NXP Semiconductors MPC850CVR66BU

Overview

MPC850CVR66BU from Freescale Semiconductor is a PowerQUICC™ integrated communications processor featuring a 32-bit MPC8xx core, dual-port RAM (8 KB), one SCC supporting 10-Mbps Ethernet/IEEE 802.3, USB 1.1 host/slave controller, and CPM-based serial peripheral interfaces - deployed in remote-access gateways, DSL/CPE edge devices, and cost-sensitive telecom infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the MPC850CVR66BU datasheet, MPC850CVR66BU pinout, MPC850CVR66BU application, or MPC850CVR66BU equivalent, key selection criteria include bus timing at 66 MHz (half-speed 33-MHz bus mode), 3.3-V operation with 5-V-tolerant I/O, IEEE 1149.1 JTAG debug support, and PCMCIA-ATA socket compliance for legacy storage expansion.

Technical Context

The MPC850CVR66BU implements a dual-processor architecture: a main MPC8xx core handling system control and application tasks, plus an independent 32-bit RISC communications processor (CP) within the CPM that offloads serial protocol processing (Ethernet, HDLC, USB, I²C, SPI, SMC). This separation enables concurrent real-time communication handling without CPU core interruption.

It supports dynamic voltage scaling (2.2 V at ≤25 MHz, 3.3 V at higher frequencies), four power states (Doze/Sleep/Deep Sleep/Stop), and a fully static design rated for 0–66 MHz core operation - with bus interface constrained to 33 MHz maximum via half-speed configuration per revision-specific timing tables.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 324-ball Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA), 19 mm × 19 mm, 1.27 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC850CVR66BU, MPC850DEVR66BU adds a second SCC for dual-protocol concurrency without layout changes, while MPC860PZQ66B trades USB for enhanced memory management - making it preferable for embedded Linux but unsuitable for USB-dependent peripherals.

Availability

MPC850CVR66BU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSL/CPE gateways, industrial RTUs, legacy network bridges, and secure terminal servers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC850CVR66BU 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processors, analog, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MPC850 family was designed as cost-optimized PowerQUICC™ communications processors targeting remote-access, DSL, and telecom edge applications - emphasizing integration of Ethernet, USB, and serial protocols into a single chip with low-power operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum bus speed supported by the MPC850CVR66BU?

The MPC850CVR66BU supports a maximum core frequency of 66 MHz but requires half-speed bus mode - limiting the external bus clock to 33 MHz. This constraint is explicitly defined in Table 6 of the hardware specifications, where timing parameters for 66-MHz operation assume a 33-MHz bus clock. Attempting full-speed 66-MHz bus operation violates setup/hold timing margins and risks data corruption.

Does the MPC850CVR66BU support USB device mode?

Yes, the MPC850CVR66BU includes a USB 1.1 controller that supports both host and slave (device) modes at 1.5 Mbps (low-speed) and 12 Mbps (full-speed). The USB module is fully integrated into the CPM and shares the 8-KB dual-port RAM for endpoint buffers - enabling standalone USB peripheral implementations such as HID keyboards or CDC-class modems without external memory.

How many serial communication controllers (SCCs) does the MPC850CVR66BU include?

The MPC850CVR66BU includes one serial communications controller (SCC), as confirmed in Table 1 of the MPC850 Functionality Matrix. This SCC supports Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 at 10 Mbps, HDLC/SDLC up to 2 Mbps, transparent bit-stream mode, and multiple protocol variants including PPP and AppleTalk - making it suitable for single-port router or bridge applications.

Is the MPC850CVR66BU pin-compatible with other MPC850 family members?

Yes, the MPC850CVR66BU is pin-compatible with all MPC850 variants in the 324-ball PBGA package, including MPC850DEVR66BU and MPC850SRVR66BU. Mechanical compatibility is guaranteed by identical ball map, pitch, and footprint - though functional differences (e.g., number of SCCs, ATM support) require corresponding software and peripheral circuit validation.

What power supply voltages are required for reliable operation of the MPC850CVR66BU?

The MPC850CVR66BU requires four dedicated 3.3-V supplies: VDDH (core logic), VDDL (I/O), KAPWR (kernel logic), and VDDSYN (PLL/synthesizer). All must be regulated within 3.135–3.465 V when operating at ≥40 MHz. Deviation outside this range risks timing violations or reset assertion - especially on VDDSYN, which directly impacts CLKOUT stability and PLL lock.