NXP Semiconductors MC8641DTHX1333JE

Overview

MC8641DTHX1333JE from Freescale Semiconductor is a dual-core PowerPC e600-based integrated processor with 1.333 GHz core frequency, 1 MB on-die L2 cache with ECC, dual 64-bit DDR/DDR2 memory controllers (72-bit with ECC), and four enhanced three-speed Ethernet controllers (10/100/1000 Mbps). It targets high-performance networking infrastructure, wireless baseband processing, and storage control applications.

For engineers reviewing the MC8641DTHX1333JE datasheet, MC8641DTHX1333JE pinout, MC8641DTHX1333JE application, or MC8641DTHX1333JE equivalent, key selection considerations include dual-core e600 execution capability, 2.5 Gbps Serial RapidIO or x8 PCI Express 1.0a interface support, DDR2-533 memory bandwidth, and IEEE 802.3ab-compliant eTSEC timing and packet handling.

Technical Context

The MC8641DTHX1333JE implements two superscalar PowerPC e600 cores sharing a unified 1-MB eight-way set-associative L2 cache with ECC protection and independent 32-KB L1 instruction/data caches per core. Its MPX coherency module enables cache-coherent multiprocessing across both cores.

It integrates dual DDR/DDR2 SDRAM controllers supporting up to 333-MHz clock rates (DDR) and 667-MHz data rates (DDR2), plus four eTSECs compliant with MII, RGMII, TBI, and RTBI physical layer interfaces - each supporting TCP/IP offload, VLAN insertion/deletion, and RMON statistics.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC8641DTHX1333JE is housed in a 1023-pin Hi-CTE flip-chip ceramic land grid array (FC-CLGA) package with 35 × 35 mm body size and 1.27 mm pitch. Thermal and mechanical design requires controlled solder reflow profile and heatsink mounting per Freescale AN3262.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-core PowerPC processor applications.

Compared with MC8641DTHX1333JE, MPC8641DTHX1500JE offers higher clock rate at increased power and thermal cost, while P2020NXE2KFC provides modern security features and lower power but omits DDR2-533 bandwidth and Serial RapidIO - making MC8641DTHX1333JE optimal for legacy infrastructure upgrades requiring proven 2.5 Gbps interconnect and DDR2 memory scalability.

Availability

MC8641DTHX1333JE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, enterprise storage, and network security applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MC8641DTHX1333JE 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, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MPC8641D product line was engineered for carrier-grade communications equipment, delivering dual-core PowerPC performance with integrated high-speed serial interconnects and memory controllers optimized for packet processing and control-plane workloads.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR2 data rate supported by MC8641DTHX1333JE?

The MC8641DTHX1333JE supports DDR2 SDRAM up to 667 MHz data rate (DDR2-533), achieved with 1.8 V ± 90 mV I/O supply (D2_GVDD) and D2_MVREF = D2_GVDD/2 ± 1%. This delivers 5.3 GB/s per 64-bit channel, confirmed in Section 6 of the MPC8641DEC Rev. G specification document.

Does MC8641DTHX1333JE support PCI Express and Serial RapidIO simultaneously?

No, MC8641DTHX1333JE supports either PCI Express 1.0a (x1/x2/x4/x8) or Serial RapidIO 1.2 (1x/4x), selected at boot via configuration pins - not concurrently. The hardware multiplexes the same SerDes lanes between the two protocols, as documented in Section 13 and Figure 1 of the MPC8641DEC Rev. G datasheet.

What is the recommended power-up sequence for MC8641DTHX1333JE?

The mandatory power-up sequence for MC8641DTHX1333JE is: (1) O/L/TVDD, (2) VDD_PLAT, AVDD_PLAT, VDD_Core0/1, AVDD_Core0/1, AVDD_LB, SVDD, XVDD_SRDSn, AVDD_SRDSn (must reach 90% before step 3), (3) Dn_GVDD and Dn_MVREF, (4) SYSCLK - per Figure 3 and Section 2.2 of MPC8641DEC Rev. G.

How many eTSEC controllers does MC8641DTHX1333JE integrate, and what physical interfaces do they support?

The MC8641DTHX1333JE integrates four enhanced three-speed Ethernet controllers (eTSECs), each supporting MII, RMII, GMII, RGMII, TBI, and RTBI physical layer interfaces. All four comply with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, and 802.3z standards - detailed in Section 8 of the MPC8641DEC Rev. G specification.

Is MC8641DTHX1333JE pin-compatible with other MPC8641D variants?

Yes, all MPC8641D FC-CLGA packages including MC8641DTHX1333JE share identical 1023-pin land pattern, thermal pad layout, and signal assignment per Section 16 of MPC8641DEC Rev. G. Voltage and timing differences (e.g., 1.05 V vs. 1.1 V core) require board-level power delivery adjustments but no PCB redesign.