Clock/Timing - Clock Buffers, Drivers

Category Introduction

Products in the clock buffer & driver integrated circuit family are used to aid the dissemination of signals throughout a system, most commonly the frequency/time reference signals used to synchronize activity within the system. While the function most commonly performed is that of buffering, the replication of a signal from some source to isolate it from the influence of a driven load, some devices in the family perform additional functions such as selective rerouting of the buffered signals, division of signal frequency by some integer value, or translation of electrical signaling format used.

Product List

291 Items

Mfr Part #	Quantity Available	UnitPrice	Series	Packaging	Product Status	Type	Number of Circuits	Ratio - Input:Output	Differential - Input:Output	Input	Output	Frequency - Max	Voltage - Supply	Operating Temperature	Mounting Type	Package / Case	Supplier Device Package
NB3N2304NZDTR2G IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 140MHZ 8TSSOP onsemi	28	$2.23		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:4	No/No	LVCMOS, LVTTL	LVCMOS, LVTTL	140 MHz	3V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	8-TSSOP
NB3L553DR2G IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 200MHZ 8SOIC onsemi	13	$2.41		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:4	No/No	LVCMOS, LVTTL	LVCMOS, LVTTL	200 MHz	2.375V ~ 5.25V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)	8-SOIC
CDCLVC1102PWR IC CLK BUFFER 1:2 250MHZ 8TSSOP Texas Instruments	18	$2.94		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:2	No/No	LVCMOS	LVCMOS	250 MHz	2.3V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	8-TSSOP
CDCLVC1103PWR IC CLK BUFFER 1:3 250MHZ 8TSSOP Texas Instruments	267	$2.98		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:3	No/No	LVCMOS	LVCMOS	250 MHz	2.3V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	8-TSSOP
LMK00304SQ/NOPB IC CLK BUFFER 3:5 3.1GHZ 32WQFN Texas Instruments	56	$8.60		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution), Multiplexer, Translator	1	3:5	Yes/Yes	CML, HCSL, HSTL, LVDS, LVPECL, SSTL, Crystal	HCSL, LVCMOS, LVDS, LVPECL	3.1 GHz	3.15V ~ 3.45V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	32-WFQFN Exposed Pad	32-WQFN (5x5)
ADCLK846BCPZ-REEL7 IC CLK BUFFER 1:6 1.2GHZ 24LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	48	$12.24		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:6	Yes/Yes	CML, CMOS, HSTL, LVDS, LVPECL	CMOS, LVDS	1.2 GHz	1.71V ~ 1.89V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	24-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	24-LFCSP (4x4)
ADCLK944BCPZ-R2 IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 7GHZ 16LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	72	$10.90	SiGe	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:4	Yes/Yes	CML, CMOS, LVDS, LVPECL	ECL, LVPECL	7 GHz	2.375V ~ 3.63V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	16-LFCSP-WQ (3x3)
CDCLVD1208RHDT IC CLK BUFFER 2:8 800MHZ 28VQFN Texas Instruments	46	$11.07		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution), Multiplexer	1	2:8	Yes/Yes	LVCMOS, LVDS, LVPECL	LVDS	800 MHz	2.375V ~ 2.625V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	28-VFQFN Exposed Pad	28-VQFN (5x5)
CDCLVD1213RGTT IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 800MHZ 16QFN Texas Instruments	42	$11.06		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution), Divider	1	1:4	Yes/Yes	CML, LVDS, LVPECL	LVDS	800 MHz	2.375V ~ 2.625V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-VFQFN Exposed Pad	16-VQFN (3x3)
CDCM1802RGTT IC CLK BUFFER 1:2 800MHZ 16QFN Texas Instruments	60	$12.23		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution), Divider, Multiplexer	1	1:2	Yes/Yes	LVCMOS, LVPECL, LVTTL	LVCMOS, LVPECL	800 MHz	3V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-VFQFN Exposed Pad	16-VQFN (3x3)
NB6L11SMNG IC CLK BUFFER 1:2 2GHZ 16QFN onsemi	57	$11.27	AnyLevel™	Tube	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution), Translator	1	1:2	Yes/Yes	CML, LVCMOS, LVDS, LVPECL, LVTTL	LVDS	2 GHz	2.375V ~ 2.625V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-VFQFN Exposed Pad	16-QFN (3x3)
MC100LVEP14DTG IC CLK BUFFER 2:5 2.5GHZ 20TSSOP onsemi	53	$11.65	100LVEP	Tube	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution), Multiplexer	1	2:5	Yes/Yes	ECL, HSTL, LVDS, PECL	ECL, PECL	2.5 GHz	2.375V ~ 3.8V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	20-TSSOP
ADCLK914BCPZ-R7 IC CLK BUFFER 1:1 7.5GHZ 16LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	6	$17.39	SiGe	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Buffer/Driver, Data	1	1:1	Yes/Yes	CML, CMOS, LVDS, LVPECL, LVTTL	HVDS	7.5 GHz	2.97V ~ 3.63V	-40°C ~ 125°C	Surface Mount	16-VFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	16-LFCSP-VQ (3x3)
LMK01010ISQE/NOPB IC CLK BUFFER 1:8 1.6GHZ 48WQFN Texas Instruments	30	$17.91		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution), Divider	1	1:8	Yes/Yes	Clock	LVDS	1.6 GHz	3.15V ~ 3.45V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	48-WFQFN Exposed Pad	48-WQFN (7x7)
NB7L14MNG IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 8GHZ 16QFN onsemi	42	$15.36	GigaComm™	Tube	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:4	Yes/Yes	CML, LVCMOS, LVDS, LVPECL, LVTTL	LVPECL	8 GHz	2.375V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-VFQFN Exposed Pad	16-QFN (3x3)
NB3N551DR2G IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 180MHZ 8SOIC onsemi	168	$2.32		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:4	No/No	LVCMOS, LVTTL	LVCMOS, LVTTL	180 MHz	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)	8-SOIC
NB3N551DG IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 180MHZ 8SOIC onsemi	5	$2.21		Tube	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:4	No/No	LVCMOS, LVTTL	LVCMOS, LVTTL	180 MHz	3V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)	8-SOIC
MC100LVEL11DG IC CLK BUFFER 1:2 1GHZ 8SOIC onsemi	55	$5.42	100LVEL	Tube	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	1:2	Yes/Yes	ECL, PECL	ECL, PECL	1 GHz	3V ~ 3.8V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)	8-SOIC
LMK00306SQ/NOPB IC CLK BUFFER 3:7 3.1GHZ 36WQFN Texas Instruments	81	$9.89		Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution), Multiplexer, Translator	1	3:7	Yes/Yes	CML, HCSL, HSTL, LVDS, LVPECL, SSTL, Crystal	HCSL, LVCMOS, LVDS, LVPECL	3.1 GHz	3.15V ~ 3.45V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	36-WFQFN Exposed Pad	36-WQFN (6x6)
LMK00804BPW IC CLK BUFFER 1:4 350MHZ 16TSSOP Texas Instruments	83	$6.87		Tube	Active	Fanout Buffer (Distribution)	1	2:4	Yes/No	LVCMOS, LVTTL	HCSL, LVCMOS, LVDS, LVHSTL, LVPECL, LVTTL, SSTL	350 MHz	1.425V ~ 3.465V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	16-TSSOP

