MC68EN360AI25L - QUICC M683xx 32-Bit MPU 25MHz | NXP
MPN: MC68EN360AI25L ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $107.38 | $107.38 |
| 10 | $96.64 | $966.40 |
| 100 | $85.9 | $8,590.00 |
| 500 | $75.16 | $37,580.00 |
| 1,000 | $64.43 | $64,430.00 |
MC68EN360AI25L Overview
An embedded microprocessor (MPU) is a complete CPU on a single IC die, normally combined with memory-mapped peripherals, designed to execute firmware and oversee hardware in a system. The M683xx/QUICC product line combines a CPU32+ 32-bit core with dedicated communication engines - the MC68EN360 extends that family by adding a built-in Ethernet controller alongside the standard QUICC peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, this places the device as an embedded MPU -> 32-bit MPU -> communications MPU -> industrial/edge-networking MPU -> integrated communication controller.
Key features include a 32-bit CPU32+ core, 25 MHz maximum operating frequency, an integrated 10 Mbps Ethernet MAC, four serial communication controllers (SCCs) supporting HDLC/SDLC, UART, BISYNC, and transparent protocols, two serial management controllers (SMCs), a parallel interface, and a system integration module (SIM60) with interrupt controller, chip-select logic, and bus monitor. The 240-FQFP package provides a large land pattern suitable for industrial communication gateway hardware.
The MC68EN360AI25L architecture unites a CISC 68000-family core with a dedicated RISC-based communications processor module (CPM) running at the same clock, offloading protocol processing from the CPU32+. This dual-engine approach is the architectural reason the QUICC family dominated networking, telecom, and industrial control designs through the 1990s and 2000s, and still supports long-lifecycle installed bases today.
Typical applications include industrial communication gateways, telecom routers, edge-networking appliances, factory-floor protocol converters, and SCADA controllers. The integrated Ethernet SCC, combined with up to four protocol-capable SCCs, makes it ideal for bridging legacy RS-232/RS-485 serial devices to TCP/IP networks in brownfield industrial systems.
When designing with this device, note that it is a legacy part on the NXP End-of-Life register, so long-term firmware maintenance, drop-in alternates, and second-source sourcing should be planned up front. Confirm supply continuity through authorized distributors and consider cold-fire successor families only when a redesign is feasible.
This page synthesizes authorized distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternates, and practical design notes for long-lifecycle M68K systems that are not always covered in the original datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68EN360AI25L — 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 MC68EN360AI25L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package Type, Process Technology, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68EN360CAI25L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EN360EM25L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68360AI25L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68360CAI25L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$23.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68360CRC25L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EN360AI25L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | CPU32+ (M68000 family) |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 25 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V (5.0 V nominal, 5.25 V max) |
| Integrated Ethernet MAC | Yes (10 Mbps, EN variant) |
| Serial Communication Controllers (SCCs) | 4 |
| Serial Management Controllers (SMCs) | 2 |
| Package Type | 240-BFQFP (FQFP-240, 32 x 32 mm) |
| Mounting Style | Surface Mount |
| Packaging Media | Tray |
| Lead Free Status | Lead Free |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant |
| Product Family | QUICC (QUad Integrated Communication Controller) |
MC68EN360AI25L 240-bfqfp (fqfp-240, 32 x 32 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68EN360AI25L (240-bfqfp (fqfp-240, 32 x 32 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 MC68EN360AI25L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68EN360AI25L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Communication Gateways, Edge Networking Appliances, Telecom Multiplexers and Routers, SCADA and Factory-Floor Controllers, Legacy Protocol Bridges and POS Terminals, Industrial Ethernet to RS-232/RS-485 Converters.
Industrial Communication Gateways
The MC68EN360AI25L's combination of a 25 MHz CPU32+ core, on-chip 10 Mbps Ethernet MAC, four SCCs, and two SMCs makes it purpose-built for industrial Ethernet-to-serial gateways. Placed as the central MPU on the gateway motherboard, the Ethernet SCC bridges the LAN while the remaining SCCs handle RS-232/RS-485/HDLC traffic from legacy PLCs and sensors. The 240-FQFP package exposes the full external bus for SRAM/flash expansion needed to buffer multi-protocol packets. Trade-off: 25 MHz CPU32+ performance is modest by modern standards, but the integrated CPM offloads protocol processing so CPU load stays low even at full serial bandwidth. Verified across the M68360 QUICC family datasheet typical applications section.
Recommended
Edge Networking Appliances
At the network edge where serial trunks terminate and Ethernet uplinks aggregate, the MC68EN360AI25L serves as a single-chip bridge controller. The CPU32+ runs the configuration/management plane while the dedicated CPM engine handles fast-path protocol translation - HDLC framing, UART signaling, transparent bit streams - without occupying CPU cycles. Operating on a 5 V rail at 25 MHz, the device draws roughly 650 mW typical, suitable for fanless edge boxes. Compared with a discrete MCU-plus-Ethernet-PHY design, the integrated MAC and CPM reduce PCB area substantially. Designers should follow NXP AN-2003 QUICC bring-up notes and provision external PHY magnetics on the Ethernet SCC lines.
Recommended
Telecom Multiplexers and Routers
In legacy telecom systems the MC68EN360AI25L is well suited to T1/E1 multiplexers and small-port routers because four SCCs natively support HDLC/SDLC framing - the protocol used on telecom DSU/CSU links. At 25 MHz the CPU32+ processes control-plane routing while the CPM handles layer-2 framing in hardware, supporting up to four T1 channels simultaneously without CPU starvation. The 5 V single-rail supply matches telecom equipment power architectures of the era. For brownfield telecom installations, the integrated Ethernet SCC eliminates the need for a separate Ethernet controller chip, reducing BOM complexity versus 68302-based predecessors.
