD9517-3ABCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2.0GHZ VCO 48LFCSP	374
ADF4360-6BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTHESIZER VCO 24LFCSP	220
ADF4159CCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 24LFCSP	575
ADF4116BRU Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	10934
AD9517-2BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	CLOCK DRIVER, 9517 SERIES	3927
AD9545BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK SYNCHRONIZER 48LFCSP	166
ADF4112BCP Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	35043
ADF5610BCCZ Analog Devices, Inc.	VCO PLL 0.055 15.00 GHZ	39
ADF4196BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	4525
ADF4113BRUZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTHESZR FREQ PLL RF 16TSSOP	262
ADF4213BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	14520
ADF4154BRU Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	1870
AD9518-2ABCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	CLOCK DRIVER, 9518 SERIES, 6 TRU	9142

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.