NXP Semiconductors MPC9600FA

Overview

MPC9600FA from Freescale Semiconductor is a low-voltage (2.5 V or 3.3 V) PLL-based clock driver and fanout buffer with 1:21 distribution, 200 MHz maximum output frequency, ±50 ps cycle-to-cycle jitter, and 150 ps max output-to-output skew. It serves as a high-precision clock tree element in telecom backplanes and high-speed data acquisition systems requiring tight skew control and multi-bank frequency flexibility.

For engineers reviewing the MPC9600FA datasheet, MPC9600FA pinout, MPC9600FA application, or MPC9600FA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, bank-selectable LVCMOS output configurations, zero-delay PLL operation capability, and real-world transmission line drive behavior for synchronous system timing design.

Technical Context

The MPC9600FA integrates a fully self-contained PLL with no external loop filter required, operating a VCO at 200–400 MHz to generate output frequencies from 50 to 200 MHz. Its three independent 7-output banks (QA0–QA6, QB0–QB6, QC0–QC6) support per-bank division by 2 or 4 via FSELA/B/C inputs, enabling mixed-frequency clock trees.

Feedback is routed through QFB - an LVCMOS output configurable as VCO/8 or VCO/12 - and reconnected to FB_IN to set multiplication factors of 2, 3, 4, or 6. The device supports dual reference inputs: single-ended LVCMOS (CCLK) or differential LVPECL (PCLK/PCLK), with REF_SEL selecting between them and VCCA acting as PLL bypass control when grounded.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MPC9600FA is housed in a 48-lead LQFP package (Case 932–03, FA suffix), optimized for thermal performance and board density in timing-critical applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ICS853S212I and PI6C557-03, the MPC9600FA uniquely combines 21-output fanout, on-chip PLL with programmable multiplication (2×–6×), and per-bank frequency division - enabling single-device clock synthesis for heterogeneous system-on-board timing without external PLL components or discrete dividers.

Availability

MPC9600FA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, high-speed data acquisition, network switch ASIC timing, and industrial PLC backplane sync requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPC9600FA 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) designed high-performance timing solutions for mission-critical communications and computing systems.

The MPC9600FA belongs to Freescale's Timing Solutions product line, engineered specifically for low-skew, multi-frequency clock distribution in telecom backplanes, data acquisition systems, and high-end networking hardware.

FAQ

What is the maximum guaranteed output-to-output skew for the MPC9600FA?

The MPC9600FA guarantees ≤150 ps maximum output-to-output skew across all 21 LVCMOS outputs under specified conditions (VCC = 2.5 V or 3.3 V, TA = –40°C to +85°C, PLL locked). This specification applies to worst-case combinations including mixed-frequency bank configurations and is measured at coincident rising edges. Skew within individual banks (QA0–QA6, etc.) is tighter - ≤75 ps - enabling precise intra-subsystem synchronization. The MPC9600FA achieves this via matched internal routing and dedicated ground pins per output group.

Can the MPC9600FA operate with both 2.5 V and 3.3 V supplies simultaneously?

No - the MPC9600FA uses a single VCC supply pin that must be connected to either 2.5 V ±5% or 3.3 V ±5%, not both. However, it is fully compatible with either voltage level: input thresholds (VIH/VIL), output drive strength (VOH/VOL), and AC characteristics (jitter, skew, frequency) are specified across both rails. The VCCA analog supply also operates at the same voltage as VCC. The MPC9600FA does not support mixed-supply operation; all power and I/O interfaces scale together to the selected VCC level.

How does the MPC9600FA achieve zero-delay clock buffering?

The MPC9600FA achieves zero-delay operation by closing the PLL feedback loop using its dedicated QFB output connected to FB_IN. The PLL aligns the rising edge of QFB with the reference clock edge (CCLK or PCLK), effectively canceling propagation delay through the device. Residual timing uncertainty consists of static phase offset (–60 ps to +140 ps), output skew (≤150 ps), feedback trace delay, and I/O phase jitter (≤17 ps RMS). The MPC9600FA's architecture minimizes these contributors via matched internal paths and separate VCCA/VCC supplies, making it suitable for deterministic latency applications.

What are the valid input frequency ranges for the MPC9600FA, and how are they selected?

The MPC9600FA supports two selectable input frequency ranges: 16.67–33 MHz and 25–50 MHz. Selection is determined by the combination of FSEL_FB and the chosen feedback divider (VCO/8 or VCO/12), as shown in Table 6 of the datasheet. For example, FSEL_FB = 0 (VCO/8) enables the 25–50 MHz input range, while FSEL_FB = 1 (VCO/12) enables 16.67–33 MHz. The VCO always runs at 200–400 MHz; input range selection ensures stable lock and optimal jitter performance. The MPC9600FA does not accept frequencies outside these ranges while maintaining PLL lock.

Does the MPC9600FA support driving multiple transmission lines from a single output?

Yes - each MPC9600FA LVCMOS output can drive up to two 50 Ω series-terminated transmission lines simultaneously, effectively doubling fanout to 1:42. This is enabled by low output impedance (14–20 Ω) and sufficient drive strength (±24 mA at 3.3 V). Driving two lines introduces only ~43 ps additional delay versus single-line loading, preserving skew integrity. For optimal signal integrity, series termination resistors should be reduced to 22 Ω per line (vs. 36 Ω for single-line) to match the combined 25 Ω load. The MPC9600FA's output stage is explicitly characterized for this dual-line mode in Figures 8–10 of the datasheet.