Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
ADF4360-7BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTHESIZER/VCO 24-LFCSP	883
ADF4002SRUZ-EP Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQUENCY SYNTH 16TSSOP	61
LTC6948IUFD-2#PBF Analog Devices, Inc.	IC FRACTIONAL-N PLL W/VCO 28QFN	914
ADF4108BCPZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQUENCY SYNTH 20-LFCSP	1803
AD9571ACPZLVD-RL Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL CLOCK GEN 25MHZ 40LFCSP	0
ADF4001BCPZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN PLL 200MHZ 20LFCSP	404
ADF4360-1BCP Analog Devices, Inc.	PHASE LOCKED LOOP WITH VCO	829
ADF4360-5BCPRL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	PHASE LOCKED LOOP WITH VCO	950
DS21610SN Analog Devices, Inc.	3.3V/5V CLOCK RATE ADAPTER	640
AD9901TQ/883B Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PHASE/FREQ DISCRIMINTR 14CDIP	0
HMC820LP6CE Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL W/VCO FRACTIONAL-N 40-QFN	84
AD9522-2BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	CLOCK GENERATOR, 250MHZ, CMOS	23781
HMC778LP6CETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL W/VCO FRACT-N 40-QFN	97
ADF4106SCPZ-EP-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 20LFCSP	0
AD9578BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL CLOCK GEN 20MHZ 48LFCSP	58
AD9522-0BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 2.8GHZ VCO 64LFCSP	0
AD9502CM Analog Devices, Inc.	PROGRAMMABLE DELAY GENERATOR	5
AD9528BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 1.25GHZ VCO 72LFCSP	1005
ADF4371BCCZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	62MHZ-32GHZ ULTRA WIDEBAND PLLVC	0
HMC830LP6GE Analog Devices, Inc.	IC FRACT-N PLL W/VCO 40QFN	782

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.