MC68360AI33L557 - 33MHz QUICC 32-Bit MPU | NXP Semiconductors
MPN: MC68360AI33L557 ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1 | $1.00 |
| 10 | $0.97 | $9.70 |
| 100 | $0.92 | $92.00 |
| 500 | $0.88 | $440.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.83 | $830.00 |
MC68360AI33L557 Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is an integrated circuit that contains the arithmetic logic unit, control unit, register file, and memory interface of a computer on a single die. The MC68360 specifically embeds a CPU32+ core (32-bit internal, with 32-bit data and address buses) alongside four serial communication controllers, a system integration module, and a parallel interface. In the broader taxonomy, this part sits as: microprocessor -> processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. It is the successor concept to the older MC68302 with substantially enhanced communication throughput.
Key features include a 33 MHz maximum operating frequency, 32-bit address and data buses, an integrated memory controller supporting DRAM, SRAM, and ROM, four independent SCC (Serial Communication Controller) channels with HDLC/SDLC/UART support, an SPI port, an I2C controller, and a 32-bit parallel interface for external peripherals. The 240-FQFP (32x32) gull-wing package supports surface mounting and provides ample I/O for the integrated communication peripherals.
Architecturally, the MC68360 uses a Harvard-style internal bus with a unified external bus, and integrates a sophisticated bus arbitration unit. The CPU32+ core adds hardware multiply/divide to the original 68000 instruction set. Internal timers include a periodic interrupt timer, a watchdog timer, and a time-of-day clock. The device targets deterministic, real-time embedded communication where a complete controller plus processor fit on one chip.
Typical applications include industrial routers and protocol bridges, telecommunications equipment, ISDN terminal adapters, ISDN modem banks, industrial automation controllers, point-of-sale terminals, and embedded networking devices. The MC68360 excels in any application that needs multiple high-speed serial channels under deterministic CPU control with predictable interrupt latency.
Designers should note that the MC68360 requires a 5V supply and an external clock source or crystal. The 240-FQFP package needs careful PCB layout with controlled-impedance traces for the external bus, and the integrated DRAM controller must be configured carefully for the specific memory type and timing. Industrial-grade silicon guarantees operation from -40C to +85C, suitable for telecom and factory environments.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, lifecycle pin documentation, and drop-in alternatives that go beyond what is found on the original Freescale/NXP product page, with cross-references focused on the M683xx family footprint.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68360AI33L557 — 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 MC68360AI33L557 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68360AI33L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68360CRCZP25L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68360AI25L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68360AI33L144
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68360AI33L557 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | CPU32+ (32-bit) |
| Operating Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Family | M683xx (QUICC) |
| Package | 240-FQFP (32x32 mm), gull wing |
| Pin Count | 240 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Address Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Serial Communication Controllers | 4 (SCC) with HDLC/UART support |
| SPI Controller | Yes (1 channel) |
| I2C Controller | Yes (1 channel) |
| Parallel I/O | Yes |
| Memory Controller | Integrated (DRAM/SRAM/ROM) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (FQFP) |
MC68360AI33L557 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | A0 — Address bus bit 0 |
| Pin 60 | D0 — Data bus bit 0 |
| Pin 120 | TXD1 — SCC1 transmit data |
| Pin 121 | RXD1 — SCC1 receive data |
| Pin 150 | SPISEL — SPI slave select |
| Pin 151 | SPIMOSI — SPI master-out / slave-in |
| Pin 180 | SCL — I2C serial clock |
| Pin 181 | SDA — I2C serial data |
| Pin 210 | XTAL — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 240 | RESET — System reset (active low) |
Typical Applications
MC68360AI33L557 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Serial Protocol Bridge, ISDN Terminal Adapter / Modem Bank, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal Controller, Telecommunications Router/CPE, Industrial Automation Controller, Legacy Embedded Networking Equipment Maintenance.
Industrial Serial Protocol Bridge
The MC68360AI33L557's four SCC ports supporting HDLC, UART, and BISYNC make it ideal for industrial protocol bridges that aggregate multiple RS-232/RS-485/HDLC fieldbus segments. At 33 MHz the CPU32+ core delivers ~6 MIPS, sufficient for protocol conversion, packet routing, and light protocol-stack processing on each SCC without external help. Designers typically assign SCC1-SCC2 to high-speed HDLC trunk links and SCC3-SCC4 to UART/RS-485 fieldbus drops, with the integrated DRAM controller handling descriptor rings for DMA-driven serial traffic. Unlike newer Coldfire MCUs, the MC68360AI33L557's deterministic interrupt latency and mature toolchain suit legacy fieldbus systems that require bit-exact replacement.
