NXP Semiconductors MPC8248CVRTIEA

Overview

MPC8248CVRTIEA from Freescale Semiconductor 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-Mbit Ethernet, three Serial Communications Controllers (SCCs), PCI bridge (32-bit, 66 MHz), and an integrated Security Engine (SEC) supporting AES, DES, SHA-1, and RSA acceleration - deployed in network edge routers, secure gateways, and industrial protocol converters.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8248CVRTIEA datasheet, MPC8248CVRTIEA pinout, MPC8248CVRTIEA application, or MPC8248CVRTIEA equivalent, key selection criteria include SEC hardware acceleration capability, dual-FCC Ethernet support with MII/RMII, 516-pin PBGA (VR package) footprint, and compatibility with Power Architecture-based boot firmware and Linux BSPs.

Technical Context

The MPC8248CVRTIEA implements a dual-issue G2_LE core with separate 16 KB instruction and data caches, MMU, and FPU - clocked via independent PLLs enabling core/CPM frequency decoupling (e.g., 400 MHz core / 200 MHz CPM). Its communications subsystem integrates a RISC-based CPM with 16 KB dual-port RAM and microcode execution for SCC/FCC/SMC offload.

Security processing is handled by a dedicated SEC coprocessor supporting DES, 3DES, AES-128/192/256, SHA-1, MD5, RC4, PKEU, and RNG - operating independently of the main CPU and accessible via descriptor-based DMA. The 60x bus interface supports 64-bit data width, burst transfers, and glueless memory controller interfacing to SDRAM, SRAM, Flash, and EPROM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 516-ball PBGA (VR code), lead-free, 27 mm × 27 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch, JEDEC MO-251 compliant. 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 MPC8272VR, MPC8248CVRTIEA removes UTOPIA II but retains full SEC capability - making it optimal for Ethernet-centric secure gateways. Versus MPC8247VR, MPC8248CVRTIEA adds SEC without pinout or software changes - enabling crypto upgrade without PCB redesign.

Availability

MPC8248CVRTIEA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure networking equipment, industrial protocol gateways, and telecom access devices requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8248CVRTIEA 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 MPC8248CVRTIEA belongs to the PowerQUICC II family - designed specifically for integrated communications processing in resource-constrained edge networking systems requiring deterministic real-time performance and hardware-accelerated security.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC8248CVRTIEA core?

The MPC8248CVRTIEA supports a maximum core frequency of 400 MHz, achieved using a 5× internal PLL multiplier on an 80 MHz CLKIN reference. This frequency is validated under recommended operating conditions (VDD = 1.425–1.575 V, TA = 0–70°C) and enables sustained packet processing for dual 10/100-Mbps Ethernet streams. The MPC8248CVRTIEA datasheet specifies timing margins for all AC characteristics at this speed grade.

Does the MPC8248CVRTIEA include hardware security acceleration?

Yes, the MPC8248CVRTIEA integrates a dedicated Security Engine (SEC) that accelerates AES-128/192/256, DES/3DES, SHA-1, MD5, RC4, RSA, and random number generation - all executed independently of the G2_LE core via descriptor-based DMA. This capability is confirmed in the MPC8272EC hardware specification and distinguishes MPC8248CVRTIEA from non-SEC variants like MPC8247VR.

What package type and pin count does the MPC8248CVRTIEA use?

The MPC8248CVRTIEA uses a 516-ball PBGA package with VR designation - lead-free, 27 mm × 27 mm body size, and 1.0 mm ball pitch. This matches the pinout and footprint of other VR-package PowerQUICC II devices including MPC8272VR and MPC8247VR, enabling mechanical compatibility across the family.

Can the MPC8248CVRTIEA operate with different clock frequencies for the core and communications processor module?

Yes, the MPC8248CVRTIEA features separate PLLs for the G2_LE core and CPM, allowing independent clock domain configuration - for example, 400 MHz core with 200 MHz CPM. This decoupling optimizes power efficiency in mixed workloads and is explicitly supported by the clock configuration modes documented in Section 7 of the MPC8272EC specification for MPC8248CVRTIEA.

Is the MPC8248CVRTIEA pin-compatible with the MPC8272VR?

Yes, the MPC8248CVRTIEA and MPC8272VR share identical 516-ball VR-package pinouts and electrical characteristics, differing only in functional blocks (MPC8272VR includes UTOPIA II; MPC8248CVRTIEA does not). This allows drop-in replacement in designs where UTOPIA II is unused - verified by Table 2 and Figure 1 in the MPC8272EC hardware specification for MPC8248CVRTIEA.