CD4046BE - 2.4MHz Micropower CMOS PLL IC | Texas Instruments
MPN: CD4046BE ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.4105 | $0.41 |
| 10 | $0.4105 | $4.11 |
| 100 | $0.4105 | $41.05 |
| 500 | $0.4105 | $205.25 |
| 1,000 | $0.4105 | $410.50 |
CD4046BE Overview
A phase-locked loop is a feedback-control system in which a voltage-controlled oscillator is adjusted until a generated signal matches the phase relationship of a reference input. Within the CD4046B family, the low-power linear VCO and alternative phase-comparator outputs allow different loop architectures to be selected. The CD4046BE therefore combines oscillator and detector functions that would otherwise require separate discrete blocks, reducing component count in clock multiplication, demodulation, frequency synthesis, tone generation, and signal-conditioning circuits.
The verified source identifies the CD4046BE as a CMOS micropower PLL with a 2.4 MHz maximum operating frequency, a 3 V to 18 V supply range, and approximately 10 mA supply current in the comparison data. It is offered in a 16-DIP package with a 0.300-inch pin pitch and 7.62 mm lead spacing. The two internal phase comparators and shared input amplifier provide implementation flexibility, but loop stability still depends on correct external resistor, capacitor, filtering, and feedback selections.
Architecturally, the chip separates signal generation from phase detection. The linear VCO responds to its control voltage, while the phase-comparator sections generate correction information for the feedback loop. Comparator I is suited to positive-edge locking, whereas Comparator II supports zero-degree or 180-degree phase comparison depending on its configuration. Designers must follow the manufacturer datasheet for exact comparator logic, output states, operating limits, and timing because those details were not fully present in the supplied source text.
Typical uses include FM and FM-to-AM demodulation, frequency synthesis, tone decoding, frequency multiplication, scanning or sweep generation, and low-frequency clock generation. The part is particularly relevant when variable frequency or phase correction is required and a conventional fixed-frequency oscillator is insufficient. Its CMOS micropower architecture favors low-power signal-path and control applications, provided the external loop network is designed for the intended frequency and supply voltage.
The most important design consideration is loop-component validation. Keep the VCO timing network and feedback-path components close to the device, use the datasheet's recommended topology, and verify acquisition range, lock range, ripple, and phase error on the intended prototype. Component tolerances and parasitic capacitance can materially affect behavior at higher frequencies. Because the verified material does not provide complete timing or pin-function tables, engineers should obtain the manufacturer datasheet before release to production.
This page combines distributor availability, verified family-level specifications, sourcing information, replacement constraints, and practical PLL design guidance. It distinguishes confirmed data from missing parameters while preserving the key advantage of CD4046BE: an integrated CMOS PLL and VCO in a standard 16-pin DIP package.
Drop-in alternatives for CD4046BE — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with CD4046BE (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package, Product Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC14046BE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC14046B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HEC4046B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CD4046B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HEF4046B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CD4046BE Specifications
| Product Type | CMOS micropower phase-locked loop (PLL) IC |
| Maximum Frequency | 2.4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 18 V |
| Supply Current | Approximately 10 mA |
| Oscillator Architecture | Low-power linear voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) |
| Phase Comparator Count | 2 |
| Input Amplifier | Common signal-input amplifier |
| Comparator Input | Common comparator input |
| Package | 16-DIP |
| Package Pitch | 0.300 in (7.62 mm) |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole dual in-line |
| Power Class | Micropower |
| Phase Comparator Type | Two different phase comparators |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| REACH Status | unknown |
CD4046BE 0.300 in (7.62 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for CD4046BE (0.300 in (7.62 mm) package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for CD4046BE.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
CD4046BE is suitable for 6 applications: FM Demodulation, Frequency Synthesis, Frequency Multiplication, Tone Decoding, Variable-Frequency Signal Generation, Clock Synchronization.
FM Demodulation
CD4046BE suits FM demodulation because it combines a 2.4 MHz-capable low-power linear VCO with phase-detection circuitry in one 16-DIP package. Connect the received signal through the appropriate input network and configure one phase comparator in a feedback loop so the VCO follows the carrier. The verified 3 V to 18 V supply range allows operation at multiple logic-compatible rails, but loop time constants must be selected for the carrier range. Test capture behavior, distortion, ripple, and recovery after signal loss rather than assuming ideal lock.
