NXP Semiconductors MPC870VR133

Overview

MPC870VR133 from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit Power Architecture™-based integrated microprocessor with dual Fast Ethernet controllers, an 8-Kbyte instruction cache, an 8-Kbyte data cache, and a communications processor module (CPM), operating at up to 133 MHz core frequency in 2:1 bus mode for networking edge routers and industrial protocol gateways.

For engineers reviewing the MPC870VR133 datasheet, MPC870VR133 pinout, MPC870VR133 application, or MPC870VR133 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 133-MHz MPC8xx core, dual 10/100 Mbps FECs with MII/RMII support, 1.8-V core / 3.3-V I/O voltage domains, 256-pin PBGA package, and absence of on-chip security engine-distinguishing it from the MPC875 variant.

Technical Context

The MPC870VR133 integrates a single-issue 32-bit MPC8xx core with MMU, two-way set-associative 8-Kbyte instruction and data caches, and a system integration unit (SIU) providing clock synthesis, watchdog, PIT, and JTAG debug. Its CPM executes serial protocols independently via 8-Kbyte dual-port RAM and SDMA channels.

It supports external bus operation at 80 MHz in 1:1 mode or 133 MHz core with 66.5-MHz bus in 2:1 mode, features four baud-rate generators, SPI/I²C interfaces, USB 2.0 full-/low-speed host/function capability, and PCMCIA 2.1-compliant socket control-all without integrated crypto acceleration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MPC870VR133 is housed in a 256-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package with 1.27 mm pitch, designed for surface-mount assembly on four-layer PCBs with dedicated power/ground planes. Ball assignment follows Freescale's standard MPC870 pinout layout per MPC875/MPC870 Hardware Specifications Rev. 4.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC875VR133, MPC870VR133 removes crypto hardware to lower cost and power, making it optimal for non-encrypted protocol gateways; compared with MPC885CZQ133D, it retains CPM-based serial offload but trades raw MIPS for proven field reliability in constrained-edge deployments.

Availability

MPC870VR133 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial protocol gateways, SOHO edge routers, networked HMIs, and remote terminal units requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MPC870VR133 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) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processors, analog, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MPC870VR133 belongs to the PowerQUICC™ family of integrated communications processors, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power networking and industrial control applications requiring dual Ethernet and rich serial peripheral integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MPC870VR133 core?

The MPC870VR133 core operates at a maximum frequency of 133 MHz, achievable only in 2:1 bus mode where the external bus runs at 66.5 MHz. In 1:1 mode, the core is limited to 66 or 80 MHz. This 133-MHz capability enables higher packet-per-second throughput in routing and gateway applications without requiring external frequency multipliers. The MPC870VR133 datasheet specifies this limit under DC characteristics and thermal constraints.

Does the MPC870VR133 include a hardware security engine?

No, the MPC870VR133 does not include a hardware security engine. Unlike the MPC875VR133, which integrates AESU, DEU, and MDEU crypto accelerators, the MPC870VR133 omits this block entirely. Security functions such as TLS or IPsec must be implemented in software on the MPC870VR133, resulting in higher CPU utilization but lower power consumption and bill-of-materials cost. This distinction is explicitly documented in Table 1 of the MPC875/MPC870 Hardware Specifications.

What package type and dimensions does the MPC870VR133 use?

The MPC870VR133 uses a 256-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package measuring 17 mm × 17 mm with 1.27 mm ball pitch. It is RoHS-compliant and lead-free. The package supports standard surface-mount reflow profiles and requires a four-layer PCB with dedicated power and ground planes for thermal and signal integrity. Mechanical data, including solder mask and stencil recommendations, are provided in Section 16 of the MPC875/MPC870 Hardware Specifications Rev. 4.

Can the MPC870VR133 operate with 5-V tolerant I/O pins?

Yes, selected I/O pins on the MPC870VR133-including PA[0:15], PB[14:31], PC[4:15], PD[3:15], PE[14:31], and MII-related signals-are 5-V tolerant, but only when VDDH is powered at 3.3 V. Critically, no 5-V tolerant pin may exceed VDDH + 2.5 V (i.e., 5.8 V max), and absolute maximum input voltage is capped at 5.5 V. This tolerance allows direct interfacing with legacy 5-V peripherals without level shifters, as confirmed in Table 6 and Section 8 of the MPC875/MPC870 Hardware Specifications.

What boot memory configurations are supported by the MPC870VR133?

The MPC870VR133 supports booting from 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit wide memory devices via its programmable boot chip-select. This configuration is set at reset using the Hardware Reset Configuration Word (HRCW) and applies to initial firmware fetch before memory controller initialization. The boot CS supports NOR Flash, EPROM, and SRAM, and is independent of the main eight-bank memory controller. Details are specified in Section 9 (Mandatory Reset Configurations) and Table 7 of the MPC875/MPC870 Hardware Specifications Rev. 4.