Can I Use a Frequency Synthesizer to Create a 28.8MHz Clock Signal?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around generating a 28.8MHz clock signal using frequency synthesizers and other available components. Participants explore various methods, including the use of specific integrated circuits (ICs) and programmable oscillators, to achieve this frequency from more commonly available oscillators.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the feasibility of using a frequency synthesizer to create a 28.8MHz clock signal and asks for recommendations on ICs.
  • Another participant mentions that the acceptable frequency range is between 28.75MHz to 28.85MHz and suggests using a TCXO for lower frequency drift.
  • There is a suggestion to use a 14.4MHz TCXO and then double the frequency, with a request for recommendations on ICs that can achieve this.
  • Some participants discuss the TI SN74LS624N as a potential IC for frequency division, but there is uncertainty about its configuration and output.
  • One participant shares a link to a clock generator series from Silicon Labs, claiming it is easy to use and effective.
  • Another participant mentions using Cypress clock synthesizers, highlighting their programmability and ease of use.
  • A suggestion is made to consider purchasing high-quality 28.8MHz crystal oscillators from suppliers, noting the trade-off between price and stability.
  • There is a mention of programmable oscillators, with participants expressing interest in their convenience for specifying desired frequencies directly when ordering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various methods and components for generating the desired clock signal, but there is no consensus on the best approach. Multiple competing views on ICs and techniques remain, and the discussion is unresolved regarding the optimal solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the configuration and use of specific ICs, as well as the trade-offs between different types of oscillators. There are also limitations in the details provided about the performance characteristics of suggested components.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for electronics hobbyists, engineers, or students looking to generate specific clock frequencies for projects involving digital circuits or signal processing.

Tom48
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hi,

i need a 28.8MHz clock signal (digital/square wave).
Unfortunately this specific frequency is hard to get so i need to make one myself.
I guess the keyword here is "frequency synthesizer"?
Or how would you approach this?
(to get the 28.8MHz clock signal out of other more commonly available frequency oszillators)
If you could share certain ICs you would recommend for this issue that would be great! :)

thank you!
 
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The answer will depend on how much phase noise you can tolerate.
Do you need exactly 28.8MHz or will something close be OK?
What is your application?
What frequency clocks are available now to use for synthesis or locking of the 28.8MHz.
 
Last edited:
Tom48 said:
I guess the keyword here is "frequency synthesizer"?
Yes it is. Have you googled that?

I did and immediately got a hit on the TI SN74LS624N which you could use to give you half that frequency and then follow it with a one-shot to double it. No statement on the accuracy though.

EDIT: single one-shot follower wont' work. You'll need two of them then an OR gate.
 
First, thanks a lot for your answers!

It should be pretty close to 28.8MHz (TCXO/temperature compensated would be good in order to keep the frequency drift lower).
(28.75 to 28.85MHZ is ok for sure)
A low quality crystal on a SDR (software defined radio) stick shall be replaced.

So i could take a 14.4MHz TCXO and double the frequency?
Do you know an IC that can just double my frequency?

I already did some research but I am quite unsure yet (there are way too many kind of ICs [dividers,clock synthesizers,multiplier, buffers etc]) so it would really help a lot if you could show me the right path by some example ICs maybe? :)

@phinds: I checked the TI SN74LS624N, so i can halve my frequency with your IC, so is there also one i can multiply my frequency by 2?
Im also quite unsure how i would use the TI SN74LS624N right yet, on what ports should i provide the clock signal and on what port i then could expect the halved output signal? Does it halve the signal by default or do i have to apply certain settings on a certain port?

Sorry for all the questions, i hope i can clear some out with your help :)
 
I don't know the details, I just Googled the relevant phrase and got that chip. Put two one-shots on the output, one with an inverter in front, and then OR the outputs of the one-shots.
 
The United States website of EBay lists about 10 suppliers of 28.8 MHz crystal oscillators.

Many of these are high quality units ( eg 0.5 parts per million accuracy) with prices to match. You get what you pay for. :-)

There is one supplier who has ceramic resonators at a much lower price, but these are fairly unstable.

Most crystal manufacturers would probably quote you a price for making you one to order.
 
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ok thank you all for all your replies!
I didnt know there also were programmable oscillators available, so thanks for that hint!

So i guess i just could grab one of these, e.g.: http://www.mouser.de/ProductDetail/Microchip-Technology-Micrel/DSC8001BI2/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMuOKVxQlXmfz2joUnuME8vyBrzHzq0PCJAZq5JymFKMOA%3d%3d

I suppose after i bought the parts i will be asked to provide a value for the oscillators frequency (so i could tell them 28.8MHz).
Seems like a pretty easy solution?
So i wouldn't need to build circuits that divide/multiply my clock signals...
 
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  • #10
Tom48 said:
I didnt know there also were programmable oscillators available, so thanks for that hint!
Yes, they are very handy. You just specify the frequency when you make your purchase from Mouser or Digikey. :smile:
 

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