NXP Semiconductors MPC8540PX667LC

Overview

MPC8540PX667LC 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 SDRAM controller (up to 333 MHz), PCI/PCI-X (64-bit @ 133 MHz), RapidIO (8-bit DDR), and OCeaN packet switch - deployed in telecom infrastructure line cards and wireless baseband processing units.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8540PX667LC datasheet, MPC8540PX667LC pinout, MPC8540PX667LC application, or MPC8540PX667LC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 667 MHz core frequency, 256 KB L2 cache configuration flexibility, DDR-1 support with full ECC, dual TSECs with RGMII/GMII/TBI interfaces, and 783-pin FC-PBGA package with 1.2 V core / 2.5–3.3 V I/O voltage domains.

Technical Context

The MPC8540PX667LC implements the Book E–enhanced e500 core with separate 32 KB L1 instruction and data caches (parity protected), MMU optimized for embedded real-time OS environments, and performance monitor facility supporting eight 32-bit event counters. Its memory subsystem integrates an ATMU with eight local access windows and dual-directional mapping for PCI/PCI-X and RapidIO address translation.

System-level interconnect combines a 16 Gb/s OCeaN crossbar switch, four-channel DMA engine with scatter-gather and misaligned transfer support, and coherency-enforced snoop/no-snoop control per channel. The DDR controller supports registered DIMMs, page mode (16 open pages), auto-refresh, and CKE-driven power management - all compliant with JEDEC DDR-1 SDRAM standards at 333 MHz data rate.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 783-pin FC-PBGA (27 mm × 27 mm, 1.27 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, lead-free solder compatible, designed for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C junction).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8540PX667LC, MPC8548ECVRAG offers higher clock speed and DDR2 readiness for bandwidth-intensive upgrades, while P1022NSE shifts to PCIe and e500v2 for improved IPC and lower static power - both require board-level redesign but provide scalable paths beyond the MPC8540's DDR-1/PCI-X constraints.

Availability

MPC8540PX667LC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, telecom line card development, and industrial protocol gateway applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8540PX667LC 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 MPC8540PX667LC belongs to the PowerQUICC III family - engineered specifically for carrier-grade communications infrastructure where deterministic real-time processing, multi-standard connectivity (RapidIO/PCI-X/TSEC), and hardware-assisted reliability (ECC, cache locking) are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR SDRAM data rate supported by the MPC8540PX667LC?

The MPC8540PX667LC supports DDR-1 SDRAM at up to 333 MHz data rate (166 MHz clock), delivering 2.7 GB/s peak bandwidth over its 64-bit interface. This is confirmed in Section 6 of the Hardware Specifications document, which specifies programmable timing for DDR-1, four-bank support, and registered DIMM compatibility - all operating within the 2.5 V ±125 mV GVDD supply range.

Does the MPC8540PX667LC support PCI Express?

No, the MPC8540PX667LC does not support PCI Express. It implements a PCI 2.2 and PCI-X 1.0 compliant controller with 64-bit bus width and up to 133 MHz operation. PCI Express capability was introduced in later PowerQUICC generations such as the QorIQ P1/P2 series. The MPC8540PX667LC's PCI/PCI-X interface remains fully functional for legacy backplane and add-in card integration.

What are the core and I/O voltage requirements for the MPC8540PX667LC?

The MPC8540PX667LC requires a 1.2 V ±60 mV core supply (VDD) and separate I/O supplies: 2.5 V ±125 mV for DDR (GVDD), 2.5 V or 3.3 V ±165 mV for TSEC (LVDD), and 3.3 V ±165 mV for PCI/Local Bus/RapidIO/JTAG (OVDD). Power sequencing mandates VDD/AVDD ramp before I/O supplies to prevent undefined I/O states during startup.

Can the L2 memory on the MPC8540PX667LC be used as both cache and SRAM simultaneously?

Yes, the MPC8540PX667LC's 256 KB L2 resource can be partitioned into 128 KB cache and 128 KB memory-mapped SRAM. This mode is explicitly documented in Section 1.1 "Key Features" of the Hardware Specifications, enabling simultaneous use for instruction/data caching and deterministic buffer allocation - critical for real-time packet buffering in telecom control plane applications.

Is the MPC8540PX667LC pin-compatible with other MPC8540 speed grades?

Yes, the MPC8540PX667LC shares the identical 783-pin FC-PBGA package and pinout with other MPC8540 variants (e.g., MPC8540VX800LC, MPC8540EC), differing only in speed grade, thermal specification, and factory-programmed PLL ratios. Pin compatibility is confirmed in Section 14 "Package and Pin Listings" of the Hardware Specifications, allowing drop-in replacement within the same package variant for frequency-scaling or qualification upgrades.