About Clock Buffers & Clock Drivers

What are Clock Buffers & Clock Drivers?

Clock Buffers

Clock buffers are integral components within the realm of clock and timing integrated circuits (ICs), designed to distribute clock signals from a single source to multiple destinations while maintaining signal integrity. They work by amplifying the clock signal to drive multiple loads, ensuring that the signal strength remains consistent across all outputs. This is crucial in complex electronic systems where synchronized timing is essential for optimal performance. The basic operating principle involves receiving an input clock signal, amplifying it, and then distributing it to several outputs with minimal skew and jitter, thereby preserving the timing accuracy required for high-speed digital circuits.

Clock Drivers

Clock drivers are essential components within the realm of integrated circuits, specifically designed to distribute clock signals to various parts of an electronic system. These devices amplify and buffer the clock signal to ensure it reaches multiple destinations with minimal distortion and delay. By maintaining the integrity and timing of the clock signal, clock drivers play a crucial role in synchronizing operations across different components in a system, ensuring that data is processed accurately and efficiently. Their basic operating principle involves receiving a clock input, amplifying it, and then distributing it to multiple outputs, each capable of driving a load.

Types of Clock Buffers

1. Fanout Buffers

Fanout buffers are designed to take a single input clock signal and distribute it to multiple outputs. They are commonly used in systems where a single clock source needs to drive several devices or components. These buffers ensure that each output receives a signal with minimal delay and skew, making them ideal for applications requiring precise timing distribution.

2. Zero Delay Buffers

Zero delay buffers are specialized clock buffers that provide synchronized output signals with minimal phase difference from the input. They are particularly useful in applications where clock signals need to be aligned precisely across different parts of a system. By using a phase-locked loop (PLL), zero delay buffers can adjust the output phase to match the input, effectively eliminating any delay.

3. Differential Clock Buffers

Differential clock buffers are used to distribute differential clock signals, which are less susceptible to noise and interference compared to single-ended signals. These buffers are essential in high-speed communication systems where signal integrity is paramount. They ensure that both the positive and negative phases of the clock signal are amplified and distributed accurately.

