MC68MH360ZP33L - 33MHz CPU32+ MPU | NXP | 357-BGA
MPN: MC68MH360ZP33L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.2 | $342.00 |
| 100 | $28.95 | $2,895.00 |
| 500 | $24.1 | $12,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $20.75 | $20,750.00 |
MC68MH360ZP33L Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) like the MC68MH360ZP33L belongs to the integrated circuit hierarchy: MPU > microprocessor > embedded processor > digital IC > semiconductor. Unlike microcontrollers (MCUs), an MPU relies on external memory (DRAM, SRAM, ROM/Flash) and peripherals, which lets designers scale memory bandwidth and footprint independently of the CPU. The M683xx line is the legacy evolution of the original Motorola 68000 architecture, preserving binary compatibility with the 68k family while integrating peripherals on-chip.
Key features include a 33 MHz CPU32+ core (32-bit internal datapath with 16-bit external instruction fetch), integrated Communications Processor Module (CPM) supporting serial and Ethernet-style networking, DRAM controller, 10 Mbps Ethernet MAC, and programmable chip-select / interrupt logic. The CPM offloads DMA, SCC, and SCC-like channels from the core, enabling sustained communication throughput without burdening the CPU. The part is specified over the standard industrial temperature range.
The architecture combines a CPU32+ integer core with a separate RISC-style CPM running from the same 33 MHz clock. The CPM has its own instruction set and DMA engine for communications channels, which is why M683xx parts are still used in legacy telecom and serial-multiplexing designs. The MMU-free flat memory model simplifies porting code from older 68k designs.
Typical applications include industrial serial routers, legacy telecom multiplexers, protocol converters, factory automation controllers, and embedded networking appliances that require deterministic 32-bit performance with on-chip Ethernet and serial channels. The integrated CPM eliminates an external serial controller, reducing BOM cost on multi-port designs.
When designing with the MC68MH360ZP33L, provide clean 5 V power with bulk decoupling near the BGA, follow the IBIS-validated break-out pattern on inner layers, and ensure the 33 MHz system bus timing matches the slowest external memory device. Use the CPM interrupt controller for deterministic serial latency.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, and practical design context not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MC68MH360ZP33L — 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 MC68MH360ZP33L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Lead Free Status, Package / Case.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MC68EN360ZP33L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$240 / Unit
View Datasheet →MC68MH360ZP25L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68MH360ZP40L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68MH360ZP50L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68MH360RCZQ33L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC68MH360ZP33L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | CPU32+ |
| Number of Cores / Bus Width | 1 Core, 32-Bit |
| Series | M683xx |
| Speed | 33 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Co-Processors / DSP | Communications; CPM |
| RAM Controllers | DRAM |
| Ethernet | 10 Mbps (1 channel) |
| Graphics Acceleration | No |
| Package / Case | 357-PBGA (25 x 25 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| Lead Free Status | Lead Free |
| Part Status | Obsolete |
MC68MH360ZP33L 357-pbga (25 x 25 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MC68MH360ZP33L (357-pbga (25 x 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 MC68MH360ZP33L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MC68MH360ZP33L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Serial Router, Legacy Telecom Multiplexer, Protocol Converter / Bridge, Factory Automation Controller, Embedded Networking Appliance, Point-of-Sale Terminal Controller.
Industrial Serial Router
The MC68MH360ZP33L is ideal for legacy industrial serial routers that aggregate multi-channel RS-232/RS-485 traffic onto Ethernet backbones. Its integrated Communications Processor Module (CPM) handles up to four serial channels via DMA, offloading the CPU32+ core and sustaining deterministic serial latency. At 33 MHz, the part can manage typical serial-to-Ethernet conversion at 115200 baud x 4 channels plus a 10 Mbps Ethernet uplink without CPU saturation. Compared to a microcontroller + external serial IC solution, the MC68MH360ZP33L reduces BOM count and software complexity. The 5 V single-supply operation simplifies industrial enclosure power design. This makes it a cost-effective choice for SCADA gateways, protocol converters, and factory-floor aggregation nodes where determinism matters more than raw throughput.
Recommended
Legacy Telecom Multiplexer
The MC68MH360ZP33L serves legacy telecom multiplexer platforms where T1/E1 channel aggregation and HDLC framing are required. Its integrated SCC (Serial Communication Controller) channels support HDLC/SDLC protocols natively, which is critical for legacy PSTN backhaul equipment still deployed in operator networks. At 33 MHz with 32-bit datapath, the CPU32+ core can sustain multiple T1 channels while the CPM handles DMA-driven HDLC framing in parallel. The 357-BGA package supports dense board layouts common in central-office shelves. While newer designs have migrated to MPC8260 or PowerQUICC, the MC68MH360ZP33L remains in service for sustainment and expansion of installed multiplexer bases.
Recommended
Protocol Converter / Bridge
Engineers use the MC68MH360ZP33L in protocol converter and bridge designs that translate between Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP industrial protocols. The CPU32+ core at 33 MHz executes protocol stacks comfortably, while the integrated CPM handles real-time serial traffic without jitter. The 32-bit address space supports large protocol translation tables. Compared to discrete MCU implementations, the MC68MH360ZP33L offers a single-chip solution with proven reliability in industrial automation. The part's mature toolchain (GNU/ColdFire-compatible compilers) makes it attractive for legacy code reuse. Bridge designs benefit from the deterministic interrupt controller and 4 KB dual-port RAM for CPM-to-CPU messaging.
