NXP Semiconductors MPC8248CZQTIEA

Overview

MPC8248CZQTIEA 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 Ethernet, three Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs), PCI bridge (32-bit, 66 MHz), USB 2.0 controller, and integrated Security Engine (SEC) supporting AES, DES, 3DES, SHA-1, and MD-5 - deployed in network edge routers, secure gateways, and industrial protocol converters.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8248CZQTIEA datasheet, MPC8248CZQTIEA pinout, MPC8248CZQTIEA application, or MPC8248CZQTIEA equivalent, key selection considerations include SEC hardware acceleration capability, dual-FCC Ethernet throughput, 516-pin PBGA (ZQ package) footprint compatibility, and support for UTOPIA II interface (MPC8248-specific), PCI-to-60x bridging, and CPM-based TDM/HDLC offload.

Technical Context

The MPC8248CZQTIEA implements a dual-issue G2_LE core with separate 16 KB instruction and data caches (four-way set associative, physically addressed), MMU, and FPU - paired with a dedicated Communications Processor Module (CPM) running microcode for protocol handling. Its clock architecture uses independent PLLs for core and CPM, enabling asynchronous operation at ratios up to 8:1 for power/performance tuning.

It integrates a full-featured 32-bit 60x bus interface, 60x-to-PCI bridge compliant with PCI Spec 2.2, eight-bank memory controller supporting SDRAM/Flash/SRAM, and an on-chip Security Engine (SEC) that accelerates cryptographic operations without CPU intervention - distinguishing it from non-SEC variants like MPC8247.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 516-ball PBGA (ZQ), 27 mm × 27 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch, lead-sphere termination. Thermal pad on underside for PCB heat sinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8272CZQTIEA, MPC8248CZQTIEA removes UTOPIA II but retains identical SEC, FCC, and CPM capabilities - making it optimal for secure Ethernet gateways without ATM. Compared with MPC8313EVRAGDB, it trades DDR/GigE for proven CPM offload and hardware crypto - critical for deterministic real-time protocol conversion.

Availability

MPC8248CZQTIEA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure network gateways, industrial protocol converters, telecom edge routers, and multi-service access nodes requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8248CZQTIEA 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 MPC8248CZQTIEA belongs to the PowerQUICC II family - designed specifically for cost-sensitive, power-efficient communications infrastructure requiring hardware-accelerated security and protocol offload in a single SoC.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC8248CZQTIEA core?

The MPC8248CZQTIEA supports a maximum core frequency of 400 MHz, achieved using an internal 8:1 core/bus clock multiplier with a 50 MHz CLKIN reference. This frequency is validated under recommended operating conditions (VDD = 1.425–1.575 V, TA = 0–70°C) and enables high-throughput packet processing in routing and gateway applications. The MPC8248CZQTIEA datasheet specifies this as the upper limit for guaranteed operation.

Does the MPC8248CZQTIEA include hardware encryption acceleration?

Yes, the MPC8248CZQTIEA integrates a dedicated Security Engine (SEC) that provides hardware acceleration for AES (128/256-bit), DES, 3DES, SHA-1, MD-5, PKEU, and RNG algorithms. This offloads cryptographic operations from the main G2_LE core, enabling line-rate IPsec processing - a capability confirmed in the MPC8272EC hardware specification and exclusive to MPC8272/MPC8248 within the PowerQUICC II family.

What package type is used for the MPC8248CZQTIEA?

The MPC8248CZQTIEA uses a 516-ball PBGA package with ZQ designation - meaning lead-sphere termination, 27 mm × 27 mm body size, and 1.0 mm ball pitch. This package is thermally optimized with RθJA = 19°C/W on a four-layer board and includes an exposed thermal pad on the underside for PCB-level heat dissipation - as documented in Section 9 of the MPC8272EC specification.

How does the MPC8248CZQTIEA differ from the MPC8247?

The MPC8248CZQTIEA includes an integrated Security Engine (SEC) and UTOPIA II interface, while the MPC8247 omits both features - as explicitly shown in Table 1 of the MPC8272EC specification. All other major blocks (G2_LE core, CPM, FCCs, SCCs, PCI bridge, USB) are functionally identical between the two parts, making MPC8248CZQTIEA the choice for secure or ATM-capable designs.

Is the MPC8248CZQTIEA pin-compatible with other PowerQUICC II devices?

The MPC8248CZQTIEA shares the same 516-ball ZQ PBGA package and pinout with MPC8272, MPC8271, and MPC8247 - as confirmed in Table 2 of the MPC8272EC specification. However, functional pin assignments differ for SEC, UTOPIA II, and certain CPM signals; thus, PCB layout must match the specific variant's signal mapping even though mechanical footprint is identical.