NXP Semiconductors MC68360AI33L

Overview

MC68360AI33L from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit integrated microcontroller with CPU32+ core, Communications Processor Module (CPM), and System Integration Module (SIM60), delivering 4.5 MIPS at 25 MHz. It integrates four SCCs, two SMCs, one SPI, four general-purpose timers, dual IDMA controllers, and TDM time-slot assigner - designed for embedded communications controllers in industrial gateways and protocol-converged edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the MC68360AI33L datasheet, MC68360AI33L pinout, MC68360AI33L application, or MC68360AI33L equivalent, key selection criteria include its 240-pin PQFP package, 0–25 MHz operation, slave mode support for MC68040 companion systems, HDLC/SDLC up to 2 Mbps per channel, and dual TDM bus capability with independent transmit/receive routing.

Technical Context

The MC68360AI33L implements a split-processor architecture: the CPU32+ core handles general-purpose execution while the RISC-based CPM offloads serial protocol processing via 224 buffer descriptors and dedicated microcode engines. Its intermodule bus (IMB) enables synchronous 32-bit communication between CPU32+, SIM60, and CPM modules.

System-level features include dynamic bus sizing (8/16/32-bit), boot chip select configuration, DRAM controller with CAS/WE/OE control, IEEE 1149.1 JTAG test access port, and spurious interrupt monitoring - all coordinated through the SIM60's clock synthesizer, periodic timer, and software watchdog.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68360AI33L is housed in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) with 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant lead-free finish. The package supports surface-mount assembly and thermal dissipation suitable for convection-cooled industrial control enclosures.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar integrated communications controller applications.

Compared with MC68EN360RC25 and MPC8260AZUUDB, the MC68360AI33L offers optimal balance of legacy protocol support, low-power static operation, and cost-sensitive industrial deployment - especially where Ethernet PHY offload and long-term component availability are prioritized over raw throughput.

Availability

MC68360AI33L is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial protocol gateways, ISDN access servers, T1/E1 bridges, and SCADA RTUs requiring stable component supply across 10+ year production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68360AI33L 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 MC68360AI33L belongs to the QUICC™ family - designed specifically for communications-intensive embedded controllers requiring hardware-accelerated serial protocol handling, deterministic real-time response, and seamless integration with legacy TDM and fieldbus infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC68360AI33L?

The MC68360AI33L is rated for operation up to 25 MHz across its full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It uses a static CMOS design, allowing it to operate at 0 MHz for ultra-low-power stop modes. Performance scales linearly: at 25 MHz, the CPU32+ core delivers approximately 4.5 MIPS based on standard VAX MIPS benchmarking methodology. This frequency is fixed by the external crystal or oscillator connected to CLKIN.

Does the MC68360AI33L include an integrated Ethernet MAC?

No, the MC68360AI33L does not include an integrated Ethernet MAC. Ethernet capability is only available on the MC68EN360 variant (e.g., MC68EN360EM25), which adds dedicated MAC logic to SCC1. The MC68360AI33L supports Ethernet physical layer interfacing via external PHY chips using SCC1 in UART or transparent mode - requiring external magnetics and PHY IC such as the DP83848.

How many serial communication channels does the MC68360AI33L support?

The MC68360AI33L supports seven serial channels: four Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs), two Serial Management Controllers (SMCs), and one Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). Each SCC supports multiple protocols including HDLC/SDLC (up to 2 Mbps), UART, AppleTalk, and BISYNC. The SMCs handle UART and transparent modes, while the SPI supports master/slave and multimaster configurations for peripheral expansion.

Can the MC68360AI33L operate as a slave device to an external processor?

Yes, the MC68360AI33L supports slave mode operation, enabling it to function as an intelligent peripheral under control of an external master processor such as the MC68EC040. In this configuration, the CPU32+ core is disabled while the CPM, SIM60, and serial peripherals remain fully active - allowing high-bandwidth data movement via IDMA and precise timing control without host CPU intervention.

What package type and pin count does the MC68360AI33L use?

The MC68360AI33L is supplied in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) with 0.5 mm lead pitch and lead-free (RoHS-compliant) finish. This package is distinct from the 241-pin Pin Grid Array (PGA) used by the MC68360RC25 variant. The 240-pin PQFP supports surface-mount assembly and provides full access to all memory, serial, and system control signals defined in the QUICC architecture.