NXP Semiconductors MPC9229AC

Overview

MPC9229AC from Freescale Semiconductor (formerly Motorola) is a 3.3 V, SiGe-based PLL clock synthesizer generating differential PECL clock outputs from 25 MHz to 400 MHz. It integrates an on-chip crystal oscillator, fully internal PLL with 800–1600 MHz VCO range, and dual serial/parallel programming interfaces. Designed for telecom and high-speed computing clock trees, it delivers sub-nanosecond edge rates with low cycle-to-cycle jitter (as low as 90 ps).

For engineers reviewing the MPC9229AC datasheet, MPC9229AC pinout, MPC9229AC application, or MPC9229AC equivalent, key selection considerations include its LVPECL output drive capability (50 Ω terminated to VCC − 2.0 V), M/N divider programmability (M = 0–511, N = 1/2/4/8), ambient temperature range (0°C to +70°C), and dual power supply isolation (VCC for logic/outputs, VCC_PLL for analog PLL core).

Technical Context

The MPC9229AC implements a fully integrated PLL architecture where the external crystal frequency (fXTAL = 10–20 MHz) is divided by 16, then multiplied by 4·M in the feedback path to generate a VCO output of 800–1600 MHz. The post-PLL divider (N = 1, 2, 4, or 8) scales this to final output frequencies while preserving 45–55% duty cycle.

Configuration is supported via parallel interface (M[8:0], N[1:0], P_LOAD) for power-up initialization and serial 3-wire interface (S_CLOCK, S_DATA, S_LOAD) for dynamic reprogramming. The TEST output provides selectable internal node visibility (e.g., fXTAL/16, M-counter, PLL bypass mode) but must remain static during normal operation to guarantee jitter specs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-lead LQFP (FA suffix), 7 mm × 7 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant. Thermal resistance θJA = 50.4–86.0 °C/W depending on airflow (JESD 51-3/6).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC12429, MPC9229AC adds integrated crystal oscillator and serial programming, reducing component count and enabling runtime tuning; versus Si5338A-B-GM, it offers lower-cost single-output PECL synthesis with simpler configuration but less flexibility and no fractional-N capability.

Availability

MPC9229AC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, high-speed networking equipment, and industrial embedded systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPC9229AC 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 high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs, with deep expertise in timing, RF, and power management solutions.

The MPC9229AC belongs to Freescale's Timing Solutions product line, engineered specifically for low-jitter, high-frequency clock generation in telecom, networking, and computing applications demanding robust PLL performance and system-level noise immunity.

FAQ

What is the maximum output frequency supported by the MPC9229AC?

The MPC9229AC supports a maximum output frequency of 400 MHz when configured with N = 1 (÷1 post-divider) and appropriate M-divider value. This requires the VCO to operate at 1600 MHz, which is achieved using a crystal input frequency (fXTAL) and M such that fXTAL × M ÷ 4 = 1600 MHz - for example, a 16 MHz crystal with M = 400. Output frequencies above 200 MHz are only achievable with N = 1 per Table 2 and Table 6.

Does the MPC9229AC require external load capacitors for the crystal oscillator?

No, the MPC9229AC does not require external load capacitors. Its on-chip crystal oscillator uses a series-resonant topology optimized for fundamental AT-cut crystals with shunt capacitance of 5–7 pF. Mounting the crystal as close as possible to the MPC9229AC pins minimizes parasitic effects; adding a 500–1 kΩ resistor across the crystal may be needed only for third-harmonic suppression with high-shunt-capacitance crystals.

How does the MPC9229AC handle power supply noise sensitivity?

The MPC9229AC mitigates power supply noise through physical separation of VCC (digital/core) and VCC_PLL (analog PLL) supply rails. To meet jitter specifications, Freescale recommends a dedicated RC filter (10–15 Ω resistor + 22 µF bulk + 0.01–0.1 µF ceramic) on VCC_PLL, targeting 1 kHz–1 MHz noise attenuation. Layout best practices include low-inductance bypassing and avoiding signal routing under the crystal footprint.

Can the MPC9229AC generate non-integer output frequencies?

Yes, the MPC9229AC can generate fractional output frequencies when N > 1. For example, with fXTAL = 16 MHz and N = 2, the smallest step size is 500 kHz (fXTAL ÷ 16 ÷ N). Using M values that are not integer multiples of N yields fractional outputs - e.g., M = 262 with N = 2 gives 131 MHz. The formula fOUT = (fXTAL ÷ 16) × M ÷ N enables precise whole- and fractional-MHz synthesis across the full 25–400 MHz range.

What happens to the FOUT outputs when OE is driven low?

When OE is driven low (active-low disable), the MPC9229AC synchronously forces FOUT to logic low and FOUT to logic high - eliminating runt pulses. This state holds until OE returns high; the outputs resume normal differential PECL operation on the next rising edge of the internal clock after OE assertion. This behavior is guaranteed across the full 0°C to +70°C operating range and is independent of PLL lock status.