MC68040RC33V - 33MHz 32-bit M68040 MPU, 182-PGA | Motorola
MPN: MC68040RC33V ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $285 | $285.00 |
| 10 | $268 | $2,680.00 |
| 100 | $245 | $24,500.00 |
| 500 | $220 | $110,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $199 | $199,000.00 |
MC68040RC33V Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is the central processing unit of a computer system: a single-chip integrated circuit that fetches, decodes, and executes instructions. In the system hierarchy, the MPU sits at the top of the compute chain (MPU -> CPU -> processor -> logic IC -> semiconductor) and is supported by memory ICs, bus interface ICs, and peripheral controllers. The M68040 family belongs to the broader category of CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) microprocessors, distinct from RISC architectures such as ARM or MIPS.
Key features of the MC68040RC33V include 33 MHz core clock, on-chip 4 KB + 4 KB Harvard-style caches, hardware MMU with table-walk translation, integrated FPU, and a 32-bit external data bus. The 'V' suffix indicates the 3.3 V-compatible revision (sometimes marketed as MC68040V), although the original datasheet lists a 5 V supply. The 'RC' suffix indicates a ceramic PGA package.
Architecturally, the MC68040RC33V uses a 6-stage integer pipeline with dual issue of integer and floating-point operations, providing roughly 2x the performance of the MC68030 at the same clock. The integrated MMU eliminates the need for an external 68851, simplifying board design for UNIX workstations and embedded systems.
Typical applications include legacy VMEbus single-board computers, industrial process-control PLCs, aerospace flight-control retrofits, telecom switching equipment, and obsolete UNIX workstation mainboards (Sun-3/NeXTStation-era designs). The wide third-party tool ecosystem (gcc -m68040, binutils m68k) keeps the part relevant in long-lifecycle industrial and defense programs.
When designing with the MC68040RC33V, use a 33 MHz fundamental-mode oscillator and observe the bus arbitration timing in the MC68040 User's Manual. The 182-PGA footprint is large and requires a socket or careful PCB layout; designers often use a through-hole PGA socket to allow field replacement.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing (DigiKey, Mouser, Octopart), pin-compatible same-family alternatives (MC68040RC25A, MC68LC040RC33A), and practical design notes not found in the bare Motorola datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68040RC33V — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MC68040RC33V (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Data Bus Width, Manufacturer, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68040RC25A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68040RC40B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68LC040RC33A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC040RC33A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68040FE33V
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68040RC33V Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Motorola / Freescale) |
| Product Type | 32-bit Microprocessor (MPU) |
| Core Architecture | M680x0 (M68040) |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Address Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| On-chip Cache | 4 KB instruction + 4 KB data |
| Floating Point Unit | Integrated (FPU) |
| Memory Management Unit | Integrated (MMU) |
| Package | 182-pin PGA (47.24 x 47.24 mm) |
| Process Technology | 0.5 µm CMOS |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) / -40°C to +85°C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (PGA socket) |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant (Lead Free per DigChip) |
| Packaging | Tray |
MC68040RC33V 182-pin pga (47.24 x 47.24 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68040RC33V (182-pin pga (47.24 x 47.24 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for MC68040RC33V.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68040RC33V is suitable for 7 applications: Legacy VMEbus Single-Board Computers, Retro UNIX Workstation Mainboards, Industrial Process-Control PLCs, Aerospace Flight-Control Retrofits, Telecom Switching Equipment, Defense Radar Signal Processing, Retro-Computing Emulation Hosts.
Legacy VMEbus Single-Board Computers
The MC68040RC33V at 33 MHz is a proven CPU for legacy VMEbus SBCs used in industrial automation, telecom, and aerospace. Its 32-bit M680x0 bus natively drives VME D32 transfers with no glue logic, and the integrated MMU supports demand-paged UNIX-class OSes (VxWorks, pSOS, Linux m68k). The 182-PGA footprint drops into standard M68040 SBC sockets (Force CPU-40, Motorola MVME167-class). The 'V' low-voltage mask allows retrofit into 3.3 V-rail SBCs that previously used a 5 V M68040, lowering board power by ~30%.
Recommended
Retro UNIX Workstation Mainboards
The MC68040RC33V's integrated MMU and FPU make it suitable for retro UNIX workstation mainboards such as Sun-3/80, NeXTStation-class, and Apollo DN4500-era designs. The 33 MHz clock delivers ~41 MIPS Dhrystone, sufficient for classic SunOS 4.x, NeXTSTEP, and Linux m68k user experience. The 182-PGA pinout is documented in the M68040 User's Manual, allowing drop-in upgrade of older 25 MHz boards for ~32% throughput gain. Hobbyists and museum-restoration projects rely on this part for authentic period hardware.
Recommended
Industrial Process-Control PLCs
In industrial process-control PLCs, the MC68040RC33V provides deterministic real-time performance for ladder-logic emulation, motion control, and HMI rendering. The 33 MHz core and dual 4 KB on-chip caches reduce external memory accesses, critical for deterministic interrupt latency in IEC 61131-3 systems. The integrated MMU isolates real-time tasks from user-space faults. Long-lifecycle industrial programs (15-25 years) keep demand for this MPU active even though it is in last-time-buy. Designers often pair it with watchdog timers and battery-backed SRAM for fail-safe operation.
Recommended
Aerospace Flight-Control Retrofits
Aerospace flight-control retrofits and military avionics programs continue to specify the MC68040RC33V for its radiation tolerance and long heritage in DO-178-certified code bases. The ceramic 182-PGA package withstands the thermal and vibration environment of avionics bays. The 32-bit M680x0 architecture supports legacy Ada-83 and C code that has been certified for decades - re-certifying on a new architecture would cost millions. The 33 MHz clock meets real-time scheduling deadlines for sensor-fusion loops at typical 50 Hz update rates.
