MC68EC040FE20A - 32-Bit 68040 MPU 20MHz 184-CQFP | Motorola
MPN: MC68EC040FE20A ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $39.4 | $39.40 |
| 10 | $35.5 | $355.00 |
| 100 | $31.2 | $3,120.00 |
| 500 | $28 | $14,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $25.5 | $25,500.00 |
MC68EC040FE20A Overview
A 68040 microprocessor is a fourth-generation member of the Motorola M68000 (68k) instruction-set architecture family. The 68k family is a CISC architecture that, despite its name, shares many RISC design principles (orthogonal register set, simple addressing modes) and dominates embedded applications such as networking gear, industrial controllers, and aerospace systems. The 'EC' suffix designates embedded-controller derivatives with peripherals or features removed to lower cost and power; the 'FE' package code denotes the ceramic CQFP, while the '20A' speed code indicates a 20 MHz clock grade with the 'A' silicon revision.
Key features include a 32-bit data bus and 32-bit address bus supporting 4 GB linear addressing, on-chip 4 KB instruction cache and 4 KB data cache (write-through), a burst-fill bus interface for fast cache line loads, and a 5.0 V I/O voltage supply. The device uses HCMOS technology for low power consumption relative to earlier NMOS 68k parts. The 184-pin CQFP package is qualified for harsh-environment applications including military and aerospace systems, with a wide operating-temperature range typical of ceramic-packaged Motorola processors.
The MC68EC040 integrates a six-stage integer pipeline, supports multiprocessor configurations through dual-function bus arbitration pins, and provides dedicated control signals for snooping in symmetric multiprocessing. It executes the full M68000 instruction set including bit-field operations, privilege levels, and exception handling, ensuring software compatibility across the entire 68k product line including the MC68020, MC68030, and full MC68040. Cache control is via the CACR (Cache Control Register) and the MOVE-to-SR instructions used by operating systems to maintain coherency.
Typical applications cover embedded aerospace and defense systems, VMEbus single-board computers, legacy networking routers running 68k-based firmware, industrial control PLCs, and retro-computing and emulation platforms. The ceramic CQFP package and the mature 68k toolchain make this part particularly attractive for long-lifecycle programs requiring 10-20+ years of component availability and proven reliability.
When designing with this device, ensure proper bus-termination and clock-signal integrity because the 20 MHz synchronous bus generates harmonics that require impedance-controlled traces. The 5 V supply must be decoupled with 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors placed within 25 mm of each VDD/VSS pair.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, 184-CQFP footprint cross-references, and practical design notes not found in the original Motorola datasheet, providing engineers with a single source for sourcing, replacement, and design-in guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68EC040FE20A — 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 MC68EC040FE20A (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Manufacturer, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68040FE20A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC040FE25A
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68LC040FE20A
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC040FE20A Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Motorola (legacy); also labeled NXP Semiconductors / Freescale Semiconductor |
| Part Status | Obsolete |
| Core Processor | 68040 |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Core Architecture | M68000 (68k) CISC/RISC, 32-bit |
| Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Clock Speed (Max) | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (I/O) | 5.0 V |
| On-Chip Cache | 4 KB instruction cache + 4 KB data cache |
| MMU (Memory Management Unit) | Not present (EC variant) |
| FPU (Floating-Point Unit) | Not present (EC variant) |
| Package | 184-CQFP (31.3 x 31.3 mm), ceramic, gull-wing |
| Process Technology | HCMOS |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Tray Packaging | Tray (per distributor listings) |
| Compliance / Status | RoHS status not specified in verified sources |
MC68EC040FE20A 184-cqfp (31.3 x 31.3 mm), ceramic, gull-wing Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68EC040FE20A (184-cqfp (31.3 x 31.3 mm), ceramic, gull-wing 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 MC68EC040FE20A.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68EC040FE20A is suitable for 7 applications: VMEbus Single-Board Computers, Aerospace Avionics Processors, Legacy Networking Router Control Plane, Industrial Control PLCs and RTUs, Retro-Computing and Emulation Platforms, Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment, Defense Ruggedized Embedded Controllers.
