MCF5483CVR166 - ColdFire V4E 166MHz MPU, 388-PBGA | NXP
MPN: MCF5483CVR166 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $75.35 | $75.35 |
| 10 | $68.2 | $682.00 |
| 100 | $62.5 | $6,250.00 |
| 500 | $57.8 | $28,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $53.4 | $53,400.00 |
MCF5483CVR166 Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is an integrated CPU with external memory bus, peripherals, and I/O on a single die; the ColdFire V4e core is a limited-superscalar implementation of the ColdFire instruction set architecture (ISA) descended from the Motorola 68000 family, optimized for embedded control with deterministic interrupt response and code-density advantages over ARM in many control loops. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, the MCF548x sits at: MPU -> embedded processor -> 32-bit MCU/MPU -> industrial connectivity SoC. The ColdFire family is a hypernym that includes V1, V2, V3, V4 and V4e cores.
Key features of the MCF5483CVR166 include: 166 MHz maximum core frequency delivering up to ~256 MIPS Dhrystone, hardware FPU (single-precision IEEE-754) for floating-point signal processing, MMU for full virtual-memory operating systems (Linux, VxWorks), integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC, dual CAN 2.0B controllers, PCI 2.1 interface, USB, I2C, UARTs, SPI, and a hardware encryption accelerator (SEC). The 388-PBGA package exposes the full external memory bus (32-bit SDRAM controller, Flash) and all peripherals.
The device implements a Harvard-style internal architecture with separate instruction and data paths feeding the V4e pipeline, dual-issue superscalar capable of issuing two instructions per cycle on supported combinations. The on-chip SEC engine handles DES/3DES, AES, SHA-1/MD5, accelerating IPsec/TLS for VPN gateways and secure industrial protocols. Memory management is performed by a hardware MMU with 64-entry TLBs.
Typical applications include industrial Ethernet gateways, PLC and motion controllers, secure routers and VPN appliances, point-of-sale terminals, building automation controllers, and CAN-connected automotive/vehicle telematics where extended temperature and proven ColdFire software stacks accelerate time-to-market.
When designing with this MPU, allocate the 32-bit SDRAM and Flash address space carefully because the MCF5483 ROMless variant requires external boot ROM/Flash and SDRAM; verify pinout against the 388-PBGA footprint in the manufacturer datasheet and validate the SEC driver stack with NXP reference BSPs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status (NRND), drop-in pin-compatible alternatives within the MCF547x/548x family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF5483CVR166 — 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 MCF5483CVR166 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Processor, Ethernet, Program Memory Type, Package, Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesMCF5483CVR166 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ColdFire V4E (32-bit) |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 166 MHz |
| Dhrystone Performance | ~256 MIPS @ 166 MHz (per family datasheet scaling) |
| FPU | Yes (single-precision IEEE-754 hardware) |
| MMU | Yes (64-entry TLB) |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless (external Flash/ROM required) |
| Data Bus Width | 32 bit |
| Package | 388-PBGA (27x27 mm) |
| Ethernet | 10/100 MAC (on-chip) |
| CAN | 2x CAN 2.0B controllers |
| PCI | PCI 2.1 interface |
| Encryption Accelerator | Yes (SEC: DES/3DES, AES, SHA-1/MD5) |
| RoHS | Details per NXP MCDS PDF |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
MCF5483CVR166 388-pbga (27x27 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCF5483CVR166 (388-pbga (27x27 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 MCF5483CVR166.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCF5483CVR166 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Ethernet Gateway, Secure VPN / Router Appliance, PLC and Motion Controller, CAN-Connected Vehicle Telematics, Point-of-Sale Terminal, Building Automation Controller.
Industrial Ethernet Gateway
The MCF5483CVR166 fits industrial Ethernet gateways because it integrates a 10/100 MAC, a hardware SEC encryption accelerator for IPsec/TLS, and an MMU that runs embedded Linux for routing and protocol stacks. At 166 MHz the V4e core delivers ~256 MIPS, enough to terminate VPN tunnels, run Modbus TCP/EthernetIP gateways, and handle firewall filtering on a single chip. Place the MPU with an external PHY, SDRAM, and boot Flash; the on-chip SEC offloads AES/SHA, freeing CPU cycles for application logic and reducing BOM versus an external crypto coprocessor.
Recommended
Secure VPN / Router Appliance
For VPN routers and small-office secure gateways, the MCF5483CVR166's on-chip SEC engine accelerates DES/3DES/AES and SHA-1/MD5, the operations used by IPsec and TLS tunnels. The hardware FPU improves throughput on packet processing and queue management, while the MMU enables a full virtual-memory Linux stack with userspace daemons. The 32-bit SDRAM controller supports ample packet buffers; PCI 2.1 allows expansion with crypto accelerators or additional Ethernet ports. The 388-PBGA footprint and industrial-grade operation suit fanless router enclosures.
