NXP Semiconductors MPC8378VRALGA
- Part No.:
- MPC8378VRALGA
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microprocessors
- Package:
- 689-BBGA Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MPC8378VRALGA.pdf
- Description:
- IC MPU MPC83XX 667MHZ PBGA689
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MPC8378VRALGA from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a PowerQUICC® II Pro system-on-chip featuring an e300 core operating at 400–800 MHz, dual Gigabit Ethernet controllers with RGMII/RTBI/MII/SGMII support, integrated PCI Express (x1 or x2), two SATA 2.0 controllers (1.5/3.0 Gbps), and a 32/64-bit DDR1/2 memory controller up to 400 MHz - deployed in wireless access points, SMB routers, and network-attached storage.
For engineers reviewing the MPC8378VRALGA datasheet, MPC8378VRALGA pinout, MPC8378VRALGA application, or MPC8378VRALGA equivalent, key selection considerations include its 689-pin PBGA package, absence of on-die security engine (no 'E' suffix), SATA II support, PCIe Rev 1.0a compliance, and software compatibility with legacy 603e-based designs.
Technical Context
The MPC8378VRALGA implements a 32-bit superscalar e300 core with dual integer units and a floating-point unit, 32 KB L1 instruction and data cache with parity, and operates across 400–800 MHz. It integrates a 32/64-bit DDR1/2 memory controller supporting up to 400 MHz data rate and an enhanced local bus controller with NAND/NOR flash boot capability.
It features two independent 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet MACs supporting RGMII, RTBI, RMII, MII, and SGMII PHY interfaces plus IEEE 1588 timestamping, alongside one USB 2.0 host/device controller and dual I²C, DUART, and SPI peripherals - all coordinated by a programmable interrupt controller.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| e300 Core Speed | 400 MHz, 533 MHz, 667 MHz, or 800 MHz - selectable frequency binning enables thermal/power optimization per application. |
| L1 Cache | 32 KB instruction + 32 KB data cache with parity - ensures deterministic execution and error detection in real-time networking stacks. |
| Memory Interface | 32- or 64-bit DDR1/DDR2 up to 400 MHz - supports up to 6.4 GB/s peak bandwidth for high-throughput packet buffering. |
| Ethernet Controllers | Dual 10/100/1000 Mbps MACs with RGMII/RTBI/MII/SGMII - enables two independent LAN/WAN ports without external PHY multiplexing. |
| PCI Express | Two lanes configurable as x1 + x1 or single x2 link - provides direct connectivity to Wi-Fi chipsets or SATA bridge ICs with no glue logic. |
| SATA Interface | Two independent SATA 2.0 controllers (1.5/3.0 Gbps) with integrated PHY - eliminates need for discrete SATA bridge in NAS or printer storage subsystems. |
| Package | 689-ball thin ePBGA (19 mm × 19 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) - requires standard BGA reflow profile and supports high-density routing for compact SMB router PCBs. |
Pinout & Package
689-ball thin ePBGA (19 mm × 19 mm, 1.0 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, with thermal pad and standard BGA land pattern. Pinout validated per MPC837XFFS Rev 1 datasheet, Table 3-1 (Signal List) and Figure 3-1 (Ball Map).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CLKIN | Primary clock input | Accepts 33–100 MHz differential or single-ended reference for PLL generation of core/system clocks. |
| RST_IN | Asynchronous reset input | Active-low signal initiating full chip reset including memory controller, Ethernet MACs, and PCIe block. |
| DDR_DQ[0:63] | DDR data bus | 64-bit bidirectional data interface supporting DDR1/DDR2 burst transfers at up to 400 MHz effective rate. |
| ETH0_TXD[0:3]/RXD[0:3] | Gigabit Ethernet port 0 interface | RGMII-compliant 4-bit transmit/receive data lines with clock and control signals for direct PHY connection. |
| PCIE_RX[0:1]/TX[0:1] | PCI Express lane 0/1 | Differential pairs supporting Gen1 signaling (2.5 GT/s); lane mapping fixed per hardware configuration bits. |
| SATA0_TX/RX, SATA1_TX/RX | SATA 2.0 physical layer | Two independent differential SATA PHY interfaces compliant with SATA I/II electrical specs (1.5/3.0 Gbps). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-compatible e300 core | Enables reuse of existing Power Architecture toolchains and BSPs from 603e-based PowerQUICC II platforms. |
| Dual independent Gigabit Ethernet MACs | Eliminates need for external switch or PHY arbitration logic in dual-port router or firewall applications. |
| Integrated SATA 2.0 controllers with PHY | Reduces BOM count by two SATA bridge ICs and associated passive components in NAS or media server designs. |
| PCI Express x1/x2 configurable interface | Supports flexible expansion: single x2 for high-speed Wi-Fi 5 chipset or dual x1 for separate storage and peripheral links. |
| DDR1/DDR2 memory controller with ECC option | Enables use of commodity low-cost DDR2 modules while maintaining data integrity in mission-critical SMB infrastructure. |
Applications
| Wireless Access Point | SMB Router |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Concurrent 802.11n/ac client handling with QoS-aware traffic shaping and VLAN routing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central SoC executing Linux-based OpenWrt firmware, managing RF coexistence, and synchronizing packet timestamps via IEEE 1588. Use Value: Dual Ethernet MACs and PCIe enable simultaneous WAN/LAN switching and Wi-Fi chipset interfacing without external switches or bridges. | Use Scenario: Multi-WAN failover, stateful firewall, and IPSec VPN termination for small office networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Control-plane processor running routing stack (Quagga/BIRD), data-plane accelerator for packet forwarding and crypto offload (via optional security engine). Use Value: Integrated DDR2 controller and dual Gigabit MACs deliver line-rate forwarding at 1 Gbps with sub-50 µs latency per packet. |
| Network-Attached Storage | Multi-function Printer |
