Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
LMX2531LQX1226E/NOPB Texas Instruments	HIGH PERFORMANCE FREQUENCY SYNTH	1598
LMK04805BISQX/NOPB Texas Instruments	LMK04805 LOW NOISE CLOCK JITTER	10
CD74HC4046AM96 Texas Instruments	IC PLL W/VCO HS 16-SOIC	709
LMK04131SQE/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC CLOCK COND W/PLL 48WQFN	0
CD74HC4046AM96G4 Texas Instruments	IC PLL W/VCO 16-SOIC	0
CDCF5801DBQ Texas Instruments	PLL BASED CLOCK DRIVER, 5801 SER	6436
CDCV857BDGGRG4 Texas Instruments	PLL CLOCK DRIVER	2000
CDC2536DBRG4 Texas Instruments	IC 3.3V PLL CLK-DRVR 28SSOP	0
LMX2531LQE1146E/NOPB Texas Instruments	PLL FREQUENCY SYNTHESIZER	0
CDC857-2DGGR Texas Instruments	PLL CLOCK DRIVER	45777
LMK04208NKDR Texas Instruments	IC CLOCK DUAL PLL 64WQFN	0
CDCVF2509PWR Texas Instruments	CDCVF2509 3.3-V PHASE-LOCK LOOP	1273
LMK04616ZCRR Texas Instruments	IC JITTER CLEANER 144NFBGA	0
CDCE913QPWRQ1 Texas Instruments	IC PROG PLL VCXO CLK SYN 14TSSOP	0
CDCV857ADGG Texas Instruments	PLL BASED CLOCK DRIVER, 857 SERI	14139
CDC922DLR Texas Instruments	CLOCK GENERATOR	2000
CDC930DL Texas Instruments	PROCESSOR CLOCK GENERATOR	8145
SN74LV4046ANG4 Texas Instruments	IC PLL CMOS LOGIC W/VCO HS 16DIP	0
CDCV850DGG Texas Instruments	PLL CLOCK DRIVER	23787
LMX2541SQE2380E/NOPB Texas Instruments	IC PLL FREQ SYNTH W/VCO 36WQFN	0

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.