NXP Semiconductors MPC8555EVTAQF

Overview

MPC8555EVTAQF 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 networking infrastructure such as enterprise routers and wireless baseband units.

For engineers reviewing the MPC8555EVTAQF datasheet, MPC8555EVTAQF pinout, MPC8555EVTAQF application, or MPC8555EVTAQF equivalent, key selection considerations include its 783-pin FC-PBGA package, 1.2 V core supply, 667 MHz e500 core frequency (at 1.2 V), dual TSEC MACs with RGMII/TBI support, and hardware-accelerated crypto processing for IPSec/SSL offload.

Technical Context

The MPC8555EVTAQF implements a dual-issue, superscalar e500 Book E–compliant Power Architecture core with 32 KB L1 instruction and 32 KB L1 data caches (parity-protected), plus a configurable 256 KB on-die memory block usable as unified L2 cache or SRAM. Its coherency module enables cache consistency across internal masters including the CPM and DMA engine.

It integrates a dedicated Security Engine with four crypto channels, five execution units (AESU, DEU, PKEU, AFEU, MDEU), and RNG - all accessible via descriptor-based command chains. The OCeaN three-port crossbar switch routes traffic between TSECs, FCCs, and CPM peripherals with priority-based packet reordering and starvation avoidance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 783-pin FC-PBGA (29 mm × 29 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch), RoHS-compliant, thermal pad exposed on underside.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC8555EVTAQF, MPC8548CZQAA trades dual TSECs and OCeaN for higher clock speed and larger L2 cache, while P1022NSE abandons CPM-based legacy telecom interfaces for scalable SerDes and multicore flexibility - making MPC8555EVTAQF uniquely balanced for mixed legacy/modern infrastructure nodes.

Availability

MPC8555EVTAQF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise routing, wireless infrastructure, industrial gateways, and secure network appliances requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC8555EVTAQF 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 automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure solutions, with roots in Freescale's embedded processing heritage.

The MPC8555EVTAQF belongs to the PowerQUICC III family - designed specifically for carrier-grade and enterprise networking equipment requiring integrated processing, security, and multi-protocol I/O in a single SoC.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported DDR SDRAM density for MPC8555EVTAQF?

The MPC8555EVTAQF DDR controller supports up to 1 Gbyte per bank across four banks, enabling a total system memory capacity of 4 Gbytes using x8 or x16 DDR SDRAM components. It requires 2.5 V SSTL2-compatible DRAMs with full ECC support and programmable timing for first-generation DDR.

Does MPC8555EVTAQF support PCIe or only PCI?

MPC8555EVTAQF supports PCI 2.2 only - not PCIe. It features one 64-bit or two 32-bit PCI ports operating at 16–66 MHz, with host/agent mode capability and 64-bit DAC support. PCIe was introduced in later NXP QorIQ families like P1/P2 series; MPC8555EVTAQF predates that interface.

Can MPC8555EVTAQF run Linux, and what kernel versions are compatible?

Yes, MPC8555EVTAQF is fully supported by the Linux kernel via the Freescale/NXP PowerPC platform port. Mainline kernel support begins at v2.6.22 and continues through v5.x LTS releases, with device tree bindings for TSEC, DDR, CPM, and interrupt controllers. BSPs from NXP and community sources provide validated builds.

What is the function of the OCeaN switch in MPC8555EVTAQF?

The OCeaN (On-Chip Ethernet and Networking) switch in MPC8555EVTAQF is a three-port crossbar that arbitrates and routes packets between the two TSECs, CPM peripherals, and DDR memory. It enables concurrent traffic flows, priority-based scheduling, packet reordering to avoid head-of-line blocking, and starvation avoidance - essential for deterministic forwarding in multi-service routers.

How does the Security Engine in MPC8555EVTAQF accelerate cryptographic operations?

The MPC8555EVTAQF Security Engine contains four independent crypto channels and five execution units (AESU, DEU, PKEU, AFEU, MDEU) that operate in parallel under descriptor-driven command chains. It offloads symmetric ciphers (AES/DES), asymmetric math (RSA-2048), hashing (SHA-256), and random number generation - enabling line-rate IPSec/SSL processing without burdening the e500 core.

Is MPC8555EVTAQF pin-compatible with other PowerQUICC III processors like MPC8548?

No, MPC8555EVTAQF is not pin-compatible with MPC8548 or other PowerQUICC III variants. While sharing the same FC-PBGA package footprint (783 pins), signal assignments differ significantly - especially for DDR, TSEC, PCI, and CPM interfaces. PCB layout must be designed specifically for MPC8555EVTAQF's pinout per its Hardware Specification Rev. 4.2.