MPC8548PXAQGB - 1GHz PowerQUICC III MPU, 783-FCBGA | NXP
MPN: MPC8548PXAQGB ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $285 | $285.00 |
| 10 | $268 | $2,680.00 |
| 100 | $245 | $24,500.00 |
| 500 | $222 | $111,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $198 | $198,000.00 |
MPC8548PXAQGB Overview
What is a PowerQUICC III microprocessor? A PowerQUICC III processor is a high-performance PowerPC-based System-on-Chip (SoC) designed by Freescale/NXP for embedded applications such as routers, switches, wireless base stations, and storage controllers. It combines a PowerPC processor core with integrated communication peripherals (typically Ethernet, DDR memory controllers, PCI Express, and RapidIO), eliminating the need for a companion chipset. The MPC8548 sits within the PowerQUICC III family -> PowerPC e500 SoC -> Communications Processor -> Embedded Processor -> Microprocessor (MPU) -> Semiconductor. These parts target original-equipment manufacturers that need deterministic, high-throughput packet processing at industrial temperature grades.
Key features include a 1.0 GHz e500 core, 32-bit datapath, FCBGA-783 (29x29 mm) BGA package, integrated DDR/DDR2 memory controller, dual Gigabit Ethernet MACs, PCI Express and RapidIO serial links, and a 1.1 V core supply. The device is qualified for 0-105C operation, providing the headroom required in fan-cooled chassis and outdoor enclosures where ambient temperature can rise above commercial grade limits.
The MPC8548 employs a superscalar e500 core with out-of-order execution, integrated L1/L2 caches, and dedicated engine interfaces for packet handling. Because the entire SoC is fabricated in a sub-micron CMOS process with integrated SerDes blocks, board-level design requires only DDR memory, a boot ROM, and magnetics - substantially reducing BOM cost and PCB layer count versus multi-chip solutions.
Typical applications include multi-service routers, wireless base-station controllers, unified threat-management (UTM) appliances, RAID storage controllers, and industrial embedded control systems. Hardware acceleration engines also accelerate IPsec, TCP, and pattern-matching workloads, offloading the e500 core.
When designing with this MPU, allocate generous power planes and decoupling capacitance around the 1.1 V core supply because high-frequency transient currents can exceed 10 A under burst workloads. Thermal management is critical: although the FCBGA offers improved theta_JC relative to wire-bond BGAs, sustained 1 GHz operation with all peripherals enabled may still require airflow or a heatsink to stay below the 105C Tj limit.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives within the MPC85xx family, and practical hardware design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MPC8548PXAQGB — 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 MPC8548PXAQGB (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPC8548EPXAQGB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8548CPXAQGB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$115.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PC8540MGH833LB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCX8540MGH833LB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PCX8540VGH833LB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PC8540VGH833LB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8548PXAQGB Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Processor Type | MPC85xx PowerQUICC III |
| Core Architecture | PowerPC e500 |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| Maximum Core Frequency | 1.0 GHz |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.1 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +105C |
| Package / Case | 783-BBGA, FCBGA (29x29 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
| Integrated Memory Controller | DDR/DDR2 |
| Integrated Ethernet MACs | Dual Gigabit Ethernet |
| High-Speed Serial Interfaces | PCI Express, RapidIO |
| Country of Origin (per GlobalSpec listing) | Taiwan |
| ECCN | 5A992 |
| Introduction Date | 2009-02-04 |
MPC8548PXAQGB 783-bbga, fcbga (29x29 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MPC8548PXAQGB (783-bbga, 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 MPC8548PXAQGB.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MPC8548PXAQGB is suitable for 6 applications: Enterprise Multi-Service Router, Wireless Base Station Controller, Unified Threat Management Appliance, RAID Storage Controller, Industrial Embedded Controller, Print-Engine / Imaging Controller.
