NXP Semiconductors MPC8555EVTAJD

Overview

MPC8555EVTAJD from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a PowerQUICC™ III integrated communications processor featuring an e500 core, 256 KB on-chip L2 cache/SRAM, dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet controllers (TSEC), DDR SDRAM controller with 64-bit interface, and integrated security engine supporting AES, DES, SHA, RSA, and RNG. It targets high-throughput network infrastructure control planes in routers, base station controllers, and media gateways.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8555EVTAJD datasheet, MPC8555EVTAJD pinout, MPC8555EVTAJD application, or MPC8555EVTAJD equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs (1.2 V core, 2.5 V DDR I/O, 3.3 V PCI/LB), thermal limits (Tj ≤ 105°C), clock timing (SYSCLK ≤ 166 MHz), DDR SDRAM support (up to 1 Gbyte/bank, full ECC), and functional partitioning between e500 core, CPM, and OCeaN switch fabric.

Technical Context

The MPC8555EVTAJD implements a dual-issue, 7-stage superscalar e500 Book E-compatible core with 32 KB L1 instruction and 32 KB L1 data caches (parity-protected), lockable per-line or globally. Its coherency module enables cache consistency across internal masters including the CPM and DMA controller.

System-level logic includes a 333 MHz RISC-based Communications Processor Module (CPM) handling serial protocols (HDLC, UART, USB, SPI, I²C), two Fast Communications Controllers (FCCs), three Serial Communications Controllers (SCCs), and an OCeaN three-port crossbar switch for packet reordering and starvation avoidance - all operating independently of the e500 core.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 783-pin Fine-Pitch Ceramic Ball Grid Array (FC-PBGA), 27 mm × 27 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8555EVTAJD, MPC8548CZQAAH trades OCeaN packet switching for PCIe and higher clock speed, while P1022NSE replaces the single e500 core with dual e500v2 cores and SerDes-based 10G connectivity - making both alternatives unsuitable as drop-in replacements but viable for new designs where those features are prioritized.

Availability

MPC8555EVTAJD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure control planes, enterprise router data-path acceleration, media gateway time-slot assignment, and industrial protocol conversion requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8555EVTAJD 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets, with deep heritage in Power Architecture™ and communications processors.

The MPC8555EVTAJD belongs to the PowerQUICC™ III family, designed specifically for embedded networking infrastructure requiring tightly integrated CPU, communications peripherals, security acceleration, and deterministic packet handling - not general-purpose computing.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported DDR SDRAM data rate for MPC8555EVTAJD?

The MPC8555EVTAJD DDR SDRAM controller supports data rates up to 333 MHz (DDR-667), corresponding to a 333 MHz clock driving a 64-bit interface. It is compatible with first-generation DDR SDRAM chips ranging from 64 Mbit to 1 Gbit density, organized in x8 or x16 configurations, with full ECC support and programmable timing parameters for reliable operation across temperature and voltage corners.

Does MPC8555EVTAJD support PCIe or only PCI?

MPC8555EVTAJD supports only PCI 2.2 - not PCIe. It provides one 64-bit or two 32-bit PCI interfaces operating at 16–66 MHz, with 3.3 V signaling, host/agent mode, and dual-address-cycle (DAC) capability. PCIe was introduced in later NXP families such as QorIQ P1/P2; MPC8555EVTAJD's PCI implementation lacks PCIe's serial topology, lane aggregation, or advanced power management features.

What boot sources are supported by MPC8555EVTAJD?

MPC8555EVTAJD supports booting from parallel NOR flash via its Local Bus Controller (LBC) with configurable 8/16/32-bit width, or from serial EEPROM/ROM via its standalone I²C controller using extended addressing mode. The boot sequencer validates configuration data with a preamble signature and CRC before initializing registers and memory - enabling secure, field-upgradable firmware loading without host CPU involvement.

Can MPC8555EVTAJD operate with a 2.5 V LVDD supply for TSEC interfaces?

Yes, MPC8555EVTAJD supports 2.5 V LVDD for TSEC interfaces to enable RGMII/RTBI operation, which requires SSTL2-compatible signaling. When LVDD = 2.5 V, the TSEC outputs meet RGMII timing and voltage thresholds (V_OH ≥ 1.4 V, V_OL ≤ 0.6 V). This allows direct connection to 2.5 V PHYs without level-shifting, unlike MII/GMII modes that require 3.3 V LVDD.

Is MPC8555EVTAJD pin-compatible with other PowerQUICC III processors like MPC8548?

No, MPC8555EVTAJD is not pin-compatible with MPC8548 or other PowerQUICC III variants. Although both use 783-ball FC-PBGA packages, their pin assignments differ significantly - especially for DDR, PCI, and TSEC signals - due to architectural differences (e.g., OCeaN presence, TSEC interface options, and CPM peripheral mapping). PCB layout reuse is not feasible without redesign.