Recommended
ISDN Terminal Adapter / Modem Bank
The MC68360AI33L557's four HDLC-capable SCCs map naturally to ISDN BRI (2B+D) and PRI (30B+D) channel requirements, where each SCC can carry a full HDLC-framed ISDN data stream. The 33 MHz CPU32+ core executes the LAPD signaling stack while the QUICC's dedicated RISC engine (CP) handles low-level HDLC bit processing autonomously, offloading the CPU. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) allows deployment in central-office equipment and outdoor DSLAM cabinets. Compared to discrete CPU+HDLC-controller solutions, the integrated MC68360AI33L557 reduces board area by ~40 percent while maintaining deterministic channel timing.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal Controller
The MC68360AI33L557's combination of UART SCCs, SPI port, I2C controller, and parallel I/O maps directly to POS terminal requirements: SCCs for cash-drawer/modem/Ethernet links, SPI for the mag-stripe reader head, I2C for the secure PIN-pad, and parallel I/O for the printer and keypad. At 33 MHz the CPU32+ core runs transaction firmware, handles encryption coordination, and manages display refresh without bottlenecks. The industrial temperature grade and the 240-FQFP package's mature assembly infrastructure reduce production risk for long-life POS equipment fleets.
Recommended
Telecommunications Router/CPE
The MC68360AI33L557 was designed as a customer-premises equipment (CPE) controller for residential gateways, small-office routers, and X.25/Frame Relay access devices. Its four SCCs handle the WAN uplinks while the parallel port drives a companion framer or external Ethernet controller. The CPU32+ core runs routing tables, PPP stacks, and management agents. The QUICC's dedicated RISC serial engine means that even at 33 MHz the part maintains line-rate performance on multiple serial links simultaneously. Pin-compatible migration to Coldfire MCF5272 is feasible for redesigns but requires PCB rework.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controller
The MC68360AI33L557 is well suited to factory-floor PLC-style controllers that aggregate multiple serial sensor/actuator channels. Its SCCs and SMCs provide up to 8 configurable serial channels, each independently programmable as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, or proprietary differential links. The integrated DRAM controller supports large I/O image tables, while the 32-bit parallel port drives local HMI displays. Deterministic interrupt response (an M68K architectural feature) makes the MC68360AI33L557 appropriate for real-time control loops where worst-case latency matters more than peak throughput. Industrial temperature grade supports deployment in unheated factory cabinets.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Networking Equipment Maintenance
The MC68360AI33L557 remains in demand for maintenance and lifecycle extension of legacy networking equipment originally shipped in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including industrial routers, telecom access multiplexers, and SCADA remote terminal units. Because the silicon is mature and fully characterized, field replacements behave identically to original parts. Authorized-channel stock through Rochester Electronics on DigiKey Marketplace and LCSC remains available for service stockists. For new designs, however, NXP has redirected customers to Coldfire MCF5441x and i.MX RT crossover MCUs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68360AI33L557 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68360AI33L | MC68360CRCZP25L | MC68360AI25L | MC68360AI33L144 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 240-FQFP (32x32) | 240-FQFP (32x32) - same | 240-FQFP (32x32) - same | 240-FQFP (32x32) - same | 240-FQFP (32x32) - same |
| Core Frequency | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 25 MHz (-24%) | 25 MHz (-24%) | 33 MHz |
| CPU Core | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ |
| SCC Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy | Last-time-buy |
| Drop-in Compatible | Reference | Yes (100% match) | Yes (-24% clock) | Yes (-24% clock) | Yes (100% match) |
Key Differentiators
- L557 ordering-code variant vs same-die L base part (vs MC68360AI33L)
- Higher 33 MHz clock vs 25 MHz same-package variants (vs MC68360AI25L)
- Deterministic M68K interrupt latency vs RISC alternatives (vs NXP Coldfire MCF5272)
Design Notes
The MC68360AI33L557 240-FQFP package dissipates up to approximately 1.5W under full load (33 MHz core, all four SCCs active). FQFP packages lack an exposed thermal pad, so heat must leave through the 240 gull-wing leads and PCB copper. Allocate at least 2 square inches of copper pour on the top layer connected to the lead frame, plus thermal vias to inner ground planes, to keep junction temperature within the industrial -40C to +85C range. For enclosed industrial enclosures without airflow, derate the operating frequency or duty cycle to keep Tj below 100C.
Route the 32-bit external address and data buses with matched trace lengths (within 25 mils) to preserve bus timing margins at 33 MHz. Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VCC/VSS pin pair, plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or ceramic near the package. The clock input (XTAL/EXTCLK) traces must be guarded by ground on both sides and kept shorter than 1 inch to avoid ringing. The 240-FQFP land pattern uses 0.5 mm pitch; ensure PCB fab supports 0.4 mm pad width and 0.2 mm solder-mask dam.
Do not confuse the MC68360AI33L557 (this part, FQFP-240 industrial grade, last-time-buy) with the MC68360EM33L (Motorola emulator package) or the MC68EN360 (Ethernet-enabled variant). All three share the M68360 silicon die prefix but have different package and feature sets. Verify the exact ordering code on the distributor line item before placing volume orders, since LCSC, DigiKey Marketplace, and Rochester Electronics each list subtly different suffixes. Also confirm the MC68360AI33L557 'AI' (industrial) versus 'C' (commercial) temperature grade before deploying in uncontrolled-temperature environments.
Compliance Information
Compliance information not present in verified web data; this part was originally released by Freescale Semiconductor (now NXP) in the late 1990s, predating many modern compliance declarations. Refer to the lot-specific manufacturer documentation for authoritative compliance status.
