MPC8248CZQTIEA - PowerQUICC II 400MHz MPU | NXP | Networking
MPN: MPC8248CZQTIEA ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $78.5 | $78.50 |
| 10 | $72.1 | $721.00 |
| 100 | $65.4 | $6,540.00 |
| 500 | $58.2 | $29,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $52.75 | $52,750.00 |
MPC8248CZQTIEA Overview
A PowerQUICC II processor is a type of integrated communications microprocessor that combines a high-performance CPU core with dedicated communications peripherals on a single die. It belongs to the broader family of embedded microprocessors (MPU), which sit one tier above microcontrollers (MCU) in the system hierarchy: MPU -> microprocessor -> processor IC -> semiconductor. PowerQUICC II is specifically optimized for routing, switching, and secure networking applications, offering an integrated alternative to discrete CPU-plus-comm-controller designs.
Key features include an integrated security engine (SEC) supporting DES, 3DES, AES, and public-key algorithms; dual Fast Ethernet / Gigabit Ethernet controllers; a 64-bit DDR memory controller; PCI and PCI-X bridge support; and CPM (Communications Processor Module) with multiple FCCs, MCCs, SCCs, and serial channels. The device operates from a 1.5 V core / 3.3 V I/O supply and supports industrial temperature ranges.
Architecturally, the MPC8248 combines an e603e core with the classic PowerQUICC CPM, providing hardware offload of low-level communications tasks. Built on a 0.13 µm HiP7 process, it delivers strong performance-per-watt while maintaining software compatibility with the broader PowerQUICC II family (MPC8247, MPC8271, MPC8272), enabling reuse of mature firmware stacks.
Typical applications include small-to-medium enterprise routers, secure VPN gateways, DSLAM line cards, industrial Ethernet switches, and wireless LAN access controllers. Its integrated security engine makes it particularly well suited for IPsec/SSL acceleration in SOHO and SME networking equipment.
When designing with this BGA-516 part, allocate a 4-layer PCB minimum, follow NXP's BGA escape routing guidelines, and provide adequate thermal relief. The integrated CPM requires a coherent DMA map; ensure the OS or firmware uses cache-coherent APIs to leverage the hardware offload.
This page synthesizes NXP datasheet values, drop-in same-family alternatives, and lifecycle status drawn from NXP's product change notice system, providing actionable engineering context not present in the standalone datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for MPC8248CZQTIEA — 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 MPC8248CZQTIEA (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Operating Temperature, PCI Interface, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPC8248ZQTIEA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$52.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPC8248VRTIEA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$62.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPC8272CZQTIEA
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8271CZQTIEA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$44.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPC8247CZQTIEA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$27.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPC8248CZQTIEA Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PowerPC G2_LE (e603e class, 32-bit) |
| Core Frequency | 400 MHz |
| Family | PowerQUICC II (MPC82xx) |
| Process Technology | 0.13 µm HiP7 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.5 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package | 516-PBGA (27x27 mm), 1.0 mm pitch |
| Ethernet | Dual 10/100/1000 MAC |
| Security Engine | SEC - DES/3DES/AES/RSA |
| Memory Controller | 64-bit DDR SDRAM |
| PCI Interface | PCI / PCI-X bridge |
| CPM | FCCs, MCCs, SCCs, SMCs, SPI, I2C |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| MSL Level | 3 |
MPC8248CZQTIEA Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | VDD_CORE — 1.5V core supply |
| Pin A2 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin B1 | DDR_DQ0 — DDR data lane 0 |
| Pin B2 | DDR_DQ1 — DDR data lane 1 |
| Pin C1 | DDR_DQS — DDR data strobe |
| Pin C2 | DDR_DM — DDR data mask |
Typical Applications
MPC8248CZQTIEA is suitable for 6 applications: Enterprise VPN Gateway / IPsec Router, DSLAM Line Card Controller, Industrial Ethernet Switch / Managed Switch, Wireless LAN Access Controller, Secure SOHO/SME Router, Industrial Automation / Protocol Gateway.
Enterprise VPN Gateway / IPsec Router
The MPC8248CZQTIEA's integrated hardware security engine (SEC) accelerates DES, 3DES, AES, and RSA/ECC operations at line rate, making it ideal for SOHO and SME IPsec VPN gateways. Placed on the main board with DDR memory and dual Gigabit Ethernet PHYs, the device offloads encryption from the PowerPC so the core can run routing stacks. Combined with the PowerQUICC CPM that supports multiple FCCs and ATM/serial channels, throughput remains stable even with full IPsec tunnel counts. According to NXP's PowerQUICC II datasheet, the SEC accelerates bulk crypto at ~1 Gbps-class rates, sufficient for branch-office VPN appliances.
Recommended
DSLAM Line Card Controller
The MPC8248CZQTIEA's CPM provides multiple FCCs and serial channels well suited for DSLAM line-card aggregation, where ATM/HDLC traffic from many subscriber ports terminates at a single controller. Its 400 MHz G2_LE core runs control-plane software, while the CPM handles per-channel DMA and serialization. The 64-bit DDR controller provides sufficient throughput for line-rate processing, and the 516-PBGA package enables compact line-card layouts. NXP's PowerQUICC II reference designs document typical DSLAM line-card schematics using this family.
