NXP Semiconductors MPC860DPZQ50D4

Overview

MPC860DPZQ50D4 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a PowerQUICC™ integrated communications controller combining a 32-bit Power Architecture™ CPU core with a dedicated RISC communications processor module (CPM), 16 KB instruction cache, 8 KB data cache, and integrated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC. It operates at 50 MHz, supports up to four serial communications controllers (SCCs), and targets embedded networking control in industrial gateways and telecom edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the MPC860DPZQ50D4 datasheet, MPC860DPZQ50D4 pinout, MPC860DPZQ50D4 application, or MPC860DPZQ50D4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 357-pin PBGA package, IEEE 802.3u-compliant Ethernet interface, UTOPIA-level ATM support, dual-bus memory controller with eight banks, and real-time clock integration - all critical for deterministic packet processing and legacy protocol bridging.

Technical Context

The MPC860DPZQ50D4 implements a split-processor architecture: a 32-bit Power Architecture CPU core with MMU, instruction/data caches, and branch prediction handles general-purpose tasks, while the CPM offloads time-critical communication functions including HDLC, UART, SPI, I²C, and FEC. Its memory controller supports DRAM, SRAM, Flash, and PCMCIA with dynamic bus sizing (8/16/32-bit) and programmable wait states per bank.

Timing-critical peripherals are synchronized via a system integration unit (SIU) containing a clock synthesizer, periodic interrupt timer (PIT), software watchdog, and IEEE 1149.1 JTAG debug interface. The device supports multiple low-power modes (Doze, Sleep, Deep Sleep, Power Down), with RTC and PIT remaining active in all states - enabling wake-on-event capability in always-on network nodes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 357-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA), ZQ package code (Case No. 1103D-02), 25 mm × 25 mm body, 1.27 mm ball pitch, 1.2 mm height.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC860DPZQ50D4, MPC860PZQ50D4 offers identical performance headroom but higher cache density for complex control stacks, while MPC855TZQ50D4 trades peripheral richness for lower BOM cost and power - making the MPC860DPZQ50D4 the optimal balance for multi-protocol edge nodes requiring Ethernet, serial, and timing coexistence.

Availability

MPC860DPZQ50D4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial protocol gateways, DSLAM edge nodes, legacy telecom terminal servers, and secure remote management appliances requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC860DPZQ50D4 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 company formed from the spin-off of Philips' semiconductor division, now specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The MPC860DPZQ50D4 belongs to the PowerQUICC™ family - a line of integrated communications controllers designed specifically for embedded networking applications requiring real-time protocol processing, multi-interface concurrency, and deterministic latency in resource-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC860DPZQ50D4?

The MPC860DPZQ50D4 is rated for a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz. At this speed, it operates in 1:1 mode (CPU and bus frequencies equal), delivering 656 mW typical power dissipation. Running above 50 MHz requires halving the bus speed (e.g., 80 MHz CPU with 40 MHz bus), but the MPC860DPZQ50D4 itself is qualified only up to 50 MHz per its D.4 die revision specification.

Does the MPC860DPZQ50D4 support IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX Ethernet?

Yes, the MPC860DPZQ50D4 integrates a fully compliant IEEE 802.3u 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC within its SCC modules. However, this functionality is mutually exclusive with UTOPIA-mode ATM operation - enabling Ethernet requires disabling the UTOPIA interface. Physical layer connectivity requires an external PHY connected via MII or RMII signals.

What package type and pin count does the MPC860DPZQ50D4 use?

The MPC860DPZQ50D4 uses a 357-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package with ZQ designation (Case No. 1103D-02), measuring 25 mm × 25 mm with 1.27 mm ball pitch and 1.2 mm height. This package is distinct from the ZP variant (1.0 mm height) and is optimized for thermal performance in high-density industrial PCB layouts.

Can the MPC860DPZQ50D4 operate in low-power modes while retaining real-time clock functionality?

Yes, the MPC860DPZQ50D4 maintains real-time clock (RTC) operation in all defined low-power modes - Doze, Sleep, Deep Sleep, and Power Down. The RTC remains powered from VDDSYN and continues counting using a 32.768 kHz external crystal or oscillator, enabling wake-up events and time-stamped logging even when the CPU and CPM are inactive.

How many serial communications controllers (SCCs) does the MPC860DPZQ50D4 include?

The MPC860DPZQ50D4 includes four serial communications controllers (SCCs), each configurable for multiple protocols including HDLC/SDLC (up to 2 Mbps), UART, AppleTalk, IrDA, BISYNC, and transparent bit-stream mode. These SCCs are managed independently by the CPM, allowing concurrent operation without CPU overhead.