Recommended
PLC and Motion Controller
In PLC and motion-control systems, the MCF5483CVR166 provides deterministic ColdFire interrupt response and a 166 MHz core that handles ladder-logic scan cycles, EtherCAT/CANopen fieldbus stacks, and floating-point servo loops via the hardware FPU. Dual CAN 2.0B controllers connect directly to field devices, while Ethernet supports PROFINET/EtherNetIP uplink. The MMU enables real-time OS or Linux + RT_PREEMPT, and the 32-bit SDRAM controller handles deterministic buffer access. Pin-compatibility with MCF547x/548x allows scaling controller tiers across a product family without PCB redesign.
Recommended
CAN-Connected Vehicle Telematics
Vehicle telematics and fleet management units use the MCF5483CVR166 for its dual CAN 2.0B controllers (OBD-II/J1939), hardware FPU for sensor fusion, and SEC accelerator for authenticated cloud uploads. The ColdFire V4e core at 166 MHz handles GPS parsing, accelerometer fusion, and cellular modem management concurrently. The MMU supports Linux for over-the-air update frameworks. Pin-compatibility with MCF5484CVR200/MCF5485CVR200 provides a clear upgrade path to 200 MHz if higher fusion workloads emerge in the field.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal
POS terminals benefit from the MCF5483CVR166's MMU (full Linux/POS middleware), hardware FPU (fast transaction math), hardware SEC (PIN block encryption, EMV chip-card crypto, TLS to payment processor), and integrated Ethernet for IP-based POS networks. The 166 MHz V4e core handles barcode scanning, receipt printing, and display refresh in parallel with payment crypto. The 32-bit SDRAM controller supports the memory needed for full Linux stacks and payment SDKs; PCI interface allows connection to contactless readers and external peripherals.
Recommended
Building Automation Controller
Building automation controllers use the MCF5483CVR166 to bridge BACnet/IP, KNX, Modbus TCP and LonWorks over Ethernet, while the dual CAN controllers connect to HVAC and access-control fieldbus segments. The MMU runs a full Linux stack with BACnet daemon support, the hardware FPU accelerates control-loop math, and the SEC engine secures remote management tunnels. The 388-PBGA footprint and ColdFire software ecosystem make it a long-lifecycle choice for commercial building systems that demand 10+ year availability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF5483CVR166 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF5482CZP166 | MCF5484CVR200 | MCF5485CVR200 | MCF5474VR266 | MCF5472VR200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 388-PBGA (27x27 mm) | 388-PBGA (27x27 mm) - same | 388-PBGA (27x27 mm) - same | 388-PBGA (27x27 mm) - same | 388-PBGA (27x27 mm) - same | 388-PBGA (27x27 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | ColdFire V4E | ColdFire V4E | ColdFire V4E | ColdFire V4E | ColdFire V4E | ColdFire V4E |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 166 MHz | 166 MHz (0%) | 200 MHz (+20%) | 200 MHz (+20%) | 266 MHz (+60%) | 200 MHz (+20%) |
| FPU | Yes (single-precision IEEE-754) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MMU | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption Accelerator (SEC) | Yes (DES/3DES/AES/SHA-1/MD5) | No (-100%) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Program Memory | ROMless (external boot Flash) | ROMless | ROMless | ROMless | ROMless | ROMless |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Higher core frequency on pin-compatible upgrade (vs MCF5484CVR200)
- Lower cost variant without SEC accelerator (vs MCF5482CZP166)
- Higher integration alternative (vs MCF5485CVR200)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 166 MHz core clock on the V4e ColdFire pipeline, the SDRAM controller's CAS latency and tRP/tRCD timing must be re-derived from the family datasheet for the specific SDRAM part chosen; using uClinux/Linux BSP defaults without validating against your SDRAM data sheet is the most common bring-up failure. Always run memory tests (memtester) at production temperature corners before enabling the full OS stack.
The 388-PBGA package has a relatively large 27x27 mm footprint that aids thermal spreading, but the internal V4e core at 166 MHz still dissipates several watts under Dhrystone load. Recommended: provide at least 4 inner PCB ground planes stitched with thermal vias under the die, and verify junction temperature under the worst-case ambient (industrial: +85C) using the family datasheet thermal model. Estimated dissipation at 166 MHz with 1.5 V core is ~1.5-2.0 W depending on peripheral activity.
Place SDRAM, boot Flash, and decoupling capacitors on the same PCB layer side as the 388-PBGA and keep trace lengths matched per the family reference manual's SI guidelines. Use 4-8 layer stack-up with continuous ground planes; route the 32-bit data bus with controlled impedance (50 ohm SE, 100 ohm diff for PCI/Ethernet) and length-match byte lanes within ±25 mil. PCI bus traces require 90 ohm differential impedance; Ethernet PHY traces must be length-matched within ±50 mil.
Route the dual CAN bus signals with 120 ohm termination at the bus ends and keep CAN traces short and isolated from switching converters; route the Ethernet differential pairs (TX/RX) with 100 ohm differential impedance and keep them away from noise sources. The 388-PBGA BGA escape routing requires microvia or via-in-pad technology if available; otherwise use dogbone fanout with at least 0.5 mm BGA pitch compliance.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status confirmed per NXP MCDS PDF (https://www.nxp.com/mcds/MCF5483CVR166.pdf). Halogen-free flagged compliant on GlobalSpec datasheet listing. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial/commercial MPU). Conflict-minerals compliance per NXP standard disclosures.
