MCF54453VR266 - ColdFire V4 32-bit MPU, 266MHz, 360-TEPBGA | NXP
MPN: MCF54453VR266 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33.24 | $33.24 |
| 10 | $29.92 | $299.20 |
| 100 | $26.59 | $2,659.00 |
| 500 | $23.27 | $11,635.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.95 | $19,950.00 |
MCF54453VR266 Overview
An MPU (microprocessor unit) is a CPU-centric integrated circuit that typically requires external memory for program and data storage, distinguishing it from a microcontroller (MCU) that integrates flash/RAM on-chip. The MCF5445x family targets power-conscious embedded designs where the application code and operating system exceed internal memory limits; ColdFire V4 implements a variable-length RISC architecture (ColdFire instruction set) that maintains software compatibility with the legacy 68k family while delivering modern performance per MHz.
Key features include a 266 MHz ColdFire V4 core with MMU (memory management unit) for full virtual memory operating systems such as Linux or MQX, ROMless external memory bus supporting SDRAM, SRAM, and flash, dual 10/100 Fast Ethernet controllers with MII/RMII interfaces, USB 2.0 On-The-Go with integrated PHY, 32-bit PCI 2.3 bus, four 32-bit timer units, multiple UARTs (including SCI), I²C, and an interrupt controller. Operating voltages are 1.8V core / 2.5V / 3.3V I/O according to the FindIC specifications record. The ROMless designation indicates external flash must be connected to boot the device.
Architecturally, the ColdFire V4 core uses a 7-stage pipeline with branch prediction, supporting 32-bit addressing and DSP-like MAC instructions for signal processing. The MMU enables demand-paged virtual memory, allowing full Linux kernels (uClinux, MQX) and complex RTOS deployments. Integrated peripherals are mapped through the ColdFire peripheral bus with a unified interrupt controller.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, networked printers, factory-floor gateways, medical instrumentation with connectivity, and embedded Linux single-board computers. The combination of Ethernet + USB OTG + PCI in a single package allows compact designs where multiple external bridge chips would otherwise be needed.
Design considerations include careful PCB layout for the 360-ball BGA, multiple decoupling rails for 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V domains, boot configuration via external flash, and thermal management given the 23x23 mm package thermal characteristics. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in alternatives within the MCF5445x family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF54453VR266 — 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 MCF54453VR266 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Ethernet, USB, RoHS Status, MMU.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF54452VR266
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF54454VR266
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF54455VR266
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.43 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF54453VR266 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ColdFire V4 |
| Architecture | 32-bit RISC (variable-length ColdFire ISA) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 266 MHz |
| Program Memory | ROMless (external flash required) |
| MMU | Yes (full virtual memory) |
| Package | 360-TEPBGA (23x23 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| Terminal Form | BALL |
| Number of Terminals | 360 |
| Temperature Grade | COMMERCIAL |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V core / 2.5V / 3.3V I/O |
| Ethernet | Dual 10/100 MAC with MII/RMII |
| USB | USB 2.0 On-The-Go with integrated PHY |
| Bus Interface | PCI 2.3 (32-bit), external memory bus (SDRAM/SRAM/Flash) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MCF54453VR266 360-tepbga (23x23 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCF54453VR266 (360-tepbga (23x23 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 MCF54453VR266.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCF54453VR266 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controller, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal, Networked Printer and MFP Controller, Factory Floor Gateway / Protocol Bridge, Embedded Linux Single-Board Computer (SBC), Medical Instrumentation with Connectivity.
Industrial Automation Controller
The MCF54453VR266's 266 MHz ColdFire V4 core with full MMU and dual 10/100 Ethernet ports suits it perfectly for industrial automation controllers that must run networked Linux control software. The integrated PCI 2.3 bus lets designers attach peripheral cards such as digital I/O, analog I/O, or motion-control ASICs without an external bridge. Compared with a microcontroller-only design, the ColdFire V4 with 32-bit addressing handles larger PLC code images (>16 MB) and supports industrial Ethernet protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP via software stacks on Linux. The 360-TEPBGA footprint is suitable for DIN-rail or panel-mount PCBs that have adequate copper area for the BGA thermal dissipation.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal
POS terminals require secure processing, multiple connectivity options, and a compact BOM, all of which the MCF54453VR266 supports. The USB 2.0 On-The-Go port connects to barcode scanners, NFC readers, and printers, while the dual Ethernet provides both terminal-to-backend and cash-drawer-networked configurations. ColdFire V4's MMU enables a protected-mode Linux runtime to host payment applications and TLS cryptographic libraries, while the 266 MHz clock delivers sub-second transaction response. The ROMless architecture lets OEMs store signed firmware in external NOR flash with secure boot from the ColdFire's internal ROM bootstrap.
Recommended
Networked Printer and MFP Controller
Multi-function printers (MFPs) require a controller that can drive a high-resolution scan engine, manage network protocols (LPD, IPP, SMB), and host a local user interface. The MCF54453VR266's ColdFire V4 core at 266 MHz handles image processing pipelines and a Linux print server stack simultaneously. Dual 10/100 Ethernet supports wired network connections, while USB OTG provides front-panel walk-up printing. The 32-bit PCI bus can connect to a print ASIC or scan CCD front-end controller. External SDRAM (up to 256 MB via the memory bus) buffers large scan images and spool queues in production printing environments.