VMEbus Single-Board Computers
The MC68EC040FE20A was the workhorse CPU of late-1990s and early-2000s VMEbus single-board computers used in defense, industrial automation, and test equipment. Its 20 MHz integer pipeline delivers ~20 MIPS of sustained throughput, sufficient for real-time control loops and Ethernet/IP routing. The 184-CQFP package supports ruggedized conduction-cooled card cages used in military vehicles. Its burst-fill bus interface matches the VME64 D64 bus bandwidth. Choose it when maintaining or refreshing legacy VME systems where the 68k software base cannot be recompiled.
Recommended
Aerospace Avionics Processors
The MC68EC040FE20A's ceramic CQFP package (FE suffix) is qualified for aerospace and military avionics environments where plastic-packaged parts are rejected. Avionics subsystems including flight-control computers, navigation units, and weapons-system controllers historically used the 68040 EC variant for deterministic integer performance. The 5 V supply and 20 MHz clock are well-understood in legacy design reviews. Choose this part for life-cycle extensions of certified avionics where re-certification costs preclude redesign to ARM or ColdFire.
Recommended
Legacy Networking Router Control Plane
Routers and switches from the late 1990s (e.g., Cisco 7200-series predecessors, 3Com CoreBuilder) used the MC68EC040FE20A as the management/control-plane CPU. Its 4 KB instruction cache provides predictable latency for control-plane packet processing, while the 4 KB data cache accelerates routing-table lookups. The 32-bit data bus accommodates the 68k MOVE16 instruction for fast table copies. Modern router designs have moved to PowerPC, MIPS, and ARM; choose this part only for maintaining legacy networking gear.
Recommended
Industrial Control PLCs and RTUs
Industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and remote terminal units (RTUs) in substations, refineries, and factories used the MC68EC040FE20A for deterministic scan-time control loops. The 20 MHz integer pipeline enables 1 ms scan cycles for typical ladder-logic and IEC-61131 programs. The 184-CQFP ceramic package survives the wide temperature swings and vibration of plant-floor installations. Choose this part for long-life industrial systems where re-validation costs outweigh any silicon-modernization benefit.
Recommended
Retro-Computing and Emulation Platforms
Hobbyists and educators use the MC68EC040FE20A in retro-computing projects recreating classic workstations and in FPGA-based emulation platforms where the 68k is implemented in HDL but uses an MC68040 as a co-processor for cycle-accurate timing reference. The 184-CQFP is available on adapter boards for breadboard-friendly prototyping. Choose this part for educational and hobbyist reconstruction of late-80s/early-90s computing platforms, including the Amiga 4000 and Atari TT030.
Recommended
Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment
Medical imaging modalities (CT scanners, MRI subsystems, ultrasound front-ends) used the MC68EC040FE20A as the supervisor/controller CPU that orchestrates image acquisition and reconstruction pipelines. Its deterministic instruction execution supports real-time image-streaming protocols. The ceramic CQFP package provides the long-term reliability required for medical-device certifications. Choose this part when refurbishing or extending the service life of certified medical systems where any change requires regulatory re-submission.
