NXP Semiconductors MC56F8246VLF

Overview

MC56F8246VLF from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 60 MHz 56800E-core digital signal controller (DSC) optimized for motor control and power conversion. It integrates 48 KB flash, 6 KB unified RAM, dual 12-bit ADCs with 600 ns conversion time, eFlexPWM with 6-channel NanoEdge 520 ps resolution, and supports 44-pin LQFP (10 × 10 mm²) packaging. It targets cost-sensitive industrial motor drives and solar inverter control.

For engineers reviewing the MC56F8246VLF datasheet, MC56F8246VLF pinout, MC56F8246VLF application, or MC56F8246VLF equivalent, key selection criteria include its 60 MHz core frequency, 44-pin LQFP package with 39 GPIOs, dual 12-bit ADCs with programmable gain, eFlexPWM NanoEdge timing capability, and support for 3.0–3.6 V single-supply operation in –40 °C to +105 °C ambient range.

Technical Context

The MC56F8246VLF 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 efficient C compilation via DSP-optimized addressing modes and hardware DO/REP loops.

On-chip peripherals are interconnected via a programmable inter-module crossbar (XBAR), enabling flexible routing of ADC triggers, PWM fault inputs, timer signals, and comparator outputs. All peripherals-including eFlexPWM, ADCs, QSCI, QSPI, I²C, and quad timers-can be independently disabled to reduce power consumption during low-duty cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC56F8246VLF is housed in a 44-pin LQFP package (10 × 10 mm², 0.8 mm pitch) with exposed pad thermal enhancement. Power pins include VDD (pins 29, 44), VDDA (pin 22), VSS (pins 30, 43), and VSSA (pin 23); VCAP (pin 26) decouples internal regulator output.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC56F8245VLF and MC56F8247VLF, the MC56F8246VLF offers balanced analog I/O (2×5 ADC channels, 39 GPIOs) and no CAN overhead - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, self-contained motor control where LIN or UART suffices and sensor count exceeds MC56F8245's capacity.

Availability

MC56F8246VLF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, solar inverters, and smart power tools requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MC56F8246VLF 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

NXP Semiconductors acquired Freescale in 2015 and maintains full support for the legacy 56800E DSC portfolio, including documentation, tools, and long-term supply assurance.

The MC56F8246VLF belongs to the MC56F824x family - a cost-optimized digital signal controller line designed specifically for high-volume, resource-constrained applications in motor control, power conversion, and industrial sensing.

FAQ

What is the maximum ADC sampling rate supported by the MC56F8246VLF?

The MC56F8246VLF supports a minimum single-conversion time of 600 ns (1.67 MSPS) per channel under optimal conditions. With dual ADCs operating in parallel scan mode and synchronized triggering, effective aggregate throughput reaches 3.3 MSPS. This performance is validated in the MC56F825x/MC56F824x Technical Data Sheet Rev. 4, Section 7.25.

Does the MC56F8246VLF include a CAN controller?

No, the MC56F8246VLF does not integrate a Controller Area Network (CAN) module. Table 1 in the MC56F825x/MC56F824x Family Configuration document explicitly lists MSCAN support as "0" for the 56F8246 variant. CAN functionality is only present in MC56F8247 and MC56F825x derivatives.

What oscillator options are available for the MC56F8246VLF?

The MC56F8246VLF supports three clock sources: an internal 8 MHz relaxation oscillator (400 kHz in standby), an external crystal/resonator via XTAL/EXTAL pins (pins 3–4), and an external clock input. The PLL generates the 60 MHz core clock from any of these sources, with loss-of-clock detection and interrupt capability.

How many eFlexPWM channels does the MC56F8246VLF support?

The MC56F8246VLF supports nine total eFlexPWM output channels, with six configured for NanoEdge high-resolution operation (520 ps edge placement). All channels are accessible on the 44-pin LQFP package via GPIOE0–GPIOE5 and GPIOC13, subject to multiplexing constraints documented in Table 4 of the technical data sheet.

Is the MC56F8246VLF pin-compatible with other members of the MC56F824x family?

Yes, the MC56F8246VLF shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with the MC56F8245VLF and MC56F8247VLF in the 44-pin LQFP package. Pin assignments, power sequencing, and reset behavior are fully compatible, enabling drop-in replacement where memory or peripheral requirements align.