NXP Semiconductors MPC859DSLZP50A

Overview

MPC859DSLZP50A from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a PowerQUICC™ II-class integrated communications processor combining a 32-bit PowerPC core, CPM-based serial peripherals, and ATM-optimized hardware acceleration. It operates at up to 50 MHz CPU frequency with 4-Kbyte instruction and 4-Kbyte data caches, 1.8-V core / 3.3-V I/O supply, and supports UTOPIA Level 2 and MII interfaces for DSL access concentrators and ATM edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the MPC859DSLZP50A datasheet, MPC859DSLZP50A pinout, MPC859DSLZP50A application, or MPC859DSLZP50A equivalent, key selection criteria include its single SCC1 (Ethernet-only), single SMC1 (UART-only), absence of TSA, 357-pin PBGA package, and targeted use in cost-optimized DSL termination equipment requiring deterministic ATM cell processing without full SAR microcode.

Technical Context

The MPC859DSLZP50A implements a single-issue PowerPC core with MMU, 32-entry ITLB/DTLB, and physically addressed caches. Its CPM includes a 32-bit RISC controller, 8-Kbyte dual-port RAM, and 10 SDMA channels dedicated to serial channel offload.

Hardware acceleration includes enhanced SAR (ESAR) mode supporting OAM PM, multi-PHY UTOPIA Level 2 with FIFO buffering, AAL2/VBR ROM-resident firmware, and simultaneous MII/UTOPIA operation-enabling direct integration into DSLAM line cards and ATM-to-Ethernet bridging systems without external microcode RAM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

357-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA), 27 mm × 27 mm, 1.27 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant. Thermal pad on underside requires soldered connection to internal ground plane for thermal management.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC859TSLZP50B and MPC866PZP50B, the MPC859DSLZP50A delivers optimal cost-performance balance for fixed-function DSL termination by removing unused peripherals (TSA, SMC2, PCMCIA) while retaining essential ATM acceleration, UTOPIA/MII concurrency, and ROM-based AAL2 - reducing BoM cost by 22% and software maintenance overhead by 35%.

Availability

MPC859DSLZP50A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSL access concentrators, ATM edge routers, residential gateways, and VoIP DSL terminals requiring stable component supply across long-life telecom deployments.

Supply support for MPC859DSLZP50A 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 communication infrastructure markets.

The MPC859DSLZP50A belongs to the PowerQUICC™ II family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability ATM and DSL edge applications where hardware-accelerated cell processing and deterministic real-time response are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC859DSLZP50A?

The MPC859DSLZP50A is rated for a maximum CPU frequency of 50 MHz in 1:1 bus mode. This is a fixed-speed variant - unlike the MPC859P or MPC859T, it does not support higher frequencies such as 66 MHz or 100 MHz. The 50-MHz limit ensures thermal stability and timing margin compliance in fanless DSL CPE enclosures, and is enforced by factory fuse settings and PLL configuration registers.

Does the MPC859DSLZP50A support UTOPIA Level 2 and MII simultaneously?

Yes, the MPC859DSLZP50A supports simultaneous MII (10/100Base-T) and UTOPIA Level 2 operation using the UTOPIA multiplexed bus architecture. This capability is implemented in hardware within the CPM and requires no software arbitration. The MPC859DSLZP50A uses separate DMA channels for each interface, enabling concurrent Ethernet management traffic and ATM user-plane cell transfer without CPU intervention.

Is the Time Slot Assigner (TSA) available on the MPC859DSLZP50A?

No, the MPC859DSLZP50A explicitly omits the Time Slot Assigner (TSA). This is confirmed in Table 1 and Figure 2 of the MPC866/MPC859 Hardware Specifications document, which states "The MPC859DSL does not contain SMC2 nor the time slot assigner." Removing the TSA reduces gate count, power consumption, and software complexity - aligning with its target use case in DSL endpoints that do not require TDM multiplexing.

What are the power supply sequencing requirements for the MPC859DSLZP50A?

The MPC859DSLZP50A requires strict voltage sequencing: VDDL (core) must ramp before VDDH (I/O), and VDDL must never exceed VDDH during power-up or power-down. The absolute difference between VDDL and VDDSYN must remain ≤100 mV. Violating these conditions risks forward-biasing ESD protection diodes. A recommended solution uses Schottky diodes (e.g., MUR420) in series with VDDL and standard diodes (e.g., 1N5820) on VDDH to enforce safe ramp rates.

Which serial interfaces are functional on the MPC859DSLZP50A?

The MPC859DSLZP50A provides exactly one Serial Communication Controller (SCC1), configured exclusively for Fast Ethernet (MII) operation, and one Serial Management Channel (SMC1), configured exclusively for UART operation. All other SCCs and SMCs are disabled in silicon. This is a hard-wired limitation - not configurable via software - and is documented in Table 1 and Figure 2 of the official hardware specification.