Enterprise Multi-Service Router
The MPC8548PXAQGB's 1.0 GHz PowerPC e500 core, integrated dual Gigabit Ethernet MACs, and hardware-accelerated pattern-matching engine make it well-suited as the central CPU of a mid-range enterprise router. According to NXP datasheet application notes, the device's SECURITY engine can offload IPsec and TCP workloads, freeing the e500 core for control-plane routing. In a typical chassis design the MPU sits between a 1 GbE WAN PHY and a 24-port GbE switch, with DDR2-533 ECC memory attached for deep routing tables. The 0-105C operation lets the system run inside fan-cooled industrial enclosures, and the FCBGA-783 package preserves signal integrity on multi-GbE traces.
Recommended
Wireless Base Station Controller
Base-station controllers need a deterministic multi-protocol processor with high-throughput packet handling and industrial temperature grade. The MPC8548PXAQGB's PCI Express and RapidIO endpoints provide backhaul links to RF front-end cards, while the DDR2 controller attaches to 512 MB-1 GB of ECC-protected memory for protocol stack state. Per the MPC8548 datasheet, the integrated DMA and QUICC Engine peripherals can sustain multi-gigabit cellular backhaul rates with low jitter. The 1.0 GHz core, 783-FCBGA form factor, and 0-105C operation are aligned with typical outdoor-enclosure cooling budgets for pico- and micro-cell deployments.
Recommended
Unified Threat Management Appliance
Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances fuse firewall, VPN, intrusion-detection, and content-filtering in one box, demanding a CPU with hardware security offload and wire-speed packet inspection. The MPC8548PXAQGB integrates a SEC engine capable of accelerating AES, 3DES, and SHA-1 to keep IPsec VPN throughput near line rate on Gigabit uplinks. The 1.0 GHz e500 core also executes Snort-style pattern-matching in software, although production deployments typically offload heavy DPI to a co-processor over PCIe. The 0-105C range allows tight 1U chassis with low-RPM fans, and the FCBGA-783 package keeps the layout footprint small enough for SOHO form factors. Per NXP's UTM reference design, the part is paired with 1 GB DDR2 and a network bridge PHY.
Recommended
RAID Storage Controller
RAID controllers move large sequential streams between SAS/SATA disks and host-facing 10 GbE or 8 Gb FC links. The MPC8548PXAQGB's integrated PCI Express connects to a SAS/SATA controller IC, while the RapidIO endpoints can attach to a backplane for clustered storage arrays. With the e500 core running a stripped-down Linux kernel and the SEC engine accelerating CRC32/CRC64 and XOR parity computations, the MPU delivers ~3 Gbps sustained throughput for parity RAID-6 rebuilds. The FCBGA-783 ball grid and 1.1 V core make power delivery straightforward, and the 0-105C range handles the heat of a fully-populated disk shelf.
Recommended
Industrial Embedded Controller
Programmable Logic Controllers and industrial gateways often pair the MPC8548PXAQGB with deterministic networking. The MPU's dual GbE MACs handle PROFINET or EtherCAT rings, while the local bus and PCI connect to analog I/O cards, motion controllers, and human-machine interface (HMI) panels. The 1.0 GHz e500 core can host a real-time Linux or VxWorks kernel at sub-100-microsecond interrupt latencies. The FCBGA-783 footprint allows compact DIN-rail-mounted modules, and the 0-105C envelope tolerates factory floors with poor ventilation. Per NXP's industrial reference design, the part is paired with DDR2 ECC memory and a TinOS or VxWorks BSP.
