NXP Semiconductors MCF51AC256BCPUE

Overview

MCF51AC256BCPUE from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V1 microcontroller without CAN interface, housed in a 64-pin LQFP package (10 mm × 10 mm), operating up to 50.33 MHz at 2.7–5.5 V supply, featuring 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, and a 12-bit 24-channel ADC - deployed in industrial motor control and sensor-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCF51AC256BCPUE datasheet, MCF51AC256BCPUE pinout, MCF51AC256BCPUE application, or MCF51AC256BCPUE equivalent, key selection criteria include its non-CAN variant status, 64-pin LQFP footprint, V1 ColdFire core performance (0.76 DMIPS/MHz from flash), RGPIO acceleration, and integrated FTM/TPM timer subsystems for real-time I/O control.

Technical Context

The MCF51AC256BCPUE implements the ColdFire V1 core with ISA_C instruction set, supporting up to 50.33 MHz operation and delivering 0.76 DMIPS/MHz when executing from flash memory. Its system integration includes a multipurpose clock generator (MCG) with FLL/PLL, crystal oscillator (XTAL/EXTAL), and low-power oscillator (LPO) for COP/RTI.

It integrates dual flexible timer modules (FTM1/FTM2) with up to 6 channels each, supporting input capture, edge- or center-aligned PWM, deadtime insertion, and hardware ADC triggering. The absence of CAN peripheral distinguishes it from 'A' variants, while retaining full SCI1/SCI2, SPI1/SPI2, IIC, ACMP1/ACMP2, CRC, and TPM3 functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

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

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with Kinetis KE02Z64VQH2 and MCF51JM128VLF, the MCF51AC256BCPUE offers superior deterministic timing via ColdFire V1, larger memory for complex control algorithms, and RGPIO acceleration - making it optimal for industrial motion control where cycle consistency and debug visibility are critical.

Availability

MCF51AC256BCPUE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, PLC I/O modules, and medical infusion pump controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCF51AC256BCPUE 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 is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The MCF51AC256 series belongs to NXP's ColdFire microcontroller product line, designed specifically for migration from 8-bit MCUs (e.g., MC9S08AC128) to 32-bit real-time control with integrated analog, timing, and communication peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF51AC256BCPUE?

The MCF51AC256BCPUE operates at a maximum core frequency of 50.33 MHz across its full supply voltage range (2.7 V to 5.5 V) and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). This frequency is achievable using the internal MCG with FLL/PLL enabled and an external crystal reference, and is validated per Freescale's Rev.7 datasheet Section 2.11.1.

Does the MCF51AC256BCPUE include a CAN controller?

No, the MCF51AC256BCPUE does not include a CAN controller. The 'B' in its part number explicitly denotes the CAN-disabled variant, confirmed in Table 1 (Device Comparison) and Section 1.4 (Part Numbers) of the Rev.7 datasheet. Pins PTA0/TxCAN and PTA1/RxCAN are not functional on this device.

What package type and dimensions does the MCF51AC256BCPUE use?

The MCF51AC256BCPUE uses a 64-pin LQFP package measuring 10 mm × 10 mm with 0.5 mm lead pitch, as specified in Figure 3 and Table 22 (Package Information) of the Rev.7 datasheet. It is RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, with thermal characteristics rated for θ_JA = 46.5°C/W.

How many ADC channels does the MCF51AC256BCPUE support, and what is their resolution?

The MCF51AC256BCPUE supports 24 analog input channels with 12-bit resolution, as documented in Table 1 (Device Comparison) and Section 1.3.1. The ADC supports 12-/10-/8-bit right-justified output formats, asynchronous clocking for noise reduction, and hardware-triggered conversions via FTM modules.

What debug interface does the MCF51AC256BCPUE provide?

The MCF51AC256BCPUE provides a single-wire Background Debug Mode (BDM) interface via the BKGD/MS pin, supporting real-time debugging, flash programming, and trace via the debug visibility bus (VBUS). It includes 6 hardware breakpoints (4 PC, 1 address pair, 1 data) and on-chip trace buffer - all detailed in Section 1.3.1 and Figure 1 of the Rev.7 datasheet.