NXP Semiconductors MCF51AC128CVPUE

Overview

MCF51AC128CVPUE from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V1 microcontroller designed for embedded control applications requiring CAN-free deterministic real-time operation. It integrates 128 KB flash, 16 KB SRAM, a 12-bit 20-channel ADC, dual FTM modules (4+2 channels), two SCIs, one SPI, I²C, and up to 54 GPIOs in a 64-pin LQFP package. It operates at up to 50.33 MHz across –40°C to +105°C and targets industrial motor control and sensor interface systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCF51AC128CVPUE datasheet, MCF51AC128CVPUE pinout, MCF51AC128CVPUE application, or MCF51AC128CVPUE equivalent, key selection criteria include its CAN exclusion, 16 KB RAM configuration, 64-pin LQFP footprint, V1 ColdFire ISA_C compliance, and support for low-power stop/wait modes with peripheral clock gating.

Technical Context

The MCF51AC128CVPUE implements the ColdFire V1 core with instruction set revision C (ISA_C), delivering 0.76 DMIPS/MHz when executing from flash and supporting background debug via single-wire BDM. Its memory subsystem includes 128 KB on-chip flash with block protection and 16 KB SRAM with security circuitry.

System-level timing is managed by the Multipurpose Clock Generator (MCG), which supports crystal oscillator (1–16 MHz), internal reference trimming (0.2% resolution), and FLL/PLL-based frequency multiplication. Peripheral timing is synchronized through TPMCLK and dedicated FTM/TPM clock inputs, with hardware triggers from FTM to ADC for deterministic sampling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, lead-free (Pb-free indicator 'E').

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with MCF51AC128CVPUE, the MCF51AC128AVPUE adds CAN capability without altering pinout or power requirements, while the KE02Z64VQH2 offers ARM ecosystem advantages at the expense of deterministic timer precision and analog integration depth.

Availability

MCF51AC128CVPUE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, sensor interface hubs, automotive body electronics, and programmable power supply monitors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MCF51AC128CVPUE 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 the ColdFire portfolio for legacy industrial and automotive applications requiring deterministic real-time performance.

The MCF51AC series belongs to NXP's Controller Continuum family, designed as a 32-bit upgrade path from 8-bit MC9S08 devices - emphasizing integrated analog, flexible timers, and low-power operation for cost-sensitive embedded control.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF51AC128CVPUE?

The MCF51AC128CVPUE operates at up to 50.33 MHz across its full voltage range (2.7 V to 5.5 V). This frequency is achievable using the MCG's PLL mode with an external crystal or internal reference, and is validated over the full –40°C to +105°C temperature range. The core delivers 0.76 DMIPS per MHz when running code from flash memory.

Does the MCF51AC128CVPUE include a CAN interface?

No, the MCF51AC128CVPUE does not include a CAN interface. The 'C' in the part number suffix denotes CAN exclusion, distinguishing it from the 'A'-suffixed variants like MCF51AC128AVPUE. Pins PTA0 (TxCAN) and PTA1 (RxCAN) are not functional in this variant and must be left unconnected or used as general-purpose I/O.

How much SRAM is available on the MCF51AC128CVPUE?

The MCF51AC128CVPUE includes 16 KB of on-chip static RAM (SRAM). This is confirmed in Table 1 (Device Comparison) of the MCF51AC256 datasheet, which specifies "16 KB" for MCF51AC128C variants. The SRAM is protected by security circuitry to prevent unauthorized access and supports byte/word access at full CPU speed.

Which package type and pin count does the MCF51AC128CVPUE use?

The MCF51AC128CVPUE uses a 64-pin LQFP package measuring 10 mm × 10 mm with 0.5 mm pitch. This is explicitly stated in Table 3 (Orderable Part Number Summary) and verified in Figure 3 of the datasheet, which shows the 64-pin QFP/LQFP pinout. The 'VPUE' suffix denotes this specific packaging and Pb-free compliance.

What debug interface does the MCF51AC128CVPUE support?

The MCF51AC128CVPUE supports a single-wire background debug module (BDM) via the BKGD/MS pin. This interface enables non-intrusive debugging, including hardware breakpoints (4 PC, 1 address pair, 1 data), real-time trace via the debug visibility bus (VBUS), and on-chip trace buffer with programmable start/stop conditions - all without requiring additional JTAG pins.