NXP Semiconductors MPC8540CVT667JC

Overview

MPC8540CVT667JC from Freescale Semiconductor is a PowerQUICC III integrated host processor featuring a 667 MHz e500 Power Architecture core, 256 KB configurable L2 cache/SRAM, dual 10/100/1000 Mbps TSEC Ethernet controllers, DDR-1 SDRAM controller (64-bit, up to 333 MHz), PCI-X 64-bit/133 MHz interface, and RapidIO 8-bit DDR interconnect - deployed in carrier-grade wireless base stations and telecom line cards.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8540CVT667JC datasheet, MPC8540CVT667JC pinout, MPC8540CVT667JC application, or MPC8540CVT667JC equivalent, key selection considerations include its 783-pin FC-PBGA package, 1.2 V core supply with 3.3 V/2.5 V I/O rails, IEEE 802.3z-compliant TSECs, DDR-1 timing programmability, and support for boot-from-I2C serial ROM.

Technical Context

The MPC8540CVT667JC implements the e500 core with Book E enhancements, including separate 32 KB L1 instruction and data caches with parity, an MMU optimized for embedded real-time OS environments, and hardware debug support. Its OCeaN crossbar switch fabric routes traffic between TSECs, RapidIO, PCI-X, and DDR interfaces with priority-based packet reordering and starvation avoidance.

It integrates a DDR-1 SDRAM controller supporting four banks (up to 1 Gbyte each), full ECC on 64-bit boundaries, and auto-refresh with CKE-controlled power management; the RapidIO interface operates at 125 MHz with LVDS signaling, 256-byte payload packets, and atomic increment/decrement/set/clear operations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 783-ball FC-PBGA (Freescale Suffix 'C'), 29 mm × 29 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant, thermal pad exposed on underside for heatsink attachment.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8548CZQ667D, the MPC8540CVT667JC omits cryptographic acceleration but simplifies thermal design and reduces I/O supply count; versus P1022NSN2HFBB, it retains RapidIO and PCI-X legacy support but lacks DDR2/3 and dual-core SMP capability.

Availability

MPC8540CVT667JC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, carrier Ethernet aggregation, and telecom line card applications requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8540CVT667JC 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 fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processors, analog, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MPC8540CVT667JC belongs to the PowerQUICC III family - designed specifically for high-throughput, low-latency control-plane processing in networking and telecommunications infrastructure equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR-1 data rate supported by the MPC8540CVT667JC?

The MPC8540CVT667JC supports a DDR-1 SDRAM interface with a maximum data rate of 333 MHz, corresponding to a 166 MHz clock frequency. This is confirmed in Section 6 of the Hardware Specifications document, which specifies programmable timing for DDR-1 and lists 333 MHz as the upper limit for the 64-bit data interface. The MPC8540CVT667JC achieves this using its dedicated DDR controller with full ECC and auto-refresh support.

Does the MPC8540CVT667JC support PCI Express?

No, the MPC8540CVT667JC does not support PCI Express. It implements a PCI/PCI-X 2.2 and PCI-X 1.0 compliant controller supporting 32-bit/66 MHz and 64-bit/133 MHz operation. PCI Express capability was introduced in later NXP QorIQ families (e.g., P1/P2 series). The MPC8540CVT667JC's PCI-X interface remains widely used in legacy telecom backplanes where compatibility with existing PCI-X peripherals is required.

What boot options are available for the MPC8540CVT667JC?

The MPC8540CVT667JC supports boot-from-I2C serial ROM via its integrated boot sequencer, which loads configuration data and initial firmware during reset. It also supports boot from local bus-connected NOR/NAND flash or parallel EEPROM through the default boot ROM chip select. The MPC8540CVT667JC does not support boot from DDR or RapidIO; boot source selection is controlled by hardware strapping pins and POR configuration registers.

Is the MPC8540CVT667JC pin-compatible with other MPC8540 speed grades?

Yes, the MPC8540CVT667JC is pin-compatible with other MPC8540 variants in the same 783-ball FC-PBGA package (e.g., MPC8540CVT833JC, MPC8540CVT1000JC), as confirmed by Freescale's Device Nomenclature section and Package and Pin Listings. Core voltage and I/O supply requirements differ by speed grade, but ball mapping, signal names, and mechanical footprint remain identical - enabling speed-bin upgrades without PCB changes.

What is the thermal design power (TDP) of the MPC8540CVT667JC at 667 MHz?

At 667 MHz core frequency and 105°C junction temperature, the MPC8540CVT667JC has a maximum VDD power dissipation of 8.7 W (Table 4), plus typical I/O power of ~1.2 W (summing DDR, PCI-X, TSEC, and local bus contributions from Table 6), yielding a total system-level TDP of approximately 9.9 W. This value assumes nominal 1.2 V core supply, 2.5 V DDR I/O, and 3.3 V peripheral I/O - actual board-level thermal design must account for package thermal resistance (θJA ≈ 22°C/W) and airflow.