NXP Semiconductors MPC8248CVRPIEA

Overview

MPC8248CVRPIEA from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a PowerQUICC II integrated communications processor combining a 32-bit Power Architecture G2_LE core (up to 400 MHz), dual Fast Communication Controllers (FCCs) for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, three Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs), PCI bridge (32-bit, 66 MHz), USB 2.0 controller, and integrated Security Engine (SEC) supporting AES, DES, SHA-1, and RSA acceleration - deployed in carrier-grade edge routers and industrial protocol gateways.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8248CVRPIEA datasheet, MPC8248CVRPIEA pinout, MPC8248CVRPIEA application, or MPC8248CVRPIEA equivalent, key selection criteria include SEC hardware acceleration capability, dual-FCC Ethernet support with MII/RMII interfaces, 516-pin PBGA lead-free packaging, and compatibility with PowerQUICC II reference designs requiring deterministic real-time CPM offload.

Technical Context

The MPC8248CVRPIEA implements a dual-issue G2_LE core with separate 16 KB instruction and data caches, MMU, and FPU, operating at up to 400 MHz via programmable PLL multipliers (2:1 to 8:1). Its Communications Processor Module (CPM) runs independently at up to 267 MHz, handling serial protocols (HDLC, UART, transparent) and TDM traffic via three SCCs and two FCCs.

Hardware security is provided by the integrated Security Engine (SEC), supporting AES-128/256, DES/3DES, SHA-1, MD5, and RSA up to 2048-bit - with dedicated RAM and DMA channels. The 60x bus interface (64-bit data, 32-bit address) connects to external memory and peripherals, while the PCI bridge supports host/peripheral modes and Hot-Swap compliance per PICMG 2.1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 516-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA), VR code, lead-free, 27 mm × 27 mm body, 1.0 mm ball pitch, JEDEC MO-205 standard. Thermal resistance: RθJA = 27°C/W (natural convection, single-layer board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8272VRPIEA, MPC8248CVRPIEA removes UTOPIA II to reduce cost and complexity for non-ATM applications; compared with MPC8313EVRAG, it retains hardware SEC and legacy bus compatibility but lacks DDR and higher clock rates - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, crypto-intensive embedded networking with stable toolchain requirements.

Availability

MPC8248CVRPIEA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial protocol gateways, carrier-edge routers, secure RTUs, and telecom access node controllers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8248CVRPIEA 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company formed from the spin-off of Philips' semiconductor division, specializing in secure connectivity, automotive, industrial, and networking solutions.

The MPC8248CVRPIEA belongs to the PowerQUICC II family - designed specifically for cost-optimized, real-time communications processing in carrier and industrial edge equipment where hardware crypto acceleration and deterministic CPM offload are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC8248CVRPIEA core?

The MPC8248CVRPIEA core supports a maximum operating frequency of 400 MHz, achieved using an internal PLL with selectable multiplication ratios (2:1 to 8:1) from a 50 MHz CLKIN reference. This frequency is validated under recommended operating conditions (VDD = 1.425–1.575 V, TA = 0–70°C) and documented in Table 8 of the MPC8272EC Rev. 3 specification.

Does the MPC8248CVRPIEA include hardware security acceleration?

Yes, the MPC8248CVRPIEA includes a dedicated Security Engine (SEC) that provides hardware acceleration for AES-128/256, DES/3DES, SHA-1, MD5, and RSA up to 2048-bit. This SEC block has its own DMA channels and 4 KB instruction RAM, enabling offloading of cryptographic operations from the main G2_LE core - a feature confirmed in Section 1.1 and Figure 1 of the MPC8272EC datasheet.

What package type is used for the MPC8248CVRPIEA?

The MPC8248CVRPIEA uses a 516-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package with VR designation - lead-free, 27 mm × 27 mm body size, and 1.0 mm ball pitch. This matches the VR package defined in Table 2 of the MPC8272EC specification and is distinct from the ZQ (lead-sphere) variant.

How many Ethernet MACs does the MPC8248CVRPIEA support?

The MPC8248CVRPIEA integrates two Fast Communication Controllers (FCCs), each implementing a full 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC with MII/RMII interface support. These are independent, programmable MACs capable of simultaneous operation - confirmed in Table 1 (Functionality) and Section 1.1 of the MPC8272EC hardware specification.

Is the MPC8248CVRPIEA pin-compatible with other PowerQUICC II devices?

The MPC8248CVRPIEA shares the same 516-pin VR PBGA footprint and signal mapping with MPC8272VRPIEA, MPC8271VRPIEA, and MPC8247VRPIEA - as verified in Table 2 ("Device Packages") and the Pinout chapter (Section 8) of the MPC8272EC specification. However, functional differences (e.g., UTOPIA II presence/absence) require careful schematic review before substitution.