NXP Semiconductors MPC9230FA

Overview

MPC9230FA from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 3.3 V, SiGe-based PLL clock synthesizer delivering differential LVPECL output frequencies from 50 MHz to 750 MHz across –40°C to +85°C ambient. It integrates an on-chip crystal oscillator, supports serial and parallel programming, and features separate VCC_PLL and VCC supplies to minimize jitter. Used in telecom line cards and high-speed networking PHY clocking.

For engineers reviewing the MPC9230FA datasheet, MPC9230FA pinout, MPC9230FA application, or MPC9230FA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 800–1500 MHz VCO range at industrial temperature, 45–55% output duty cycle, sub-160 ps cycle-to-cycle jitter (N=8), LVCMOS-compatible control inputs, and dual 32-lead LQFP package compatibility with Pb-free options.

Technical Context

The MPC9230FA implements a fully integrated PLL with internal crystal oscillator referenced to a 10–20 MHz quartz crystal, dividing it by 16 before multiplication via a 9-bit feedback divider (M) and post-dividing by N ∈ {1,2,4,8}. Its VCO operates from 800–1500 MHz at –40°C to +85°C, limiting max output to 750 MHz when N=1.

It provides two independent configuration paths: parallel loading via M[8:0]/N[1:0] pins synchronized to P_LOAD, and serial 14-bit shift-register programming via S_DATA/S_CLOCK/S_LOAD. The TEST output supports diagnostic visibility into internal nodes-including PLL bypass mode-but must remain static during normal operation to meet jitter specs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-lead LQFP (Case 873A-04), lead-free compatible, body size 7 mm × 7 mm × 1.4 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC12430 and Si5338A-D-GM, the MPC9230FA uniquely balances industrial temperature support, on-chip oscillator simplicity, and dual-interface configurability-making it optimal for fixed-function, high-reliability telecom clocking where layout space and BOM count are constrained.

Availability

MPC9230FA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, industrial networking, and embedded computing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MPC9230FA 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

NXP Semiconductors acquired Freescale in 2015 and maintains legacy clock products including the MPC9230FA under its Advanced Clock Drivers portfolio.

The MPC9230FA belongs to NXP's high-performance clock synthesizer family designed specifically for low-jitter, temperature-stable clock generation in telecom and networking systems demanding deterministic timing behavior.

FAQ

What is the maximum output frequency of the MPC9230FA at industrial temperature?

The MPC9230FA delivers up to 750 MHz output frequency when N=1 and ambient temperature is –40°C to +85°C. This is derived from its VCO range of 800–1500 MHz and the formula FOUT = (fXTAL ÷ 8) × M ÷ N. At higher temperatures (0°C to +70°C), the VCO extends to 1600 MHz, enabling 800 MHz output.

Does the MPC9230FA require an external crystal, and what specifications must it meet?

Yes, the MPC9230FA requires an external 10–20 MHz series-resonant AT-cut crystal. Per Freescale's recommendations, it must exhibit ±75 ppm tolerance at 25°C, 5–7 pF shunt capacitance, 50–80 Ω ESR, and ≤100 µW drive level. Parallel-resonant crystals may be used but introduce ~few hundred ppm frequency error.

How does the MPC9230FA minimize jitter in noisy system environments?

The MPC9230FA minimizes jitter via three design elements: (1) separate VCC_PLL and VCC supplies to isolate analog PLL circuitry, (2) differential LVPECL outputs with controlled termination to VTT = VCC – 2.0 V, and (3) mandatory static TEST pin operation-any toggling on TEST degrades cycle-to-cycle jitter beyond spec.

Can the MPC9230FA be programmed after power-up, and which interface takes priority?

Yes, the MPC9230FA supports runtime reprogramming via its serial interface (S_DATA/S_CLOCK/S_LOAD). The parallel interface has priority: if P_LOAD transitions while serial data is being loaded, the parallel values override the serial configuration. This allows safe boot-time initialization followed by dynamic updates.

What is the purpose of the TEST pin on the MPC9230FA, and when should it be used?

The TEST pin outputs internal diagnostic signals-including M-counter value, FOUT/4, or PLL-bypass mode-controlled by T[2:0] bits in the serial stream. It must remain static during normal operation to meet jitter specs. Use only during board bring-up or functional debug, never in production timing paths.