MPC8555ECPXAJD - PowerQUICC III MPU, e500 Core, 533 MHz, 783-FCPBGA | NXP
MPN: MPC8555ECPXAJD ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $89.5 | $89.50 |
| 10 | $79.2 | $792.00 |
| 100 | $71.45 | $7,145.00 |
| 250 | $66.8 | $16,700.00 |
| 500 | $62.1 | $31,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $58.4 | $58,400.00 |
MPC8555ECPXAJD Overview
A PowerQUICC III processor is a Power Architecture-based integrated communications processor (ICP) that combines a high-performance CPU core, system logic, and a versatile communications engine in a single SoC. Positioned within the NXP product hierarchy, the PowerQUICC III sits between general-purpose PowerPC microprocessors and dedicated network processors, targeting routers, switches, and other data-plane/control-plane equipment. The MPC8555E specifically targets applications requiring gigabit-rate packet processing, hardware-accelerated encryption, and tight integration with external DDR memory subsystems.
Key features of the MPC8555ECPXAJD include the e500 PowerPC core with 32 KB L1 instruction and data caches, a 256 KB L2 cache, integrated DDR and DDR2 memory controllers, dual 10/100/1 Gb Ethernet MACs, four configurable serial interfaces (UTOPIA, POS-PHY, Serial RapidIO), a PCI Express interface, dual PCI controllers, USB 2.0, and a security engine supporting DES, 3DES, AES, SHA-1/MD5, and public-key acceleration. The device operates from a 2.5 V core / 3.3 V I/O supply and integrates numerous timers, GPIO, and a DUART for system management.
The architecture combines a dedicated e500 execution core with a separate communications-processor module (CPM) that handles low-latency peripheral transfers, offloading I/O from the e500. This dual-engine topology makes the part well suited for systems where deterministic protocol processing must coexist with general-purpose control-plane software. The 533 MHz core clock and 32-bit data path deliver sufficient compute for routing-table management, traffic shaping, and lightweight control-plane stacks.
Typical applications for the MPC8555ECPXAJD include multiservice routers, DSLAM line cards, industrial Ethernet switches, telecom base-station controllers, secure VPN gateways, and factory-automation controllers. The hardware security engine and Serial RapidIO links also make the part attractive for secure embedded appliances and clustered compute nodes. Designers often pair this MPU with DDR2 SDRAM, NAND flash via local bus, and external PHY devices for Ethernet and serial interfaces.
When designing with the MPC8555ECPXAJD, careful attention to PCB layout is critical because the 29x29 mm FCPBGA has 783 balls on a fine pitch, demanding strict impedance control for DDR traces and a multi-layer PCB stack-up. Power sequencing of the 2.5 V core rail must precede the 3.3 V I/O rail per the hardware specification. The 'EC' ordering code denotes the standard industrial temperature range and the 'JD' suffix denotes the 533 MHz speed grade.
Drop-in alternatives for MPC8555ECPXAJD — 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 MPC8555ECPXAJD (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Ethernet, L2 Cache, Memory Controller.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MPC8555EVTAPF
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View Datasheet →MPC8541VTAJD
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MPC8536BVTANGA
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View Datasheet →MPC8555ECPXAJD Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | NXP Semiconductors |
| Series | PowerQUICC III |
| Part Number | MPC8555ECPXAJD |
| Core Processor | PowerPC e500 |
| Core Architecture | Power Architecture, 32-bit |
| Core Clock Speed | 533 MHz |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V core / 3.3 V I/O |
| L1 Cache | 32 KB instruction + 32 KB data |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB (integrated) |
| Memory Controller | DDR/DDR2 SDRAM |
| Ethernet | Dual 10/100/1 Gb MAC |
| PCI | Dual PCI 2.2 + PCI Express |
| Serial Interfaces | UTOPIA, POS-PHY, Serial RapidIO |
| USB | USB 2.0 |
| Security Engine | DES/3DES/AES/SHA-1/MD5, public-key |
| Package | 783-FCPBGA (29x29 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Range | Industrial |
| RoHS | Compliant per distributor listing |
MPC8555ECPXAJD 783-fcpbga (29x29 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MPC8555ECPXAJD (783-fcpbga (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 MPC8555ECPXAJD.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MPC8555ECPXAJD is suitable for 6 applications: Multiservice Router Control Plane, Industrial Ethernet Switch, Telecom Base-Station Controller, Secure VPN Gateway Appliance, Factory Automation Controller, Networked Print and Imaging Controller.
Multiservice Router Control Plane
The MPC8555ECPXAJD's 533 MHz e500 core, dual GbE MACs, and integrated security engine make it an ideal control-plane processor for multiservice routers and DSLAM line cards. Designers place the part alongside DDR2 SDRAM, a switch-fabric PHY, and external transceivers; the on-die CPM offloads packet classification from the e500, leaving headroom for routing daemons and management software. Hardware-accelerated AES/SHA enables line-rate IPsec termination, while Serial RapidIO links connect to companion DSPs or fabric ASICs. With industrial temperature support, the part is qualified for central-office and outdoor cabinet deployments.
Recommended
Industrial Ethernet Switch
The MPC8555ECPXAJD drives managed industrial Ethernet switches by combining dual GbE MACs, PCI Express for switch-fabric glue, and a CPM that supports deterministic low-latency protocol handling. The e500 core runs VxWorks or Linux-based Layer 2/3 stacks at line-rate gigabit speeds, while the hardware security engine provides MACsec or IPsec for industrial security zones. Industrial temperature rating and 2.5 V/3.3 V supplies suit DIN-rail switch designs where reliability under fan-less thermal envelopes is mandatory. UARTs and GPIO suffice for switch-management and front-panel I/O without an external MCU.
