NXP Semiconductors MC56F8246VLFR

Overview

MC56F8246VLFR from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 60 MHz 56800E-core digital signal controller (DSC) integrating DSP 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 520 ps NanoEdge resolution, and operates from 3.0–3.6 V for motor control in industrial inverters and battery chargers.

For engineers reviewing the MC56F8246VLFR datasheet, MC56F8246VLFR pinout, MC56F8246VLFR application, or MC56F8246VLFR equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package mapping to 44-pin LQFP (10 × 10 mm²), validated pin functions, real-world use cases in BLDC/PMSM drives and solar inverters, and two confirmed alternative DSCs with documented differences.

Technical Context

The MC56F8246VLFR implements a modified Harvard 56800E core with three parallel execution units enabling up to six operations per instruction cycle and 60 MIPS throughput. Its unified memory architecture supports simultaneous 3-access execution from flash or RAM at 60 MHz, with dual 12-bit ADCs synchronized via crossbar to eFlexPWM triggers for precise current sensing in closed-loop motor control.

Peripheral integration includes an eFlexPWM module with 6 high-resolution NanoEdge channels (520 ps edge placement), two QSCI modules supporting LIN slave mode, two SMBus-compatible I²C ports, and a scalable MSCAN 2.0B interface - all independently power-gatable and routed through a programmable inter-module crossbar for flexible signal routing without PCB changes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC56F8246VLFR is housed in a 44-pin LQFP package (10 × 10 mm² body, 0.8 mm pitch) with exposed pad thermal design per Freescale Document MC56F825X Rev. 4. Pin functions are multiplexed across GPIO, analog, PWM, serial, and clock domains, with all non-power/reset pins configurable as GPIOs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC56F8246VLFR, MC56F8247VLFR extends RAM and GPIO count in a larger 48-pin LQFP, while dsPIC33EP256MU806-I/PT offers higher ADC speed and flash capacity but requires toolchain migration and layout revision due to different pinout and voltage requirements.

Availability

MC56F8246VLFR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, solar inverters, and battery management systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing from authorized channels.

Supply support for MC56F8246VLFR 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 56800E-based DSC portfolio, delivering high-integration mixed-signal controllers for cost-sensitive real-time control.

The MC56F8246VLFR belongs to the 56F824x DSC family designed specifically for embedded motor control, power conversion, and industrial automation - emphasizing C-compiler efficiency, analog integration, and deterministic PWM timing.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MC56F8246VLFR core?

The MC56F8246VLFR core operates at a maximum frequency of 60 MHz, delivering up to 60 million instructions per second (MIPS). This clock speed is sustained across the full –40 °C to +105 °C temperature range and 3.0–3.6 V supply, enabling deterministic execution of motor control algorithms and real-time protection routines without throttling. The MC56F8246VLFR achieves this using an on-chip PLL locked to an external crystal or the internal 8 MHz relaxation oscillator.

Does the MC56F8246VLFR include integrated flash memory, and what is its size?

Yes, the MC56F8246VLFR integrates 48 KB of on-chip flash memory organized as 24K × 16-bit words, with 1024-word pages and full security lock capability. This flash supports in-application programming (IAP) and EEPROM emulation, allowing field-upgradable firmware and parameter storage without external memory. The MC56F8246VLFR flash is rated for 100,000 erase/write cycles and retains data for 20 years at 85 °C.

How many analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channels does the MC56F8246VLFR support?

The MC56F8246VLFR integrates two independent 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), each supporting up to 8 external input channels for a total of 16 analog inputs. Each ADC provides programmable gain (x1/x2/x4), dynamic offset calibration, and conversion times as short as 600 ns. The MC56F8246VLFR ADCs are crossbar-routed to eFlexPWM and timers for hardware-synchronized sampling - critical for current reconstruction in motor control.

What package type and dimensions does the MC56F8246VLFR use?

The MC56F8246VLFR is supplied in a 44-pin LQFP package with a 10 × 10 mm² body and 0.8 mm lead pitch, per Freescale Mechanical Drawing 81A00177G. It includes an exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation and complies with JEDEC MS-026 standards. The MC56F8246VLFR pinout matches the 44-pin variant defined in Table 4 of MC56F825X Rev. 4, with dedicated power, analog, PWM, and serial I/O groups.

Is the MC56F8246VLFR compatible with CAN bus communication?

No, the MC56F8246VLFR does not include an integrated Controller Area Network (CAN) module. While the broader MC56F825x/MC56F824x family includes CAN in variants like MC56F8256VLFR, the MC56F8246VLFR omits the MSCAN 2.0B peripheral entirely - as confirmed in Table 1 of MC56F825X Rev. 4. For CAN-enabled designs, engineers must select MC56F8256VLFR or use an external CAN transceiver with UART-based protocols.