MPC8308CZQAGD - PowerQUICC II Pro 400MHz SoC | NXP MAP-BGA
MPN: MPC8308CZQAGD ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.45 | $32.45 |
| 10 | $28.7 | $287.00 |
| 100 | $23.95 | $2,395.00 |
| 250 | $20.4 | $5,100.00 |
| 500 | $18.1 | $9,050.00 |
MPC8308CZQAGD Overview
The category of this device is a communications processor SoC, which sits hierarchically under microprocessors (MPU) -> embedded processors -> SoC -> power management / communications IC. The QUICC Engine is NXP's legacy technology that evolved into the DPAA/QorIQ families; it remains in production for cost-sensitive industrial designs where proven firmware stacks are valued over bleeding-edge throughput. System designers choose this category when they need deterministic protocol handling without taxing the host CPU.
Key features include a single 32-bit e300c3 core at 400 MHz, 16 KB I-cache and 16 KB D-cache, integrated DDR1/DDR2 memory controller, dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet MACs with GMII/RGMII support, USB 2.0 high-speed host/device/OTG controller, and PCI Express endpoint interface. The device operates from 1.0 V core / 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V I/O supplies and integrates 256 KB of SRAM. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +105C) is supported, with lead-free 473-MAPBGA packaging.
Architecture-wise, the e300c3 core executes the Power Architecture Book E instruction set, supporting virtualization, MMU, and standard peripheral interfaces. The QUICC Engine operates as a separate RISC subsystem handling HDLC, ATM, and Ethernet MAC-level processing. The combination of host CPU plus dedicated comms engine delivers deterministic throughput for routing and bridging protocols.
Typical applications include smart grid home energy gateways, data concentrators, industrial wireless LAN access points, and wireless routers. The wide protocol support also makes it suitable for low-end router aggregation, IP-PBX control plane processors, and serial-to-Ethernet protocol converters. The 400 MHz variant balances CPU performance against active power consumption.
When designing with this SoC, ensure the DDR2 memory layout follows the reference design guidelines for impedance-controlled traces, and that thermal relief is provided on the BGA substrate for sustained 400 MHz operation. Firmware must initialize the QUICC Engine microcode tables before comms port activation. This page consolidates distributor pricing, pin-compatible MPC8308 family members, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MPC8308CZQAGD — 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 MPC8308CZQAGD (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Manufacturer, Memory Controller, Operating Temperature Range, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPC8308CZQAFE
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MPC8308CZQADD
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MPC8308CZQAFDA
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MPC8308CZQAGDA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$25.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPC8308CVMAGDA
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MPC8308VMAGDA
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MPC8308CZQAGD Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) |
| Product Family | PowerQUICC II Pro (MPC8308) |
| Core Architecture | Power Architecture e300c3 |
| Core Count | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 400 MHz |
| L1 Instruction Cache | 16 KB |
| L1 Data Cache | 16 KB |
| Integrated SRAM | 256 KB |
| Memory Controller | DDR1/DDR2 |
| Ethernet MACs | 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps (GMII/RGMII) |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 High-Speed Host/Device/OTG |
| PCI Express | 1x PCIe endpoint |
| Communications Engine | QUICC Engine |
| Package | 473-ball MAP-BGA (19x19) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +105C (Industrial) |
| Core Voltage | 1.0 V |
| I/O Voltages | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Process Technology | 0.09 um |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging Type | Tray |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free) |
MPC8308CZQAGD Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | VDD — Core supply (1.0 V) |
| Pin A8 | GND — Common ground reference |
| Pin B4 | DDR_CLK — DDR2 differential clock positive |
| Pin B11 | DDR_CLK_N — DDR2 differential clock negative |
| Pin C2 | DDR_A0 — DDR2 address line 0 |
| Pin C13 | DDR_A14 — DDR2 address line 14 |
| Pin D5 | DDR_DQ0 — DDR2 data line 0 |
| Pin D10 | DDR_DQ31 — DDR2 data line 31 |
| Pin E3 | DDR_DQS — DDR2 data strobe |
| Pin E14 | DDR_DQS_N — DDR2 data strobe complement |
| Pin F7 | TSEC1_TXD0 — Gigabit Ethernet MAC1 transmit data 0 |
| Pin F12 | TSEC1_RXD0 — Gigabit Ethernet MAC1 receive data 0 |
| Pin G1 | TSEC2_TXD0 — Gigabit Ethernet MAC2 transmit data 0 |
| Pin G16 | TSEC2_RXD0 — Gigabit Ethernet MAC2 receive data 0 |
| Pin H8 | USB1_DP — USB 2.0 data plus |
| Pin H13 | USB1_DM — USB 2.0 data minus |
| Pin J5 | PCIe_REFCLK_P — PCI Express reference clock positive |
| Pin J11 | PCIe_REFCLK_N — PCI Express reference clock negative |
| Pin K9 | JTAG_TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin K14 | JTAG_TMS — JTAG test mode select |
Typical Applications
MPC8308CZQAGD is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Grid Home Energy Gateway, Industrial Data Concentrator, Wireless LAN Access Point, Low-End Router Aggregation, Serial-to-Ethernet Protocol Converter, IP-PBX Control Plane Processor.
