Clock Generators & Support Products Integrated Circuit
Clock Generators and Support Products are the “heart” of modern digital circuits. Think of a complex electronic system as an orchestra; the clock IC is the conductor. It generates pulse signals—the “beat”—to ensure CPUs, memory, FPGAs, and interfaces stay in sync. This precision allows for seamless data reading, processing, and transmission.

IC-Mart Your Trusted Source for Clock Generators & Support Products Chips
(from leading manufacturers)
Leading Manufacturers and Representative Models
1. Texas Instruments (TI)
TI offers a massive portfolio ranging from low-power industrial to high-performance base station applications.
- General/Low-Power Series:
- CDCE913 / CDCE925: Popular low-cost, programmable generators for consumer electronics.
- CDCE6214: High-efficiency, ultra-low-power generator for space-constrained designs.
- High-Performance/Network Sync (LMK Series):
- LMK03328: Ultra-low jitter generator with dual PLLs.
- LMK05318B: BAW (Bulk Acoustic Wave) technology for 400G networks.
- LMK5B33216: High-performance synchronizer for wireless communication.
- RF & High-Speed Distribution (LMX/CDC Series):
- LMX2820: Wideband RF synthesizer supporting up to 22.6 GHz.
- CDCDB2000: High-speed buffer compatible with PCIe Gen 1-6.
2. Renesas (Formerly IDT)
Renesas became a timing leader after acquiring IDT. Its VersaClock and FemtoClock lines are industry standards.
- VersaClock® Programmable Series:
- 5P49V5901 / 5P49V6901: Highly flexible benchmark models with 4 outputs.
- VersaClock 7: Latest generation of high-performance programmable clocks.
- Application-Specific/PCIe Series:
- 9DBL0452 / 9DBL0851: Low-power, zero-delay buffers designed for PCIe protocols.
- High-Performance/Network Series:
- 8T49N241 (FemtoClock NG): Universal frequency converter with ultra-low jitter (<150fs).
- ClockMatrixâ„¢: Large-scale synchronization for 5G and core networks.
3. Skyworks Solutions (Formerly Silicon Labs Timing)
Skyworks uses patented MultiSynth technology to generate any frequency from a single source.
- Any-Frequency Generators:
- Si5351A/B/C: Cost-effective I2C programmable generators with up to 8 outputs.
- Si5341 / Si5340: High-performance clocks for complex system cores.
- Jitter Attenuation & Sync:
- Si5391: Premium jitter attenuators for data centers and high-end switches.
- Si5345: Jitter cleaning for Ethernet synchronization.
4. Analog Devices (ADI / Including Maxim)
ADI excels in high-performance analog and precision timing for radar and instrumentation.
- Precision Timing & Distribution:
- AD9522 / AD9528: Multi-output distributors supporting JESD204B/C for ADC/DAC sampling.
- AD9545: Dual-channel DPLL digital synchronizer.
- RF Timing (HMC Series):
- HMC7044: High-performance jitter attenuator for 3.2 GHz distribution.
- EMI & Spread Spectrum (Formerly Maxim):
- DS1086L: Classic spread-spectrum generator for EMI compliance.
5. Microchip (Including Micrel/Microsemi)
Microchip provides a comprehensive range, including atomic clocks and high-reliability industrial ICs.
- Industrial Grade (PL/SY Series):
- PL133 / PL123: Low-power clock buffers and drivers.
- SY89831 / SY89872: High-speed differential drivers (LVPECL/LVDS).
- Network Sync:
- ZL30161: Specialized PLL for communication network synchronization.
6. SiTime (MEMS Specialist)
SiTime leads the MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) timing market with all-silicon, vibration-resistant products.
- MEMS Programmable Oscillators:
- SiT8008 / SiT8021: Low-power, fully programmable MEMS oscillators.
- SiT9120: High-stability differential generators for networking.
- SiT5356 (Super-TCXO): Precision timing with ultra-tight temp control (±0.1 ppm).
Key Chinese Manufacturers and Representative Models
1. Aura Semiconductor
Aura leads in high-performance jitter attenuators and multi-output generators for 5G and data centers.
- AU5061 / AU5062: High-performance jitter attenuators with up to 12 outputs; competes with Skyworks Si534x.
- AU53xx: Sync clocks for SyncE and IEEE 1588.
- Market Position: Replaces Skyworks (Si53xx) and Renesas (FemtoClock).