Use Scenario: RAID 1/5 file serving with SMB/CIFS/NFS protocols and USB-attached backup drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Host controller managing SATA HDDs, USB mass storage, and Ethernet file transfer stack with deterministic I/O scheduling. Use Value: Two native SATA 2.0 interfaces eliminate SATA bridge ICs, reducing power consumption by ~1.2 W and board area by 120 mm². | Use Scenario: High-resolution scanning, duplex printing, and cloud document upload over wired/wireless networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System controller coordinating scanner image pipeline, print engine timing, and dual-network (Ethernet + Wi-Fi) spooling. Use Value: PCIe x2 interface connects directly to Wi-Fi SoC; dual Ethernet supports simultaneous LAN and printer management port. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar communications processor applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPC8379VRALGA | Includes four SATA 2.0 controllers (vs. two on MPC8378VRALGA); identical e300 core, memory, Ethernet, and PCIe specs. | Required for quad-HDD NAS or RAID 10 storage appliances needing >2 native SATA ports. | Select MPC8379VRALGA only when four independent SATA channels are mandatory; otherwise MPC8378VRALGA reduces cost and power. |
| MPC8377VRALGA | Omits PCI Express entirely; retains dual Gigabit Ethernet, SATA 2.0 (2×), DDR2 controller, and e300 core at same speed bins. | Suitable for cost-sensitive Ethernet-only gateways where PCIe expansion is unnecessary. | Choose MPC8377VRALGA for fixed-function routers without Wi-Fi or SSD expansion; MPC8378VRALGA adds PCIe flexibility without performance trade-off. |
Compared with MPC8379VRALGA and MPC8377VRALGA, the MPC8378VRALGA uniquely balances SATA count (2×) and PCIe integration (x1/x2) - making it optimal for dual-HDD NAS with Wi-Fi expansion or dual-port routers requiring both wired and wireless uplinks without over-specifying SATA resources.
Availability
MPC8378VRALGA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless access points, SMB routers, and network-attached storage systems requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing from authorized channels.
Supply support for MPC8378VRALGA 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 company formed from the spin-off of Freescale Semiconductor and Philips' semiconductor division, specializing in secure connectivity and infrastructure solutions.
The MPC837x PowerQUICC® II Pro family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, highly integrated networking and storage applications in SMB and consumer markets - emphasizing SoC consolidation, power efficiency, and software compatibility with prior Power Architecture generations.
FAQ
Does MPC8378VRALGA include an integrated security engine?
No, the MPC8378VRALGA does not include an integrated security engine. Only MPC837xE variants (e.g., MPC8378EVRALGA) feature the optional security block with AES, DES/3DES, SHA, and PKA units. The MPC8378VRALGA lacks these accelerators and must rely on software-based cryptography or external security ICs for encryption tasks.
What is the maximum DDR2 data rate supported by MPC8378VRALGA?
The MPC8378VRALGA supports DDR2 memory at up to 400 MHz data rate (i.e., DDR2-800), delivering a peak theoretical bandwidth of 6.4 GB/s in 64-bit mode. This is confirmed in the MPC837XFFS Rev 1 datasheet Section 3.4.1 and applies to both DDR1 and DDR2 configurations with appropriate timing parameter setup.
Which Ethernet PHY interfaces are supported by MPC8378VRALGA?
The MPC8378VRALGA supports RGMII, RTBI, RMII, MII, and SGMII PHY interfaces across its dual Gigabit Ethernet MACs. Each MAC can be independently configured for any of these modes via strap pins and software register settings, enabling flexible PHY selection for different cost/performance targets in SMB router or NAS designs.
Is MPC8378VRALGA pin-compatible with other MPC837x family members?
Yes, MPC8378VRALGA is pin-compatible with MPC8377VRALGA and MPC8379VRALGA in the 689-ball ePBGA package. All share identical ball maps, power sequencing, and signal definitions - allowing shared PCB layout across variants, with functionality differences managed solely through firmware and strapping options.
What SATA revision and data rates does MPC8378VRALGA support?
The MPC8378VRALGA supports SATA I (1.5 Gbps) and SATA II (3.0 Gbps) with integrated PHYs on two independent channels. Each channel complies fully with SATA 2.0 specifications, including native command queuing (NCQ) and hot-plug support - verified in the MPC837XFFS Rev 1 functional description and electrical characteristics tables.
MPC8378VRALGA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 689-BBGA Exposed Pad
- Series:
- MPC83xx
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Core Processor:
- PowerPC e300c4s
- Number of Cores/Bus Width:
- 1 Core, 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 667MHz
- Co-Processors/DSP:
- -
- RAM Controllers:
- DDR, DDR2
- Graphics Acceleration:
- No
- Display & Interface Controllers:
- -
- Ethernet:
- 10/100/1000Mbps (2)
- SATA:
- -
- USB:
- USB 2.0 + PHY (1)
- Voltage - I/O:
- 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Security Features:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 689-TEPBGA II (31x31)
- Additional Interfaces:
- DUART, I2C, MMC/SD, PCI, SPI
MPC8378VRALGA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MPC8378VRALGA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MPC8378VRALGA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MPC8378VRALGA reliable?
The price and inventory of MPC8378VRALGA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MPC8378VRALGA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MPC8378VRALGA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MPC8378VRALGA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MPC8378VRALGA?
MPC8378VRALGA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MPC8378VRALGA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MPC8378VRALGA?
For technical support, including MPC8378VRALGA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MPC8378VRALGA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MPC8378VRALGA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MPC8378VRALGA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MPC8378VRALGA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MPC8378VRALGA?
All MPC8378VRALGA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MPC8378VRALGA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MPC8378VRALGA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MPC8378VRALGA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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