NXP Semiconductors MC145170D2R2

Overview

MC145170D2R2 from Freescale Semiconductor is a single-chip PLL frequency synthesizer with serial interface, designed for MF/HF/VHF band RF systems. It features fully programmable R and N counters (R: 5–32,767; N: 40–65,535), dual-phase detectors with linear transfer functions, jam-load initialization, and a robust power-on reset circuit. It operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V and supports up to 185 MHz input frequency at 5.0 V.

For engineers reviewing the MC145170D2R2 datasheet, MC145170D2R2 pinout, MC145170D2R2 application, or MC145170D2R2 equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, SOG-16 package mapping, BitGrabber™ register architecture details, lock detector behavior, and real-world RF synthesizer design considerations - all grounded in Freescale's Rev. 4 technical data.

Technical Context

The MC145170D2R2 implements a dual-phase-detector PLL architecture with independent φR and φV outputs and a three-state PDout, all featuring dead-zone elimination via patented circuitry. Its BitGrabber™ registers enable random-access 1-, 2-, or 3-byte serial transfers without address bits - supporting C (8-bit), N (16-bit), and R (15-bit) register access via Din/CLK/ENB.

It integrates on-chip support for external crystal (2–15 MHz) or ac/dc-coupled reference sources, a fin-input amplifier (150 µA max input current), programmable REFout (up to 10 MHz), and configuration-controlled output gating. The jam-load feature simultaneously initializes both counters and phase detectors during N-register updates to prevent erroneous lock states.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOG-16 plastic package (Case 751B), 300 mil width, gull-wing leads, JEDEC MS-012 compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar PLL frequency synthesizer applications.

Compared with MC145170P2 and MC145170DT2, the MC145170D2R2 offers optimal thermal resistance and manufacturability for mid-volume SMT production, while retaining full register compatibility and identical lock-detection behavior - making it the preferred choice for new RF module designs targeting cost-performance balance.

Availability

MC145170D2R2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VHF transceivers, HF SDR platforms, aviation communications equipment, and ISM-band remote controls requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MC145170D2R2 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a global leader in embedded processing and analog RF solutions, with deep expertise in wireless infrastructure and automotive electronics.

The MC145170 series was developed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability RF synthesizer applications in land-mobile radio, amateur transceivers, and industrial telemetry - emphasizing ease of programming, low power, and robust lock detection.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the MC145170D2R2 at 3.0 V supply?

The MC145170D2R2 supports up to 100 MHz input frequency (fin) at 3.0 V supply voltage, as specified in Freescale's Rev. 4 technical data. This limit scales with supply voltage: 185 MHz is achievable only at 4.5–5.5 V. Operation above these values risks metastability in the N counter and phase detector circuits, leading to loss of lock or erratic tuning behavior. Always verify fin amplitude (≥500 mVpp) and slew rate when approaching maximum frequency limits.

How does the jam-load feature improve system reliability in the MC145170D2R2?

The jam-load feature in the MC145170D2R2 simultaneously loads both the N and R counters and initializes the phase detectors upon every N-register update. This prevents partial counter updates that could cause false lock detection or VCO frequency jumps. In real-world use, this ensures deterministic channel switching in FM transceivers and eliminates spurious emissions during frequency hops - a critical advantage over non-jam-load synthesizers like early MC145152 variants.

Can the MC145170D2R2 drive a crystal directly, and what are the capacitor requirements?

Yes, the MC145170D2R2 can drive a parallel-resonant crystal directly between OSCin (Pin 1) and OSCout (Pin 2). Freescale specifies total load capacitance ≤30 pF per pin (including PCB stray capacitance), requiring external C1/C2 capacitors sized per crystal manufacturer's recommendation. A 1.0–5.0 MΩ feedback resistor must also be placed across OSCin/OSCout to ensure amplifier linearity - omitting it causes gain compression and frequency drift.

What is the purpose of the BitGrabber™ architecture in the MC145170D2R2?

The BitGrabber™ architecture in the MC145170D2R2 eliminates the need for address or steering bits in serial communication. Instead, register access is determined solely by the number of clock cycles applied: 8 clocks → C register, 16 clocks → N register, 15 or 24 clocks → R register. This simplifies MCU firmware, reduces SPI transaction overhead, and enables true random-access updates without maintaining internal address pointers - a key differentiator from conventional I²C or SPI synthesizers.

Is the MC145170D2R2 pin-compatible with the MC145170-1, and what are the key differences?

Yes, the MC145170D2R2 is pin-for-pin compatible with the MC145170-1, sharing identical SOG-16 pinout, register map, and AC/DC specifications. The primary difference is an enhanced power-on reset (POR) circuit in the MC145170D2R2, which responds more reliably to brief supply interruptions - drawing ~20 µA more quiescent current but retaining the same 100 µA maximum IDD rating. Freescale explicitly recommends the MC145170D2R2 for all new designs.