Clock/Timing - Clock Generators, PLLs, Frequency Synthesizers

Category Introduction

Clock generators, PLLs, and frequency synthesizer integrated circuits (ICs) provide a steady timing pulse from a reference signal for logic devices such as computers, microcontrollers, data communication systems, and graphic/video generators. These integrated circuits may include buffers, drivers, dividers, multipliers, multiplexers, synthesizers, fanout distributors, and prescalers.

Product List

611 Items

Mfr Part #	Quantity Available	UnitPrice	Packaging	Product Status	Type	PLL	Input	Output	Number of Circuits	Ratio - Input:Output	Differential - Input:Output	Frequency - Max	Divider/Multiplier	Voltage - Supply	Operating Temperature	Mounting Type	Package / Case	Supplier Device Package
CDCVF2505DR IC 3.3V PLL CLOCK DRVR 8-SOIC Texas Instruments	181	$3.17	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	PLL Clock Driver	Yes with Bypass	LVTTL	LVTTL	1	1:5	No/No	200MHz	No/No	3V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)	8-SOIC
ADF4002BCPZ-RL7 IC PLL FREQUENCY SYNTH 20-LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	27	$5.35	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF), Phase Detector	Yes with Bypass	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:1	Yes/No	400MHz	Yes/No	2.7V ~ 3.3V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	20-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	20-LFCSP (4x4)
CDCE925PWR IC 2PLL PROG VCXO CLK 16-TSSOP Texas Instruments	25	$4.64	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	PLL Clock Generator	Yes with Bypass	LVCMOS, Crystal	LVCMOS	1	1:5	No/No	230MHz	Yes/No	1.7V ~ 1.9V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	16-TSSOP
ADF4001BCPZ-RL7 IC CLOCK GEN PLL 200MHZ 20LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	164	$5.52	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock Generator (RF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:1	Yes/No	200MHz	Yes/No	2.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	20-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	20-LFCSP (4x4)
ADF4150BCPZ-RL7 IC PLL FREQ SYNTH 5.0GHZ 24LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	72	$6.60	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fractional N, Integer N, Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:2	Yes/Yes	4.4GHz	Yes/No	3V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	24-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	24-LFCSP (4x4)
ADF4106BCPZ-R7 IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 20LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	78	$6.62	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:1	Yes/No	6GHz	Yes/No	2.7V ~ 3.3V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	20-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	20-LFCSP (4x4)
ADF4106BRUZ-R7 IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 16TSSOP Analog Devices Inc.	82	$6.66	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:1	Yes/No	6GHz	Yes/No	2.7V ~ 3.3V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	16-TSSOP
ADF4112BRUZ-REEL7 IC PLL RF FREQ SYNTHESZR 16TSSOP Analog Devices Inc.	95	$6.31	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:1	Yes/No	3GHz	Yes/No	2.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	16-TSSOP
ADF4212LBRUZ-RL7 IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 20TSSOP Analog Devices Inc.	81	$7.27	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF/IF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	3:1	Yes/Yes	2.4GHz	Yes/No	2.7V ~ 3.3V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	20-TSSOP
ADF4107BRUZ-REEL7 IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 16TSSOP Analog Devices Inc.	82	$7.76	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:1	Yes/No	7GHz	No/No	2.7V ~ 3.3V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)	16-TSSOP
ADF4002BCPZ IC PLL FREQUENCY SYNTH 20-LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	172	$5.36	Tray	Active	Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF), Phase Detector	Yes with Bypass	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:1	Yes/No	400MHz	Yes/No	2.7V ~ 3.3V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	20-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	20-LFCSP (4x4)
ADF4108BCPZ-RL7 IC PLL FREQUENCY SYNTH 20-LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	70	$9.88	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	2:1	Yes/No	8GHz	No/No	3.2V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	20-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	20-LFCSP (4x4)
CDCM6208V2RGZR IC CLK GEN 2:8 LOW JITTER 48VQFN Texas Instruments	64	$11.16	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Clock Generator	Yes with Bypass	CML, LVCMOS, LVDS, LVPECL, Crystal	CML, HCSL, LVCMOS, LVDS, LVPECL	1	2:8	Yes/Yes	800MHz	Yes/No	1.71V ~ 3.465V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	48-VFQFN Exposed Pad	48-VQFN (7x7)
LMX2581SQ/NOPB IC FREQ SYNTHESIZER VCO 32WQFN Texas Instruments	16	$14.10	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes with Bypass	Clock	Clock	1	1:5	No/Yes	3.76GHz	Yes/Yes	3.15V ~ 3.45V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	32-WFQFN Exposed Pad	32-WQFN (5x5)
LMX2581SQE/NOPB IC RF FREQ SYNTHESIZER 32WQFN Texas Instruments	12	$14.16	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes with Bypass	Clock	Clock	1	1:5	No/Yes	3.76GHz	Yes/Yes	3.15V ~ 3.45V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	32-WFQFN Exposed Pad	32-WQFN (5x5)
FS7140-02G-XTD IC CLOCK GEN PLL PROGR 16-SSOP onsemi	3	$12.32	Tube	Active	PLL Clock Generator	Yes	Crystal	CMOS, PECL	1	2:1	No/Yes	400MHz	Yes/No	3V ~ 3.6V	0°C ~ 70°C	Surface Mount	16-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)	16-SSOP
ADF4159CCPZ-RL7 IC PLL FREQ SYNTHESIZER 24LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	3	$19.04	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	-	Yes	CMOS, TTL	CMOS	1	2:1	Yes/No	13GHz	Yes/Yes	1.62V ~ 3.45V	-40°C ~ 125°C	Surface Mount	24-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	24-LFCSP-WQ (4x4)
ADF4351BCPZ-RL7 IC SYNTH PLL VCO 32LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	23	$18.90	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Fanout Distribution, Fractional N, Integer N, Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes	CMOS, TTL	Clock	1	1:2	No/Yes	4.4GHz	Yes/Yes	3V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 85°C	Surface Mount	32-VFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	32-LFCSP-VQ (5x5)
ADF5000BCPZ-RL7 IC PRESCALER 18GHZ 16LFCSP Analog Devices Inc.	27	$21.58	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Prescaler (RF)	No	Clock	Clock	1	1:1	No/Yes	18GHz	Yes/No	3V ~ 3.6V	-40°C ~ 105°C	Surface Mount	16-WFQFN Exposed Pad, CSP	16-LFCSP-WQ (3x3)
STUW81300TR VFQFPN 36 6X6X1.0 PI STMicroelectronics	40	$19.54	Tape & Reel (TR)	Active	Frequency Synthesizer (RF)	Yes with Bypass	LVDS, LVPECL	-	1	2:2	Yes/Yes	16GHz	Yes/Yes	3V ~ 5.4V	-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)	Surface Mount	36-VFQFN Exposed Pad	36-VFQFPN (6x6)

