NXP Semiconductors MC56F8246MLF

Overview

MC56F8246MLF from Freescale Semiconductor is a 60 MHz digital signal controller (DSC) based on the 56800E core, integrating DSP performance and MCU functionality in a unified C-efficient architecture. It features 48 KB flash, 6 KB RAM, dual 12-bit ADCs with 600 ns conversion time, eFlexPWM with 6-channel NanoEdge 520 ps resolution, and operates from 3.0–3.6 V. It targets motor control (BLDC, PMSM), solar inverters, and switched-mode power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MC56F8246MLF datasheet, MC56F8246MLF pinout, MC56F8246MLF application, or MC56F8246MLF equivalent, key selection criteria include its 44-pin LQFP package, 54 GPIO capability (39 usable), integrated MSCAN omission, and absence of on-chip 12-bit DAC - distinguishing it from MC56F8247 and MC56F825x variants.

Technical Context

The MC56F8246MLF implements a modified Harvard architecture with three parallel execution units enabling up to six operations per instruction cycle. Its 56800E core delivers 60 MIPS at 60 MHz and supports hardware DO/REP loops, 32-bit shifter, and single-cycle 16×16 MAC for deterministic real-time control.

Peripheral integration centers on crossbar-switched signal routing: eFlexPWM outputs synchronize with ADC conversions via internal triggers; analog comparators feed into PWM fault inputs; and QSCI modules support LIN slave operation. All peripherals - including two 12-bit ADCs, three comparators, and dual quad timers - are independently power-controllable.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC56F8246MLF is housed in a 44-pin LQFP package measuring 10 mm × 10 mm with standard 0.8 mm pitch. The package includes 5 VDD/VDDA/VCAP power pins, 4 ground pins (VSS/VSSA), and dedicated reset, JTAG, clock, and peripheral I/O pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital signal controller applications.

Compared with MC56F8247MLF, MC56F8246MLF trades 2 KB RAM and DAC functionality for lower BOM cost and identical motor control performance; versus MC56F8256MLF, it omits CAN but retains full PWM/ADC capability in a smaller 44-pin footprint - ideal for space-constrained, standalone power electronics.

Availability

MC56F8246MLF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, solar inverter design, and switched-mode power supply development requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC56F8246MLF includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, DSCs, and analog power solutions for industrial and automotive markets.

The MC56F82xx family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-performance digital power and motor control applications - emphasizing integrated PWM, fast ADCs, and flexible crossbar interconnect to minimize external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC56F8246MLF core?

The MC56F8246MLF core operates at a maximum frequency of 60 MHz, delivering 60 million instructions per second (MIPS). This clock speed is achieved using the on-chip PLL driven by either the internal 8 MHz relaxation oscillator or an external crystal/resonator. The MC56F8246MLF maintains full peripheral functionality-including eFlexPWM, ADC, and QSCI-at this frequency, making it suitable for demanding real-time control tasks such as PMSM field-oriented control.

Does the MC56F8246MLF include a CAN controller?

No, the MC56F8246MLF does not include a Controller Area Network (CAN) controller. According to the official MC56F825x/MC56F824x device comparison table, CAN functionality is only present in MC56F8247, MC56F8255, MC56F8256, and MC56F8257 variants. Pins 37 and 38 on the MC56F8246MLF are GPIO-only (GPIOC11 and GPIOC12), not CANTX/CANRX. For CAN-enabled designs, MC56F8247MLF or MC56F8256MLF must be selected instead.

How many analog-to-digital converter channels does the MC56F8246MLF support?

The MC56F8246MLF supports two independent 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), each with 5 external input channels - totaling 10 dedicated ADC input pins (ANA0–ANA7 plus ANB0–ANB2). Per the device comparison table, it implements the "2 x 5Ch" configuration. These ADCs feature programmable gain (×1/×2/×4), dynamic conversion times as low as 600 ns, and internal crossbar-triggered synchronization with eFlexPWM events - enabling precise current sensing in motor control applications.

What package type and dimensions does the MC56F8246MLF use?

The MC56F8246MLF uses a 44-pin LQFP (Low-Profile Quad Flat Package) with 10 mm × 10 mm body size and 0.8 mm lead pitch. This package is explicitly listed in Table 1 (Device Comparison) and confirmed in Section 10.1 of the technical data sheet. It contains 5 power pins (VDD, VDDA, VCAP), 4 ground pins (VSS, VSSA), and supports all core peripherals except CAN - distinguishing it from the 48-pin and 64-pin variants in the same family.

Is the MC56F8246MLF pin-compatible with other MC56F82xx devices?

The MC56F8246MLF shares the same 44-pin LQFP package and pinout with MC56F8245MLF, but is not pin-compatible with 48-pin or 64-pin variants (e.g., MC56F8247MLF or MC56F8256MLF). Critical differences include missing CAN pins (37–38), absence of the 12-bit DAC output (pin 18), and reduced GPIO count (39 vs. 54). Migration to MC56F8247MLF requires a 48-pin footprint and board revision due to incompatible pin mapping and added functions.