Recommended
Telecom Base-Station Controller
In 3G/4G base-station controllers, the MPC8555ECPXAJD serves as the host processor managing backhaul links, encryption, and O&M interfaces. Its dual GbE MACs bond to two backhaul SFP cages, while PCI Express connects to baseband ASICs and DSP clusters. The hardware security engine accelerates IPsec tunnels for backhaul encryption, and Serial RapidIO provides a deterministic low-latency fabric to companion baseband processors. The 533 MHz e500 with 256 KB L2 cache is sufficient for O&M, signaling, and lightweight control stacks; Linux and INTEGRITY BSPs are widely available from NXP and third parties.
Recommended
Secure VPN Gateway Appliance
The MPC8555ECPXAJD is well suited to mid-range VPN gateways because the integrated security engine accelerates DES/3DES/AES/SHA/RSA at line rate without taxing the e500 core. Two GbE MACs handle WAN and LAN segmentation, while the USB 2.0 port supports 3G/4G failover modems. The CPM offloads PPP, frame relay, and HDLC framing from the host, freeing the 533 MHz core for routing and firewall policy. Industrial temperature rating makes the part suitable for unattended branch-office appliances. DDR2 controller with ECC protects VPN key tables from soft errors.
Recommended
Factory Automation Controller
In factory-automation controllers (PLCs, motion controllers), the MPC8555ECPXAJD provides deterministic serial-protocol handling via the CPM, host-managed Ethernet connectivity via GbE MACs, and fieldbus expansion through PCI. The e500 core runs IEC 61131-3 soft-PLC runtimes such as CODESYS or vendor-proprietary stacks, while the security engine secures OPC-UA and MQTT traffic. Industrial temperature rating and the compact 783-FCPBGA footprint enable DIN-rail controller designs with passive cooling. Tight integration with DDR2 memory simplifies BOM for cost-sensitive automation lines.
Recommended
Networked Print and Imaging Controller
The MPC8555ECPXAJD is used as a controller in high-end networked multifunction printers and production print engines where its dual GbE MACs support dual-segment networking (office and production) and the CPM handles real-time print-engine protocols. PCI Express connects to image-processor ASICs and high-speed scanner interfaces, while USB 2.0 hosts operator panels and authentication readers. The security engine accelerates disk-encryption and IPsec for secure print release workflows, and the 533 MHz e500 runs embedded Linux or VxWorks with PostScript/PDF rasterizers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MPC8555ECPXAJD — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MPC8555EVTAPF | MPC8541VTAJD | MPC8536BVTANGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | 783-FCPBGA (29x29) | 783-FCPBGA (same) | 783-FCPBGA (same) | 783-FCPBGA (same) |
| Core | PowerPC e500 @ 533 MHz | PowerPC e500 @ higher speed grade | PowerPC e500 @ 533 MHz | PowerPC e500v2 |
| Cores | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB |
| Serial RapidIO | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Security Engine | DES/3DES/AES/SHA/RSA | Yes | Limited / No | Yes |
| Memory Controller | DDR/DDR2 | DDR/DDR2 | DDR/DDR2 | DDR2 |
| Ethernet | Dual GbE MAC | Dual GbE MAC | Single GbE MAC | Dual GbE MAC |
| PCI Express | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware security engine (DES/3DES/AES/SHA/RSA) (vs MPC8541VTAJD)
- Dual GbE MAC plus Serial RapidIO and PCI Express in one SoC (vs MPC8536BVTANGA)
- 533 MHz speed grade with same footprint as higher-clocked parts (vs MPC8555EVTAPF)
Design Notes
The 783-FCPBGA package has a fine ball pitch that mandates a multi-layer PCB stack-up with controlled-impedance traces (50 ohm single-ended, 100 ohm differential) for DDR2, PCI Express, and GbE signals. Use at least 6 layers with dedicated ground and power planes; route DDR2 address/command on inner layers with matched lengths within +/-25 ps per byte lane. Place decoupling capacitors within 100 mil of every power pin and provide low-impedance vias to the ground plane directly under the BGA pad array for thermal dissipation.
Power sequencing of the MPC8555ECPXAJD requires the 2.5 V core rail to reach regulation before the 3.3 V I/O rail per the hardware specification. Use a sequencer IC or a microcontroller to control enable signals, and ensure ramp times stay within datasheet limits. Provide separate analog supplies (AVDD) for the PLL and DDR blocks with ferrite-bead isolation, and decouple with 10 uF + 100 nF combinations. Estimate core current at approximately 1.5-2.0 A at 533 MHz full activity (not from datasheet - verify with NXP power estimator).
The 783-FCPBGA dissipates significant power (estimated 3-5 W at full activity). Without a heatsink the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance theta_JA of roughly 15 C/W (typical for large BGA) limits operation to moderate ambient temperatures. For industrial-temperature deployments above 60 C ambient, attach a thermal-management solution such as a heat spreader, copper coin, or top-side heatsink. Verify junction temperature using the NXP-supplied thermal model and TI's or vendor-supplied ThetaJC and ThetaJA characterization for your board stack-up.
Do not assume all MPC8555E variants are pin-compatible: speed-grade suffixes (AJD, APF) and temperature codes (EC, EV) within the same family can have different ball maps or JTAG configurations. Always cross-reference the exact ordering code against the latest NXP hardware specifications. Mixing DDR2 voltage levels (1.8 V vs 1.5 V) with the memory controller default settings is a frequent first-prototype failure - configure the DDR2 I/O voltage via mode bits before bringing up memory. Finally, the Serial RapidIO reference clock must meet the +/-100 ppm stability requirement per the RapidIO specification.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per distributor listings. Reach and AEC-Q100 status not explicitly stated in the provided data and recorded as 'unknown' where applicable.