NXP Semiconductors MPC860ENZQ50D4

Overview

MPC860ENZQ50D4 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a PowerQUICC™ integrated communications controller combining a 32-bit Power Architecture™ CPU core and a dedicated RISC Communications Processor Module (CPM). It features 4 KB instruction/4 KB data cache, 4 serial communications controllers (SCCs), 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC, ATM UTOPIA interface, and operates at 50 MHz with 3.3 V supply. It targets embedded networking control in industrial gateways and telecom edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the MPC860ENZQ50D4 datasheet, MPC860ENZQ50D4 pinout, MPC860ENZQ50D4 application, or MPC860ENZQ50D4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 50 MHz system clock rating, PBGA357 package, IEEE 802.3u-compliant Ethernet MAC, UTOPIA Level 1 ATM support, and dual-bus memory controller enabling glueless DRAM/SRAM/Flash interfacing.

Technical Context

The MPC860ENZQ50D4 implements a dual-processor architecture: a 32-bit Power Architecture CPU core with MMU, instruction/data caches, and a separate RISC-based CPM handling serial, Ethernet, and ATM protocol processing offload. Its bus interface supports dynamic 8/16/32-bit data width and up to 66 MHz operation (configured for 50 MHz in this variant).

It integrates a System Integration Unit (SIU) with clock synthesizer, real-time clock, watchdog, and JTAG debug; four SCCs configurable for HDLC/SDLC/UART/Ethernet; two SMCs; one SPI; one I²C port; and a PCMCIA socket controller supporting two sockets. The CPM includes 8 KB dual-port RAM and 16 SDMA channels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MP860ENZQ50D4 is housed in a 357-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package with 25 mm × 25 mm body size, 1.27 mm ball pitch, and ZQ package designation per Freescale's mechanical data (Case No. 1103D-02). Thermal pad is not exposed; standard solder-reflow mounting applies.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC860T and MPC860P, the MPC860ENZQ50D4 delivers balanced performance at 50 MHz with minimal power (656 mW) and cost, making it ideal for fixed-function industrial gateways where cache size and peak clock speed are secondary to thermal and BOM constraints.

Availability

MPC860ENZQ50D4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial protocol gateways, DSL edge routers, telecom access nodes, and secure RTUs requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for MPC860ENZQ50D4 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, formerly Freescale Semiconductor, is a global leader in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep heritage in Power Architecture™ microcontrollers.

The MPC860ENZQ50D4 belongs to the PowerQUICC™ family - designed specifically for embedded communications infrastructure requiring integrated protocol acceleration, real-time determinism, and long-term industrial reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC860ENZQ50D4?

The MPC860ENZQ50D4 is rated for a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz in 1:1 mode (CPU and bus running at same speed). While the MPC860 family supports up to 66 MHz, this specific variant - indicated by the '50' in the part number - is characterized and guaranteed for stable operation at 50 MHz with specified voltage and thermal conditions. Operating beyond this violates the device's validated timing margins.

Does the MPC860ENZQ50D4 include an integrated Ethernet MAC?

Yes, the MPC860ENZQ50D4 includes a fully compliant IEEE 802.3u 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC with MII interface signals (MII_TXD[0:3], MII_RXD[0:3], MII_MDC, MII_MDIO, etc.). It requires an external PHY for physical layer connectivity but handles all MAC-layer functions including frame assembly, CRC generation, and flow control - confirmed in Table 1 and Section 4 of the hardware specification.

What package type and pin count does the MPC860ENZQ50D4 use?

The MPC860ENZQ50D4 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. This matches Freescale's documented ZQ/VR package code for the MPC860EN family and is distinct from the ZP variant (same pin count, thinner mold compound).

Can the MPC860ENZQ50D4 support ATM functionality?

Yes, the MPC860ENZQ50D4 supports ATM via its UTOPIA Level 1 interface, compliant with ATM Forum UNI 4.0. It enables cell processing up to ~50–70 Mbps at 50 MHz, supports AAL0/AAL5 per virtual channel, and includes ATM Pace Control (APC) for CBR/UBR scheduling - all explicitly documented for the MPC860EN variant in the hardware spec Sections 4 and 12.

What is the power supply requirement for the MPC860ENZQ50D4 at 50 MHz operation?

At 50 MHz, the MPC860ENZQ50D4 requires a supply voltage of 3.135 V to 3.465 V for VDDH, VDDL, and VDDSYN pins. This tighter range (vs. 3.0–3.6 V at ≤40 MHz) ensures signal integrity and timing compliance. Typical power dissipation is 656 mW; maximum is 735 mW - both measured at VDDL under 1:1 mode per Table 5 of the hardware specification.