MC68LC060RC50 - 50MHz 32-Bit M680x0 MPU, 206-PGA | Freescale
MPN: MC68LC060RC50 ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $85 | $85.00 |
| 10 | $78 | $780.00 |
| 100 | $71.5 | $7,150.00 |
| 500 | $65 | $32,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $58 | $58,000.00 |
MC68LC060RC50 Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is a single-chip CPU that integrates control, arithmetic, logic, and memory-management units. The 68k lineage (M680x0) is a CISC architecture notable for orthogonal addressing modes, flat 32-bit registers, and a clean programmer's model. Within the broader taxonomy, the MC68LC060 sits at: MPU -> CISC microprocessor -> 32-bit embedded processor -> legacy industrial controller. It belongs to the last generation of mainstream 68k silicon and remains in service in legacy VME boards, avionics, industrial PLCs, and Amiga/Atari accelerator projects.
Key specifications include a 50 MHz clock, 3.3 V core supply (the 'RC' speed grade), 32-bit address and data buses, dual 8 KB on-chip caches, a Burst mode memory interface, and a 206-pin PGA footprint. The superscalar dual-issue pipeline can execute up to two instructions per clock, giving an effective throughput of 60-80 MIPS at 50 MHz. The 'LC' suffix specifically indicates that the Memory Management Unit (MMU) has been removed, simplifying software for embedded control applications that run flat memory models.
Architecturally, the MC68LC060 uses a Harvard-style split cache with write-back policy, a four-stage integer pipeline, and a dedicated FPU pipeline for 80-bit extended precision. The bus interface supports both asynchronous and burst-mode SRAM/DRAM, with on-chip bus arbitration for multi-processor configurations. Compared to the MC68040, the MC68LC060 delivers roughly 2x integer performance at the same clock thanks to its dual-issue pipeline.
Typical applications include VMEbus single-board computers, embedded industrial controllers, legacy telecom switching equipment, military/aerospace retrofit programs, and retro-computing accelerator cards (Amiga 4000, Atari Falcon). Designers choose this MPU when upgrading a 68k-based platform that does not require the MMU, gaining performance without software rework on flat-memory RTOS kernels.
When designing with the MC68LC060RC50, note that the 206-pin PGA requires a through-hole socket (e.g., PGA206 machined-pin socket) and substantial PCB real estate. The 3.3 V supply must be clean and decoupled with bulk + ceramic capacitors at each Vcc pin cluster. Designers migrating from MC68EC060 should verify software compatibility, as the LC variant retains the FPU while the EC variant does not.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in MPU alternatives, and practical hardware design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, helping procurement and embedded engineers evaluate lifecycle risk and second-source options for this long-lifecycle Motorola/Freescale 68k MPU.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68LC060RC50 — 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 MC68LC060RC50 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Data Cache, Instruction Cache, Mounting Type, RoHS Status, MMU.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68060RC50
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68EC060RC50
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$55.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68LC060RC66
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68LC060RC75
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$565 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68LC060RC50 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Processor Type | M680x0 32-Bit Microprocessor |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Address Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 50 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Instruction Cache | 8 KB |
| Data Cache | 8 KB |
| MMU | Not present (LC variant) |
| FPU | Present (80-bit extended precision) |
| Package / Case | 206-BEPGA (47.25 x 47.25 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole (PGA socket) |
| Packaging | Tray |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant |
| Lead Free Status | Lead Free |
| Architecture | CISC, Superscalar dual-issue |
| Family Variant | MC68LC060 (Low-Cost, no MMU) |
MC68LC060RC50 206-bepga (47.25 x 47.25 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68LC060RC50 (206-bepga (47.25 x 47.25 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 MC68LC060RC50.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68LC060RC50 is suitable for 6 applications: VMEbus Single-Board Computers, Industrial PLC Controllers, Legacy Telecom Switching Equipment, Retro-Computing Accelerator Cards, Military and Aerospace Retrofit Programs, Embedded Data Acquisition Systems.
VMEbus Single-Board Computers
The MC68LC060RC50's 50 MHz superscalar core, 32-bit address space, and integrated FPU make it ideal for legacy VMEbus SBCs that originally shipped with MC68040 CPUs. The 68k ISA preserves binary compatibility with existing firmware, while the dual-issue pipeline typically doubles integer throughput compared to a 68040 at the same clock. Designers upgrading 6U VME SBCs drop the LC060 into the existing PGA socket, retain the VME bus interface ASIC (e.g., VMEchip2), and gain 60-80 MIPS without board rework. The 3.3 V core simplifies modern power designs versus the legacy 5 V 68040.
Recommended
Industrial PLC Controllers
For PLC backplanes running flat-memory real-time operating systems, the MC68LC060RC50 delivers deterministic 68k execution with hardware IEEE 754 FPU support. The LC variant's omission of the MMU simplifies the RTOS kernel (no page-table overhead) which suits deterministic ladder-logic scan times. Engineers pair the 50 MHz LC060 with SRAM, EPROM, and a VME or PCI mezzanine to build a robust industrial controller. The PGA package withstands vibration better than fine-pitch QFP, an advantage on factory floors.
Recommended
Legacy Telecom Switching Equipment
Class-5 central-office switches and base-station controllers from the late 1990s often use 68k MPUs for signaling stacks. The MC68LC060RC50 preserves 100% ISA compatibility with that installed base while modernizing the CPU subsystem to 50 MHz superscalar. Its 8 KB instruction cache reduces external bus traffic for tight signaling loops, and the FPU accelerates V.90 modem DSP and tone-detection firmware. Replacement of older 68030/68040 designs extends the service life of capital-intensive telecom infrastructure.