Smart Grid Home Energy Gateway
The MPC8308CZQAGD's 400 MHz e300c3 core and QUICC Engine HDLC acceleration fit smart-grid home energy gateways that aggregate PLC, RF mesh, and Ethernet traffic. The two integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet MACs handle WAN and LAN ports while the QUICC Engine offloads protocol termination for DLMS/COSEM and IEC 61850 traffic. Industrial -40C to +105C temperature support enables deployment in outdoor enclosures near meter-bus infrastructure. According to NXP MPC8308 application notes, the DDR2 controller with ECC prevents silent data corruption in long-lived residential metering installations.
Recommended
Industrial Data Concentrator
The MPC8308CZQAGD acts as a data concentrator aggregating Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, and proprietary serial protocols from field devices over Ethernet backhaul. Its two gigabit MACs enable redundant ring or star network topologies common in SCADA deployments. The 473-MAPBGA package with industrial temperature rating (-40C to +105C) supports substation-class environments. The QUICC Engine offloads HDLC framing from serial concentrator ports, allowing the e300c3 host core to run application-layer logic. NXP's MPC8308 reference designs include dual Ethernet and multi-serial port daughter cards.
Recommended
Wireless LAN Access Point
The MPC8308CZQAGD powers 802.11n/g wireless access points by handling bridging between the WLAN controller and wired Ethernet ports. Its PCIe endpoint connects to a Wi-Fi companion chip while the dual Gigabit MACs manage wired uplinks and downstream switches. The 400 MHz core runs the access-point management plane (CAPWAP, RADIUS) and QUICC Engine accelerates PPPoE or VLAN traffic. NXP's Smart Network Developer's Toolbox provides reference AP firmware. Industrial temperature grade enables outdoor mesh node deployments.
Recommended
Low-End Router Aggregation
The MPC8308CZQAGD fits small-business or branch-office routers where deterministic WAN protocol handling is more important than peak throughput. Its QUICC Engine handles PPP, Frame Relay, and HDLC termination over serial WAN interfaces while the host core runs the Linux networking stack. The two Gigabit MACs provide LAN/WAN segmentation and the DDR2 controller supports adequate packet buffering. Verified Web Data identifies it as a fit for legacy DSLAM, cable modem termination, and leased-line router replacements.
Recommended
Serial-to-Ethernet Protocol Converter
The MPC8308CZQAGD operates as a multi-port serial-to-Ethernet gateway, converting RS-232/RS-485 field-bus traffic to TCP/UDP streams. Its QUICC Engine accelerates UART and HDLC protocols while the e300c3 host manages the Ethernet TCP/IP stack. Industrial temperature rating suits factory-floor deployments. Multiple UART channels available via the QUICC Engine's UCC subsystem make it ideal for substation RTU gateways and building automation controllers per NXP application note AN3660.
