Phase-locked loop with integrated VCO — what it does in the circuit
The Texas Instruments SN74LV4046AN is a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit that integrates a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), phase comparators, and a common amplifier on a single chip. It accepts CMOS or TTL input levels and delivers CMOS or TTL outputs, making it a flexible building block for frequency synthesis, clock recovery, tone decoding, and motor-speed control loops. The 74LV series operates from a 3V to 5.5V supply, so it fits both 3.3V and 5V logic domains without a level translator.
38 MHz maximum frequency — what it means for your loop bandwidth
The VCO can run up to 38 MHz, which sets the upper bound for the output frequency and the lock range. For a clean lock, keep the centre frequency at least 20% below this ceiling to account for component tolerances and temperature drift. Below 38 MHz the loop can track input signals across the full 3V to 5.5V supply range, so it handles common clock-recovery and frequency-multiplication tasks in industrial and telecom gear.
Supply range 3V to 5.5V — mixed-voltage BOM fit
Rated from 3V to 5.5V, this PLL works in both 3.3V and 5V systems without a separate regulator for the PLL supply. That simplifies the power rail in battery-powered portable equipment (3.3V) and legacy 5V industrial controllers alike. The 1:3 input-to-output ratio means one reference input can drive three internal PLL blocks, useful for generating multiple derived clocks from a single crystal.
Industrial temperature grade — -40°C to 125°C
The -40°C to 125°C operating range qualifies this part for outdoor telecom cabinets, under-hood automotive modules, and factory-floor motor drives. The through-hole 16-PDIP package (0.300" body) is easier to hand-solder and more resistant to vibration than a surface-mount package, which matters in high-shock environments and during prototyping.
Active lifecycle — no obsolescence pressure
TI lists the SN74LV4046AN as Active and ROHS3 compliant. There is no last-time-buy notice, no NRND flag, and no announced successor. Pricing and availability are confirmed at quote time through independent distribution.