Recommended
Retro-Computing Accelerator Cards
Hobbyists building Amiga 4000, Atari Falcon, or Mac Quadra accelerators use the MC68LC060RC50 to upgrade legacy 68030/68040 hosts. The 50 MHz superscalar core delivers a 4-6x speedup over a stock 25 MHz 68030 in benchmarks such as Dhrystone. The integrated FPU accelerates Amiga graphics routines that rely on floating-point math. The standard 206-pin PGA allows drop-in installation on existing accelerator daughterboards such as the Blizzard 060 or CT060.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Retrofit Programs
Defense and avionics platforms designed around the M680x0 family (radar signal processors, mission computers, flight-control subsystems) often need lifecycle extensions well beyond commercial CPU availability. The MC68LC060RC50 and its mil-temp variant (XC68LC060RC50) provide a path for hardware refresh while preserving certified 68k binary software. The 206-pin PGA withstands the thermal cycling and vibration profiles typical of MIL-STD-810 environments, and Freescale's long-term support programs continue to supply qualified silicon.
Recommended
Embedded Data Acquisition Systems
High-channel-count data-acquisition systems (seismic monitoring, sonar arrays, scientific instrumentation) use the MC68LC060RC50 as a control processor alongside dedicated DSP chips. The 50 MHz 68k core handles host-side housekeeping, packetization, and command parsing, while its FPU accelerates calibration math. The 32-bit flat address space supports large contiguous DMA buffers without MMU overhead, simplifying driver code. The PGA package and 3.3 V supply ease integration into ruggedized chassis.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68LC060RC50 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68060RC50 | MC68EC060RC50 | MC68LC060RC66 | MC68LC060RC75 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 206-BEPGA (47.25x47.25 mm) | 206-BEPGA - same | 206-BEPGA - same | 206-BEPGA - same | 206-BEPGA - same |
| Brand | Freescale Semiconductor (Motorola) | Freescale Semiconductor | Freescale Semiconductor | Freescale Semiconductor | Freescale Semiconductor |
| Clock Frequency | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 50 MHz | 66 MHz | 75 MHz |
| MMU | No (LC variant) | Yes | No | No | No |
| FPU | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Instruction Cache | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Data Cache | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Architecture | CISC, Superscalar Dual-Issue | CISC, Superscalar Dual-Issue | CISC, Superscalar Dual-Issue | CISC, Superscalar Dual-Issue | CISC, Superscalar Dual-Issue |
| Pin Count | 206 | 206 | 206 | 206 | 206 |
Key Differentiators
- Hardware FPU included, MMU omitted (LC variant) (vs MC68EC060RC50)
- Lower-cost alternative to full MC68060 with same superscalar core (vs MC68060RC50)
- Available in higher clock grades for performance headroom (vs MC68LC060RC66 / MC68LC060RC75)
Design Notes
The MC68LC060RC50 requires a clean 3.3 V supply with bulk tantalum (47-100 µF) plus 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling at every Vcc/Vss pin pair on the 206-pin PGA. The 'RC' speed grade is specified for 3.3 V operation; running at 5 V violates absolute-maximum ratings. Power sequencing: ensure Vcc is monotonic and stable before the reset line is deasserted to prevent latch-up. Typical core current at 50 MHz is approximately 350-450 mA depending on cache hit rate.
The 206-pin PGA must be socketed (e.g., PGA206 machined-pin socket) to absorb thermal expansion and allow field replacement. PCB land pattern should follow JEDEC standard PGA dimensions with 2.54 mm pitch and proper via-in-pad plating for the inner rows. Route address and data buses with matched impedance (~50-65 ohm) and keep clock traces short (< 25 mm) to avoid ringing. Provide a clean ground plane beneath the socket to control return paths.
Estimated: at 50 MHz with 1.0 V Vcore and ~400 mA active current, power dissipation is approximately 0.40 W - well within the PGA's thermal envelope without a heatsink in still air. In enclosed chassis with reduced airflow, attach a small clip-on heatsink with thermal pad to maintain junction temperature below 105 °C. Designers should measure the actual junction temperature with on-chip thermal diodes in production builds.
Common pitfalls when designing with the MC68LC060RC50: (1) confusing the LC variant (no MMU, FPU present) with the EC variant (no MMU, no FPU) - software expecting an FPU will fault on the EC060; (2) using 5 V I/O peripherals directly on 3.3 V bus pins without level shifters; (3) failing to assert reset for at least 100 clock cycles after power stable; (4) omitting proper bus-sizing logic for 8/16/32-bit memory peripherals. Always check the Freescale M68060 User's Manual (MC68060UM) before finalizing the design.
Route the CLK pin with a 50 ohm controlled-impedance trace, kept under 25 mm, and add a 33 ohm series damping resistor if ringing is observed. Place SRAM/DRAM as close to the address/data pins as possible to minimize bus skew. Group Vcc pins by power domain (core 3.3 V vs I/O 3.3 V) and provide separate decoupling networks. Avoid routing signals across the PGA socket footprint - use inner layers to break up reference planes only if necessary.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor listings (DigiKey). Lead-free terminations confirmed. Halogen-free and conflict-minerals status not explicitly stated in verified web data - flagged as unknown.
