NXP Semiconductors MPC8555EPXAQF

Overview

MPC8555EPXAQF from Freescale Semiconductor is a PowerQUICC™ III integrated communications processor featuring an e500 Book E-compatible 32-bit Power Architecture™ core, 256 KB on-chip L2 cache/SRAM, dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet controllers (TSEC), DDR SDRAM controller (64-bit, 2.5-V SSTL2), and hardware Security Engine with AES, DES, SHA, RSA, and RNG acceleration. It targets carrier-grade networking infrastructure requiring deterministic real-time packet processing.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8555EPXAQF datasheet, MPC8555EPXAQF pinout, MPC8555EPXAQF application, or MPC8555EPXAQF equivalent, key selection criteria include its 783-pin FC-PBGA package, 1.2 V core supply with 3.3 V/2.5 V I/O domains, dual TSEC support for GMII/RGMII/TBI, CPM-based serial protocol offload (FCC/SCC/USB), and PCI 2.2 host/agent compatibility - all critical for telecom edge routers and wireless baseband units.

Technical Context

The MPC8555EPXAQF integrates a superscalar e500 core (dual-issue, 7-stage pipeline) with tightly coupled CPM subsystem handling serial protocols (HDLC, ATM via UTOPIA, TDM), while OCeaN switch fabric enables low-latency packet routing between TSECs, PCI, and local bus. Its DDR controller supports four banks of up to 1 Gbyte each with full ECC and self-refresh sleep mode.

Security Engine operates across four crypto-channels with dedicated AESU (128/192/256-bit keys), DEU (DES/3DES), MDEU (SHA-1/SHA-256, MD5), PKEU (RSA up to 2048-bit), and AFEU (RC4), all accessible via descriptor-based DMA without CPU intervention - enabling line-rate IPSec/SSL offload in embedded control plane applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 783-pin FC-PBGA (27 mm × 27 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 communications processor applications.

Compared with MPC8555EPXAQF, MPC8548CZQK offers higher clock speed and cache but omits security acceleration and dual TSEC capability, while LS1023A provides ARM-based scalability and modern security features but abandons PowerQUICC's CPM-based serial protocol offload - making MPC8555EPXAQF uniquely suited for brownfield telecom upgrades requiring backward-compatible hardware protocol engines.

Availability

MPC8555EPXAQF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for carrier-grade wireless infrastructure, industrial Ethernet gateways, and secure VoIP appliances requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for MPC8555EPXAQF 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 processing, connectivity, and analog solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MPC8555EPXAQF belongs to the PowerQUICC III product line, designed specifically for high-performance, integrated communications processing in telecom infrastructure - combining Power Architecture™ compute with hardware-accelerated networking and security functions.

FAQ

What is the maximum DDR SDRAM data rate supported by the MPC8555EPXAQF?

The MPC8555EPXAQF DDR controller supports first-generation DDR SDRAM up to 400 MT/s (200 MHz clock). This is achieved through programmable timing parameters, four-bank addressing, and 64-bit wide data interface with full ECC protection on 64-bit boundaries - enabling reliable high-bandwidth packet buffering in telecom line cards where sustained memory bandwidth exceeds 3.2 GB/s.

Does the MPC8555EPXAQF support PCI Express?

No, the MPC8555EPXAQF does not support PCI Express. It implements PCI 2.2 specification with one 64-bit or two 32-bit parallel PCI buses operating at 16–66 MHz. The device lacks PCIe PHY, transaction layer, or configuration space extensions - confirming its design alignment with legacy PCI-based carrier equipment rather than modern high-speed serial interconnects.

How many independent Ethernet MACs does the MPC8555EPXAQF integrate?

The MPC8555EPXAQF integrates two independent Three-Speed Ethernet Controllers (TSECs), each compliant with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x, and 802.3z standards. Both support 10/100/1000 Mbps operation across GMII, RGMII, TBI, RTBI, and MII physical interfaces - enabling dual-homed, redundant, or multi-service port configurations in edge routing and base station applications.

What cryptographic algorithms are accelerated by the MPC8555EPXAQF Security Engine?

The MPC8555EPXAQF Security Engine accelerates AES (128/192/256-bit keys), DES/3DES, SHA-1/SHA-256, MD5, HMAC, RSA (up to 2048-bit), Diffie-Hellman, elliptic curve cryptography, and RC4 via dedicated execution units (AESU, DEU, MDEU, PKEU, AFEU) across four crypto-channels - delivering line-rate IPSec and SSL/TLS offload without CPU intervention in control-plane processing.

Is the MPC8555EPXAQF pin-compatible with other PowerQUICC III processors like the MPC8548?

No, the MPC8555EPXAQF is not pin-compatible with the MPC8548 or other PowerQUICC III variants. While sharing the same 783-pin FC-PBGA package outline, pin assignments for DDR, TSEC, PCI, and CPM signals differ significantly due to distinct feature sets (e.g., MPC8555EPXAQF has dual TSECs and Security Engine logic absent in MPC8548), requiring unique PCB layout and signal routing.