NXP Semiconductors MPC860SRCZQ50D4

Overview

MPC860SRCZQ50D4 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 delivers 50 MHz system clock operation, 4 KB instruction/4 KB data cache, IEEE 802.3 10/100 Mbps Ethernet support on SCCs, and up to four serial communications controllers (SCCs) for HDLC, UART, and transparent protocols - deployed in telecom access gateways, industrial protocol converters, and legacy network edge routers.

For engineers reviewing the MPC860SRCZQ50D4 datasheet, MPC860SRCZQ50D4 pinout, MPC860SRCZQ50D4 application, or MPC860SRCZQ50D4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 357-pin PBGA package, dual-voltage 3.3 V core/I/O with 5 V-tolerant inputs, CPM-based offload architecture for deterministic serial protocol handling, and support for DRAM, SRAM, Flash, and PCMCIA interfaces without glue logic.

Technical Context

The MPC860SRCZQ50D4 implements a split-processor architecture: a 32-bit Power Architecture™ CPU core with MMU, instruction/data caches, and branch prediction handles general-purpose tasks and OS execution, while the independent CPM - enhanced from the MC68360 QUICC - manages time-critical serial I/O (SCCs, SMCs, SPI, I²C) and ATM/UTOPIA cell processing in parallel. This enables concurrent real-time protocol stack execution and host-layer processing.

Its memory subsystem supports eight banks with dynamic bus sizing (8/16/32-bit), programmable wait states per bank, and boot-selectable chip-width configuration. The SIU provides clock synthesis, PIT, RTC, watchdog, JTAG debug, and low-power modes (Doze/Sleep/Deep Sleep), with thermal design centered on junction-to-board (R_θJB = 13°C/W) and junction-to-ambient (R_θJA = 34°C/W) metrics for 4-layer PCB mounting.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 357-ball Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA), 25 mm × 25 mm, 1.27 mm ball pitch, ZQ designation per Freescale case number 5058 (1103D-02).

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 MPC860SRCZQ50D4 uniquely balances ATM capability, moderate cache size, and verified 50 MHz operation in the ZQ PBGA package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive telecom edge devices requiring UTOPIA PHY integration without over-provisioning cache resources.

Availability

MPC860SRCZQ50D4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSL access multiplexers, industrial protocol gateways, and legacy telecom routers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for embedded networking deployments.

Supply support for MPC860SRCZQ50D4 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 IoT applications, with deep heritage in Power Architecture™ microcontrollers.

The MPC860SRCZQ50D4 belongs to the PowerQUICC™ family - designed specifically for embedded communications infrastructure requiring hardware-accelerated serial protocol handling, deterministic real-time performance, and integration of CPU, CPM, and memory subsystem in a single die.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC860SRCZQ50D4?

The MPC860SRCZQ50D4 is rated for a maximum system clock frequency of 50 MHz, as confirmed by Freescale's Hardware Specifications Rev. 10. At this speed, it supports full 10/100 Mbps Ethernet operation on SCCs, ATM cell processing up to 70 Mbps, and deterministic CPM serial throughput. Operation above 50 MHz is not validated and violates the device's maximum tolerated ratings.

Does the MPC860SRCZQ50D4 support IEEE 802.3 10/100 Mbps Ethernet?

Yes, the MPC860SRCZQ50D4 supports IEEE 802.3u 10/100 Mbps Ethernet via its Serial Communications Controllers (SCCs), specifically SCC1–SCC4 when configured in Ethernet mode. This capability is explicitly documented in Table 1 and Section 4 of the Freescale MPC860 Hardware Specifications, and requires external PHY interfacing through the MII signals (MII_MDC, MII_MDIO, MII_TXD[0:3], etc.).

What package type and pin count does the MPC860SRCZQ50D4 use?

The MPC860SRCZQ50D4 uses a 357-pin Plastic Ball Grid Array (PBGA) package with 25 mm × 25 mm body size and 1.27 mm ball pitch, designated as ZQ per Freescale case number 5058 (1103D-02). This matches the thermal and mechanical specifications in Table 3 of the Hardware Specifications and is distinct from the ZP variant (1.0 mm height).

Can the MPC860SRCZQ50D4 operate with 5 V-tolerant I/Os?

Yes, most I/O pins on the MPC860SRCZQ50D4 are 5 V-tolerant, with VIH specified up to 5.5 V (except EXTAL and EXTCLK, which follow VIHC = 0.7×VDDH to VDDH+0.3 V). However, the absolute maximum input voltage must not exceed VDDH + 2.5 V during power-up or normal operation, as stated in Table 2's caution note - requiring careful sequencing in mixed-voltage systems.

What is the role of the Communications Processor Module (CPM) in the MPC860SRCZQ50D4?

The CPM in the MPC860SRCZQ50D4 is a dedicated RISC co-processor that offloads time-critical serial communications tasks - including HDLC framing, UART transmission, ATM cell processing, and I²C/SPI transfers - from the main CPU. It operates autonomously using dual-port RAM and 16 SDMA channels, enabling deterministic real-time protocol handling while the CPU executes application code or OS services.