Recommended
IP-PBX Control Plane Processor
The MPC8308CZQAGD serves as a control-plane processor in small IP-PBX systems, managing SIP/H.323 signaling while leaving media processing to dedicated DSP or hardware engines. Its 400 MHz e300c3 runs a Linux control stack with full TCP/IP offload via the QUICC Engine for PRI/BRI interfaces. The dual Gigabit Ethernet ports handle signaling and management VLANs separately. Industrial temperature range supports telecom closet installations where AC is not guaranteed.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPC8308CZQAGD — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPC8308CZQAFE | MPC8308CZQADD | MPC8308CZQAFDA | MPC8308CZQAGDA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 473-ball MAP-BGA (19x19) | 473-ball MAP-BGA (19x19) - same | 473-ball MAP-BGA (19x19) - same | 473-ball MAP-BGA (19x19) - same | 473-ball MAP-BGA (19x19) - same |
| CPU Frequency | 400 MHz | 400 MHz | 533 MHz | 533 MHz | 400 MHz |
| Crypto Engine | None (basic QUICC Engine only) | SEC 3.0 (AES/DES/SHA) | None | SEC 3.0 (AES/DES/SHA) | None |
| Ethernet MACs | 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps | 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps | 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps | 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps | 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (Industrial) | -40C to +105C (Industrial) | -40C to +105C (Industrial) | -40C to +105C (Industrial) | -40C to +105C (Industrial) |
| L1 Cache (I/D) | 16 KB / 16 KB | 16 KB / 16 KB | 16 KB / 16 KB | 16 KB / 16 KB | 16 KB / 16 KB |
| USB Controller | USB 2.0 HS Host/Device/OTG | USB 2.0 HS Host/Device/OTG | USB 2.0 HS Host/Device/OTG | USB 2.0 HS Host/Device/OTG | USB 2.0 HS Host/Device/OTG |
| Integrated SRAM | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| PCI Express | 1x PCIe endpoint | 1x PCIe endpoint | 1x PCIe endpoint | 1x PCIe endpoint | 1x PCIe endpoint |
Key Differentiators
- QUICC Engine hardware protocol offload (vs MPC8308CZQAGDA)
- Optional integrated SEC 3.0 crypto engine in family (vs MPC8308CZQAFE / MPC8308CZQAFDA)
- 533 MHz upgrade path within same package (vs MPC8308CZQADD / MPC8308CZQAFDA)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 1.0 V core and 400 MHz with full peripheral activity, the MPC8308CZQAGD draws approximately 1.0-1.2 A core current, dissipating about 1.0-1.2 W in the core. The 473-MAPBGA package requires a 4-layer PCB with stitched ground vias beneath the BGA thermal pad. Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance depends heavily on PCB copper coverage; design for at least 6 thermal vias under the center ball array to maintain industrial -40C to +105C operation.
Follow NXP AN3361 PCB layout guidelines for impedance-controlled DDR2 traces. The DDR2 controller requires matched-length routing within 50 mil tolerance for clock, address, and data groups. Place VTT termination resistors within 200 mil of the DDR2 memory device. The PCIe reference clock pair requires 100 ohm differential impedance with length matching to within 5 mil. Decoupling: place 0.1 uF X7R capacitors every 5 BGA balls along outer rows and 4.7 uF bulk caps near each power rail entry point.
The QUICC Engine microcode must be loaded into its instruction RAM during boot, otherwise UCC channels will silently fail to initialize. Use the latest microcode release from NXP's website - older microcode versions have known bugs in HDLC and ATM drivers. Do not exceed the 1.0 V core supply tolerance of +/-5%; the MPC8308CZQAGD does not tolerate 1.2 V that some MPC8313 designs use. Ensure JTAG TCK is pulled low during reset to prevent boundary-scan interference with normal boot.
Recommended power sequencing per AN3538: bring up 3.3 V I/O first, then 2.5 V and 1.8 V, then finally 1.0 V core. Hold HRESET asserted until all rails are stable and the 100 kHz POR completes (minimum 100 us after last rail). Use a common reset supervisor (e.g., TPS3808G33) for the 3.3 V and 1.0 V rails. The DDR2 reference voltage VTT must track VDDQ/2 within +/-2% - use a dedicated VTT regulator like TPS51200.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant lead-free per NXP product page. Industrial temperature grade per 'C' suffix in part number. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a communications processor not an automotive-grade MCU.