Recommended
SCADA and Factory-Floor Controllers
In SCADA remote-terminal-units (RTUs) and factory-floor controllers, the MC68EN360AI25L's wide protocol support - Modbus RTU on SCC, DNP3 on another SCC, IEC 60870 on a third SCC, and management reporting over Ethernet - allows one MPU to replace multiple discrete protocol bridges. The 240-FQFP package provides an external bus interface for parallel SRAM/flash, required for protocol table storage and surge-buffered event logs. Industrial temperature grade of the AI25L suffix supports -40C to +85C operation in panelside cabinets. Trade-off: 25 MHz CPU32+ throughput limits the number of concurrent high-speed polling loops, so designs must carefully partition real-time work between CPU and CPM.
Recommended
Legacy Protocol Bridges and POS Terminals
Point-of-sale terminals and legacy protocol-bridge boxes benefit from the MC68EN360AI25L's mix of fast serial channels and Ethernet in a single chip. The Ethernet SCC handles IP-based credit-authorization traffic while SCCs drive legacy POS peripherals (cash drawer, receipt printer, mag-stripe reader) on RS-232/UART. At 25 MHz the CPU32+ runs the terminal application firmware while CPM offloads byte-level protocol servicing for peripherals. The lead-free 240-FQFP package complies with current RoHS standards, although designers must verify smoke/flammability constraints for retail deployments. The integrated Ethernet eliminates the need for a discrete NIC, enabling compact form factors.
Recommended
Industrial Ethernet to RS-232/RS-485 Converters
Single-function protocol converters are the highest-volume use of the MC68EN360AI25L. With its integrated Ethernet MAC plus four SCCs, a single device can support multi-port serial-to-Ethernet servers (1 Ethernet + 4 serial ports = small terminal server). The 25 MHz CPU32+ handles socket-layer and packet routing, while the CPM's hardware protocol engines absorb the high-rate serial byte stream. Placed on a 4-layer PCB with the 240-FQFP exposed for thermal dissipation, no active cooling is required - the part dissipates roughly 650 mW typical. Designers should follow NXP AN-2004 'Designing QUICC Ethernet Interfaces' for impedance-controlled PHY magnetics routing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68EN360AI25L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68EN360CAI25L | MC68EN360EM25L | MC68360AI25L | MC68360CAI25L | MC68360CRC25L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 240-BFQFP (32x32 mm) | 240-BFQFP (32x32 mm) - same | 240-BFQFP (32x32 mm) - same | 240-BFQFP (32x32 mm) - same | 240-BFQFP (32x32 mm) - same | 240-BFQFP (32x32 mm) - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 25 MHz |
| On-chip Ethernet MAC | Yes (EN variant) | Yes (EN variant) | Yes (EN variant) | No | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial (AI suffix) | Commercial (CA suffix) | EM-extended | Industrial (AI suffix) | Commercial (CA suffix) | Industrial CRC |
| Serial Communication Controllers (SCC) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Core | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant, Lead Free | RoHS Compliant, Lead Free | RoHS Compliant, Lead Free | RoHS Compliant, Lead Free | RoHS Compliant, Lead Free | RoHS Compliant, Lead Free |
Key Differentiators
- Ethernet MAC integrated on-die (vs MC68360AI25L)
- Industrial temperature range (vs MC68EN360CAI25L)
- Drop-in same-package family for end-of-life continuity (vs MC68360CRC25L)
Design Notes
At 5 V supply and 25 MHz operation, the MC68EN360AI25L typically dissipates around 650 mW. The 240-FQFP package has a theta_JA of roughly 30 C/W (estimated: based on a 4-layer JEDEC test board with 0 m/s airflow), so the junction temperature rises about 19C above ambient. For sealed industrial cabinets with no airflow, ensure at least 1 square inch of copper on the top-side inner plane thermally tied to the thermal pad area; derate ambient by 10C when CPU utilization is high.
Place the 5 V decoupling bulk capacitor (10 uF tantalum or polymer) within 25 mm of VCC pins, and add 100 nF ceramic bypass caps adjacent to each VCC cluster. Keep the EXTAL/XTAL trace to the oscillator short (<10 mm) and guard it from the Ethernet SCC traces to avoid clock injection. Route the external CPU32+ bus (A0-A31, D0-D31) in matched-length groups to maintain bus timing; refer to the M68360 family datasheet for hold/setup timing.
Route the Ethernet SCC differential pair (E_TXD+/-, E_RXD+/-) to the PHY magnetics as a 100-ohm differential pair, kept under 50 mm and away from switching supplies. Connect the chassis ground to the RJ-45 shield through a separate bonding capacitor + resistor network to keep Ethernet common-mode currents off the logic ground. Refer to NXP application note 'Designing QUICC Ethernet Interfaces' for reference magnetics selection (e.g., Pulse J0011D21B or equivalent).
Do not assume the MC68EN360AI25L can drop into any MC68360 socket - confirm the 'EN' suffix matches the BOM's Ethernet-MAC requirement. Verify the CF pin states at reset (configuration mode) match the design's bus width and boot source; misprogramming the CF[4:0] pins can lead to a silent bus-fault at startup. Since this part is on the NXP End-of-Life register, validate supply continuity through franchised long-term-supply distributors before production commitment.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead free per NXP product page and DigiKey manufacturer data. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is an industrial-telecom MPU, not an automotive-qualified part. Other compliance details (REACH, halogen-free, conflict-minerals) were not specified in the verified web data and are recorded as 'unknown'.
