Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
MAX9491ETP045+ Analog Devices, Inc.	MAX9491 FACTORY-PROGRAMMABLE, SI	6167
ADF4252BCPZ-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 24LFCSP	193
ADF4002BRUZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FREQUENCY SYNTH 16-TSSOP	4
ADF4112BRU Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	4087
MAX9485EUP+ Analog Devices, Inc.	AUDIO CLOCK GENERATOR	3436
AD9517-1BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	CLOCK DRIVER, 9517 SERIES	557
HMC832LP6GETR Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL FRACTIONAL-N VCO 40SMD	1466
MAX3832UCB Analog Devices, Inc.	4-CH INTERCONNECT MUX/DEMUX	923
ADF4158WCCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC FRAC-N FREQ SYNTH 24LFCSP	102
HMC1032LP6GE Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN 1:1 350MHZ 40-SMT	0
DS1086LU-8CL Analog Devices, Inc.	SPREAD-SPECTRUM ECONOSCILLATOR	1848
AD9516-5BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GEN W/PLL 64-LFCSP	0
ADF4193BCPZ-RL Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER, BICMO	102015
AD9578BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL CLOCK GEN 20MHZ 48LFCSP	9
AD9574BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	PHASE LOCKED LOOP	5837
ADF4213BCPZ-RL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	4500
AD9525BCPZ-REEL7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC CLOCK GENERATOR PLL 48-LFCSP	0
HMC764LP6CE Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL W/VCO FRACT-N 40SMD	7
AD9572ACPZPEC-R7 Analog Devices, Inc.	IC PLL CLOCK GEN 25MHZ 40LFCSP	0
ADF4350BCPZ Analog Devices, Inc.	IC SYNTH PLL VCO FN/IN 32LFCSP	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.