NXP Semiconductors TFF1003HN/N1,118

Overview

TFF1003HN/N1,118 from NXP Semiconductors is a Ku-band frequency generator IC designed as a low-phase-noise local oscillator (LO) for VSAT upconverters and transceivers. It delivers RF output from 12.8 GHz to 13.05 GHz, achieves −97 dBc/Hz typical synthesizer phase noise at 100 kHz offset (IESS-308 compliant), operates from 3.0–3.6 V supply, and draws 100–130 mA. Its third- or fourth-order PLL architecture supports divider settings of 16, 32, 64, 128, or 256.

For engineers reviewing the TFF1003HN/N1,118 datasheet, TFF1003HN/N1,118 pinout, TFF1003HN/N1,118 application, or TFF1003HN/N1,118 equivalent, key selection criteria include Ku-band LO stability, IESS-308 phase noise compliance, differential reference input handling, HVQFN24 thermal performance, and programmable divider configuration for 50–816 MHz reference inputs.

Technical Context

The TFF1003HN/N1,118 integrates a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with regulated 2.7 V output (VREGVCO), a phase-frequency detector (PFD), charge pump (CP), and a fully configurable divider chain. Its PLL supports type-2 or type-3 loop filters, with internal 10 pF and 30 pF capacitors between CPOUT–VREGVCO and VTUNE–VREGVCO respectively.

It features dual differential RF outputs (BUF1_P/N, BUF2_P/N) with −5 dBm typical single-ended power and −10 dB return loss, plus a CMOS-compatible lock detect (LCKDET) output with 2.5 V high-level and 0 V low-level states. Divider settings are controlled via three logic-configurable pins (NSL0–NSL2), each with 100 kΩ pull-up resistors to VCC(DIV).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: HVQFN24 (SOT616-1), plastic thermal-enhanced very thin quad flat package; 24 terminals; body size 4 × 4 × 0.85 mm; exposed diepad for thermal and ground integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with HMC703LP4E and ADF4371BCPZ, the TFF1003HN/N1,118 offers optimized IESS-308 compliance, dual differential outputs, and minimal external component count for fixed Ku-band VSAT upconverters - making it ideal for cost- and space-constrained terminal hardware where phase noise and reference spur performance are prioritized over programmability.

Availability

TFF1003HN/N1,118 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VSAT upconverters, Ku-band transceivers, Intelsat-compliant ground station equipment, and low-spur satellite modems requiring stable component supply and guaranteed IESS-308 phase noise performance.

Supply support for TFF1003HN/N1,118 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 is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The TFF1003HN/N1,118 belongs to NXP's high-frequency RF synthesizer product line, engineered specifically for satellite communication infrastructure requiring ultra-low phase noise, Ku-band frequency accuracy, and robust operation in thermally constrained VSAT terminal environments.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed RF output frequency range for the TFF1003HN/N1,118?

The TFF1003HN/N1,118 guarantees an RF output frequency range of 12.8 GHz to 13.05 GHz. This range is fixed and validated across the full operating temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C) and supply voltage (3.0–3.6 V). The output is generated via PLL multiplication of a 50–816 MHz reference input using one of five programmable divider settings (16, 32, 64, 128, or 256), ensuring precise alignment within the Ku-band uplink spectrum used by VSAT systems.

Does the TFF1003HN/N1,118 require external loop filter components?

Yes, the TFF1003HN/N1,118 requires external loop filter components, but its architecture minimizes count and complexity. Internal 10 pF and 30 pF capacitors are placed between CPOUT–VREGVCO and VTUNE–VREGVCO respectively, supporting simplified type-2 or type-3 filter designs. Table 5 in the datasheet provides exact resistor and capacitor values for five reference frequencies. No external VCO or reference buffer is needed - the TFF1003HN/N1,118 integrates all core PLL functions including the regulated VCO supply (VREGVCO).

How is the divider value configured on the TFF1003HN/N1,118?

The divider value on the TFF1003HN/N1,118 is configured using three logic pins: NSL0 (pin 4), NSL1 (pin 5), and NSL2 (pin 6). Each pin has a 100 kΩ internal pull-up to VCC(DIV); leaving a pin open sets it to logic 1, connecting it to GND sets it to logic 0. The combination selects one of five division ratios: 16, 32, 64, 128, or 256. Configuration must be static at power-up - changing NSL states during operation is not supported and may cause undefined behavior.

What is the function of the LCKDET pin on the TFF1003HN/N1,118?

The LCKDET pin (pin 7) on the TFF1003HN/N1,118 provides a CMOS-compatible lock status indicator: 2.5 V indicates PLL lock, and 0 V indicates loss of lock. It uses an internal window detector comparing VTUNE against 7% and 93% of VREGVCO (2.5–2.9 V), with 0.1 V hysteresis. The output has a 100 kΩ internal pull-down to GND1(REF), so no external resistor is needed. Attack and decay times are typically 10 µs, determined by VCO tuning voltage drift.

Can the TFF1003HN/N1,118 drive a 50 Ω load directly?

Yes, the TFF1003HN/N1,118 can drive a 50 Ω load directly via its differential RF outputs (BUF1_P/N and BUF2_P/N), each featuring integrated 50 Ω collector impedances. When using only one output pair, the unused differential output must be terminated with 50 Ω to ground or to a matched impedance to prevent reflections and maintain output return loss (−10 dB typical). The output is DC-coupled internally but requires AC coupling on-board for most mixer interfaces.