NXP Semiconductors MPC9350FA

Overview

MPC9350FA from Freescale Semiconductor is a 2.5 V/3.3 V-compatible, fully integrated PLL-based clock generator delivering nine low-skew LVCMOS clock outputs with configurable division (÷2, ÷4, ÷8) and up to 200 MHz maximum output frequency. It features internal crystal oscillator support, selectable reference input (XTAL or TCLK), and is designed for high-performance clock distribution in PowerQUICC II-based networking and telecom systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPC9350FA datasheet, MPC9350FA pinout, MPC9350FA application, or MPC9350FA equivalent, key selection considerations include its 150 ps max output-to-output skew, dual feedback ratio (÷16/÷32), VCO range of 200–400 MHz, differential PLL architecture for jitter suppression, and 32-lead LQFP package with separate VCCA/VCCO supplies.

Technical Context

The MPC9350FA employs a fully differential PLL with internal feedback paths enabling stable operation across 25–200 MHz output frequencies. Its VCO runs at either 16× or 32× the reference clock (selected via FBSEL), and four independent output banks (QA–QD) each support programmable division ratios using dedicated FSEL pins.

It supports static test mode (PLL_EN = low) where TCLK bypasses the PLL and routes directly to output dividers, and includes output enable (OE), reference select (REF_SEL), and crystal oscillator terminals (XTAL1/XTAL2) - all compatible with LVCMOS logic levels across both 2.5 V and 3.3 V supply domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-lead LQFP (7×7 mm², Case 873A-03), Pb-free option available. Pinout conforms to Figure 2 and Table 1 in Freescale MPC9350 Rev 6 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC9350FA, IDT5V9885BGI trades internal oscillator and test mode for spread-spectrum capability, while ICS853S01AGI sacrifices configurability and integration for broader industry familiarity - making MPC9350FA optimal for new telecom and networking designs demanding autonomous, field-diagnosable clock generation.

Availability

MPC9350FA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, networking equipment, and industrial embedded systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC9350FA 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 fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processing, connectivity, and analog solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MPC9350FA belongs to Freescale's Advanced Clock Drivers product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, low-jitter clock distribution in carrier-grade communications hardware and high-performance microprocessor platforms.

FAQ

What is the maximum output frequency supported by the MPC9350FA?

The MPC9350FA supports a maximum output frequency of 200 MHz when configured in ÷2 mode (e.g., QA output with FSELA = 0 and FBSEL = 0). This occurs when the VCO operates at 400 MHz and the output divider is set to divide-by-2. The device maintains this performance across its full operating temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and both 2.5 V and 3.3 V supply conditions, as verified in Table 5 of the Freescale MPC9350 Rev 6 datasheet.

Does the MPC9350FA require external components for PLL operation?

No, the MPC9350FA requires no external loop filter components due to its fully integrated PLL architecture. The on-chip crystal oscillator also needs only a series-resonant crystal connected to XTAL1/XTAL2 - no load capacitors or resistors are required. This integration reduces bill-of-materials cost and PCB area, and eliminates tuning variables that affect jitter and lock time in discrete PLL implementations. All necessary filtering and compensation are implemented internally within the MPC9350FA die.

How does the FBSEL pin affect the MPC9350FA's input frequency range?

The FBSEL pin selects between ÷16 and ÷32 feedback division ratios, directly determining the VCO multiplication factor and thus the usable input reference frequency range. When FBSEL = 0, VCO = 32 × f_ref, allowing f_ref as low as 6.25 MHz (for 200 MHz VCO). When FBSEL = 1, VCO = 16 × f_ref, supporting f_ref down to 12.5 MHz. This flexibility lets the MPC9350FA accommodate diverse crystal or clock sources without redesign - a key advantage in multi-platform hardware development.

Can the MPC9350FA drive multiple transmission lines simultaneously?

Yes, the MPC9350FA can drive up to two 50 Ω series-terminated transmission lines per output (e.g., QD0 driving two parallel traces), achieving an effective fanout of 1:18. Its low output impedance (14–20 Ω) enables clean incident-edge driving without overshoot or reflection issues when properly terminated. Driving dual lines introduces only ~43 ps additional delay versus single-line loading, preserving the device's 150 ps max output-to-output skew specification - critical for maintaining timing integrity in distributed clock trees.

What is the purpose of the static test mode in the MPC9350FA?

The static test mode (activated by pulling PLL_EN low) disables the PLL and routes the TCLK input directly to the output dividers, bypassing the VCO and feedback path. This provides a deterministic, jitter-free clock source for board-level diagnostics, boundary scan testing, and failure analysis - especially valuable during bring-up and field repair. Unlike normal PLL operation, test mode has no minimum frequency requirement and remains fully static, allowing verification of downstream logic timing independent of PLL lock stability. The MPC9350FA's test mode is explicitly documented in its Functional Description section and Table 2.