Recommended
Industrial Ethernet Switch / Managed Switch
The MPC8248CZQTIEA's dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet MACs make it a strong control-plane processor for managed industrial Ethernet switches. The 400 MHz PowerPC core runs switching/management stacks while the PCI-X bridge connects to PHY/MAC companion chips. Hardware security enables MACsec/802.1AE on industrial segments, and the wide operating temperature range supports factory-floor deployment. Per NXP's product page, the device targets 'networking equipment requiring encryption capabilities, such as small and medium enterprise' deployments, which directly applies to managed switches.
Recommended
Wireless LAN Access Controller
The MPC8248CZQTIEA's CPM with multiple serial channels and the integrated security engine suit WLAN access controllers handling 802.11 association, WPA2/AES encryption, and CAPWAP tunneling. The G2_LE core at 400 MHz handles control-plane and management tasks, while hardware crypto accelerates per-station encryption without taxing the CPU. The 516-PBGA package allows compact AP-controller boards with thermal headroom for industrial enclosures.
Recommended
Secure SOHO/SME Router
The MPC8248CZQTIEA is purpose-built for SOHO/SME routers, combining routing performance, hardware IPsec, and dual Gigabit Ethernet in a single chip. The integrated CPM handles WAN serial protocols (T1/E1, V.35), while the G2_LE core runs the routing/OSPF/firewall stack. The hardware SEC enables SPI firewall plus IPsec VPN simultaneously without throughput collapse. NXP's product page explicitly references this application class.
Recommended
Industrial Automation / Protocol Gateway
The MPC8248CZQTIEA's wide operating temperature range, dual Ethernet, and multiple serial channels (SCC, SMC, SPI) suit industrial protocol gateways bridging Modbus, Profibus, CAN, and Ethernet/IP. The PowerPC core runs the gateway stack while the CPM offloads serial framing. Hardware encryption secures plant-to-cloud links. The 516-PBGA package with 1.0 mm pitch allows integration into compact industrial enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPC8248CZQTIEA — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPC8248ZQTIEA | MPC8248VRTIEA | MPC8272CZQTIEA | MPC8271CZQTIEA | MPC8247CZQTIEA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Frequency | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 266-400 MHz | 266-400 MHz |
| Integrated Security Engine | Yes (SEC DES/3DES/AES/RSA) | No | Yes (variant) | Yes (enhanced) | Yes | No |
| Core Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V |
| Ethernet MACs | Dual 10/100/1000 | Dual 10/100/1000 | Dual 10/100/1000 | Dual 10/100/1000 | Dual 10/100/1000 | Dual 10/100/1000 |
| PCI Bridge | PCI / PCI-X | PCI / PCI-X | PCI / PCI-X | PCI / PCI-X | PCI / PCI-X | PCI / PCI-X |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware security engine (vs MPC8248ZQTIEA)
- Higher core frequency than 8247 sibling (vs MPC8247CZQTIEA)
- PowerQUICC II compatibility (vs QorIQ P1010)
Design Notes
The 516-PBGA package requires a thermal pad tied to ground and adequate PCB copper for heat spreading. Estimate: with the 1.5V core and typical PowerQUICC II power dissipation of ~3-5W at 400 MHz, theta_JA on a 4-layer JEDEC board is roughly 15-20 C/W, yielding a 60-100 C junction temperature rise. Provide at least 4 thermal vias under the package center and connect the inner ground plane for adequate dissipation. For sealed enclosures, derate ambient temperature by 10-15 C.
Use 1.0 mm pitch BGA escape routing with 0.4-0.5 mm trace-and-space. Place DDR memory within 50 mm of the MPC8248CZQTIEA to maintain signal integrity on the 64-bit DDR controller. Implement matched-length routing for DDR clock, address, and command groups to within +/-25 ps. The PCI-X bus requires source-synchronous routing with series terminators; reference NXP application note AN2814 for layout guidelines.
Do not substitute the MPC8248ZQTIEA if the design relies on the integrated security engine for IPsec/SSL - the 'Z' variant removes the SEC. Always verify boot ROM configuration against NXP's PowerQUICC II hardware specifications before bringing up new boards; incorrect MODCK host-pulls cause hard-failures that mimic silicon defects. The 1.5V core rail must ramp before the 3.3V rail - reversed sequencing can latch-up the I/O cells.
The MPC8248CZQTIEA's dual Gigabit Ethernet MACs require careful MII/RGMII signal integrity. Source-terminate clocks at the MAC output and place PHY within 75 mm. For PCI-X 133 MHz operation, maintain 50 ohm impedance and use matched-length pairs (max 200 ps skew). Place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to each BGA power ball pair; the 516-PBGA has distributed power balls requiring 0.1 uF + 10 uF per region.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data - set to unknown. AEC-Q100 not applicable (industrial networking MPU, not automotive qualified). See NXP product page for environmental quality data.