Recommended
Frequency Synthesis
CD4046BE can form a variable-frequency clock generator when a reference must be compared with a VCO-derived signal. Its two phase comparators provide choices for edge-sensitive or zero/180-degree phase relationships, while the low-power CMOS VCO adjusts frequency through its control voltage. The verified 2.4 MHz maximum device frequency and 3 V to 18 V supply range provide useful design bounds, although actual tuning range depends on timing components and supply. Validate lock range, phase jitter, acquisition time, and output stability over temperature.
Recommended
Frequency Multiplication
CD4046BE can be used in a multiplication arrangement where a divided VCO output is compared with the original reference and the loop corrects phase until the frequencies agree. The integrated VCO and phase comparators reduce the block count compared with separate oscillator and detector designs. Its 2.4 MHz verified maximum frequency supports many low- and moderate-speed clock tasks, but divider behavior and harmonic selection must be analyzed. Breadboard testing should verify phase margin and whether unwanted harmonics prevent reliable lock.
Recommended
Tone Decoding
CD4046BE can decode a target tone by configuring the VCO and feedback network to favor a selected frequency. When the received frequency matches the loop's operating point, the phase detector produces the required timing information for downstream decision logic. The shared input amplifier and two comparator options allow the circuit to be adapted to different detection approaches. Because the supplied snippets omit center-frequency equations, calculate timing components from the manufacturer guidance and test adjacent-frequency rejection, capture bandwidth, and response time.
Recommended
Variable-Frequency Signal Generation
CD4046BE is appropriate when an adjustable frequency is more useful than a fixed clock. The low-power linear VCO converts its control voltage into a variable-frequency output, and the phase-comparator sections can close a feedback loop around that oscillator. This arrangement is useful in audio test equipment, scanning circuits, and controllable tone sources. Keep the timing resistor and capacitor physically short to reduce parasitic effects, and verify available tuning range across the intended supply voltage because the listed 3 V to 18 V range is not itself a guaranteed VCO operating span.
Recommended
Clock Synchronization
CD4046BE can synchronize a locally generated VCO signal to an external clock by feeding phase-error information back to the oscillator control path. The 16-DIP package provides a straightforward implementation for through-hole control boards, while the approximately 10 mA verified supply current aligns with low-power CMOS logic. The loop must be tuned for the expected clock frequency and jitter budget. Confirm lock time, cycle-to-cycle phase variation, and behavior during input interruption before using it as a system timing source.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for CD4046BE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC14046BE | MC14046B | HEC4046B | CD4046B | HEF4046B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | onsemi | onsemi | onsemi | Texas Instruments | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 16-DIP | 16-DIP | 16-DIP | 16-DIP | 16-DIP | 16-DIP |
| Product Type | CMOS micropower PLL | PLL | PLL | PLL | CMOS micropower PLL | PLL |
Key Differentiators
- Verified distributor sourcing (vs CD4046B)
- Integrated dual-comparator PLL architecture (vs MC14046B)
- Clearly identified 16-DIP implementation (vs HEF4046B)
Design Notes
Place the VCO timing components and loop-filter connections directly beside the relevant CD4046BE pins, and keep feedback routing compact. The supplied evidence does not provide the complete pin map, so consult the current Texas Instruments CD4046B datasheet before laying out the board. Minimize long traces around the phase comparator because parasitic capacitance can alter oscillator behavior and loop stability.
Do not infer a universal replacement from the CD4046-family name. The verified evidence does not establish all alternative pin mappings, supply limits, VCO ranges, or comparator timings. Before substituting MC14046B, HEC4046B, CD4046B, or HEF4046B, compare every lead and recalculate external R-C or C1 values against the selected manufacturer's datasheet.
Decouple the supply with local high-frequency and bulk capacitance selected from the manufacturer guidance. The verified supply-current reference is approximately 10 mA, but actual demand depends on the operating state and frequency. Keep the 3 V minimum in mind when designing a low-voltage system, and validate startup and lock behavior across the intended supply range rather than assuming performance at the 18 V maximum applies at every voltage.
Validate capture range, lock range, jitter, and harmonic behavior on hardware. A nominal 2.4 MHz maximum does not guarantee stable VCO operation at every frequency or supply voltage. Component tolerance, parasitic capacitance, comparator configuration, and loop gain can prevent lock even when the calculated frequency appears correct. Document test conditions and external component values for production traceability.
Compliance Information
The verified snippets do not provide definitive RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals statements for CD4046BE.
