NXP Semiconductors MCF5480CVR166

Overview

MCF5480CVR166 from Freescale Semiconductor is a ColdFire V4e-core 32-bit microprocessor with integrated DDR SDRAM controller, dual Fast Ethernet controllers, USB 2.0 device interface, two FlexCAN 2.0B modules, and cryptographic acceleration. It operates at up to 166 MHz core frequency (166.66 MHz per PLL encoding), supports 2.5V DDR I/O and 3.3V peripheral buses, and targets networked industrial control and communications gateway applications.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5480CVR166 datasheet, MCF5480CVR166 pinout, MCF5480CVR166 application, or MCF5480CVR166 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated package mapping, confirmed pin-level circuit roles, real-world use-value metrics for Ethernet/USB/CAN subsystems, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative microprocessors with documented functional and integration differences.

Technical Context

The MCF5480CVR166 implements a Harvard-architecture ColdFire V4e core with 32 KB instruction and 32 KB data caches, MMU, and IEEE-754-compliant double-precision FPU. Its internal XLB bus arbiter coordinates traffic between the core, DMA, and peripherals including dual FECs, four PSCs, and DSPI.

It integrates a 32-bit DDR SDRAM controller supporting 66–133 MHz operation with built-in initialization and refresh, a PCI 2.2 interface operating at 33–66 MHz, and a flexible 33–66 MHz FlexBus with six chip selects - all synchronized to a single CLKIN reference clock and governed by a programmable PLL with 30–66.67 MHz input range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TEPBGA–388, 27 mm × 27 mm body, 1.27 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant lead-free finish. Thermal resistance θJMA = 19°C/W (natural convection, 4-layer board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microprocessor applications.

Compared with MCF5484CVR166, the MCF5480CVR166 omits PCI host functionality and advanced security blocks - reducing cost and power for pure embedded gateway roles. Against MPC8313EVRAGDB, it trades raw MIPS for tighter integration: on-chip DDR controller, dual FECs, and USB PHY eliminate four external ICs, simplifying layout and qualification for industrial OEMs.

Availability

MCF5480CVR166 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, secure network appliances, automotive diagnostic tools, and telecom access nodes requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCF5480CVR166 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 MCF548x family was designed as high-integration ColdFire microprocessors targeting cost-sensitive, real-time communication gateways - emphasizing dual Ethernet, CAN, USB, and hardware crypto in a single-package solution for industrial IoT edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported DDR SDRAM clock frequency for the MCF5480CVR166?

The MCF5480CVR166 DDR SDRAM controller supports operation up to 133 MHz, enabling peak theoretical bandwidth of 1.06 GB/s with a 64-bit bus. This is confirmed in Section 9.2 of the MCF5485EC datasheet Rev. 4, which applies to the entire MCF548x family including MCF5480CVR166. The controller supports both DDR and SDR modes but not simultaneously.

Does the MCF5480CVR166 include an integrated USB physical layer?

Yes, the MCF5480CVR166 includes an integrated USB 2.0 physical layer (PHY) supporting full-speed (12 Mbps) and low-speed (1.5 Mbps) operation. As stated in the "Communications I/O subsystem" section of the MCF5485EC datasheet, the USB controller features an "integrated physical layer interface", eliminating the need for an external PHY IC in most designs.

What are the valid PLL input clock ranges for achieving 166.66 MHz core frequency on the MCF5480CVR166?

To achieve 166.66 MHz core frequency, the MCF5480CVR166 must be configured with PLL encoding 00101 (1:2 ratio), requiring a CLKIN input of 25.0–41.67 MHz. This is explicitly defined in Table 8 ("MCF548x Divide Ratio Encodings") of the MCF5485EC datasheet Rev. 4, which covers the MCF5480CVR166.

How many CAN message buffers does each FlexCAN module support on the MCF5480CVR166?

Each of the two FlexCAN 2.0B controllers on the MCF5480CVR166 supports 16 configurable message buffers, as documented in the "Communications I/O subsystem" feature list of the MCF5485EC datasheet. These buffers enable flexible mailbox-based reception/transmission with prioritized ID filtering and automatic retransmission.

Is the MCF5480CVR166 pin-compatible with other members of the MCF548x family?

Yes, the MCF5480CVR166 is pin-compatible with the MCF5481, MCF5482, MCF5483, MCF5484, and MCF5485 in the 388-ball TEPBGA package. The datasheet states "Supports MCF5480, MCF5481, MCF5482, MCF5483, MCF5484, and MCF5485" under the device family header and confirms identical pinout across variants in the case drawing (Figure 31) and electrical specifications tables.