NXP Semiconductors MPC8248ZQTIEA

Overview

MPC8248ZQTIEA 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, 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 MPC8248ZQTIEA datasheet, MPC8248ZQTIEA pinout, MPC8248ZQTIEA application, or MPC8248ZQTIEA equivalent, this page provides verified package mapping (516-pin PBGA, ZQ lead-sphere variant), confirmed SEC-enabled functionality, validated clocking architecture (dual PLLs for core/CPM), real-world thermal resistance data (RθJA = 19°C/W on 4-layer board), and direct alternative part comparisons grounded in Freescale's official MPC8272EC Rev. 3 specification.

Technical Context

The MPC8248ZQTIEA implements a dual-issue G2_LE core with separate 16 KB instruction and 16 KB data caches, MMU support, and floating-point unit - all operating at 266–400 MHz. Its Communications Processor Module (CPM) runs independently via dedicated RISC microcontroller and 16 KB dual-port RAM, enabling concurrent protocol handling across FCCs, SCCs, and SMCs without CPU intervention.

It integrates a full-featured 32-bit 60x bus interface (64-bit data, up to 133 MHz), 60x-to-PCI bridge compliant with PCI Spec 2.2 (32-bit, 66 MHz, 3.3 V), and an on-chip security engine supporting DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-1, MD-5, RC-4, PKEU, and RNG - exclusively available in MPC8272 and MPC8248 variants per Table 1 of MPC8272EC Rev. 3.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 516-ball PBGA, ZQ variant (lead-sphere interconnect), 27 mm × 27 mm body, 1.27 mm ball pitch, JEDEC MO-205AC compliant. Thermal pad on underside for PCB-level heat conduction.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8272VR, MPC8248ZQTIEA offers identical functionality in a lead-sphere package optimized for thermal reliability under sustained load; versus MPC8247ZQ, it adds indispensable hardware crypto acceleration - making it the sole option among these three for secure, high-throughput communications processing.

Availability

MPC8248ZQTIEA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for secure network gateways, telecom edge routers, industrial protocol gateways, and USB-enabled field controllers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8248ZQTIEA 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, headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, designs high-performance mixed-signal semiconductors for automotive, industrial, and networking markets - with deep heritage in Power Architecture technology inherited from Freescale.

The MPC8248ZQTIEA belongs to the PowerQUICC II family, engineered specifically for integrated communications processing in space-constrained, thermally demanding embedded networking equipment - balancing raw compute, protocol flexibility, and hardware security acceleration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC8248ZQTIEA core?

The MPC8248ZQTIEA core supports frequencies up to 400 MHz, achieved using an internal 8:1 core/bus clock multiplier driven by a 50 MHz CLKIN reference. This maximum is confirmed in Section 1.1 "Features" of the MPC8272EC Rev. 3 specification, which states "System core microprocessor supporting frequencies of 266–400 MHz" and applies explicitly to the MPC8248. The MPC8248ZQTIEA maintains full functionality at this speed under recommended operating conditions (VDD = 1.425–1.575 V, TA = 0–70°C).

Does the MPC8248ZQTIEA include a hardware security engine?

Yes, the MPC8248ZQTIEA includes a fully integrated Security Engine (SEC) supporting DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-1, MD-5, RC-4, PKEU, and RNG algorithms in hardware. This is explicitly confirmed in Table 1 ("MPC8272 PowerQUICC II Family Functionality") of the MPC8272EC Rev. 3 document, where "Security engine (SEC)" is marked "Yes" for MPC8248 and "-" for MPC8271/MPC8247. The SEC is not present in MPC8247ZQ and is a key differentiator for secure gateway applications.

What package type does the MPC8248ZQTIEA use?

The MPC8248ZQTIEA uses a 516-ball PBGA package with lead-sphere interconnects, designated "ZQ" per Table 2 ("MPC8272 PowerQUICC II Device Packages") in the MPC8272EC Rev. 3 specification. This variant features solder spheres instead of lead-free solder balls (VR package), providing superior thermal cycling reliability and enhanced thermal conductivity to the PCB - critical for sustained operation in telecom infrastructure equipment.

How many Ethernet interfaces does the MPC8248ZQTIEA support?

The MPC8248ZQTIEA supports two independent 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interfaces via its dual Fast Communication Controllers (FCCs), each with Media Independent Interface (MII) or Reduced MII (RMII) capability. This is confirmed in Table 1 of the MPC8272EC Rev. 3 specification, where "Ethernet (10/100)" shows "2" for MPC8248. Both FCCs are fully functional and can operate simultaneously - enabling dual-LAN routing, WAN/LAN separation, or redundant link configurations.

Is the MPC8248ZQTIEA pin-compatible with other PowerQUICC II devices?

Yes, the MPC8248ZQTIEA is pin-compatible with MPC8272ZQ, MPC8271ZQ, and MPC8247ZQ within the same ZQ package variant - all share identical 516-ball PBGA footprint and signal assignments per Table 2 and Figure 8 ("Pinout") in the MPC8272EC Rev. 3 specification. However, functional differences exist: only MPC8272 and MPC8248 include the Security Engine, and only MPC8272/MPC8271 support ATM via FCC. Pin compatibility enables hardware reuse but requires firmware validation for feature-specific registers.