MPC8548EPXAVHB - PowerPC e500 MPU 1.5GHz 783-FCBGA | NXP
MPN: MPC8548EPXAVHB ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $165 | $165.00 |
| 10 | $158 | $1,580.00 |
| 100 | $149 | $14,900.00 |
| 250 | $142 | $35,500.00 |
| 500 | $135 | $67,500.00 |
MPC8548EPXAVHB Overview
A microprocessor (MPU) is the central processing unit of an embedded computing system, integrating one or more processor cores, caches, memory controllers, and I/O peripherals on a single die. The MPC8548E belongs to the broader taxonomy: microcontroller/microprocessor -> embedded processor -> SoC (system-on-chip) -> Power Architecture family -> PowerQUICC III product line. This high level of integration makes MPUs like the MPC8548E suitable as the host processor for network routers, base stations, industrial controllers, and storage systems.
Key features include a single e500 core running up to 1.5 GHz, integrated L1 caches (32 KB instruction + 32 KB data), a 256 KB L2 cache, hardware encryption acceleration (SEC 3.0), three Gigabit Ethernet controllers (eTSEC), a DDR1/DDR2 memory controller, local bus (LBC) and PCI Express interfaces. The 783-FCBGA package provides the high-density interconnect required to expose this rich peripheral set while remaining within a 29x29 mm footprint suitable for leaded SMT reflow.
The MPC8548E's architecture pairs the e500 superscalar core with a high-bandwidth coherence fabric that feeds dedicated engines for packet parsing, queue management, and cryptography. This partitioning allows deterministic throughput on networking workloads while the e500 handles control-plane and exception processing - a configuration found in mid-range wired and wireless infrastructure equipment.
Typical applications include enterprise routing and switching, network-attached storage (NAS), industrial control and automation, LTE/WiMAX base stations, and security appliances. The integrated SEC 3.0 engine accelerates IPsec, SSL/TLS, and 802.1ae MACsec without burdening the main core.
When designing with this device, allocate thermal dissipation on the PCB because a 1.5 GHz e500 can dissipate 10 W or more under typical networking workloads; a multi-layer board with thermal vias under the FCBGA is recommended. Reference the NXP hardware specification document for layout, boot ROM, and JTAG requirements.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, application focus, and same-family NXP alternatives - comparisons that are not collected in a single place in the original datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MPC8548EPXAVHB — 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 MPC8548EPXAVHB (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Ethernet Controllers, Family, Local Bus, Maximum Core Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPC8548EVTAVHB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8548EPXAVHC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8548VTAVHB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$165 / Unit
View Datasheet →MPC8548EPXAVHB Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PowerPC e500 |
| Family | PowerQUICC III (MPC85xx) |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 1.5 GHz |
| L1 Cache (Instruction) | 32 KB |
| L1 Cache (Data) | 32 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB (unified) |
| Ethernet Controllers | 3x Gigabit (eTSEC) |
| Cryptographic Engine | SEC 3.0 (IPsec/SSL/MACsec) |
| Memory Controller | DDR1/DDR2 (up to 333 MHz data rate) |
| Local Bus | Yes (8/16-bit, up to 133 MHz) |
| PCI Express | Yes (x1/x2/x4) |
| Package | 783-FCBGA (29x29 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Junction Temperature | 0C to +105C |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 1.0 V nominal |
MPC8548EPXAVHB 783-fcbga (29x29 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MPC8548EPXAVHB (783-fcbga (29x29 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 MPC8548EPXAVHB.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MPC8548EPXAVHB is suitable for 6 applications: Enterprise Routing and Switching, Network-Attached Storage (NAS) Controllers, LTE and WiMAX Base Station Controllers, Industrial Control and Automation, Security Appliances (Firewall / VPN / UTM), Print and Imaging Controllers.
Enterprise Routing and Switching
The MPC8548EPXAVHB is purpose-built for mid-range enterprise routers and Layer-2/3 switches. The e500 core running at 1.5 GHz with 256 KB L2 cache provides the control-plane horsepower needed for routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, RIP), while three integrated eTSEC Gigabit Ethernet controllers serve as data-plane MACs with hardware QoS queues. Hardware acceleration of IPsec, SSL, and 802.1ae MACsec via the SEC 3.0 engine lets the same device perform encrypted line-rate forwarding without burdening the main core, a configuration widely deployed in managed switch SOC platforms.
Recommended
Network-Attached Storage (NAS) Controllers
The integrated PCIe controller, DDR2 memory controller, and three eTSEC ports allow the MPC8548EPXAVHB to act as the head controller of a network-attached storage appliance. The local bus (LBC) provides a glueless interface to NAND/NOR storage controllers, while hardware RAID-5/6 XOR acceleration can be built atop the SEC engine for small-block XOR operations. The 256 KB L2 cache absorbs synchronous I/O bursts between NAS clients and storage media, eliminating external CAM lookups and improving sustained throughput.