Factory Floor Gateway / Protocol Bridge
Factory floor gateways aggregate multiple industrial protocols - Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and serial fieldbuses - and translate them to enterprise Ethernet. The MCF54453VR266's dual 10/100 Ethernet ports provide a clean network-segmentation architecture with separate IT and OT networks, while multiple I²C and UART peripherals speak to legacy serial sensors. The ColdFire V4 MMU lets the gateway run a full Linux distribution with firewall and VPN packages for secure remote access. PCI bus expansion enables adding wireless modules (Wi-Fi, cellular) via mini-PCI cards commonly used in industrial gateways.
Recommended
Embedded Linux Single-Board Computer (SBC)
The MCF54453VR266 forms the heart of an embedded Linux SBC when paired with 64-128 MB SDRAM and 16-32 MB NOR flash on the external memory bus. ColdFire V4 with MMU supports uClinux and mainline Linux kernels, giving developers a familiar POSIX environment with GCC, glibc, and standard networking. The 360-TEPBGA package supports compact SBCs (~ 50x70 mm) with Ethernet, USB host, and PCI expansion headers. Such boards are popular in digital signage controllers, kiosk computers, and OEM embedded appliances where a low-BOM-cost Linux platform is preferred over an ARM SoC.
Medical Instrumentation with Connectivity
Medical instruments such as bedside monitors, infusion pumps, and diagnostic analyzers require deterministic real-time behavior plus secure connectivity to hospital networks. The MCF54453VR266's ColdFire V4 core running at 266 MHz delivers responsive UI rendering and signal-processing throughput for ECG/EEG front ends. Dual Ethernet supports hospital-IT connectivity plus an isolated service port for biomedical engineers. USB OTG connects to barcode scanners for patient ID, and PCI expansion enables connecting a wireless radio for nurse-call integration. ColdFire's mature RTOS support (MQX, uClinux) eases IEC 62304 software lifecycle compliance for medical device certification.
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF54453VR266 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF54452VR266 | MCF54454VR266 | MCF54455VR266 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 360-TEPBGA (23x23) | 360-TEPBGA (23x23) - same | 360-TEPBGA (23x23) - same | 360-TEPBGA (23x23) - same |
| Core | ColdFire V4 | ColdFire V4 | ColdFire V4 | ColdFire V4 |
| Clock Speed | 266 MHz | 266 MHz | 266 MHz | 266 MHz |
| MMU | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Dual 10/100 MAC | Dual 10/100 MAC | Dual 10/100 MAC | Dual 10/100 MAC |
| USB | USB 2.0 OTG + PHY | USB 2.0 OTG + PHY | USB 2.0 OTG + PHY | USB 2.0 OTG + PHY |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V | 1.8V / 2.5V / 3.3V |
| Lifecycle Status | EOL | EOL | EOL | EOL |
| Pin/Ball Count | 360 | 360 | 360 | 360 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest peripheral tier within the 266 MHz MCF5445x family (vs MCF54452VR266)
- Identical silicon at same speed with higher peripheral count option available (vs MCF54454VR266)
- Full MMU for protected-mode Linux (vs ColdFire V2/V3 microcontrollers)
Design Notes
The 360-ball TEPBGA requires a 4-6 layer PCB stackup with laser-drilled microvias for fanout under the ball grid. Place at least four 0.1 uF decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of each supply ball, plus bulk 10-22 uF tantalum or polymer capacitors near the 1.8V core rail. Keep PCI and Ethernet differential pairs (MII/RMII) length-matched within 150 mil tolerance to meet IEEE 802.3 timing. Reference the NXP MCF5445X hardware design guide for recommended via-in-pad and breakout patterns.
Three independent supply rails (1.8V core, 2.5V and 3.3V I/O) must be sequenced with core-first, then I/O. Use a multi-rail supervisor such as NXP MC34712 or equivalent to enforce sequencing and generate a clean POR. Inrush current on the 1.8V core rail can exceed 500 mA during PLL lock, so the regulator must provide 1 A headroom. Estimated: total supply current at 266 MHz is around 800 mA combined across all rails.
The MCF54453VR266 requires external boot flash; leaving the boot configuration pins (BM[1:0]) floating causes unpredictable boot behavior. Tie BM[1:0] to defined logic levels via 10 kohm resistors. Confirm that the external SDRAM reset sequence matches the ColdFire V4 initialization order; otherwise the DDR-like initialization will hang. Designers transitioning from a ColdFire V2 should review the MMU configuration carefully - V4 adds extended address modes not present in V2.
Estimated: at 266 MHz with all peripherals active, the 360-TEPBGA dissipates approximately 1.5 W. The 23x23 mm package has a theta_JA around 25 C/W with a standard 4-layer PCB, giving a 38 C junction rise over ambient at room temperature. Adequate airflow or thermal vias under the BGA thermal balls is recommended for enclosed industrial enclosures above 50 C ambient.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed via NXP product page. REACH and halogen-free status not explicitly listed; treat as unknown unless confirmed via manufacturer declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive.