Types of Clock Drivers

1. Single-Ended Clock Drivers

Single-ended clock drivers are designed to handle single-ended clock signals, which are characterized by a single reference point. These drivers are typically used in applications where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized. They are suitable for systems with moderate noise levels and where signal integrity is not a critical concern.

2. Differential Clock Drivers

Differential clock drivers are engineered to manage differential clock signals, which consist of two complementary signals. This configuration helps in reducing electromagnetic interference and improving signal integrity, making them ideal for high-speed and high-frequency applications. They are often used in environments where precision and noise immunity are paramount.

3. Zero-Delay Clock Drivers

Zero-delay clock drivers are specialized devices that synchronize the output clock signal with the input clock signal, effectively eliminating any phase difference. These drivers are crucial in applications where timing precision is critical, such as in communication systems and data centers.

4. Programmable Clock Drivers

Programmable clock drivers offer flexibility by allowing users to adjust the output frequency and phase. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including those requiring dynamic frequency scaling and phase adjustments.

How to choose Clock Buffers?

When selecting clock buffers, several key parameters should be considered to ensure optimal performance:

Output Load Capacity: Determine the number of outputs required and ensure the buffer can drive the necessary load without degradation.
Skew and Jitter: Evaluate the buffer's ability to minimize skew and jitter, which are critical for maintaining signal integrity.
Frequency Range: Ensure the buffer supports the frequency range required for your application.
Power Consumption: Consider the power efficiency of the buffer, especially in battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.
Environmental Conditions: Assess the operating temperature range and environmental robustness required for your application.

To evaluate product quality and reliability, review supplier datasheets, customer reviews, and industry certifications. Consider environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, and ensure proper installation to avoid signal degradation.

How to choose Clock Drivers?

When selecting clock drivers, several key parameters should be considered:

Frequency Range: Ensure the clock driver supports the required frequency range for your application.
Output Load Capacity: Evaluate the driver's ability to drive the necessary load without signal degradation.
Phase Noise and Jitter: Choose a driver with low phase noise and jitter for applications requiring high precision.
Power Consumption: Consider the power efficiency of the driver, especially in battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.
Environmental Conditions: Assess the driver's performance under various temperature and humidity conditions.

To evaluate product quality and reliability, review supplier datasheets, customer reviews, and industry certifications. Additionally, consider environmental factors such as electromagnetic interference and installation requirements, ensuring the chosen driver is compatible with the system's physical and electrical environment.

Applications of Clock Buffers & Clock Drivers

Clock Buffers and Clock Drivers are pivotal components in the realm of integrated circuits, ensuring the precise distribution and synchronization of clock signals across various electronic systems. These components are essential in maintaining the integrity and performance of digital circuits by amplifying and distributing clock signals to multiple destinations. Below, we explore the diverse applications of Clock Buffers and Clock Drivers across various industries.

1. Telecommunications

In the telecommunications industry, Clock Buffers and Clock Drivers play a crucial role in ensuring the synchronization of data transmission across networks. They are used in base stations, routers, and switches to distribute clock signals to various components, ensuring seamless communication and data integrity. By providing low-jitter and low-skew clock signals, these components help maintain the efficiency and reliability of telecommunication systems.

2. Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, rely heavily on Clock Buffers and Clock Drivers to manage the timing of various internal processes. These components ensure that processors, memory, and peripheral devices operate in harmony, enhancing the overall performance and user experience. By minimizing signal distortion and power consumption, they contribute to the longevity and efficiency of consumer electronic devices.

3. Automotive Industry

The automotive industry utilizes Clock Buffers and Clock Drivers in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and engine control units (ECUs). These components help synchronize the operation of sensors, processors, and communication modules, ensuring accurate data processing and real-time decision-making. As vehicles become more connected and autonomous, the demand for reliable clock distribution solutions continues to grow.

4. Data Centers

In data centers, Clock Buffers and Clock Drivers are integral to the operation of servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. They facilitate the distribution of high-frequency clock signals across multiple processors and memory modules, ensuring efficient data processing and storage. By reducing latency and enhancing signal integrity, these components support the high-performance computing needs of modern data centers.

5. Industrial Automation

Industrial automation systems, including robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), depend on Clock Buffers and Clock Drivers for precise timing and synchronization. These components ensure that various sensors, actuators, and control systems work in unison, optimizing production processes and improving operational efficiency. As industries move towards smart manufacturing, the role of clock distribution solutions becomes increasingly significant.

In conclusion, Clock Buffers and Clock Drivers are indispensable in a wide range of industries, providing the necessary clock signal distribution and synchronization to enhance the performance and reliability of electronic systems. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for these components is expected to grow, driving innovation and development in the field of integrated circuits.