NXP Semiconductors MC68360ZQ25VL

Overview

MC68360ZQ25VL from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit integrated microprocessor and communications controller featuring the CPU32+ core, System Integration Module (SIM60), and Communications Processor Module (CPM). It delivers 4.5 MIPS at 25 MHz, supports up to 32-bit data/address buses, and integrates four SCCs, two SMCs, one SPI, dual TDM support, and two independent DMAs - enabling high-throughput serial protocol handling in telecom infrastructure and industrial control gateways.

For engineers reviewing the MC68360ZQ25VL datasheet, MC68360ZQ25VL pinout, MC68360ZQ25VL application, or MC68360ZQ25VL equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world use cases for HDLC/Ethernet/TDM systems, and confirmed alternative parts with documented functional trade-offs.

Technical Context

The MC68360ZQ25VL implements a split-architecture design: the CPU32+ core handles general-purpose execution while the RISC-based CPM offloads all serial communication tasks-including HDLC, UART, SPI, and TDM time-slot assignment-via dedicated buffer descriptors and microcode-executed protocols. Its SIM60 module provides system-level services including bus arbitration, IEEE 1149.1 JTAG test access, periodic interrupt timer, and software watchdog.

It operates across 0–25 MHz with full static design, supports slave mode for MC68040 companion operation, and enables glueless interfacing to DRAM, EPROM, and SRAM using dynamic bus sizing (8/16/32-bit) and four CAS/WE lines. The device uses a 32-bit intermodule bus (IMB) to interconnect CPU32+, SIM60, and CPM modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68360ZQ25VL is housed in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) with 20-mil pitch, rated for –40°C to +85°C operation. Pin functions are defined per the MC68360UM/AD User's Manual and validated against Freescale's official MC68360 pinout diagrams.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68EN360RC25, MC68360ZQ25VL offers identical CPM functionality and CPU32+ performance but requires external Ethernet transceivers - simplifying thermal management and enabling flexible PHY selection. Against MPC860TVR25D4, it trades raw speed and integrated peripherals for proven reliability, mature BSP support, and lower system-level validation risk in safety-critical deployments.

Availability

MC68360ZQ25VL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom access gateways, industrial protocol bridges, legacy network terminals, and secure remote terminal units requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MC68360ZQ25VL 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, analog, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MC68360ZQ25VL belongs to the QUICC™ family - designed specifically to consolidate serial communications, real-time control, and host processor functions into a single IC for carrier-grade and mission-critical infrastructure equipment.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for MC68360ZQ25VL?

The MC68360ZQ25VL is rated for industrial operation from –40°C to +85°C. This specification is validated per Freescale's MC68360 Package/Frequency Availability table and applies to the ZQ25VL suffix variant in 240-pin PQFP packaging. All timing parameters, including CPU32+ execution, CPM serial channel rates, and memory interface setup/hold times, are guaranteed across this full range.

Does MC68360ZQ25VL include an integrated Ethernet MAC or PHY?

The MC68360ZQ25VL integrates a full Ethernet MAC layer within SCC1 and supports IEEE 802.3 10-Mbps operation, but it does not include a physical layer (PHY). External transceivers such as the MC68160 or industry-standard 10BASE-T PHYs must be used. This differs from the MC68EN360 variant, which adds dedicated PHY interface pins.

Can MC68360ZQ25VL replace MC68302 in existing designs?

MC68360ZQ25VL is a functional upgrade path from MC68302 but is not pin-compatible - it uses a 240-pin PQFP versus the MC68302's 132-pin package. Software migration is supported due to CPU32+ instruction set compatibility and CPM register similarity, though memory map, initialization sequences, and BD structure require modification per the MC68360UM/AD manual.

What debug interfaces does MC68360ZQ25VL support?

The MC68360ZQ25VL supports Background Debug Mode (BDM) via dedicated pins (BKPT, BKGND) and IEEE 1149.1 JTAG test access through TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO pins. These allow non-intrusive real-time debugging of CPU32+ code and boundary-scan testing of PCB interconnects - both confirmed in the SIM60 module description of the MC68360 User's Manual.

Is MC68360ZQ25VL still in active production or available for new designs?

MC68360ZQ25VL is a mature product with end-of-life status declared by NXP (formerly Freescale), but Aetrix Electronics maintains strategic inventory and offers extended lifecycle support including obsolescence monitoring, last-time buy coordination, and cross-reference engineering for drop-in alternatives like MPC860 derivatives where feasible.