Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LMX2531LQ1312E/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC FREQ SYNTH HI PERF VCO 36WQFN	10
LMX2492QRTWRQ1 Texas Instruments	LMX2492-Q1 500MHZ TO 14GHZ WIDEB	988
LMK04010BISQE/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC CLOCK COND 1.2GHZ W/PLL 48QFN	0
LMK03200ISQX/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC CLOCK CONDITIONER PREC 48WQFN	0
SN74LV4046APWR Texas Instruments	IC LOGIC PLL W/VCO 16-TSSOP	3005
LMX2430SLEX/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC FREQ SYNTH DUAL 20LAMUCSP	8802
CDCM9102RHBT Texas Instruments	IC CLK GEN 100MHZ 32QFN	119
CDCE421ARGET Texas Instruments	CDCE421A FULLY INTEGRATED WIDE R	45786
TRF3761-BIRHAT Texas Instruments	TRF3761-B LOW NOISE INTEGER N PL	2100
CDC421100RGET Texas Instruments	CLOCK GENERATOR	1000
TRF3762-EIRHAR Texas Instruments	RF AND BASEBAND CIRCUIT, PQCC40	7500
CDCVF857RHAR Texas Instruments	PLL CLOCK DRIVER	115000
LMX2485ESQX/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER 24WQFN	0
LMK04208NKDT Texas Instruments	IC CLOCK DUAL PLL 64WQFN	700
LMK03000CISQ/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC CLOCK CONDITIONER PREC 48WQFN	503
CDC421156RGET Texas Instruments	CLOCK GENERATOR	2684
CDC421A312RGET Texas Instruments	IC CLK GEN 312.50MHZ 3.3V 24VQFN	523
CDCVF25081PW Texas Instruments	IC 1:8 3.3V PLL CLK-DRVR 16TSSOP	65
CDCM6208V2RGZT Texas Instruments	IC CLK GEN 2:8 LOW JITTER 48VQFN	360
LMK04228NKDR Texas Instruments	IC CLOCK BUFFER/DRIVER	2000

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.