Freescale Semiconductor Introduces Programmable Clocking Solution for Fail-Safe Server Applications.

FRANKFURT, Germany -- Freescale's advanced MPC92432 SiGe:C programmable, high-frequency clock synthesizer addresses customer needs with a flexible, easy-to-use timing solution

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are designing faster, more complex, high-availability systems for the server, computing, networking and telecommunications industries. These new systems require critical timing solutions that support redundancy and detailed testing to enhance system reliability while reducing test and maintenance time. To address this growing market need, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL) has introduced a fully integrated clock synthesizer solution designed to facilitate and simplify clock redundancy and programmable frequency design.

Freescale's MPC92432 high-frequency synthesizer is an I2C-programmable clock source that gives designers the flexibility of using a single clock chip to generate clock frequencies from 21.25 MHz to 1360 MHz. The MPC92432 synthesizer delivers cost-effective frequency margining capability to traditional clock trees with low power consumption. The synthesizer is designed as an ideal interface to the MPC9894 Intelligent Dynamic Clock Switch (IDCS) for a multiple-redundancy and frequency margining timing solution. The MPC92432 uses Freescale's silicon-germanium-carbon (SiGe:C) technology to achieve exceptional price/performance in combination with low power consumption.

Freescale developed the MPC92432 SiGe:C synthesizer in response to requests from high-availability server manufacturers for a fine-programmable device to drive the MPC9894 IDCS. Freescale worked closely with key customers in the server and computing industry to develop this synthesizer product. The device can be used in any system that requires an accurate, adjustable frequency.

The fine granularity of the synthesized output frequency enables system marginality testing to be performed prior to release and solidifies system performance parameters, thus reducing test cost and test time. The MPC92432 is fully programmable through an I2C bus or through an alternative parallel interface. The device's I2C command set allows easy, secure programming and monitoring of the synthesized frequency. The I2C frequency increment and decrement commands are most effective in frequency margin and system test environments.

The MPC92432 clock synthesizer has the flexibility to accept either a low-frequency, low-cost crystal or a LVCMOS-compatible reference clock signal. The device has two differential high-frequency LVPECL outputs designed for interoperability with other differential I/O. The lock status of the fully self-contained internal PLL is indicated by a separate output signal and by an internal I2C register flag, supporting system alarm functions.

"This latest clock synthesizer device provides an important solution to our customers' needs for higher performance systems and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing complete timing solutions," said Bill Dunnigan, vice president and general manager of Freescale Semiconductor's Computing Platform Division.

A leader in timing solutions and compound semiconductor technology, Freescale manufactures SiGe:C products at its MOS11 wafer fab in Austin, Texas. Freescale is not only a leading supplier of high-performance clock driver products but also a global provider of technical support designed to accelerate customers' design cycles and enhance time to market.

Pricing and Availability

The MPC92432 device is now available for sampling and is expected to be released to full production in fourth quarter 2004. For pricing information, please contact your local Freescale sales office or your Freescale authorized distributor.

To learn more about Freescale's synthesizer and clock product portfolio and to see a performance demonstration of the MPC92432 together with the MPC9894 IDCS in a redundant clock setup, visit Freescale's Booth 310C at the 2004 European Smart Networks Developer Forum this week in Frankfurt, Germany.

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (NYSE:FSL) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July, 2004 after more than 50 years as part of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT). The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale Semiconductor's 2003 sales were $4.9 billion (US). For more information: www.freescale.com.

Freescale(TM) and the Freescale logo are trademarks of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (C) Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 2004.