Recommended
LTE and WiMAX Base Station Controllers
Telecom access infrastructure leveraging the MPC8548EPXAVHB gains deterministic Layer-2 processing via the e500 Book-E MMU, generous hardware queues on each eTSEC, and PCIe links to baseband DSPs. The SEC 3.0 engine performs IPsec and MACsec acceleration needed for backhaul encryption, while DDR2 memory at up to 333 MHz data rate (533 MT/s) handles buffering for radio frames. The 1.5 GHz e500 sustains real-time kernel operation and protocol handling under 4G small-cell workloads.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Automation
Factory automation systems benefit from the MPC8548EPXAVHB's deterministic e500 core with Book-E interrupt and MMU support, three Gigabit Ethernet ports for EtherNet/IP or PROFINET networks, and the local bus for legacy parallel I/O. The 783-FCBGA package supports industrial grade operating junction temperature, and the integrated SEC engine secures device-to-cloud links on the factory floor. Critical infrastructure classes (sub-station controllers, SCADA masters) rely on the long lifecycle NXP provides on the PowerQUICC III line.
Recommended
Security Appliances (Firewall / VPN / UTM)
The hardware encryption engine in the MPC8548EPXAVHB accelerates AES, 3DES, SHA, and IPsec tunnels with line-rate throughput, freeing the e500 core for stateful firewall inspection and management. Three Gigabit Ethernet interfaces support a typical DMZ/WAN/LAN topology out-of-the-box, and DDR2 memory handles large connection-state tables required by deep packet inspection. Combined with PCIe expansion for additional NICs or crypto accelerators, this single chip powers entry- to mid-range UTM devices.
Recommended
Print and Imaging Controllers
High-end networked multifunction printers and production-class imaging devices leverage the MPC8548EPXAVHB as an embedded controller. PCI Express connects to image-processing ASICs, DDR2 holds multi-page raster buffers, and three eTSEC ports handle gigabit network connectivity without external MACs. The hardware cryptographic engine supports secure boot, image data at-rest encryption, and IPsec for secure print retrieval - critical for enterprise managed-print deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPC8548EPXAVHB — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPC8548EVTAVHB | MPC8548EPXAVHC | MPC8548VTAVHB | MPC8555EVTAPF | MPC8569CVJAQLJB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core | PowerPC e500 (32-bit) | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 (enhanced) |
| Cryptographic Engine | SEC 3.0 (AES/3DES/SHA/IPsec/MACsec) | SEC 3.0 | SEC 3.0 | None | SEC 2.0/3.0 | SEC 4.0 |
Key Differentiators
- Only MPC8548 variant with both SEC 3.0 and 3x eTSEC at 1.5 GHz (vs MPC8548VTAVHB)
- Higher eTSEC count than predecessor MPC8555E (vs MPC8555EVTAPF)
- DDR2 (533 MT/s) vs SDR/DDR1 on legacy MPC8555 (vs MPC8555EVTAPF)
- Integrated PCIe (x1/x2/x4) interface (vs MPC8555EVTAPF)
- 15+ year NXP product longevity support (vs MPC8569CVJAQLJB)
Design Notes
The MPC8548EPXAVHB is a high-power SoC that can dissipate 10 W or more at 1.5 GHz under sustained networking workloads. Place thermal vias in the central BGA pad array directly under the exposed die region, and connect them to internal copper planes with sufficient area to keep Tj below the +105C junction limit. Without a heat spreader or cold plate, thermal derating may be required above 60C ambient. Reference the NXP hardware design checklist for FCBGA stack-up, via pitch, and decoupling capacitor placement.
Route the DDR2 data and address buses with matched lengths (typically within 50 mils for a 333 MHz data rate) and 100 ohm differential impedance for the DDR2 clocks. Keep the local bus and PCI Express signals on inner layers with continuous reference planes. Place bulk decoupling (4.7 uF to 22 uF tantalum or polymer) near the FCBGA power balls, and high-frequency ceramic bypass (0.1 uF + 1 nF) immediately under or adjacent to each power pin to control simultaneous switching noise.
Do not attempt to reuse a 8555 schematic symbol for a 8548E - the PCIe controller pins on the 8548E overlap the second GMII interface on the 8555, and DDR2 vs DDR1 power-up sequencing is different. Also avoid the 'V' (no SEC) variant if your firmware or driver stack depends on SEC 3.0 primitives - the device-tree binding will fail to enumerate the crypto subsystem. Finally, ensure JTAG TRST is properly pulled on the board boundary; an unbonded TRST prevents boundary-scan debug.
Place boot ROM (NOR or NAND) on the local bus with chip-select CS0, and route the local bus away from high-speed Ethernet signals to minimise crosstalk. Maintain Z0 = 50 ohm single-ended for eTSEC MAC interfaces, and route Tx/Rx pairs with ground-signal-ground-signal grounding for clean return paths. Reserved test pins and JTAG signals should remain accessible for in-circuit debug.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not provided in the Verified Web Data; check the NXP product page or material declaration letter before committing to RoHS-only PCB assembly lines. AEC-Q100 not relevant - this is a high-power application MPU, not an automotive analog IC.