onsemi MC10H188FN

Overview

MC10H188FN from ON Semiconductor is a high-speed MECL 10H™ hex buffer with common enable, delivering 1.3 ns typical propagation delay, −5.2 V VEE operation, and 180 mW typical power dissipation per package. It functions as a level-shifting, noise-immune signal fanout device in ECL logic systems, used in high-frequency data routing for telecom line cards and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the MC10H188FN datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page provides verified electrical parameters, PLCC-20 package mapping, truth-table–driven enable logic behavior, and direct alternatives compatible with MECL 10K system interfaces.

Technical Context

The MC10H188FN implements six independent non-inverting buffers sharing a single active-low enable input (pin 1), where enable = low enables output mirroring of inputs, and enable = high forces all outputs low. All inputs and outputs operate with MECL-compatible voltage levels referenced to VEE = −5.2 V.

It uses voltage-compensated differential emitter-coupled logic to maintain stable switching thresholds across 0°C to +75°C and supports 50 Ω termination to −2.0 V, enabling clean 100+ MHz signal distribution without overshoot or ground bounce in backplane interconnects.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC10H188FN is housed in a 20-lead plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC-20), case 775, with J-lead profile and gull-wing footprint. The package is Pb-free (suffix G implied in FNR2G variant) and rated for surface-mount reflow per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC10H188FN, MC100H188FN offers broader temperature coverage and faster timing but at higher cost and tighter availability, while SN65EL188P eliminates negative supply dependency but mandates board-level redesign due to incompatible pinout and voltage domain.

Availability

MC10H188FN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, automated test equipment, radar signal processing, and high-speed instrumentation requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC10H188FN 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, high-performance analog, logic, and power management solutions for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The MC10H188FN belongs to the legacy MECL 10H™ logic family, engineered specifically for high-speed, low-skew signal distribution in ECL-based telecom and test systems where nanosecond timing precision and noise immunity are critical.

FAQ

What is the recommended termination for MC10H188FN outputs?

The MC10H188FN outputs must be terminated with 50 Ω resistors to −2.0 V, as specified in the datasheet's AC parameter test conditions. This termination ensures proper signal integrity, minimizes reflections on transmission lines, and guarantees the 1.3 ns propagation delay and 150 mV noise margin. Using alternative terminations (e.g., to ground or VCC) invalidates all published timing and voltage specifications for MC10H188FN.

Does MC10H188FN support hot-swap or live-insertion?

No, MC10H188FN does not support hot-swap. Its VEE pin must be powered before VCC, and both supplies must be within specification before applying input signals. Violating this sequencing risks latch-up or permanent damage. The datasheet specifies no hot-swap qualification, and the PLCC-20 package lacks built-in protection circuitry - safe insertion requires full power-down of the host board prior to handling MC10H188FN.

Can MC10H188FN drive TTL or CMOS loads directly?

No, MC10H188FN cannot directly drive standard TTL or CMOS logic. Its outputs swing between approximately −1.0 V (VOH) and −1.8 V (VOL) relative to VEE = −5.2 V, which falls outside TTL/CMOS input voltage thresholds. Interfacing requires level-shifting circuitry (e.g., MC10H605 translator) or use of compatible ECL/PECL receivers. Direct connection will result in undefined logic states and potential bus contention for MC10H188FN.

What is the function of pins 15 and 20 (VCC1 and VCC2) on MC10H188FN?

Pins 15 and 20 are both VCC connections (0 V reference), not redundant - they serve separate internal power domains for output driver groups. VCC1 (pin 15) supplies the first three buffers (A–C), and VCC2 (pin 20) supplies the last three (D–F). This dual-VCC structure reduces simultaneous switching noise and maintains <0.2 ns inter-output skew. Both pins must be connected to the same 0 V plane with individual 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitors placed near each pin for MC10H188FN stability.

Is MC10H188FN pin-compatible with MC10K188 in PLCC-20 package?

No - MC10K188 was only offered in CDIP-16 and PDIP-16 packages; it has no PLCC-20 variant. MC10H188FN's PLCC-20 pinout is unique to the 10H family and differs from 10K's 16-pin DIP layouts. However, MC10H188FN is functionally and logic-pin-compatible with MC10K188 *when used in systems designed for the same 16-pin footprint*, meaning its signal mapping matches MC10K188's DIP pin numbers (e.g., pin 2 = AIN, pin 9 = AOUT), but physical mounting requires adapter or redesign for PLCC-20. The MC10H188FN itself is not a drop-in mechanical replacement for any MC10K188 package.