Recommended
Factory Automation Controller
The MC68MH360ZP33L fits factory automation controllers that need 32-bit processing, integrated Ethernet, and multi-channel serial in a single chip. The 5 V industrial supply tolerance and -40C to +85C operating range make it suitable for harsh factory floor environments with motor drives and switching noise. The on-chip DRAM controller simplifies PCB layout by removing an external memory controller chip. At 33 MHz, the CPU32+ core executes real-time control loops while the CPM manages sensor data collection over serial channels. For motion control or PLC backplane applications, the MC68MH360ZP33L delivers deterministic response unmatched by general-purpose microcontrollers. This makes it a preferred solution for retrofitting older factory cells.
Recommended
Embedded Networking Appliance
The MC68MH360ZP33L is used in embedded networking appliances such as print servers, terminal servers, and remote-access concentrators. The integrated 10 Mbps Ethernet MAC plus CPM-driven serial ports eliminate the need for a separate communications co-processor. The 357-BGA package supports high-density 4-layer PCB layouts typical of compact networking gear. At 33 MHz, the part sustains full-duplex 10 Mbps Ethernet plus four serial channels at 115200 baud, sufficient for small office networking appliances. The mature 68k toolchain (gcc-m68k) and abundant sample code shorten development cycles. This makes the MC68MH360ZP33L a workhorse for sustainment of legacy networking products still in service.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal Controller
The MC68MH360ZP33L drives legacy point-of-sale (POS) terminal controllers where multiple serial peripherals (PIN pads, cash drawers, receipt printers, scanners) must be orchestrated over a single Ethernet link. The CPM's multi-channel DMA serves each peripheral independently, ensuring no transaction stalls during peak retail hours. The 32-bit CPU32+ core handles transaction processing and encryption at 33 MHz, sufficient for legacy DES and 3DES workloads. Industrial temperature grade and 5 V supply simplify integration into retail enclosures with mixed-voltage peripherals. Compared to modern ARM Cortex-A designs, the MC68MH360ZP33L is favored for sustaining installed POS fleets where full hardware qualification would be cost-prohibitive.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MC68MH360ZP33L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MC68EN360ZP33L | MC68MH360ZP25L | MC68MH360ZP40L | MC68MH360ZP50L | MC68MH360RCZQ33L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 357-PBGA (25x25) | 357-PBGA (25x25) - same | 357-PBGA (25x25) - same | 357-PBGA (25x25) - same | 357-PBGA (25x25) - same | 357-PBGA (25x25) - same |
| Core Processor | CPU32+ | CPU32 | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ | CPU32+ |
| Speed | 33 MHz | 33 MHz | 25 MHz | 40 MHz | 50 MHz | 33 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Ethernet | 10 Mbps (1 ch) | 10 Mbps (1 ch) | 10 Mbps (1 ch) | 10 Mbps (1 ch) | 10 Mbps (1 ch) | 10 Mbps (1 ch) |
| RAM Controllers | DRAM | DRAM | DRAM | DRAM | DRAM | DRAM |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Param Match % | 100% | 90% | 80% | 90% | 90% | 95% |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated Communications Processor Module (CPM) (vs MC68EN360ZP33L)
- CPU32+ instruction set extensions (vs MC68EN360ZP33L)
- Mid-range speed grade option (vs MC68MH360ZP25L / MC68MH360ZP50L)
Design Notes
The 357-PBGA package at 1.27 mm pitch requires a 4-layer or higher PCB with via-in-pad construction. Route all 33 MHz bus signals on inner layers with controlled impedance (typically 50 ohm single-ended). Place 0.1 uF and 10 uF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every power/ground pin pair, and add a bulk tantalum or polymer capacitor near the core voltage input to absorb CPM switching transients.
Estimated: at 33 MHz with full CPM activity, the MC68MH360ZP33L dissipates approximately 1.5 W to 2.0 W. The 357-PBGA package requires a thermal pad pattern with at least 6 thermal vias to the opposite PCB plane for adequate cooling in sealed enclosures. In still air at 70C ambient, derate clock speed to 25 MHz or add forced-air cooling to keep junction temperature below 100C.
Do not assume the MC68MH360ZP33L is RoHS compliant - the verified data only confirms Lead Free status, not full RoHS compliance. The 5 V supply rail must be regulated to within +/- 5% to avoid CPM DMA errors. External memory bus timing margins shrink at 33 MHz; always use series termination resistors (22-33 ohm) on address and data lines when driving more than 4 memory devices.
The 33 MHz system bus generates significant harmonics up to the 5th harmonic. Use a ground plane on layer 2 directly under the BGA fanout to provide a low-impedance return path. Keep clock traces shorter than 50 mm and avoid splitting the power plane under the bus. The CPM Ethernet signals should be routed with 100 ohm differential impedance and isolated from the parallel bus by at least 3 mm of ground.
Compliance Information
Verified data confirms Lead Free status. RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, and conflict minerals compliance were not explicitly stated in the source data; marked unknown. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial/legacy part, not automotive).