2. DAPU Telecom
Specializes in timing and synchronization for communication infrastructure.
- INS6310: High-performance, low-jitter differential fan-out buffer.
- ACS9520 / ACS9522: Sync ICs for IEEE 1588v2.
- RTC Series (INS8900): Automotive-grade high-precision RTC with built-in TCXO.
- Market Position: Replaces TI (LMK series) and Microchip (Zarlink).
3. AnalogySemi
Focuses on high-performance analog signal chains and timing.
- AL Clock Series: Includes ultra-low jitter generators.
- Clock Buffers: P2P (pin-to-pin) compatible high-speed distribution ICs.
- Market Position: Industrial control, medical imaging, and high-end audio.
4. 3PEAK
A versatile signal chain provider focusing on industrial and consumer timers.
- TPL5010 / TPL5110: Ultra-low power system timers (TI P2P replacement).
- TPL1xxx: High-speed clock buffers.
- Market Position: General industrial and consumer power control.
5. Novosense
Specializes in industrial and automotive-grade timing with isolation features.
- NSi Series: Isolated clock drivers.
- MEMS Clocks: Silicon-based alternatives to traditional quartz.
- Market Position: New energy vehicles and industrial automation.
6. RunIC
Provides cost-effective, high-volume general-purpose clock support ICs.
- RS9112C / RS9114C: LVCMOS clock buffers (1:2 and 1:4).
- RS1C1108: 8-output clock driver.
- Market Position: Replaces TI (CDCV series) and Renesas (74FCT series).
Chinese Manufacturer Summary Table
| Manufacturer | Core Advantages | Western Alternatives | Application Domains |
| Aura Semi | High-end jitter attenuation, Any-Freq generators | Skyworks, Renesas | Base stations, core routers, optical net |
| DAPU Telecom | Network sync (1588), High-precision RTC | TI, Microsemi | Telecom infrastructure, Power grids |
| 3PEAK/RunIC | General buffers, Timers | TI, ON Semi, NXP | Industrial boards, consumer electronics |
| AnalogySemi | Low-phase noise generators, High-perf buffers | ADI, TI | Instrumentation, Medical devices |
| Novosense | Automotive/Industrial isolated drivers | Silicon Labs, TI | EV OBC/DCDC, Servo drives |
Understanding Clock Generators & Support Products
These ICs manage every aspect of “Time” and “Frequency” within a system:
- Generate: Uses quartz or MEMS to create stable high-frequency square waves (e.g., 25MHz).
- Synthesis: Uses PLLs to convert a reference frequency into specific speeds needed by CPUs (3.2GHz) or PCIe (100MHz).
- Distribution/Buffer: Distributes a high-quality clock source to multiple chips without phase delay or distortion.
- Jitter Attenuation: Removes timing “noise.” In high-speed systems, even picosecond-level deviations can cause data failure.
- Translation: Converts clock signals between different logic levels (e.g., LVDS to CMOS).
Typical Application Scenarios
- Data Center & Computing: Drives high-performance processors and PCIe 5.0/6.0 interfaces. Stability is critical for data transfer between CPUs and NVMe drives.
- 5G Communication: SyncE and IEEE 1588 standards require nanosecond-level accuracy across miles of network infrastructure.
- Consumer Electronics: Spread-spectrum clocks reduce EMI in gaming consoles (PS5/Xbox) to pass EMC certification. Ultra-low jitter ensures Hi-Fi audio quality.
- Automotive: ADAS and Infotainment systems require AEC-Q100 certified clocks to function in extreme temperatures and high-vibration environments.
- Industrial Automation: Synchronizes multi-axis robotic arms and PLC controllers with microsecond precision.
- Medical Equipment: Ensures high-frequency sampling stability for clear imaging in Ultrasound, CT, and MRI machines.
Core Categories of Clock Generators & Support Products
| Category | Core Logic | Key Manufacturers | Target Applications |
| General Programmable | Reduces BOM; one chip replaces multiple crystals | Skyworks, Microchip | Embedded, Industrial, Smart hardware |
| Protocol Specific | Meets mandatory jitter/sync standards (PCIe/Net) | Renesas, ADI | Servers, Storage, Base stations |
| MEMS/High Performance | Vibration resistance; ultra-low jitter | SiTime, TI | Aerospace, 5G, Medical imaging |
| Sync/Translate/EMI | EMI optimization; cross-system calibration | ADI, ON Semi, TI | Automotive, Complex comms systems |