NXP Semiconductors MPC860PVR50D4

Overview

MPC860PVR50D4 from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit Power Architecture™ communications processor integrating CPU core, CPM, Ethernet MAC, ATM interface, and memory controller in a single PBGA357 package. It operates at up to 50 MHz, supports 10/100 Mbps IEEE 802.3u Ethernet, ATM UNI 4.0, four SCCs, two SMCs, SPI, I²C, and PCMCIA socket controller - deployed in telecom access gateways and industrial protocol converters.

For engineers reviewing the MPC860PVR50D4 datasheet, MPC860PVR50D4 pinout, MPC860PVR50D4 application, or MPC860PVR50D4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 16 KB instruction / 8 KB data cache configuration, 3.135–3.465 V operation above 40 MHz, 95 °C max junction temperature, 357-pin PBGA (ZQ/VR package), and dual-mode bus timing (1:1 or 2:1 CPU-to-bus ratio).

Technical Context

The MPC860PVR50D4 implements a single-issue 32-bit Power Architecture™ core with MMU, 32 GPRs, and branch prediction. Its Communications Processor Module (CPM) includes RISC CP, 8 KB dual-port RAM, 16 SDMA channels, and enhanced I²C support over MC68360 QUICC.

It integrates a full memory controller supporting DRAM, SRAM, Flash, and EPROM across eight banks with programmable wait states, plus system-level features including SIU with PIT, RTC, watchdog, JTAG, and clock synthesizer - all operating under 3.3 V with 5 V-tolerant I/O (except EXTAL/EXTCLK).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 357-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA), ZQ/VR designation (case 5058), 25 mm × 25 mm body, 1.27 mm ball pitch, 1.2 mm profile. Thermal pad on underside requires solder connection to ground plane for optimal thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC860PZQ50D4, the MPC860PVR50D4 provides superior thermal resistance (RθJB = 13 °C/W vs. 14 °C/W) due to thicker mold compound, making it preferable in convection-cooled industrial environments. Versus MPC855T, MPC860PVR50D4 delivers full PowerQUICC feature set - including hardware ATM cell processing and four SCCs - essential for carrier-grade access equipment.

Availability

MPC860PVR50D4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSLAM line cards, industrial protocol gateways, VoIP media gateways, and secure RTUs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC860PVR50D4 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 since 2015) designed high-performance embedded processors for networking, automotive, and industrial markets with emphasis on integration and real-time determinism.

The MPC860 PowerQUICC family was engineered to unify CPU, communications coprocessor, and peripheral interfaces into one die - specifically targeting cost-sensitive, space-constrained telecom edge devices needing hardware-accelerated protocol handling.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC860PVR50D4?

The MPC860PVR50D4 is rated for operation up to 50 MHz in 1:1 CPU-to-bus mode. It supports 2:1 mode where the CPU core runs at 100 MHz while the bus operates at 50 MHz - confirmed in Table 5 of the Rev. 10 hardware specification. The MPC860PVR50D4 datasheet specifies this as its guaranteed maximum frequency grade; operation beyond 50 MHz requires validation of timing margins under actual thermal and voltage conditions.

Does the MPC860PVR50D4 support IEEE 802.3u 100 Mbps Ethernet?

Yes, the MPC860PVR50D4 includes a fully compliant IEEE 802.3u 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC layer. Its MII interface drives external PHYs, and the integrated CPM handles frame assembly/disassembly, CRC calculation, and flow control - all without CPU intervention. This capability is explicitly listed in Table 1 and Section 4 of the MPC860PVR50D4 hardware specification.

What package type does the MPC860PVR50D4 use, and is it RoHS-compliant?

The MPC860PVR50D4 uses a 357-ball PBGA package with ZQ/VR designation (case 5058), 25 mm × 25 mm body, and 1.27 mm pitch. While the original Freescale documentation predates full RoHS enforcement, the VR suffix indicates lead-free finish per Freescale's 2005–2007 transition program. Aetrix Electronics certifies current stock of MPC860PVR50D4 as RoHS-compliant per EU Directive 2011/65/EU Annex II.

Can the MPC860PVR50D4 operate in extended temperature ranges?

Yes, the MPC860PVR50D4 is qualified for extended temperature operation from –40 °C to +95 °C ambient, with junction temperature capped at 95 °C. This is documented in Table 2 (Maximum Tolerated Ratings) of the MPC860PVR50D4 hardware spec. The device maintains full DC/AC specifications across this range when powered within its 3.135–3.465 V window at 50 MHz.

How many serial communication controllers (SCCs) does the MPC860PVR50D4 integrate?

The MPC860PVR50D4 integrates four independent Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs), each configurable for HDLC, UART, IrDA, PPP, AppleTalk, or bit-transparent modes. This is confirmed in Table 1 (MPC860 Family Functionality) and Section 5.4 of the MPC860PVR50D4 hardware specification - distinguishing it from lower-tier variants like MPC855T which includes only one SCC.