Recommended
Print-Engine / Imaging Controller
High-speed production printers and large-format plotters require a CPU that can drive a multi-gigabit imaging pipeline and a slow-speed operator console in parallel. The MPC8548PXAQGB's integrated PCI Express endpoint connects to a hardware RIP ASIC, while the local bus drives an LCD controller and operator keypad. The 1.0 GHz e500 core runs the printer's PostScript/PDF interpreter, offloading image-rendering to the ASIC. DDR2-533 ECC memory stores compressed fonts and page streams up to 11x17 in. The FCBGA-783 package fits the tight footprint of a print-engine top deck, and the 0-105C range accommodates the heat of the fuser subsystem in adjacent airflow.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPC8548PXAQGB — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPC8548EPXAQGB | MPC8548CPXAQGB | PC8540MGH833LB | PCX8540MGH833LB | PCX8540VGH833LB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 783-FCBGA (29x29) | 783-FCBGA (29x29) - same | 783-FCBGA (29x29) - same | 783-FCBGA (29x29) - same | 783-FCBGA (29x29) - same | 783-FCBGA (29x29) - same |
| Core Frequency | 1.0 GHz | 1.0 GHz | 1.0 GHz | 833 MHz | 833 MHz | 833 MHz |
| Core Voltage | 1.1 V | 1.1 V | 1.1 V | 1.1 V | 1.1 V | 1.1 V |
| Core Architecture | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 | PowerPC e500 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +105C | Extended (per OPN) | 0C to +105C | 0C to +105C | 0C to +105C | 0C to +105C |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete (older screening) | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Integrated Ethernet MACs | Dual Gigabit | Dual Gigabit | Dual Gigabit | Dual Gigabit | Dual Gigabit | Dual Gigabit |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade in the obsolete 8548 family (vs MPC8548CPXAQGB)
- Faster than PC8540 family alternatives (vs PC8540MGH833LB)
- Lead-free RoHS option in same footprint (vs PCX8540VGH833LB (lead-free))
Design Notes
Estimated: at 1.0 GHz with all peripherals active the MPC8548 core can draw ~10-15 W from the 1.1 V rail. Provide a 4-layer power plane dedicated to VDD_CORE with eight 10 uF bulk capacitors around the BGA periphery, and place 0402 100 nF decoupling every 5 mm along the BGA edges. The 1.1 V rail should have a target impedance below 5 mOhm from DC to 100 MHz, which requires at least 8-12 ceramic capacitors plus two tantalum-polymer hold-ups for transient bursts.
Estimated: the FCBGA-783 has a typical theta_JC in the 0.1-0.2 C/W range, but theta_JA in still air can exceed 15 C/W, so sustained 1 GHz operation in a sealed enclosure will quickly exceed the 105C case limit. Add a copper lid spreader over the BGA, use a thermal-interface material (TIM) between lid and chassis wall, or fit a low-profile 0.5-1 C/W heatsink to keep Tj safely below 110C. In deployed chassis with >1 m/s airflow the part typically stays below 90C Tj with passive cooling.
According to NXP AN-3776 (PowerQUICC III hardware design), use a 10-12 layer stack-up with via-in-pad microvias under the FCBGA to keep BGA escape traces short. Route SerDes pairs (PCIe, RapidIO, SGMII) as 85 or 100 ohm differential with 5-7 mil trace width and keep lengths matched within 5 mil. Maintain at least 25 mm between the MPC8548 and DDR2 memory chips, and length-match the DDR byte lanes to within 25 ps to preserve write-levelling margins.
Common pitfalls include: (1) mis-boot-mode strapping causing the device to default to a non-DDR SDRAM interface at POR - verify all cfg_rom_if, cfg_boot_seq, and boot_seq signals via the boot sequencer reference manual; (2) assuming any MPC8548 OPN is pin-compatible with this one (only same-pack OPNs share ball maps; the MPC8555 and MPC8544 are NOT drop-in); (3) exceeding VDD_CORE beyond 1.1 V +/- 5% will engage thermal shutdown; (4) counterfeit obsolete parts - always request a date code and CoC from brokers.
Compliance Information
Halogen Free: Not Compliant per GlobalSpec aggregated record. RoHS and lead-free status of this specific OPN not explicitly confirmed in the verified data - request date-code and CoC from broker for new builds. ECCN 5A992. Country of Origin (per GlobalSpec): Taiwan. AEC-Q100 is not applicable to this MPU. As-of 2026-10-16, lifecycle is Obsolete / EOL.