Recommended
Telecom Switching Equipment
Telecom switching systems deployed in the 1990s (DMS-class, 5ESS peripherals) used MC68040-class CPUs and remain in service for legacy voice and signaling protocols. The MC68040RC33V at 33 MHz provides the throughput required for SS7, ISDN PRI, and legacy VoIP gateway processing. Its hardware MMU isolates switching software from control-plane processes, supporting fault-tolerant designs. New builds are rare, but maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) consume ongoing stock. The 5 V supply and ceramic package suit the -40°C to +85°C industrial-temp telecom environment.
Recommended
Defense Radar Signal Processing
Legacy defense radar and sonar signal-processing subsystems use the MC68040RC33V as the supervisory controller alongside DSP front-ends. The 32-bit MPU performs target tracking, track-while-scan, and display rendering, offloading the FFT/beamforming work to dedicated DSPs (Motorola DSP96000). The integrated FPU accelerates coordinate-transformation math. The 33 MHz clock is sufficient for the supervisory role, while the 182-PGA ceramic package meets MIL-STD-810 shock and vibration. Long-term defense programs sustain demand for this MPU despite its mature status.
Recommended
Retro-Computing Emulation Hosts
Retro-computing enthusiasts and vintage-computer restoration projects rely on the MC68040RC33V to repair or restore original hardware such as Sun-3 workstations, NeXT computers, and early HP Apollo nodes. The 33 MHz speed grade matches the original factory specification for these systems. The 182-PGA package is the original through-hole footprint, allowing authentic restorations. Emulators like ARAnyM and BasiliskII host the same m68k instruction set, but vintage-hardware purists require the real silicon. Stock is dwindling but distributors like Rochester Electronics maintain traceable inventory.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68040RC33V — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68040RC25A | MC68040RC40B | MC68LC040RC33A | MC68EC040RC33A | MC68040FE33V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Motorola / Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 182-PGA (47.24 x 47.24 mm) | 182-PGA (same) | 182-PGA (same) | 182-PGA (same) | 182-PGA (same) | 182-PGA (same) |
| Clock Frequency | 33 MHz | 25 MHz | 40 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 33 MHz |
| FPU (IEEE 754) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | No (integer only) | No (integer only) | Yes (integrated) |
| MMU (Virtual Memory) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | Yes (integrated) | No (no virtual memory) | Yes (integrated) |
| On-chip Cache | 4 KB I + 4 KB D | 4 KB I + 4 KB D | 4 KB I + 4 KB D | 4 KB I + 4 KB D | 4 KB I + 4 KB D | 4 KB I + 4 KB D |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit | 32-bit | 32-bit | 32-bit | 32-bit | 32-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated FPU and MMU in a single die (vs MC68EC040RC33A)
- 33 MHz 'sweet-spot' clock grade (vs MC68040RC25A)
- Ceramic PGA package for high-reliability programs (vs MC68040FE33V)
- Hardware virtualization of 32-bit M680x0 architecture (vs MC68LC040RC33A)
Design Notes
The MC68040RC33V draws approximately 4-5 W at 33 MHz with a 5 V supply, depending on bus activity and cache hit rate. Use a low-ESR bulk decoupling capacitor (47 µF tantalum) within 1 inch of the PGA socket and 0.1 µF ceramic bypass capacitors on every VCC pin pair. Power sequencing requires VCC stable before CLK starts; failure to sequence correctly can trigger latch-up. Estimated: at full load (P = V × I = 5 V × ~0.9 A), dissipation is ~4.5 W; this is a datasheet figure range, not a calculated estimate.
The ceramic 182-PGA package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 20°C/W with still air, requiring either forced-air cooling or a heatsink for reliable operation above 25°C ambient. Estimated: at 4.5 W dissipation, junction rises ~90°C above ambient; for a 70°C ambient max industrial spec, a small clip-on heatsink is recommended. The package is not designed for surface-mount assembly - it requires a through-hole PGA socket (e.g., AMP 182-pin PGA socket).
Use a 4-layer PCB with dedicated power and ground planes directly under the PGA footprint. Route the 32-bit data bus with matched impedance (typically 50-70 Ω) and keep clock traces shorter than 50 mm to avoid ringing. The MC68040RC33V bus is TTL-compatible at 5 V but requires series damping resistors (22-33 Ω) on heavily-loaded address and data lines. Refer to the Motorola application note AN1003 for the reference 4-layer stack-up.
The 33 MHz MC68040RC33V has edge rates of 1-2 ns; ground bounce on the ~182 pins can reach 0.5 V if the ground return inductance exceeds 5 nH. Maintain a low-impedance ground plane with at least 8 via connections to the PGA socket ground pins. Series damping resistors (22 Ω) on the system clock, bus grant, and interrupt lines reduce ringing. Avoid running signal traces under the PGA socket cavity.
Common pitfalls with the MC68040RC33V include: (1) confusing the 'RC' (ceramic PGA) and 'FE' (flat-pack) packages - pinouts differ; (2) failing to install bus termination on the 32-bit data bus leading to intermittent parity errors; (3) forgetting the BR/BG arbitration handshake when adding bus masters; (4) using the 5 V MC68040 in a 3.3 V design - the 'V' suffix denotes a mask variant, not necessarily 3.3 V operation; (5) omitting the RSTi pull-up resistor which prevents clean power-on reset.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance and Lead Free status confirmed via DigChip datasheet summary (https://www.digchip.com/datasheets/parts/datasheet/1459/MC68040RC33V.php). REACH, AEC-Q100, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals data not available from verified sources - marked 'unknown'. The part is a legacy microprocessor not subject to AEC-Q100 automotive qualification.
