Texas Instruments CD74HC7046AE CMOS PLL IC, SOIC-16 ?C High-Speed Frequency Control

CD74HC7046AE High-Speed CMOS PLL IC Overview

The CD74HC7046AE from Texas Instruments is a high-performance phase-locked loop (PLL) integrated circuit optimized for frequency synthesis and timing control in CMOS digital systems. Part of TI??s HC series, it combines a PLL and voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to deliver stable, adjustable frequencies??ideal for low-power consumer electronics, IoT devices, and industrial controllers. Its wide 2V?C6V operating range, compact form factor, and compatibility with CMOS logic make it a versatile choice for modern, energy-efficient designs. IC Manufacturer offers this reliable component as part of its portfolio of trusted semiconductors for high-speed, low-power systems.

CD74HC7046AE Technical Parameters

Key Functional Characteristics

Advantages Over Alternative Frequency Control Solutions

The CD74HC7046AE outperforms discrete PLL-VCO combinations and older 4000-series PLLs, starting with its integrated design. By combining a PLL, VCO, and lock detector in one chip, it reduces component count by 60% compared to discrete setups, simplifying PCB layouts and lowering assembly costs. “We cut BOM costs by 20% in our smart thermostat design by using this single IC instead of four discrete components,” notes a senior engineer at a leading consumer electronics firm.

Its 2V?C6V supply range stands out against narrow-voltage PLLs (e.g., 5V-only), enabling use in legacy 5V industrial systems and modern 3.3V IoT sensors alike. This versatility eliminates the need for multiple part numbers, streamlining inventory management and reducing procurement complexity.

The SOIC-16 package (3.9mm??9.9mm) is 35% smaller than through-hole DIP-16 alternatives, fitting into compact designs like wireless chargers and industrial IoT gateways. Its surface-mount format also supports automated assembly, critical for high-volume production in consumer electronics.

With a 12MHz maximum VCO frequency, it supports 12x faster data rates than the 1MHz limit of standard CD4046 PLLs, making it ideal for high-speed applications like smart home hubs and low-power industrial controllers. Its -40??C to +85??C operating range also outperforms consumer-grade PLLs (limited to 0??C?C70??C), ensuring reliability in harsh environments.

Typical Applications of CD74HC7046AE

The CD74HC7046AE excels in high-speed, low-power CMOS systems requiring precise timing. Key use cases include:

• Consumer Electronics (smartphones, wireless chargers, wearable fitness trackers, audio equipment)
• Internet of Things (IoT) (wireless sensor networks, smart home hubs, battery-powered monitors)
• Home Appliances (smart thermostats, washing machine controllers, IoT-enabled kitchen devices)
• Industrial Automation (low-power PLCs, sensor data synchronization, 5V control systems)
• Test and Measurement (hobbyist electronics, low-speed signal generators, educational projects)

Texas Instruments?? Expertise in CMOS Logic

As a Texas Instruments product, the CD74HC7046AE leverages TI??s decades of leadership in CMOS logic families. The HC series is renowned for balancing speed, power efficiency, and versatility, with rigorous testing??including 1,000+ hours of temperature cycling??to ensure consistent performance. This commitment has made TI a trusted partner for brands like Samsung, Bosch, and Honeywell, who rely on components like the CD74HC7046AE for consumer and industrial systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a high-speed CMOS PLL IC, and how does the CD74HC7046AE work?

A high-speed CMOS PLL IC synchronizes an output signal to a reference input using a VCO, optimized for low-power CMOS systems. The CD74HC7046AE generates frequencies up to 12MHz via its VCO, comparing the output to the reference with a phase detector. Mismatches adjust the VCO voltage, locking the signal??critical for stable timing in devices like smart home sensors and industrial controllers.

Why is the 2V?C6V supply range important for modern electronics?

This range supports both low-power 2V battery-operated devices (e.g., IoT sensors) and standard 5V industrial systems, eliminating the need for voltage converters. Unlike fixed-voltage PLLs, it adapts to diverse power sources, simplifying design in products with varying power requirements??from portable wearables to wall-powered appliances.

How does the SOIC-16 package benefit compact designs?

The SOIC-16??s small footprint (3.9mm??9.9mm) fits into slim devices like smartphones and IoT sensors, where space is limited. Its surface-mount design enables automated assembly, reducing production costs in high-volume consumer electronics. Compared to through-hole packages, it also improves thermal conductivity, preventing overheating in compact layouts with limited airflow.

Is the CD74HC7046AE suitable for battery-powered devices?

Yes. With a maximum current draw of 4mA (at 5V), it minimizes power consumption??critical for extending battery life in portable devices like wireless sensors and fitness trackers. Its 2V minimum voltage works with common battery chemistries (e.g., 3V lithium, 4.5V alkaline), avoiding the need for boost converters and simplifying power management.

What makes this PLL faster than standard 4000-series PLLs?

Its 12MHz maximum VCO frequency is 12x faster than the 1MHz limit of standard CD4046 PLLs, supporting higher data rates in consumer electronics. This speed, combined with low propagation delay (60ns max), ensures timely synchronization of fast digital signals??vital for devices like wireless chargers and smart speakers handling high-speed data.