NXP Semiconductors MPC850ZQ50BU

Overview

MPC850ZQ50BU from Freescale Semiconductor is a PowerQUICC™ integrated communications processor combining an embedded 32-bit MPC8xx core with a dedicated RISC communications processor (CP), 8-Kbyte dual-port RAM, one Ethernet-capable SCC, USB 1.1 controller, two SMCs, I²C, SPI, and PCMCIA-ATA interface - designed for cost-sensitive remote-access and telecommunications controller applications operating at up to 50 MHz.

For engineers reviewing the MPC850ZQ50BU datasheet, MPC850ZQ50BU pinout, MPC850ZQ50BU application, or MPC850ZQ50BU equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, bus timing constraints, thermal resistance (θ_JA = 31 °C/W), power supply requirements (3.135–3.465 V @ ≥40 MHz), and confirmed peripheral support including IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, HDLC, USB host/slave, and TDM-aware time slot assigner functionality.

Technical Context

The MPC850ZQ50BU implements a dual-processor architecture: a statically scheduled, single-issue PowerPC-compatible MPC8xx core (2-Kbyte I-cache, 1-Kbyte D-cache, MMU with 8-entry TLB) handles system control and application tasks, while a separate 32-bit Harvard-architecture communications processor (CP) offloads serial protocol processing across seven channels - including one SCC for 10-Mbps Ethernet/HDLC, one USB 1.1 controller, two SMCs, one I²C port, and one SPI interface.

Its memory subsystem supports eight banks with glueless interfacing to SDRAM, SRAM, flash, and EPROM; dynamic bus sizing accommodates 8/16/32-bit data buses; and the SIU provides clock synthesis, real-time clock, watchdog, JTAG debug, and four programmable 16-bit timers. The device operates fully statically from 0–50 MHz with 3.3-V core I/O and 5-V-tolerant GPIO pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 324-ball Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA), 27 mm × 27 mm, 1.27-mm pitch, RoHS-compliant, JEDEC MO-205 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC850DEZQ50B and MPC850SRZQ50B, the MPC850ZQ50BU offers optimal cost/performance balance for single-link Ethernet/USB remote access systems - avoiding unused SCC or UTOPIA silicon area while retaining full software compatibility within the MPC850 family toolchain.

Availability

MPC850ZQ50BU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSL modems, industrial gateways, remote terminal units, and VoIP adapters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for production programs.

Supply support for MPC850ZQ50BU 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 since 2015) was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs for automotive, networking, and industrial markets.

The MPC850ZQ50BU belongs to the PowerQUICC™ family - engineered to integrate communications processing, real-time control, and connectivity peripherals into a single chip for cost-sensitive edge-node applications in telecom infrastructure and industrial networking.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported bus frequency for MPC850ZQ50BU?

The MPC850ZQ50BU supports a maximum bus frequency of 50 MHz. When operating the core at 50 MHz, the external bus must be configured in half-speed mode (25 MHz) using the bus configuration registers. Bus timing parameters in Table 6 of the hardware specification document are explicitly validated for 50-MHz core operation with corresponding derated bus cycles - exceeding this violates AC timing margins and risks metastability or data corruption.

Does MPC850ZQ50BU support USB device mode?

Yes, the MPC850ZQ50BU includes a full-featured USB 1.1 controller that supports both host and peripheral (device) modes at 1.5 Mbps (low-speed) and 12 Mbps (full-speed). The USB module integrates differential transceivers and endpoint buffers - enabling direct connection to USB peripherals without external PHY. Mode selection is controlled via the USBMODE register during initialization.

What thermal management is required for MPC850ZQ50BU at 50 MHz?

At 50 MHz, the MPC850ZQ50BU dissipates up to 725 mW. With θ_JA = 31 °C/W on a multilayer board with thermal vias, junction temperature rises ~22.5°C above ambient. To maintain T_J ≤ 95°C, ambient must stay below 72.5°C. Freescale recommends four 0.1-µF ceramic capacitors near VDDH/VDDL pins and a solid ground plane - no heatsink is required under these conditions.

Can MPC850ZQ50BU directly drive 5-V logic inputs?

Yes, all general-purpose I/O pins on the MPC850ZQ50BU tolerate 5-V inputs (VIH up to 5.5 V), making it compatible with legacy 5-V peripherals. However, Freescale cautions that input voltage must not exceed VDDH + 2.5 V - so with 3.3-V supply, max safe input is 5.8 V. Unused inputs must be pulled to VCC or GND; floating pins increase leakage and noise susceptibility.

Is MPC850ZQ50BU pin-compatible with other MPC850 variants?

Yes, all MPC850 family members with the ZQ (324-ball PBGA) suffix share identical mechanical footprint and pinout - including MPC850ZQ50BU, MPC850DEZQ50B, and MPC850SRZQ50B. Signal mapping, power pin locations, and JTAG interface are functionally identical; differences are limited to internal microcode and enabled peripherals - enabling hardware reuse across product variants.