MPC8540VT833LC - PowerPC e500 MPU, 833 MHz | NXP
MPN: MPC8540VT833LC ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $285 | $285.00 |
| 10 | $255 | $2,550.00 |
| 100 | $215 | $21,500.00 |
| 500 | $178 | $89,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $152 | $152,000.00 |
MPC8540VT833LC Overview
An integrated host processor (often called an MPU, or microprocessor unit) combines a CPU core with system logic on a single die. In the broader taxonomy, the MPC8540 sits at: MPU -> embedded processor -> microprocessor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The PowerQUICC III line targets networking, telecommunications, and wireless infrastructure equipment where deterministic packet processing and tight CPU-to-I/O coupling matter more than raw application-processor performance.
Key features include an 833 MHz core frequency, on-chip L1 caches with 32 KB instruction and 32 KB data, dual 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet MACs with integrated serializer/deserializer (SerDes), RapidIO messaging and DMA support, a DDR memory controller, local bus controller with 32-bit data, and PCI/PCI-X bridge capability. The 783-FCBGA (29x29) package provides the high pin density required for the parallel DDR and multiple serial I/O lanes.
Architecturally, the device pairs the e500 Book-E core with a system-on-chip peripheral complex. The on-die SerDes blocks eliminate external PHYs for Ethernet and RapidIO, reducing board area. Power management is handled through static and dynamic clock gating, while a hardware MMU provides virtual-memory support for embedded operating systems such as VxWorks, Linux, and QNX.
Typical applications include enterprise routers and switches, wireless base stations (3G/4G Node B), network-attached storage controllers, industrial control gateways, and line cards for multi-service switching platforms. The combination of dual Gigabit Ethernet and RapidIO makes it especially well suited to backplane fabrics where deterministic latency is critical.
When designing with this part, allow generous break-out routing under the 29 mm FCBGA and follow NXP's reference board layout for DDR signal length matching. Use the JTAG boundary-scan chain for production test and consider a heat-spreader or top-side airflow because the part can dissipate several watts in full-throughput networking workloads.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey and Mouser, member-of-family variants from the MPC85xx product line, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet cover page.
Drop-in alternatives for MPC8540VT833LC — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPC8540EVT833LC
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8540VT667LC
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8540VT800LC
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8540VTAJDLC
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8548EVTAQHD
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8540VT833LC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PowerPC e500 (Book-E) |
| Processor Family | MPC85xx PowerQUICC III |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 833 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.13 um CMOS |
| Core Voltage | 1.2 V |
| I/O Voltage | 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| L1 Instruction Cache | 32 KB |
| L1 Data Cache | 32 KB |
| Ethernet | 2 x 10/100/1000 Mbps MAC with SerDes |
| Interconnect | RapidIO |
| Memory Controller | DDR SDRAM |
| Local Bus | 32-bit, 66 MHz |
| PCI / PCI-X | Yes |
| Package | 783-FCPBGA (29 mm x 29 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Voltage (Operating) | 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
MPC8540VT833LC 783-fcpbga (29 mm x 29 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MPC8540VT833LC (783-fcpbga (29 mm x 29 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 MPC8540VT833LC.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MPC8540VT833LC is suitable for 6 applications: Enterprise Routers and Switches, 3G / 4G Base Station Node B Controllers, Network-Attached Storage (NAS) Controllers, Industrial Control Gateways, Telecom Line Cards for Multi-Service Switching, Embedded Networking Development Platforms.
Enterprise Routers and Switches
The MPC8540VT833LC's dual integrated Gigabit Ethernet MACs with SerDes make it an ideal control-plane processor for enterprise routers and L2/L3 switches. At 833 MHz the e500 core can sustain forwarding-table updates and routing-protocol housekeeping (OSPF, BGP, MPLS) while the on-chip DMA engines move packets between Ethernet ports, memory, and the CPU with low jitter. Placing the device at the heart of the line card simplifies PCB routing because no external Gigabit PHY is needed, and its -40 C to 85 C industrial temperature support lets it ride directly on a chassis backplane without active thermal management beyond airflow.
Recommended
3G / 4G Base Station Node B Controllers
In wireless base stations the MPC8540VT833LC serves as the Node B MAC-layer controller, where deterministic packet handling and timing are essential. The e500 core's deterministic interrupt response and the chip's RapidIO link provide a clean interface to DSP arrays for physical-layer processing, while dual Gigabit Ethernet carries backhaul traffic to the RNC. Power dissipation in the 5-8 W range at full throughput matches the thermal budget of typical convection-cooled rack units, and the 783-FCPBGA package fits comfortably on compact baseband cards.
Recommended
Network-Attached Storage (NAS) Controllers
Network-Attached Storage appliances benefit from the MPC8540VT833LC's combination of Gigabit Ethernet throughput and a high-bandwidth local bus for attaching SATA or SCSI controllers. The 32-bit local bus at 66 MHz can be paired with a discrete SATA multiplier to deliver multi-disk RAID volumes, while the DDR memory controller supplies up to a few hundred megabytes of cache memory for read-ahead and write coalescing. Running Linux or VxWorks NAS firmware on the e500 core is well-supported by NXP's reference BSPs and open-source U-Boot bootloaders.
