NXP Semiconductors MC68EN360CZQ25L

Overview

MC68EN360CZQ25L from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit integrated communications controller (QUICC™) featuring a CPU32+ core, System Integration Module (SIM60), and Communications Processor Module (CPM). It delivers 4.5 MIPS at 25 MHz, supports four SCCs, two SMCs, one SPI, dual TDM buses, and Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 on SCC1 - used in industrial gateways, telecom edge routers, and protocol-bridging systems.

For engineers reviewing the MC68EN360CZQ25L datasheet, MC68EN360CZQ25L pinout, MC68EN360CZQ25L application, or MC68EN360CZQ25L equivalent, key selection criteria include its 240-pin PQFP package, 25 MHz max clock, slave mode support for MC68040 companion operation, HDLC/SDLC up to 2 Mbps per channel, and bootable 8-/16-/32-bit memory interface with CAS/WE/OE control.

Technical Context

The MC68EN360CZQ25L implements a modular architecture with three tightly coupled subsystems: CPU32+ core (M68000-compatible, 32-bit IMB interface), SIM60 (bus arbitration, DRAM controller, IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, periodic timer, watchdog), and CPM (RISC-based communications engine with 224 buffer descriptors, seven serial channels, and time-slot assigner).

Its CPM executes microcode-driven protocols including HDLC, UART, AppleTalk, and Ethernet (SCC1 only), while supporting dynamic TDM routing across two independent buses with 1- or 8-bit slot resolution. The device operates from 0–25 MHz in static CMOS design and supports slave mode to disable CPU32+, enabling use as an intelligent peripheral alongside external processors like MC68EC040.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC68EN360CZQ25L is housed in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) with 20-mil pitch, designed for surface-mount assembly and thermal management in industrial telecom modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC68360RC25, MC68EN360CZQ25L adds production-ready Ethernet MAC support on SCC1 and uses PQFP packaging optimized for automated assembly; compared with MPC8260AZUUDB, it offers mature M68k toolchain compatibility and lower power consumption but lacks modern security and memory bandwidth.

Availability

MC68EN360CZQ25L is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, telecom edge routers, embedded debug hosts, and multi-standard serial hubs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC68EN360CZQ25L 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) was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs, known for the M68K and Power Architecture families.

The MC68EN360CZQ25L belongs to the QUICC™ family - engineered specifically for communications-intensive embedded systems requiring integrated protocol processing, deterministic real-time response, and flexible serial interface aggregation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MC68EN360CZQ25L in embedded systems?

The MC68EN360CZQ25L serves as a single-chip integrated communications controller combining a CPU32+ core, System Integration Module (SIM60), and Communications Processor Module (CPM). Its primary function is to offload protocol processing - including HDLC, UART, AppleTalk, and Ethernet on SCC1 - from the main application processor, enabling deterministic real-time serial communication in gateways, routers, and industrial controllers. The MC68EN360CZQ25L achieves this through hardware-accelerated buffer descriptor management and RISC-based microcode execution within the CPM.

Does the MC68EN360CZQ25L support Ethernet, and if so, on which channel?

Yes, the MC68EN360CZQ25L supports IEEE 802.3 10-Mbps Ethernet exclusively on SCC1 - a distinguishing feature versus the base MC68360. This capability is enabled by dedicated microcode and pin routing in the CPM, allowing full MAC-layer functionality without external PHY logic in basic implementations. The MC68EN360CZQ25L does not support Ethernet on SCC2–SCC4, SMCs, or SPI; only SCC1 is configured for this mode per Freescale documentation.

What package type and pin count does the MC68EN360CZQ25L use?

The MC68EN360CZQ25L uses a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) with 20-mil pitch, as confirmed in Freescale's MC68360 Package/Frequency Availability table. This package differs from the MC68302's 132-pin PQFP (25-mil pitch) and supports higher I/O density required for its seven serial channels, dual TDM buses, and expanded memory interface. The "CZQ" suffix in MC68EN360CZQ25L explicitly denotes this PQFP variant with Ethernet capability and commercial temperature range.

Can the MC68EN360CZQ25L operate as a peripheral to an external processor?

Yes, the MC68EN360CZQ25L supports slave mode operation, allowing its CPU32+ core to be disabled while the SIM60 and CPM remain fully functional under control of an external master processor - such as the MC68EC040 in MC68040 companion mode. In this configuration, the MC68EN360CZQ25L acts as an intelligent communications co-processor, handling serial protocol stacks, DMA transfers, and TDM routing while the external CPU manages application logic and memory hierarchy.

What memory interface options does the MC68EN360CZQ25L support during boot and runtime?

The MC68EN360CZQ25L supports bootable 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit memory configurations via its programmable boot chip select (CS0), enabling direct connection to EPROM, Flash, or SRAM without glue logic. At runtime, it provides dynamic bus sizing across an up-to-32-bit data bus with four CAS lines, four WE lines, and one OE line - allowing mixed-width memory and peripheral interfacing. The MC68EN360CZQ25L also integrates a DRAM controller with RAS/CAS support for SIMM-based systems, as shown in Freescale's minimum system configuration diagrams.