MPC8248CZQMIBA - PowerQUICC II 32-Bit 266MHz MPU | NXP
MPN: MPC8248CZQMIBA ⚠ Last Time BuyMPC8248CZQMIBA Overview
A PowerQUICC II processor is a specialized microprocessor that combines a general-purpose Power Architecture CPU core with dedicated communications hardware on the same die. In the system hierarchy, this places the MPC8248CZQMIBA between a general-purpose MPU/microcontroller and an ASSP/communications controller, serving as a high-integration building block for routers, switches, DSLAMs, and wireless base-station line cards. The integrated CPM offloads DMA, HDLC, ATM, Ethernet, and USB handling from the core, which is why PowerQUICC II parts remained dominant in networking OEMs for more than a decade.
Key features of the MPC8248CZQMIBA include the 32-bit PowerPC G2_LE core with MMU and separate instruction/data caches, the CPM supporting dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs via FCC/FEC, dual UTOPIA/PCI interfaces, USB 1.1, and I2C/SPI. Integrated security is provided by the SEC engine with DES/3DES/AES/SHA-1 accelerators plus a public-key accelerator. The 516-PBGA package offers ample pin budget for the parallel system bus, DDR memory controller, PCI, and dedicated communications I/O.
Architecturally, the device is implemented in a 0.13-micron (HiP7) CMOS process, which is the same process node used across the MPC8247/MPC8248/MPC8271/MPC8272 family members. The core runs at 266 MHz with the 60x bus operating at 133 MHz, and on-chip PLL generates the internal clocks from an external reference. The DDR memory controller supports PC2100/PC1600 SDRAM, while the local bus controller glues to Flash, EPROM, and other peripherals with up to eight chip selects.
Typical applications include small/medium enterprise routers, integrated access devices, DSLAM line cards, wireless base-station controllers, and industrial control with security. The SEC engine acceleration is the reason this part is specified where IPSec/SRTP processing is required at line rate. The 516-PBGA package requires multi-layer PCB design with controlled-impedance traces for the parallel bus.
When designing with this part, pay close attention to power sequencing (the VDD pins must come up in the correct order per the datasheet) and to the 60x bus termination. Because the part is at end of life per the NXP PCN, plan last-time-buy orders and validate second-source availability before committing to a new design.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, NXP PCN/EOL status, drop-in alternative candidates, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MPC8248CZQMIBA — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
MPC8248CZGMIA
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8248CZQMIBA-NXP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8247CZQMIBA
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →MPC8272VRMBA
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8248VRMIA
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8248CZQMIBA Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) |
| Series | PowerQUICC II |
| Family Member | MPC8248 |
| Core Architecture | PowerPC G2_LE (32-bit Power Architecture) |
| Core Frequency | 266 MHz |
| Bus Frequency | 133 MHz |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, MIBA grade) |
| Package | 516-PBGA (27x27 mm) |
| Process Technology | 0.13 micron (HiP7) CMOS |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Communications Module | CPM with FCC/FEC Ethernet, UTOPIA, PCI |
| Security Engine | SEC with DES/3DES/AES/SHA-1, public-key accelerator |
| Memory Controller | DDR SDRAM (PC2100/PC1600) |
MPC8248CZQMIBA 516-pbga (27x27 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MPC8248CZQMIBA (516-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 MPC8248CZQMIBA.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MPC8248CZQMIBA is suitable for 7 applications: Small/Medium Enterprise Routers, DSLAM Line Cards, Wireless Base Station Controllers, Integrated Access Devices / IAD, Industrial Networking / Serial Gateways, Network-Attached Storage / NAS Controllers, Secure VPN Appliances.
Small/Medium Enterprise Routers
The MPC8248CZQMIBA fits SME router designs because its 266 MHz PowerPC G2_LE core plus integrated dual 10/100 Ethernet MACs (via the CPM) handle routing-table lookup and packet forwarding at wire speed for T1/E1 and 100 Mbps uplinks. The integrated SEC engine accelerates IPSec 3DES/AES/SHA-1 at line rate, enabling VPN termination without an external crypto ASIC. Place the part on a 6-layer PCB with controlled-impedance 60x bus routing to DDR SDRAM and to the PHY/MAC magnetics.
Recommended
DSLAM Line Cards
The MPC8248CZQMIBA is specified in DSLAM line-card designs because the CPM supports UTOPIA-2 ATM interfaces to multi-channel DSL framer ASICs, offloading ATM segmentation and reassembly from the core. The 266 MHz core handles per-subscriber PPPoE/PPPoA termination while the SEC engine handles per-subscriber encryption. The 516-PBGA package fits behind a line-card cage with adequate thermal margin at the industrial -40C to +85C range.
Recommended
Wireless Base Station Controllers
The MPC8248CZQMIBA targets wireless base-station controller applications where the CPM HDLC channels handle Abis/Iub framing to BTS units and the SEC engine accelerates 3G/WiMax authentication ciphers. The 266 MHz core and 133 MHz bus provide enough headroom for call-control and signaling stacks (e.g., RANAP/RNSAP). Industrial temperature grade MIBA supports outdoor-cabinet deployment typical of micro/pico base stations.
Recommended
Integrated Access Devices / IAD
The MPC8248CZQMIBA is well matched to IAD designs that combine VoIP gateway, firewall/NAT, and 10/100 LAN switching in a single chassis. The integrated dual Ethernet, USB 1.1, and PCI host ports allow direct connection to PHY, codec, and WiFi companion chips without an external bridge. The SEC engine handles VoIP SRTP encryption; the CPM's TDM interfaces connect to SLIC/SLAC devices for FXS/FXO ports.
