NXP Semiconductors MPC8247VRTMFA

Overview

MPC8247VRTMFA from Freescale Semiconductor is a PowerQUICC II family integrated communications processor featuring a 32-bit Power Architecture® G2_LE core (266–400 MHz), dual 16 KB instruction/data caches, PCI bridge (32-bit, 66 MHz), two Fast Communication Controllers (FCCs) for 10/100 Ethernet, three Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs), USB 2.0 full/low-speed controller, and integrated security engine (SEC) - deployed in telecom access gateways and industrial protocol converters.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8247VRTMFA datasheet, MPC8247VRTMFA pinout, MPC8247VRTMFA application, or MPC8247VRTMFA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 516-pin PBGA (VR package), dual-clock domain architecture (separate PLLs for CPU and CPM), 1.5 V core / 3.3 V I/O supply scheme, and absence of UTOPIA II and integrated security engine - distinguishing it from MPC8272/MPC8248 variants.

Technical Context

The MPC8247VRTMFA implements a dual-issue G2_LE core derived from the MPC603e microprocessor, with physically addressed, four-way set-associative caches and a Power Architecture-compliant MMU. It integrates a modified Communications Processor Module (CPM) with 16 KB dual-port RAM and 4 KB instruction RAM, enabling offload of serial protocol handling (HDLC, UART, transparent) from the main CPU.

Its 60x bus supports 64-bit data width at up to 133 MHz, while the on-chip 60x-to-PCI bridge operates at 32-bit/66 MHz and supports both host and peripheral modes. Unlike MPC8272/MPC8248, the MPC8247VRTMFA omits the integrated Security Engine (SEC) and UTOPIA II interface - confirmed by Table 1 functionality matrix and Figure 1 block diagram annotations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 516-pin PBGA (VR package, lead-free), 27 mm × 27 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch - compatible with standard PBGA reflow profiles and IPC-7351B land pattern MS-026.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8248VRTMFA and MPC8272VRTMFA, the MPC8247VRTMFA delivers identical communications peripheral count and CPU performance while omitting SEC and UTOPIA II - reducing bill-of-materials cost by 12–18% and simplifying certification for non-encrypted applications.

Availability

MPC8247VRTMFA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial protocol gateways, telecom access nodes, secure router appliances, and medical imaging data aggregators requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8247VRTMFA 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) designed high-performance embedded processors for networking, automotive, and industrial markets before its 2015 acquisition.

The PowerQUICC II family - including MPC8247VRTMFA - was engineered for integrated communications processing in space-constrained, thermally demanding edge infrastructure, emphasizing deterministic real-time response and multi-protocol serial connectivity.

FAQ

Does the MPC8247VRTMFA include an integrated security engine (SEC)?

No, the MPC8247VRTMFA does not include an integrated security engine. As confirmed in Table 1 of the MPC8272EC Rev. 3 specification, SEC is present only in MPC8272 and MPC8248 variants. The MPC8247VRTMFA relies on external cryptographic accelerators or software-based encryption, making it suitable for applications where hardware-accelerated DES/AES/SHA-1 is not required. This omission reduces die size, power consumption, and cost versus SEC-equipped siblings.

What is the maximum supported CPU frequency for the MPC8247VRTMFA?

The MPC8247VRTMFA supports CPU frequencies from 266 MHz to 400 MHz, achieved via programmable core PLL multiplication ratios (2:1 through 8:1) relative to the CLKIN input. Table 8 confirms 400 MHz operation at 100 MHz CPU multiplier setting with 100 MHz bus clock. Thermal validation per Section 4 requires RθJA ≤27°C/W and junction temperature ≤105°C - limiting sustained 400 MHz operation to ambient ≤65°C with adequate airflow.

Is the MPC8247VRTMFA pin-compatible with the MPC8248VRTMFA?

Yes, the MPC8247VRTMFA and MPC8248VRTMFA share identical 516-pin VR package dimensions, ball map, and signal assignments - verified in Table 2 and Figure 8 pinout diagrams of MPC8272EC Rev. 3. The only functional differences are the presence of SEC and UTOPIA II in MPC8248VRTMFA, which are implemented as unused pins or no-connects on MPC8247VRTMFA. No PCB redesign is needed for substitution, though firmware must disable SEC-related registers.

What power supply sequencing is required for reliable MPC8247VRTMFA startup?

The MPC8247VRTMFA requires strict power sequencing: VDD/VCCSYN (1.5 V core/PLL) must be applied before or simultaneously with VDDH (3.3 V I/O), with VDDH exceeding VDD by no more than 2.5 V during normal operation (Section 2, Table 3 footnote). Violating this risks latch-up or premature wear. Recommended implementation uses sequenced LDOs with enable pins tied to a supervisor IC like MAX6326, ensuring VDD reaches 1.425 V before VDDH rises above 1.0 V.

Which serial protocols are supported natively by the MPC8247VRTMFA's SCCs and FCCs?

The MPC8247VRTMFA's three SCCs support Ethernet/IEEE 802.3, HDLC/SDLC, UART, synchronous UART, BiSync, transparent mode, and QUICC multichannel controller (QMC) up to 64 channels. Its two FCCs support 10/100 Mbps Ethernet (MII/RMII), HDLC at T3 rates, and transparent mode - but lack ATM SAR capability (reserved for MPC8272/MPC8271). All protocols execute in CPM firmware, freeing the G2_LE core for application logic.