Recommended
Defense Ruggedized Embedded Controllers
The MC68EC040FE20A's ceramic CQFP package withstands the shock, vibration, and extended temperature ranges of military vehicle electronics, naval combat systems, and ruggedized field computers. It is used in MIL-STD-1553 databus controllers, GPS receiver front-ends, and tactical-radio management processors where 68k binary compatibility with deployed software is non-negotiable. Its 20 MHz performance is adequate for command/control loops at 100 Hz refresh rates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68EC040FE20A — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68040FE20A | MC68EC040FE25A | MC68LC040FE20A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Motorola / NXP Semiconductors | Motorola / NXP Semiconductors | Motorola / NXP Semiconductors | Motorola / NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 184-CQFP (31.3 x 31.3 mm) | 184-CQFP (31.3 x 31.3 mm) - same | 184-CQFP (31.3 x 31.3 mm) - same | 184-CQFP (31.3 x 31.3 mm) - same |
| Core Architecture | 68040 EC (no MMU, no FPU) | 68040 (full, with MMU + FPU) | 68040 EC (no MMU, no FPU) - same | 68040 LC (no FPU; with MMU) |
| Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 25 MHz (+25%) | 20 MHz - same |
| On-Chip Cache | 4 KB I-cache + 4 KB D-cache | 4 KB I-cache + 4 KB D-cache - same | 4 KB I-cache + 4 KB D-cache - same | 4 KB I-cache + 4 KB D-cache - same |
| MMU | No (EC variant) | Yes | No (EC variant) - same | Yes (LC variant) |
| FPU | No (EC variant) | Yes | No (EC variant) - same | No (LC variant) - same |
| Operating Voltage (I/O) | 5.0 V | 5.0 V - same | 5.0 V - same | 5.0 V - same |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete (discontinued) | Obsolete (discontinued) | Obsolete (discontinued) |
Key Differentiators
- Embedded-controller variant with reduced silicon cost (vs MC68040FE20A)
- Available in higher-speed grades (vs MC68EC040FE25A)
- MMU option in the same footprint (vs MC68LC040FE20A)
Design Notes
The 184-CQFP package requires surface-mount reflow soldering with peak temperature of 245-260 C per JEDEC J-STD-020. The ceramic body has a higher thermal mass than plastic QFPs; preheat soak time should be extended to 90-120 seconds at 150 C to ensure uniform temperature before reflow. Land-pattern recommendations follow IPC-7351 nominal-density pads with 0.4 mm lead pitch; verify with the package vendor's mechanical drawing because ceramic CQFPs have slightly larger lead dimensions than plastic equivalents.
The 20 MHz synchronous bus on the MC68EC040FE20A generates harmonics out to 200+ MHz. Traces for CLK, address, and data buses must be impedance-controlled at 50-68 ohms to ground; use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane under the bus region. Series-termination resistors of 22-33 ohms are recommended on the address and data lines near the processor to dampen reflections. The bus-termination network is critical for reliable operation above 16 MHz.
The MC68EC040FE20A draws approximately 200-300 mA from the 5.0 V supply at 20 MHz with both caches enabled. Decouple each VDD/VSS pin pair with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor within 5 mm of the pin, plus a single 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor near the package. The 5.0 V supply tolerance should be held to +/-5% during transients; the device does not have on-chip voltage regulation. Power-rail sequencing is not required but a monotonic ramp is recommended.
The ceramic 184-CQFP package has a theta_JA of approximately 25-30 C/W with no airflow, allowing reliable operation up to ~70 C ambient for typical 1.5 W power dissipation. For higher ambient temperatures (industrial -40 to +85 C or military -55 to +125 C), attach a heatsink or use thermal vias under the package center pad (if exposed). Junction temperature should not exceed 110 C for commercial, 125 C for industrial, or 150 C for military grades.
Common pitfalls when designing with the MC68EC040FE20A include: (1) failing to initialize the CACR register properly, causing cache-coherency issues with DMA peripherals; (2) leaving the bus-request / bus-grant pins floating, which can cause bus-arbitration lockups; (3) ignoring the BERR / HALT signal handshake, which is essential for bus-error recovery; and (4) attempting to use 68k software written for the full MC68040 with MMU on this EC variant, which will fail at any address-translation instruction. Always verify that the cache coherency mode (write-through vs copy-back) matches the system's DMA expectations.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in the verified web data for MC68EC040FE20A. The part is obsolete and primarily distributed through aftermarket channels (Rochester Electronics, LCSC, Xecor). Customers requiring RoHS / REACH / lead-free certifications should request a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from the distributor at the time of purchase. The 184-CQFP ceramic package is generally considered lead-bearing; ceramic-packaged 68k parts typically do not have RoHS-compliant variants.