Recommended
Industrial Networking / Serial Gateways
The MPC8248CZQMIBA fits industrial serial-to-Ethernet gateway designs where the CPM HDLC/UART channels handle legacy serial fieldbus (Modbus, Profibus, DNP3) and the Ethernet MACs terminate IP traffic. Industrial -40C to +85C MIBA temperature grade supports factory-floor and outdoor cabinet deployment. The DDR memory controller supports the larger packet buffers required for protocol conversion; the local bus supports Flash and FRAM for non-volatile storage.
Recommended
Network-Attached Storage / NAS Controllers
The MPC8248CZQMIBA can serve as the system controller in entry-level NAS products where the CPM PCI/PCI-X connects to SATA or SAS HBAs and the Ethernet MACs serve 10/100 LAN clients. The DDR controller supports the RAM needed for filesystem caching, and the local bus glues to boot Flash and status displays. The SEC engine accelerates encrypted-volume access (LUKS/AES-256) at user-acceptable throughput for SOHO/small-business NAS.
Recommended
Secure VPN Appliances
The MPC8248CZQMIBA fits dedicated VPN appliance designs where SEC acceleration is the primary requirement - the hardware 3DES/AES/SHA-1 engine handles site-to-site IPSec tunnels at line rate on 100 Mbps uplinks. The 266 MHz core runs the appliance's management stack (web UI, RADIUS, syslog) without competing with crypto for cycles. Same 516-PBGA footprint as MPC8272 allows a single PCB layout to be reused across product tiers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPC8248CZQMIBA — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPC8248CZGMIA | MPC8248CZQMIBA-NXP | MPC8247CZQMIBA | MPC8272VRMBA | MPC8248VRMIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 516-PBGA (27x27) | 516-PBGA (27x27) - same | 516-PBGA (27x27) - same | 516-PBGA (27x27) - same | 516-PBGA (27x27) - same | 516-PBGA (27x27) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors (Rochester stocked) | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Frequency | 266 MHz | 400 MHz | 266 MHz | 266 MHz | 300 MHz | 300 MHz |
| Bus Frequency | 133 MHz | 133 MHz | 133 MHz | 133 MHz | 133 MHz | 133 MHz |
| Speed Grade | ZQ (266 MHz) | ZG (400 MHz) | ZQ (266 MHz) | ZQ (266 MHz) | VR (300 MHz) | VR (300 MHz) |
| Gigabit Ethernet FCC | No | No | No | No | Yes (3rd FCC GbE) | No |
| Security Engine (SEC) | Yes (DES/3DES/AES/SHA-1) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Process Technology | 0.13 um (HiP7) | 0.13 um (HiP7) | 0.13 um (HiP7) | 0.13 um (HiP7) | 0.13 um (HiP7) | 0.13 um (HiP7) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware security engine (SEC) (vs MPC8272VRMBA)
- Lower cost than higher speed bins (vs MPC8248CZGMIA)
- Pin-compatible with the entire MPC82xx line (vs MPC8247CZQMIBA)
- Long-standing industrial temperature grade (vs MPC8248CZQMIBA-NXP (Rochester stock))
Design Notes
The 516-PBGA package at 1.27 mm pitch requires a multi-layer PCB (6+ layers recommended) with microvia or dog-bone fanout. Route the 60x bus and DDR signals on inner stripline layers with controlled impedance (50 ohm single-ended, 100 ohm differential for DDR pairs). Place decoupling capacitors (0.1 uF X7R + 10 uF bulk) directly under the BGA within the via field. Maintain unbroken reference planes under the 60x bus to control characteristic impedance and minimize crosstalk.
Power sequencing per the NXP datasheet is mandatory - VDD core, VDD PLL, and VDD I/O must come up in the specified order with monotonic edges to prevent latchup. Use a multi-rail supervisor (e.g., TPS3823) to enforce sequencing. Estimated: at 266 MHz core and typical 1.5V/1.8V/2.5V/3.3V rail loads, the part draws approximately 2-3 W; design the thermal management for a 4-layer PCB with a copper flood under the BGA to keep junction temperature within the 85C industrial limit.
The 60x bus runs at 133 MHz with both source-synchronous and DDR memory interface, so signal integrity analysis is required. Estimated: trace length matching within +/- 25 mil for the address/command group and +/- 50 mil for the data strobes. Use IBIS simulation (NXP publishes IBIS models for the MPC8248 family) to validate setup/hold margin at the DDR SDRAM and to verify the 60x bus timing at 133 MHz over PVT corners.
Estimated: at ambient 70C in a sealed enclosure with no airflow, the 516-PBGA junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA) for a 4-layer PCB is approximately 15-18 C/W. With ~2.5 W dissipation this yields a 38-45C rise, putting junction at 108-115C - above the 85C industrial limit. Mitigation: add bottom-side thermal vias in the BGA pattern to a flooded copper plane, or specify the MPC8248CZGMIA 400 MHz mask set which is process-revised for cooler operation.
Do not skip the JTAG/BDM header on the production PCB - the PowerQUICC II requires COP or JTAG access for hardware bring-up and field debug. Do not omit the external reset supervisor; the internal POR is not sufficient for all brown-out conditions. Do not reuse the MPC8260/MPC8250 BSDL files; the MPC8248 has a different JTAG chain. Finally, when migrating from prototype to production, verify the DDR SDRAM timing configuration against your specific DIMM vendor's data sheet - the MPC8248 DDR controller parameters are not universal.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance for MPC8248CZQMIBA not explicitly confirmed in verified web data; lead-free is the standard NXP build but verify with the C of C from your distributor. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for this communications processor (not an automotive-grade part).