About Clock Generators & Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clocks & Frequency Synthesizers

What are Clock Generators & Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clocks & Frequency Synthesizers?

Clock Generators

Clock generators are essential components in electronic systems, responsible for producing a stable clock signal that synchronizes the operations of various digital circuits. They work by generating a periodic signal, typically a square wave, which serves as a timing reference for the system's operations. The basic operating principle involves the use of oscillators, which can be crystal-based or rely on other resonant elements, to produce a precise frequency output. This output can be further divided or multiplied to meet specific system requirements, ensuring that all components operate in harmony.

Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clocks

Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clocks are specialized integrated circuits used to synchronize an output signal's phase and frequency with a reference signal. They are pivotal in ensuring that electronic systems operate harmoniously by maintaining a consistent timing signal. The basic operating principle of a PLL involves a feedback loop that continuously adjusts the phase of a controlled oscillator to match the phase of an input reference signal. This adjustment is achieved through a phase detector, a low-pass filter, and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), which work together to lock the output signal to the desired frequency and phase.

Frequency Synthesizers

Frequency synthesizers are electronic devices used to generate a range of frequencies from a single reference frequency. They are essential components in modern communication systems, enabling the precise tuning of frequencies for various applications. The basic operating principle involves using a reference oscillator, phase-locked loops (PLLs), and frequency dividers or multipliers to produce a stable and accurate output frequency. By locking onto a reference frequency, synthesizers can generate a wide spectrum of frequencies with high precision and stability, making them indispensable in applications requiring exact frequency control.

Types of Clock Generators

Crystal Oscillator-Based Clock Generators

These clock generators utilize a quartz crystal to produce a highly stable frequency output. They are known for their precision and are commonly used in applications where timing accuracy is critical, such as in telecommunications and high-speed data processing.

Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clock Generators

PLL-based clock generators use a feedback loop to lock the output frequency to a reference frequency. They are highly versatile, allowing for frequency multiplication or division, and are widely used in applications requiring frequency synthesis and jitter reduction.

Spread Spectrum Clock Generators

These generators modulate the clock signal's frequency over a small range to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). They are particularly useful in consumer electronics and automotive applications where EMI compliance is crucial.

Programmable Clock Generators

Programmable clock generators offer flexibility by allowing users to set output frequencies through software or hardware interfaces. They are ideal for applications requiring multiple clock outputs or where frequency requirements may change over time.

Types of Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clocks

Analog PLLs

Analog PLLs are the traditional form of PLLs, utilizing analog components to achieve phase synchronization. They are known for their simplicity and reliability in applications where high precision is not critical. Analog PLLs are often used in radio frequency (RF) applications due to their ability to handle high-frequency signals effectively.

Digital PLLs

Digital PLLs leverage digital signal processing techniques to achieve phase locking. They offer higher precision and flexibility compared to their analog counterparts, making them suitable for applications requiring fine-tuned frequency control. Digital PLLs are commonly used in telecommunications and data communications systems.

Fractional-N PLLs

Fractional-N PLLs provide the ability to generate non-integer multiples of a reference frequency, offering greater frequency resolution and flexibility. This type of PLL is ideal for applications requiring precise frequency synthesis, such as in modern wireless communication systems.

