NXP Semiconductors MPC8248VRMIBA

Overview

MPC8248VRMIBA from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a PowerQUICC II integrated communications processor combining a 32-bit Power Architecture G2_LE core, dual Fast Communication Controllers (FCCs), three Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs), PCI bridge, USB 2.0 controller, and integrated Security Engine (SEC). It operates at up to 400 MHz core frequency, supports 10/100 Ethernet via MII/RMII, and delivers hardware-accelerated DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-1, and MD-5 encryption - deployed in secure network gateways and telecom edge routers.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8248VRMIBA datasheet, MPC8248VRMIBA pinout, MPC8248VRMIBA application, or MPC8248VRMIBA equivalent, this page provides verified package mapping (516-pin PBGA, VR package), confirmed SEC-enabled functionality, validated 60x bus timing, PCI 2.2 compliance, and real-world thermal resistance data (RθJA = 27°C/W on single-layer board) critical for industrial embedded design and long-lifecycle carrier-grade systems.

Technical Context

The MPC8248VRMIBA implements a dual-issue G2_LE core with separate 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data caches, MMU support, and configurable clock multipliers (core ratios up to 8:1, CPM ratios up to 8:1). Its communications subsystem integrates a dedicated RISC-based Communications Processor Module (CPM) with 16 KB dual-port RAM and 4 KB instruction RAM, enabling offload of protocol processing from the main CPU.

Hardware security acceleration is provided exclusively by the integrated Security Engine (SEC), supporting DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-1, MD-5, RC-4, PKEU, and RNG - a distinguishing feature versus MPC8247/MPC8271. The device includes a 64-bit 60x bus, 32-bit 66 MHz PCI 2.2-compliant bridge, two TDM interfaces, and UTOPIA II port (MPC8272/MPC8248 only), confirming its role as a full-featured SoC for wired infrastructure applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

516-pin Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA), VR package, lead-free, 27 mm × 27 mm body size, 1.27 mm ball pitch. Pinout conforms to MPC8272EC Rev. 3 specification, with dedicated banks for 60x bus (A[0–31], D[0–63]), PCI (AD[0–31], C/BE[0–3]), memory control (CS[0–11], PSDCAS, PSDRAS), and peripheral I/O (SCC, FCC, USB, TDM).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8272VRMIBA, MPC8248VRMIBA removes ATM SAR complexity while retaining UTOPIA II and SEC - optimizing for encrypted IP-based edge routing. Versus MPC8247VRMIBA, it adds hardware crypto and UTOPIA II at minimal silicon cost, making it the preferred choice for secure broadband access and VoIP gateway designs.

Availability

MPC8248VRMIBA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure network gateways, telecom edge routers, and industrial protocol converters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8248VRMIBA 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 leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MPC8248VRMIBA belongs to the PowerQUICC II family - designed specifically for integrated communications processing in carrier-grade infrastructure, emphasizing hardware-accelerated security, multi-protocol serial I/O, and PCI-bridged expansion.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC8248VRMIBA core?

The MPC8248VRMIBA supports a maximum core frequency of 400 MHz, achieved using an internal PLL with selectable multiplication ratios (2:1 through 8:1). 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 firewall applications. The MPC8248VRMIBA datasheet specifies timing margins for all supported configurations up to this speed.

Does the MPC8248VRMIBA include a hardware security engine?

Yes, the MPC8248VRMIBA includes a fully integrated Security Engine (SEC) supporting DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-1, MD-5, RC-4, PKEU, and RNG algorithms in hardware. This SEC is functionally identical to that in the MPC8272VRMIBA and is absent in the MPC8247VRMIBA and MPC8271VRMIBA. The MPC8248VRMIBA uses this engine to accelerate cryptographic operations without CPU intervention.

What package type does the MPC8248VRMIBA use?

The MPC8248VRMIBA uses a 516-ball Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA) in the VR package variant - lead-free, 27 mm × 27 mm body size, 1.27 mm ball pitch. This matches the pinout and mechanical specifications defined in Freescale document MPC8272EC Rev. 3 and is electrically and thermally characterized for natural convection cooling (RθJA = 27°C/W on single-layer board).

Is the MPC8248VRMIBA pin-compatible with other PowerQUICC II devices?

The MPC8248VRMIBA is pin-compatible with the MPC8272VRMIBA, MPC8247VRMIBA, and MPC8271VRMIBA within the same VR package variant, sharing identical 516-ball PBGA layout and signal assignments per Table 2 of MPC8272EC Rev. 3. However, functional differences exist - notably SEC presence, UTOPIA II availability, and ATM SAR support - requiring firmware and schematic validation before substitution.

What communication interfaces are supported by the MPC8248VRMIBA?

The MPC8248VRMIBA supports dual Fast Communication Controllers (FCCs) for 10/100 Ethernet via MII/RMII, three Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs) for HDLC/UART/transparent protocols, two TDM interfaces, USB 2.0 full/low-speed, I²C, SPI, and an 8-bit UTOPIA II port. It also includes a 32-bit 66 MHz PCI 2.2-compliant bridge and 64-bit 60x system bus - all documented in the MPC8248VRMIBA hardware specification.