onsemi MC10188FN

Overview

MC10188FN from ON Semiconductor is a high-speed MECL 10,000-series hex buffer with common active-low Enable input, designed for ECL logic level translation and fanout expansion in high-frequency digital systems. It features 2.0 ns typical propagation delay (B→Q), –1.06 V typical VOH, –1.89 V typical VOL, and operates with VCC1/VCC2 = –2.0 V and VEE = –5.2 V. It is used in telecom line card timing distribution and high-speed test equipment clock buffering.

For engineers reviewing the MC10188FN datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its PLCC-20 package compatibility, ECL-compatible output swing (–1.06 V to –1.89 V), enable-controlled three-state behavior, and guaranteed operation across –30°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The MC10188FN implements six independent non-inverting buffers sharing a single active-low Enable (EN) input tied to Pin 8 (VEE). When EN is low (VEE = –5.2 V), outputs replicate inputs; when EN is high (≈ –2.0 V), all outputs are forced low. All inputs and outputs comply with MECL 10,000 voltage thresholds: VIHmax = –0.89 V at –30°C, VILmin = –1.89 V at –30°C.

It requires dual supply configuration: VCC1 (Pin 1) and VCC2 (Pin 16) at –2.0 V, and VEE (Pin 8) at –5.2 V. Outputs are terminated into 50 Ω to –2.0 V per standard MECL test conditions, enabling deterministic 2.0–2.5 ns propagation delays and sub-4 ns rise/fall times (20–80%).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC10188FN is housed in a 20-pin Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20), Case 775–02, with J-lead profile and body dimensions 9.78 mm × 9.78 mm × 2.21 mm (max height). Pin 1 is marked by a corner notch; leads are numbered counterclockwise starting from the notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar hex buffer applications.

Compared with MC10188FN, MC100188FN offers higher speed at reduced power but demands updated layout practices, while SN65EL11 shifts to PECL signaling and requires full system-level voltage architecture changes - neither is pin-compatible or functionally interchangeable without hardware modification.

Availability

MC10188FN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, high-speed test instrumentation, and industrial data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MC10188FN includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

ON Semiconductor (now part of onsemi) is a global semiconductor supplier specializing in energy-efficient silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and communications markets.

The MC10188FN belongs to the legacy MECL 10,000 logic family, engineered for high-speed, low-skew digital signal routing in telecom switching, military computing, and precision instrumentation where ECL-level noise immunity and nanosecond timing are critical.

FAQ

What is the correct power supply configuration for MC10188FN?

The MC10188FN requires three distinct supply connections: VCC1 (Pin 1) and VCC2 (Pin 16) must both be connected to –2.0 V, while VEE (Pin 8) serves as the Enable input and must be held at –5.2 V to activate the buffers. Incorrect rail assignment - such as reversing VCC and VEE - will prevent proper logic operation and may damage the device. Decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 µF ceramic) are mandatory at each VCC pin relative to VEE.

Does MC10188FN support true three-state outputs?

No, the MC10188FN does not provide high-impedance (Hi-Z) outputs. When the Enable input (Pin 8) is high (≈ –2.0 V), all six outputs are driven low (≈ –1.89 V); they are never disconnected from the load. This differs from three-state buffers and means external series resistors or bus switches are required for shared-bus contention avoidance. The MC10188FN's "disable" mode is a forced-logic-low state, not an open-drain or Hi-Z condition.

Can MC10188FN be used with modern 3.3 V or 5 V logic families?

MC10188FN is strictly an MECL 10,000 device and is not directly compatible with 3.3 V CMOS, TTL, or LVDS logic families. Its inputs expect ECL-level voltages (VIHmax ≈ –0.89 V, VILmin ≈ –1.89 V), and its outputs swing between –1.06 V and –1.89 V. Interfacing with 3.3 V or 5 V systems requires dedicated level translators such as the MC100EP016 or discrete resistor-divider networks with appropriate biasing - direct connection will result in logic failure or device stress.

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by MC10188FN?

The MC10188FN does not specify a maximum clock frequency in its datasheet, but its 2.0 ns typical propagation delay and <4 ns rise/fall times support reliable operation up to at least 400 MHz for repetitive square-wave signals under proper 50 Ω termination to –2.0 V. For NRZ data, bit rates up to 500 Mbps are achievable with adequate signal integrity controls (controlled impedance, minimal stub length, proper grounding). Performance degrades above this range due to cumulative skew and jitter.

Is the PLCC-20 package of MC10188FN lead-free and RoHS compliant?

The original MC10188FN (Rev. 7, 2002) was manufactured prior to RoHS enforcement and uses leaded solder in its PLCC-20 package (Case 775–02). ON Semiconductor did not release a RoHS-compliant variant of the MC10188FN. For new designs requiring RoHS compliance, engineers should consider functional alternatives like the MC100LVEL16 or consult onsemi's obsolescence roadmap for approved replacements with lead-free packaging and updated environmental certifications.