NXP Semiconductors MPC8248ZQPIEA

Overview

MPC8248ZQPIEA 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 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 gateways requiring deterministic real-time packet processing.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8248ZQPIEA datasheet, MPC8248ZQPIEA pinout, MPC8248ZQPIEA application, or MPC8248ZQPIEA equivalent, this page delivers verified package mapping (516-pin PBGA, ZQ lead-sphere variant), confirmed SEC hardware acceleration capabilities, validated 60x bus timing at 400 MHz CPU/200 MHz CPM, thermal resistance data (RθJA = 19°C/W on 4-layer board), and precise I/O voltage requirements (VDDH = 3.135–3.465 V).

Technical Context

The MPC8248ZQPIEA implements a dual-issue G2_LE core with separate 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data caches (four-way set associative, LRU replacement), paired with a dedicated Communications Processor Module (CPM) running at independent frequencies via separate PLLs - enabling concurrent high-throughput packet forwarding and protocol offload. Its memory controller supports glueless interfacing to SDRAM, SRAM, Flash, and EPROM across eight banks with programmable bank sizes and byte write enables.

Security processing is handled by a dedicated on-die Security Engine (SEC) supporting DES, 3DES, AES-128/192/256, SHA-1, MD-5, RC-4, PKEU, and RNG - all executed in hardware without CPU intervention. The 60x-to-PCI bridge operates in both host and peripheral modes, compliant with PCI Specification 2.2, supporting streaming transfers, four DMA channels, and hot-swap capability per PICMG 2.1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 516-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA), ZQ variant - lead-sphere termination, RoHS-compliant, 27 mm × 27 mm body, 1.27 mm ball pitch. Thermal pad on underside requires solder paste stencil opening and ground plane connection for optimal heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8272ZQPIEA, MPC8248ZQPIEA removes UTOPIA II and ATM SAR to reduce cost and power while retaining identical SEC, FCC, and USB capabilities; versus MPC8379EMARDB, it offers proven crypto acceleration and legacy software compatibility but lacks DDR and higher clock speeds.

Availability

MPC8248ZQPIEA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for carrier-grade edge routers, industrial protocol gateways, and secure network appliances requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for DO-254/IEC 61508-certified deployments.

Supply support for MPC8248ZQPIEA 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, with deep heritage in Power Architecture technology acquired from Freescale in 2015.

The MPC8248ZQPIEA belongs to the PowerQUICC II family - designed specifically for integrated communications processing in resource-constrained, real-time embedded systems where deterministic packet handling, hardware crypto acceleration, and multi-protocol serial I/O are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC8248ZQPIEA CPU core?

The MPC8248ZQPIEA CPU core is rated for up to 400 MHz, achieved using an internal 8:1 clock multiplier with a 50 MHz CLKIN reference. This frequency is validated across temperature (0–70°C ambient) and voltage (VDD = 1.425–1.575 V), delivering approximately 400 MIPS of integer performance for routing and firewall applications. The MPC8248ZQPIEA datasheet confirms 400 MHz operation in Table 8 under "CPU (MHz)" column.

Does the MPC8248ZQPIEA include hardware encryption acceleration?

Yes, the MPC8248ZQPIEA integrates a dedicated Security Engine (SEC) that executes AES-128/192/256, DES/3DES, SHA-1, MD-5, RC-4, PKEU, and RNG algorithms in hardware - eliminating CPU cycles for crypto operations. This SEC is functionally identical to the one in MPC8272ZQPIEA and is explicitly listed in Table 1 of the MPC8272EC datasheet as supported only on MPC8272 and MPC8248 devices.

What package type does the MPC8248ZQPIEA use, and is it RoHS-compliant?

The MPC8248ZQPIEA uses a 516-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package with ZQ designation - indicating lead-sphere termination and RoHS compliance. As defined in Table 2 of the MPC8272EC datasheet, ZQ packages are lead-free and qualified for standard Pb-free reflow profiles. The mechanical dimensions (27 mm × 27 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) and thermal pad requirements are specified in Section 9 of the same document.

Can the MPC8248ZQPIEA replace the MPC8272ZQPIEA in an existing design?

The MPC8248ZQPIEA is pin-compatible and electrically identical to the MPC8272ZQPIEA in all aspects except the absence of the UTOPIA II port and ATM SAR functionality. If your design does not use UTOPIA II signals or require ATM cell processing, MPC8248ZQPIEA can be substituted without PCB changes. However, firmware must disable references to UTOPIA II registers, as they are unimplemented in MPC8248ZQPIEA.

What are the key power supply requirements for stable operation of the MPC8248ZQPIEA?

The MPC8248ZQPIEA requires three independent supplies: VDD = 1.425–1.575 V (core), VCCSYN = 1.425–1.575 V (PLL), and VDDH = 3.135–3.465 V (I/O). Each supply must be decoupled with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors per pin plus bulk 47 µF electrolytics. Section 4.6 of the MPC8272EC datasheet mandates low-impedance paths to ground planes and warns against noise on VCCSYN, which directly impacts clock jitter and system stability.