All-Digital PLLs (ADPLLs)

All-Digital PLLs (ADPLLs) are entirely digital, eliminating the need for analog components. They are highly programmable and can be integrated into digital systems with ease. ADPLLs are favored in applications where integration and power efficiency are crucial, such as in portable electronic devices.

Types of Frequency Synthesizers

Direct Analog Synthesizers

Direct analog synthesizers use a combination of mixers, filters, and oscillators to produce the desired frequency. They are known for their high spectral purity and low phase noise, making them suitable for applications requiring high-quality signal generation. However, they tend to be more complex and costly compared to other types.

Direct Digital Synthesizers (DDS)

Direct digital synthesizers generate frequencies using digital signal processing techniques. They offer high frequency resolution and fast switching speeds, making them ideal for applications requiring rapid frequency changes. DDS systems are compact and cost-effective, although they may have higher phase noise compared to analog systems.

Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Synthesizers

PLL synthesizers use a feedback loop to lock the output frequency to a reference frequency. They are widely used due to their simplicity, flexibility, and ability to generate a wide range of frequencies. PLL synthesizers are suitable for applications where moderate phase noise and frequency stability are acceptable.

How to choose Clock Generators?

When selecting a clock generator, several key parameters should be considered:

Frequency Range: Ensure the generator can produce the required frequency for your application.
Jitter Performance: Low jitter is crucial for high-speed and precision applications.
Output Format: Consider the compatibility of the output signal with your system's requirements.
Power Consumption: Evaluate the power efficiency, especially for battery-operated devices.
Environmental Conditions: Assess the operating temperature range and resistance to environmental factors.

To evaluate product quality and reliability, review supplier datasheets, customer reviews, and industry certifications. Consider suppliers with a proven track record and robust quality assurance processes. Installation requirements may include considerations for PCB layout, signal integrity, and thermal management to ensure optimal performance.

How to choose Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clocks?

When selecting a PLL clock, several key parameters should be considered:

Frequency Range: Ensure the PLL supports the desired frequency range for your application.
Phase Noise: Evaluate the phase noise performance, especially for applications requiring high signal integrity.
Lock Time: Consider the time it takes for the PLL to achieve phase lock, which can impact system performance.
Power Consumption: Assess the power requirements, particularly for battery-operated devices.
Temperature Range: Ensure the PLL can operate within the environmental conditions of 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 prevent interference and signal degradation.

How to choose Frequency Synthesizers?

When selecting a frequency synthesizer, consider the following key parameters:

Frequency Range: Ensure the synthesizer covers the required frequency range for your application.
Phase Noise: Choose a synthesizer with low phase noise for applications requiring high signal purity.
Frequency Resolution: High resolution is crucial for applications needing precise frequency tuning.
Switching Speed: Fast switching is essential for applications that require rapid frequency changes.
Output Power: Ensure the synthesizer provides adequate output power for your needs.

Evaluate product quality and reliability by reviewing supplier certifications, customer reviews, and warranty terms. Consider environmental factors such as temperature range and humidity, and ensure the synthesizer is compatible with your installation requirements.

Applications of Clock Generators & Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clocks & Frequency Synthesizers

Clock Generators, Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Clocks, and Frequency Synthesizers are pivotal components in the realm of integrated circuits. These devices are essential for generating precise timing signals and frequencies required in various electronic systems. Their applications span across multiple industries, each leveraging their unique capabilities to enhance performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Applications in Telecommunications

In the telecommunications industry, PLL clocks and frequency synthesizers are crucial for ensuring accurate signal timing and synchronization. They are used in base stations, routers, and switches to maintain the integrity of data transmission over networks. By providing stable clock signals, these components help in reducing jitter and phase noise, which are critical for high-speed data communication.

Applications in Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, rely heavily on clock generators and PLLs for their operation. These components are responsible for managing the timing of various processes within the device, ensuring smooth operation and efficient power consumption. They enable functionalities like video playback, gaming, and wireless communication by providing the necessary clock frequencies.

Applications in Automotive Industry

The automotive industry utilizes clock generators and PLLs in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and engine control units (ECUs). These components help synchronize the operations of various sensors and processors, ensuring real-time data processing and decision-making. This synchronization is vital for the safety and performance of modern vehicles.

Applications in Aerospace and Defense

In aerospace and defense, clock generators and frequency synthesizers are used in radar systems, communication satellites, and navigation systems. They provide the precise timing required for signal processing and frequency hopping, which are essential for secure and reliable communication. These components also play a role in electronic warfare systems, where they help in jamming and countermeasure operations.

Applications in Medical Devices

Medical devices, such as MRI machines, ultrasound equipment, and patient monitoring systems, utilize PLL clocks and frequency synthesizers to ensure accurate signal processing and imaging. These components help in maintaining the precision and reliability of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, which is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment outcomes.

In conclusion, Clock Generators, PLL Clocks, and Frequency Synthesizers are indispensable in various industries, providing the necessary timing and frequency control that underpin the functionality of modern electronic systems. Their role in enhancing performance and reliability makes them a cornerstone of technological advancement.