NXP Semiconductors XPC850CZT50BU

Overview

XPC850CZT50BU from Freescale Semiconductor is a PowerQUICC™ integrated communications processor combining a 32-bit MPC8xx core with a dedicated RISC communications processor (CP), 8-Kbyte dual-port RAM, Ethernet MAC, USB 1.1 controller, two SCCs, two SMCs, SPI, I²C, and PCMCIA-ATA interface - designed for cost-sensitive remote-access and telecom edge devices operating at up to 50 MHz bus speed.

For engineers reviewing the XPC850CZT50BU datasheet, XPC850CZT50BU pinout, XPC850CZT50BU application, or XPC850CZT50BU equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, confirmed package mapping (PBGA-352), validated pin functions, real-world timing constraints, and two field-validated alternative parts for embedded networking controller selection.

Technical Context

The XPC850CZT50BU implements a dual-processor architecture: a statically scheduled 32-bit PowerPC-compatible MPC8xx core (2-Kbyte I-cache, 1-Kbyte D-cache, MMU with 8-entry TLB) handles main system control, while a separate 32-bit Harvard-architecture communications processor (CP) offloads serial protocol processing across up to seven channels - including Ethernet/IEEE 802.3, HDLC, USB 1.1, UART, SPI, and I²C - using 8-Kbyte on-chip dual-port RAM as shared buffer space.

Its memory controller supports eight banks with glueless interfacing to SDRAM, SRAM, flash, and EPROM; bus operation is limited to 50 MHz maximum (higher-frequency variants require half-speed bus configuration); power management includes five low-power modes (Doze, Sleep, Deep Sleep, Low-power Stop) with real-time clock and CPM retention in Doze mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Packaged in a 352-ball plastic ball grid array (PBGA) with 26 address lines (A[6:31]), 32 data lines (D[0:31]), four chip-selects (CS[0:7]), dual power domains (VDDH/VDDL), and dedicated PLL supply (KAPWR).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MPC850SR and MPC850DE, the XPC850CZT50BU provides optimal balance of USB integration, single-Ethernet capability, and cost efficiency for remote-access concentrators and protocol-converter designs where ATM or dual-MAC functionality is not required.

Availability

XPC850CZT50BU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSL access multiplexers, industrial RTUs, Ethernet gateways, and legacy protocol converters requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for XPC850CZT50BU 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) was a leading designer of embedded processors and analog/mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MPC850 family was developed as the foundational PowerQUICC™ platform for cost-sensitive communications controllers - integrating CPU, communications coprocessor, and peripheral interfaces into a single die to reduce system complexity and bill-of-materials cost.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported bus frequency for the XPC850CZT50BU?

The XPC850CZT50BU supports a maximum bus frequency of 50 MHz. Higher core speeds (up to 80 MHz) require half-speed bus mode - for example, an 80-MHz core must operate with a 40-MHz bus. This constraint is enforced by internal timing logic and documented in Table 6 of the MPC850EC Rev. 2 specification. The XPC850CZT50BU datasheet confirms this limit applies to all revisions of the MPC850 family, including XPC850CZT50BU.

Does the XPC850CZT50BU include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

No, the XPC850CZT50BU integrates only the Ethernet MAC layer within its SCC; it does not include a physical layer transceiver. External 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX PHY ICs (e.g., DP83843, LAN83C185) must be used with appropriate magnetics and termination. The XPC850CZT50BU provides MII/RMII-compatible signals (TXD/RXD, TX_EN, CRS, COL) and supports auto-negotiation via MDIO/MDC interface per IEEE 802.3u.

How much on-chip memory does the XPC850CZT50BU provide for code and data?

The XPC850CZT50BU includes 2-Kbyte instruction cache and 1-Kbyte data cache (Harvard architecture), plus 8-Kbyte dual-port RAM shared between the main MPC8xx core and the communications processor. It has no embedded Flash or ROM; program code must reside in external memory (e.g., boot flash on CS0, SDRAM for runtime). The XPC850CZT50BU's memory controller supports up to 256-Mbyte addressable space across eight banks.

Is the XPC850CZT50BU pin-compatible with other MPC850 variants like MPC850DE or MPC850SR?

Yes, the XPC850CZT50BU shares the same PBGA-352 package and pinout with MPC850DE, MPC850SR, and MPC850DSL - all members of the MPC850 family use identical mechanical and electrical footprint definitions per Freescale's MPC850EC documentation. Signal assignments, power domains, and JTAG interface are functionally identical; differences are implemented via internal configuration bits and mask ROM microcode, not pin mapping.

What debug capabilities does the XPC850CZT50BU support during development?

The XPC850CZT50BU supports IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan testing and advanced on-chip emulation via its dedicated debug interface - including eight hardware watchpoint comparators (four instruction address, two data address, two data value), breakpoint generation, and real-time trace buffer access. Freescale's Codewarrior Development Studio and BDM-based debug pods fully support the XPC850CZT50BU's debug architecture without requiring external logic analyzers.