Recommended
Industrial Control Gateways
Industrial protocol gateways translating Modbus, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and legacy field-bus traffic rely on the MPC8540VT833LC's deterministic dual-Ethernet and PCI-X interfaces. The hardware MMU protects real-time OS memory spaces, and the integrated RapidIO link can be repurposed for high-speed peer-to-peer coupling between multiple gateways on a DIN-rail backplane. The industrial temperature range and the legacy PCI/PCI-X bus support let designers retain existing I/O cards during technology refresh, saving engineering cost.
Recommended
Telecom Line Cards for Multi-Service Switching
Multi-service switching platforms use the MPC8540VT833LC on TDM / packet line cards where voice, video, and data converge. The chip's RapidIO interface provides a low-latency fabric to the switch-fabric ASIC, while the PCI-X bridge carries hot-plug signalling and per-card management traffic. Hardware cryptography acceleration and the e500 MMU enable secure multi-tenant partitioning - critical for carrier-grade equipment where SLA guarantees depend on isolation between customer contexts.
Recommended
Embedded Networking Development Platforms
Development boards for evaluating PowerQUICC III designs almost always centre on the MPC8540VT833LC. Reference designs from NXP expose DDR SODIMM sockets, Gigabit Ethernet PHYs, RapidIO headers, and JTAG debug, allowing software teams to validate VxWorks / Linux BSPs and hardware teams to verify signal-integrity budgets. For universities and design labs the MPC8540VT833LC offers the same architectural targets as production designs, simplifying code portability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPC8540VT833LC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPC8540EVT833LC | MPC8540VT667LC | MPC8540VT800LC | MPC8548EVTAQHD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 783-FCPBGA (29x29) | 783-FCPBGA (29x29) - same | 783-FCPBGA (29x29) - same | 783-FCPBGA (29x29) - same | 783-FCBGA family |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Frequency | 833 MHz | 833 MHz | 667 MHz (-20%) | 800 MHz (-4%) | Higher than 833 MHz |
| Core Architecture | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 (enhanced) |
| Gigabit Ethernet Ports | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 + additional SerDes |
| RapidIO | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (wider lanes) |
| DDR Memory Controller | Yes (DDR1) | Yes (DDR1) | Yes (DDR1) | Yes (DDR1) | Yes (DDR2) |
| PCI / PCI-X | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (PCIe + PCI-X) |
| Process Technology | 0.13 um CMOS | 0.13 um CMOS | 0.13 um CMOS | 0.13 um CMOS | 90 nm CMOS |
Key Differentiators
- On-die RapidIO plus dual Gigabit Ethernet SerDes eliminates external PHYs (vs MPC8548EVTAQHD)
- Highest-grade 833 MHz speed grade within the 783-FCBGA family (vs MPC8540VT667LC)
- Established ecosystem with mature Linux and VxWorks BSPs (vs Newer multi-core QorIQ parts)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 833 MHz core frequency and full RapidIO + dual-Ethernet throughput, the MPC8540VT833LC dissipates approximately 5-8 W (input values: VDD_core = 1.2 V, I_core ~ 2-3 A, plus I/O). The 783-FCBGA package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance that makes passive heatsink-only cooling marginal in still air; provide at least 200 LFM airflow or a top-mounted heat spreader that touches the package lid for reliable operation.
Route the DDR address/command signals in a matched-length topology within +/- 25 mils per the NXP MPC8540 hardware specifications manual. Place VTT termination resistors at the far end of every DDR data byte lane. The 783-FCBGA's 1 mm pitch demands microvia or stacked-via PCB technology - use a minimum 6-layer stack-up with dedicated ground planes adjacent to signal layers to control crosstalk on the RapidIO and Ethernet SerDes lanes.
The integrated SerDes blocks (Gigabit Ethernet and RapidIO) require a clean reference clock with sub-100 ppm jitter. Use a dedicated low-jitter oscillator rather than deriving SerDes clocks from the local bus PLL; on-chip calibration cannot compensate for noisy references. For long backplane traces, add AC-coupling capacitors at the SerDes pads as shown in the NXP reference design.
Estimated: power sequencing for the MPC8540VT833LC requires core (1.2 V) before I/O (2.5 V / 3.3 V) with a maximum delta of 100 ms - violating this can cause permanent latch-up. Input values: typical core-rising slew rate 1 V/ms, I/O-rising after core reaches 0.8 V. Use a supervisor IC such as the NUP4201 or equivalent to enforce sequence; do not rely on RC delays alone. Also confirm the silicon revision letter (V vs E prefix) before locking firmware around on-chip errata.
Compliance Information
RoHS / lead-free status not explicitly returned in the verified web data for the VT833LC suffix variant - earlier PowerQUICC III revisions were non-RoHS and later revisions introduced Pb-free (PbFr) options. Designers must verify against the specific NXP product change notice for their date code before placing production orders. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for this networking MPU.