NXP Semiconductors MCF51AG128CLK

Overview

MCF51AG128CLK from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V1 microcontroller designed for industrial control and appliance systems. It operates up to 50.33 MHz across 2.7–5.5 V, delivers 0.94 DMIPS/MHz from RAM, integrates 128 KB flash and 16 KB RAM, and supports ultra-low-power stop modes - deployed in motor control subsystems requiring deterministic real-time response.

For engineers reviewing the MCF51AG128CLK datasheet, MCF51AG128CLK pinout, MCF51AG128CLK application, or MCF51AG128CLK equivalent, key selection criteria include ColdFire ISA_C compliance, dual HSCMP with DAC reference, 24-channel 12-bit ADC with asynchronous clocking, FTM-based PWM with deadtime insertion, and single-wire BDM debug interface for field firmware updates.

Technical Context

The MCF51AG128CLK implements the ColdFire V1 core with Revision C instruction set and includes an integrated background debug module (BDM) supporting real-time trace via the debug visibility bus. Its system integration module (SIM) manages clock routing from multiple sources - including external crystal (1–16 MHz), internal ICS with FLL, and low-frequency XOSC - enabling flexible power-performance trade-offs.

Peripheral interconnect uses a local platform bus with dedicated DMA channels servicing ADC, SCI, SPI, FTM, and HSCMP. The CF1_INTC provides fixed-priority interrupt mapping for 44 peripheral requests, while iEvent logic enables hardware-level boolean triggering of interrupts, DMA, or timer events without CPU intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in 80-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm), 64-pin LQFP/QFP (10 mm × 10 mm / 14 mm × 14 mm), and 48-pin LQFP (7 mm × 7 mm). Pin functions vary by package; full pin mapping confirmed for 80-pin LQFP per Figure 2 of Rev. 5 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 32-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with Kinetis K22FN512 and MCF51JM128, the MCF51AG128CLK offers ColdFire ISA continuity, integrated EWM for system-level fault containment, and full 16-pin RGPIO support - making it optimal for incremental upgrades from MC9S08AC128 where deterministic timing and minimal software rework are critical.

Availability

MCF51AG128CLK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, appliance main boards, smart energy meters, and HMI panels requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCF51AG128CLK 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 develops secure, scalable semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and communications infrastructure markets.

The MCF51AG128CLK belongs to NXP's ColdFire microcontroller family, engineered for deterministic real-time control in cost-sensitive industrial and white-goods applications with emphasis on low-power operation and functional safety features.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF51AG128CLK?

The MCF51AG128CLK operates at up to 50.33 MHz across its full specified voltage range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V. This frequency is achievable with either the internal ICS (FLL-based) or external crystal oscillator (XOSC) clock source. Performance is validated per Rev. 5 datasheet Section 2.12, and the CPU delivers 0.94 DMIPS/MHz when executing from internal RAM - a key metric confirmed in the MCF51AG128CLK technical documentation.

Does the MCF51AG128CLK support hardware debug without a JTAG interface?

Yes, the MCF51AG128CLK includes a single-wire background debug module (BDM) compliant with ColdFire V1 architecture. This interface uses the BKGD/MS pin for non-intrusive program loading, breakpoint setting, and real-time trace via the debug visibility bus. No external JTAG adapter is required, reducing PCB layout complexity and test fixture cost - a capability explicitly documented in Section 1.3 and Figure 1 of the MCF51AG128CLK datasheet.

How many analog-to-digital converter channels does the MCF51AG128CLK provide?

The MCF51AG128CLK integrates a 12-bit SAR ADC with up to 24 analog input channels (ADP0–ADP23), as verified in Table 1 and Section 1.4 of the Rev. 5 datasheet. Channel availability depends on package: all 24 are accessible in the 80-pin LQFP variant. The ADC supports single/continuous conversion, hardware trigger sources (RTC, PDB, iEvent), and asynchronous clocking to minimize noise coupling - features confirmed in the "Peripherals" section.

What power-saving modes are implemented in the MCF51AG128CLK?

The MCF51AG128CLK provides three ultra-low-power stop modes (Stop1–Stop3) and a reduced-power wait mode, as detailed in Section 1.3 and Table 1 of the datasheet. Each stop mode disables different clock domains and peripherals while retaining RAM content and wake-up capability via IRQ, RTC, or address-match events. The peripheral clock enable register allows selective clock gating to unused modules - a feature validated in electrical characterization tables (Section 2.6).

Is the MCF51AG128CLK pin-compatible with other ColdFire derivatives like the MCF51JM128?

The MCF51AG128CLK shares the same ColdFire V1 core and peripheral set as the MCF51JM128, but is not fully pin-compatible: the MCF51AG128CLK includes EWM_in/EWM_out pins (PTA0/PTA1) and one additional RGPIO pin (16 vs. 15), which are absent in the MCF51JM128. Pin mappings for shared signals match per package type, but PCB layout changes are required to accommodate the extra EWM functionality - a distinction confirmed in Table 1 and Section 1.1 of the MCF51AG128CLK datasheet.