NXP Semiconductors MPC8241LVR166D

Overview

MPC8241LVR166D from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit PowerPC™ MPC603e-based integrated processor combining a superscalar CPU core with PCI bridge, memory controller, DUART, DMA, I²C, and interrupt controller in a single PBGA package. It operates at up to 166 MHz CPU frequency, supports 66 MHz PCI bus (PCI 2.2-compliant), and interfaces with up to 2 GB SDRAM using 32-/64-bit data paths. It serves as a PCI host or agent in embedded communications and control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8241LVR166D datasheet, MPC8241LVR166D pinout, MPC8241LVR166D application, or MPC8241LVR166D equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-clock domain architecture (separate CPU and peripheral PLLs), configurable memory timing, 5-V-tolerant PCI I/O, LVTTL memory interface, and support for dynamic power management modes (nap/doze/sleep).

Technical Context

The MPC8241LVR166D implements a decoupled 64-bit peripheral logic bus between the MPC603e core and integrated peripherals, enabling pipelined accesses and store-gathering for PCI writes. Its dual-PLL architecture allows independent clocking of the CPU core (up to 166 MHz) and peripheral logic (up to 66 MHz PCI / 133 MHz memory bus), maintaining synchronous coherency via shared bus protocol.

It integrates full PCI 2.2 functionality-including 5-V tolerance, DAC support for 64-bit addressing (master only), hardware-enforced coherency, and ATU-based address translation-alongside an ECC-capable memory controller supporting programmable SDRAM timing, bank configuration (1–8 banks), and 272 MB ROM/Flash/PortX space with 8-/16-/32-/64-bit gather capability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 357-ball Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA), surface-mount, thick substrate and thick mold cap. Dimensions and ball map conform to Freescale specification MPC8241EC Rev. 10.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8241LVR166D, MPC8245LVR200D offers higher clock headroom within identical mechanical and software constraints, while MPC8247LVR266D delivers substantial performance gains at the cost of full hardware and firmware requalification.

Availability

MPC8241LVR166D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control units, communications gateways, network-attached storage controllers, and legacy system upgrade engines requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8241LVR166D 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 MPC8241LVR166D belongs to Freescale's PowerQUICC™ family of integrated communications processors, designed to consolidate PCI-based peripheral connectivity, memory management, and real-time control in cost-sensitive embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported SDRAM capacity for MPC8241LVR166D?

The MPC8241LVR166D supports up to 2 GB of SDRAM memory across one to eight banks, using 16-, 64-, 128-, 256-, or 512-Mbit memory devices. This capacity is achieved through its 32-bit address bus and configurable bank addressing logic, and it applies directly to MPC8241LVR166D under recommended operating conditions (VDD = 1.8 V, GVDD_OVDD = 3.3 V). The memory controller also supports ECC or parity protection on the data path.

Does MPC8241LVR166D support both big-endian and little-endian operation?

Yes, MPC8241LVR166D supports selectable big-endian or little-endian operation via configuration registers accessible through the PCI interface or internal control logic. This setting affects data ordering in memory-mapped I/O, PCI configuration space access, and SDRAM transactions. The endian mode is configured at boot time and remains fixed during runtime for MPC8241LVR166D, ensuring deterministic behavior in mixed-endian system environments.

Can MPC8241LVR166D operate with a 3.3 V PCI reference voltage (LVDD)?

Yes, MPC8241LVR166D supports LVDD = 3.3 V ± 0.3 V as specified in Table 2 of the hardware specifications. When LVDD is set to 3.3 V, PCI input pins tolerate up to 3.85 V (LVDD + 0.5 V), and all DC electrical characteristics-including VIH/VIL thresholds and drive strength-are validated for this condition. This dual-voltage capability (3.3 V or 5.0 V LVDD) makes MPC8241LVR166D compatible with both modern low-voltage and legacy 5-V PCI systems.

What power management modes are available on MPC8241LVR166D?

MPC8241LVR166D implements three hardware-supported power management modes: nap, doze, and sleep. In nap mode, the CPU core stops executing but retains cache and register state; in doze mode, both core and peripheral logic clocks are gated; in sleep mode, nearly all internal clocks stop and power consumption drops to ~0.2 W. These modes are controlled via MSR bits and are fully supported on MPC8241LVR166D per its MPC603e core implementation and peripheral logic design.

Is MPC8241LVR166D pin-compatible with MPC8245LVR200D?

Yes, MPC8241LVR166D is pin-compatible with MPC8245LVR200D, sharing identical 357-ball PBGA mechanical dimensions, ball pitch, and signal assignment. Both devices use the same package variant (thick substrate/mold cap) and maintain register-level compatibility for all peripheral blocks and the MPC603e core. This allows direct PCB-level substitution where thermal and power delivery constraints permit the higher 200 MHz operation of MPC8245LVR200D.