Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
ADF4107BRUZ-REEL Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 16TSSOP	0
HMC837LP6CETR Analog Devices, Inc.	FRACTIONAL-N PLL WITH INTEGRATED	4000
AD9518-4ABCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 6CH 1.8GHZ 48LFCSP	86
AD9531BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLK GEN PLL 400MHK 88LFCSP	0
AD9520-3BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2GHZ VCO 64LFCSP	1500
ADF4001BCP Analog Devices, Inc.	CLOCK GENERATOR, 200MHZ, BICMOS	6169
ADF4118BRUZ-RL Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL RF FREQ SYNTHESZR 16TSSOP	0
MAX9491ETP095+ Analog Devices, Inc.	MAX9491 FACTORY-PROGRAMMABLE, SI	5479
HMC767LP6CETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL W/VCO FRACT-N 40-QFN	394
ADF4111BCPZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 20-LFCSP	906
ADF4360-9BCPZRL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTHESIZER W/ADJ VCO 24LFCSP	0
AD9518-0ABCPZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	CLOCK DRIVER, 9518 SERIES, 6 TRU	165
ADF4218LBRU Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	625
DS1086LU-440/V+ Analog Devices, Inc.	ANALOG CIRCUIT, 1 FUNC, PDSO8	993
ADF4156BRUZ-RL Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FRAC-N FREQ SYNTH 16TSSOP	0
AD9517-1ABCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2.5GHZ VCO 48LFCSP	10
HMC840LP6CE Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL W/VCO FRACTIONAL-N 40-QFN	0
ADF4113BCP Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	1935
AD9530BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2.7GHZ	9
DS1086Z-450+ Analog Devices, Inc.	DS1086 SPREAD-SPECTRUM ECONOSCIL	1500

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.