NXP Semiconductors MPC8379EVRAGDA

Overview

MPC8379EVRAGDA from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a PowerQUICC II Pro communications processor integrating an e300c4s Power Architecture core, dual enhanced three-speed Ethernet controllers (eTSEC), DDR1/DDR2 memory controller, PCI 2.3 interface, USB 2.0 dual-role controller, SATA 2.5 controller, and optional SEC 3.0 security engine - designed for embedded networking and industrial control applications including VPN routers, intelligent NICs, and industrial controllers.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8379EVRAGDA datasheet, MPC8379EVRAGDA pinout, MPC8379EVRAGDA application, or MPC8379EVRAGDA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context on its e300c4s CPU architecture, 667 MHz core frequency, dual RGMII/MII/RMII Ethernet interfaces, 4-port SATA support, and SEC 3.0 cryptographic acceleration - enabling accurate selection for cost-sensitive, low-power, high-integration host processor designs.

Technical Context

The MPC8379EVRAGDA implements a superscalar e300c4s core with 32 KB instruction and 32 KB data L1 caches, floating-point unit, and two integer units - operating at up to 667 MHz with 1.0 V ±50 mV core supply. Its DDR1/DDR2 memory controller supports 32-/64-bit interfaces at up to 400 MHz data rate with four chip selects and auto-refresh capability.

It integrates two IEEE 802.3-compliant eTSECs supporting RGMII, RMII, MII, and RTBI modes; a PCI 2.3-compliant 32-bit/66 MHz controller in host or agent mode; four SATA 2.5 ports (1.5/3.0 Gb/s); and an optional SEC 3.0 engine accelerating DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-1, and MD5 - all coordinated via a 4-channel DMA and IPIC interrupt controller.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MPC8379EVRAGDA is housed in a 783-pin PBGA package (35 mm × 35 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) with thermal lid and RoHS-compliant finish. Pin assignments are defined per Table 21–1 in MPC8379EEC Rev. 8 (pp. 78–103), including dedicated banks for DDR, eTSEC, PCI, SATA, and I/O power domains.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8377EVRAGDA and MPC8378EVRAGDA, the MPC8379EVRAGDA uniquely delivers four integrated SATA 2.5 controllers - making it the only variant in the MPC837xE family capable of standalone multi-drive NAS or DVR functionality without bridge ICs, while maintaining full backward compatibility with PowerQUICC II Pro software and pinout.

Availability

MPC8379EVRAGDA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VPN routers, industrial controllers, intelligent NICs, and network access servers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (–40°C to 125°C junction).

Supply support for MPC8379EVRAGDA 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 IoT markets, with deep heritage in Power Architecture processors from its Freescale acquisition.

The MPC8379EVRAGDA belongs to the PowerQUICC II Pro family - engineered specifically for cost-optimized, low-power embedded networking applications demanding integrated Ethernet, storage, security, and real-time control in a single-chip solution.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR2 data rate supported by the MPC8379EVRAGDA?

The MPC8379EVRAGDA DDR1/DDR2 memory controller supports up to 400 MHz data rate, corresponding to DDR2-800 operation. This is achieved with GVDD = 1.8 V ±90 mV and requires proper termination, layout-controlled trace lengths, and validated DDR2 SDRAM parts rated for 400 MHz operation. The controller supports 32- or 64-bit interfaces and up to four chip selects, enabling configurations from 512 MB to 8 GB depending on density and bus width. MPC8379EVRAGDA design guides specify strict setup/hold timing margins relative to CSB clock for reliable initialization.

Does the MPC8379EVRAGDA include a built-in security engine?

Yes, the "E" suffix in MPC8379EVRAGDA explicitly denotes inclusion of the SEC 3.0 security engine. It provides hardware acceleration for DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-1, and MD5 algorithms via dedicated crypto execution units - offloading CPU-intensive operations from the e300c4s core. The engine supports one crypto-channel with multi-command descriptor chains and is optimized for IPSec, IEEE 802.11i, and iSCSI protocol stacks. MPC8379EVRAGDA's SEC 3.0 is enabled by default in boot ROM and configurable via U-Boot environment variables.

What Ethernet PHY interfaces does the MPC8379EVRAGDA support?

The MPC8379EVRAGDA dual eTSECs support RGMII, RMII, MII, and RTBI physical layer interfaces - selectable per channel via strap pins and software configuration. RGMII is commonly used with Gigabit PHYs like the Marvell 88E1111, while MII/RMII suit 10/100 Mbps PHYs such as the Micrel KS8721. RTBI mode enables connection to XAUI-capable SerDes PHYs. MPC8379EVRAGDA requires LVDD = 2.5 V or 3.3 V to match the selected PHY's I/O voltage, and its MII management interface (MDIO/MDC) controls external PHY registers directly.

Can the MPC8379EVRAGDA operate in PCI host mode?

Yes, the MPC8379EVRAGDA PCI controller fully supports PCI host mode, using CLKIN as the primary clock source and providing 32-bit/66 MHz operation with on-chip arbitration for up to five external masters. In host mode, it drives PCI bus signals including FRAME#, IRDY#, and TRDY#, and supports PCI Power Management 1.2 D0–D3hot states. MPC8379EVRAGDA's host-mode configuration is set via CFG_RESET_SOURCE straps and validated in early boot - enabling use as a root complex in legacy expansion systems.

What is the thermal design power (TDP) of the MPC8379EVRAGDA at 667 MHz?

At 667 MHz core frequency and 333 MHz CSB/DDR frequency, the MPC8379EVRAGDA exhibits typical application power dissipation of 2.1 W at Tj = 65°C and 3.3 W at Tj = 125°C, excluding I/O supply contributions. Total system power - including GVDD, LVDD, and OVDD rails - reaches ~4.1 W under worst-case conditions. MPC8379EVRAGDA requires a thermal pad on the PBGA package bottom and a minimum 4-layer PCB with dedicated ground/power planes and ≥2 oz copper for reliable operation above 65°C ambient.