NXP Semiconductors MPC857DSLCVR66B

Overview

MPC857DSLCVR66B from Freescale Semiconductor is a PowerQUICC™ family communications processor integrating a 32-bit MPC8xx PowerPC core, CPM-based serial subsystem, and Fast Ethernet controller. It delivers 4-Kbyte instruction and 4-Kbyte data caches, single SCC1 dedicated to 10/100Base-T Ethernet (MII), one SMC1 for UART, and UTOPIA Level 2 support - targeting DSL access multiplexer control and ATM edge node applications.

For engineers reviewing the MPC857DSLCVR66B datasheet, MPC857DSLCVR66B pinout, MPC857DSLCVR66B application, or MPC857DSLCVR66B equivalent, this page provides verified functional scope, thermal limits at 66 MHz operation, cache configuration, Ethernet/UTOPIA timing compliance, and validated alternative parts for DSL infrastructure designs.

Technical Context

The MPC857DSLCVR66B implements a dual-module architecture: an MPC8xx core executing PowerPC v.2.03 ISA with branch prediction and lockable L1 caches, and a separate Communications Processor Module (CPM) running RISC firmware to offload serial protocol handling. Its CPM supports enhanced SAR (ESAR) mode with OAM/PM monitoring, ATM port-to-port switching without microcode, and full-duplex UTOPIA Level 2 master/slave operation.

It operates at up to 66 MHz CPU frequency in 1:1 bus mode, with memory controller supporting eight banks, dynamic bus sizing (8/16/32-bit), and glueless interface to SDRAM, SRAM, and flash. The device excludes Time Slot Assigner (TSA), SMC2, and multi-SCC capability - distinguishing it from MPC862P/T variants and confirming its targeted DSL endpoint role.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

357-pin plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package with 25 × 25 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, and exposed thermal pad. Pin mapping follows Freescale MPC857DSL-specific ballout - not shared with MPC862P/T.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC857T and MPC862T, the MPC857DSLCVR66B offers optimized cost and power for single-phy DSL infrastructure by removing redundant peripherals (TSA, SMC2, extra SCCs), while retaining full ESAR-mode ATM acceleration and four-PHY UTOPIA scalability.

Availability

MPC857DSLCVR66B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSL access multiplexers, ATM edge nodes, residential gateways, and industrial protocol converters requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC857DSLCVR66B 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) designed high-performance PowerQUICC™ communications processors for networking and telecom infrastructure.

The MPC857DSL product line was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive DSLAM and ATM edge applications, emphasizing integrated ESAR-mode ATM acceleration, four-PHY UTOPIA support, and reduced peripheral count versus broader PowerQUICC™ variants.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC857DSLCVR66B?

The MPC857DSLCVR66B supports a maximum CPU frequency of 66 MHz in 1:1 bus mode. When operated at higher frequencies such as 80 MHz, it must be configured in 2:1 bus mode (40 MHz bus clock). This constraint is enforced by internal PLL divider settings and verified in AC timing Table 6 of the hardware specifications document.

Does the MPC857DSLCVR66B support UTOPIA Level 2?

Yes, the MPC857DSLCVR66B supports UTOPIA Level 2 compliant interface with added FIFO buffering to reduce total cell transmission time - a documented feature of the MPC857DSL variant per Section 2 Features and Table 1. It also maintains backward compatibility with UTOPIA Level 1.

How many serial communication controllers (SCCs) does the MPC857DSLCVR66B include?

The MPC857DSLCVR66B includes exactly one serial communication controller (SCC1), which is dedicated to Ethernet (MII) operation. This is explicitly stated in Table 1 and Figure 2 of the hardware specifications, and distinguishes it from MPC862P/T variants that include up to four SCCs.

Is the Time Slot Assigner (TSA) available on the MPC857DSLCVR66B?

No, the MPC857DSLCVR66B does not include the Time Slot Assigner (TSA). This exclusion is explicitly noted in both Table 1 ("MPC857DSL does not support the Time Slot Assigner") and Figure 2 block diagram, confirming its streamlined design for DSL-specific ATM functions without TDM routing capability.

What package type is used for the MPC857DSLCVR66B?

The MPC857DSLCVR66B uses a 357-pin plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package with 25 × 25 mm body size, 1.27 mm pitch, and exposed thermal pad - specified in Section 2 Features and Mechanical Data (Section 14) of the hardware specifications document.