NXP Semiconductors MPC852TCVR100A

Overview

MPC852TCVR100A from Freescale Semiconductor is a PowerPC architecture-based integrated communications controller featuring an MPC8xx 32-bit core operating up to 100 MHz, 66-MHz external bus, 1.8-V core/3.3-V I/O with 5-V TTL compatibility, and integrated Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC), CPM, and SIU - deployed in Ethernet routers, VoIP clients, WiFi access points, and CPE equipment.

For engineers reviewing the MPC852TCVR100A datasheet, MPC852TCVR100A pinout, MPC852TCVR100A application, or MPC852TCVR100A equivalent, this page delivers verified core frequency, bus timing, thermal resistance (RθJA = 32°C/W on 4-layer board), FEC support, and mandatory reset configuration details required for boot code initialization and PCB layout compliance.

Technical Context

The MPC852TCVR100A implements a single-issue 32-bit PowerPC core with 4-Kbyte instruction and data caches (two-way set-associative, 128 sets), MMU with 32-entry fully associative TLBs supporting 4/16/512 KB and 8 MB page sizes, and integrated System Integration Unit (SIU) providing clock synthesis, watchdog, PIT, JTAG, and reset control.

Its Communication Processor Module (CPM) includes an 8-Kbyte dual-port RAM, eight serial DMA channels, two SCCs supporting IEEE 802.3 10-Mbps Ethernet, one SMC, SPI interface, PCMCIA-ATA master interface, and two baud rate generators - all connected via 32-bit internal buses to the core and SIU.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 256-pin PBGA (Plastic Ball Grid Array), 17 mm × 17 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant. Thermal pad on underside requires solder connection to internal ground plane for optimal RθJB performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC860PZQ100B and MPC855TVR100B, the MPC852TCVR100A offers the lowest power envelope (250 mW max at 100 MHz) and smallest PCB footprint among Freescale's PowerQUICC I derivatives, making it the preferred choice for thermally constrained, cost-driven embedded networking applications without USB or PCI requirements.

Availability

MPC852TCVR100A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Ethernet routers, VoIP clients, and WiFi access points requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (–40°C to +100°C junction).

Supply support for MPC852TCVR100A 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) was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs, specializing in automotive, industrial, and networking solutions before its 2015 acquisition.

The MPC852TCVR100A belongs to the PowerQUICC I family - a series of integrated communications controllers built on PowerPC architecture to consolidate CPU, memory controller, FEC, and CPM into a single chip for cost-sensitive embedded networking.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC852TCVR100A core and bus?

The MPC852TCVR100A core operates up to 100 MHz in 2:1 bus mode only; the external bus runs at a maximum of 66 MHz. In 1:1 mode, both core and bus are limited to 66 MHz. This constraint is enforced by internal clock dividers and documented in Table 8 of the MPC852TEC Rev. 4 specification - violating it risks timing violations in memory and peripheral interfaces.

Does the MPC852TCVR100A support 100-Mbps Ethernet?

No, the MPC852TCVR100A's Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) supports only 10-Mbps operation per IEEE 802.3, as confirmed in Section 2 Features and Figure 1 block diagram. It lacks the physical layer timing and MII enhancements required for 100-Mbps operation - that capability was introduced in later PowerQUICC II devices like the MPC8260.

What are the mandatory reset configuration requirements for the MPC852TCVR100A?

The MPC852TCVR100A requires HRCW[DBGC] = X1 and SIUMCR[DBGC] = X1 to be programmed in boot code after reset deassertion. These settings enable debug functionality and are mandated in Table 6 of the MPC852TEC Rev. 4 document - failure to configure them results in undefined behavior during JTAG debugging or exception handling.

Which pins on the MPC852TCVR100A are 5-V tolerant?

The MPC852TCVR100A has 5-V tolerant pins including PA[0:3], PA[8:11], PB15, PB[24:25], PB[28:31], PC[4:7], PC[12:13], PC15, PD[3:15], TDI, TDO, TCK, TRST, TMS, MII_TXEN, and MII_MDIO - explicitly listed in Table 5 and Section 9. These pins tolerate up to 5.5 V but must not exceed VDDH + 2.5 V under any condition, including power-down.

What thermal resistance values apply to the MPC852TCVR100A in a 4-layer PCB design?

For a 4-layer board (2s2p) with 200 ft/min airflow, the MPC852TCVR100A has RθJA = 29°C/W and RθJB = 24°C/W, per Table 3 of MPC852TEC Rev. 4. These values are critical for calculating junction temperature using TJ = TA + (RθJA × PD) or TJ = TB + (RθJB × PD), especially given the 100°C max junction rating in extended temperature grade.