NXP Semiconductors MCF51QE96CLK

Overview

MCF51QE96CLK from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V1 microcontroller designed for ultra-low-power embedded control in industrial and automotive applications. It features a 50.33-MHz CPU (at ≥2.4V), 96 KB flash, 8 KB RAM, integrated 12-bit ADC with 20 channels, dual analog comparators, RTC, and dual I²C/SPI/SCI interfaces. It operates across –40°C to +85°C and supports stop3 mode with 0.8 μA typical current.

For engineers reviewing the MCF51QE96CLK datasheet, MCF51QE96CLK pinout, MCF51QE96CLK application, or MCF51QE96CLK equivalent, key selection criteria include its 64-pin LQFP package, voltage range (1.8–3.6 V), ColdFire ISA_C instruction set, low-power stop3 operation with external oscillator support, and peripheral integration including TPM modules and rapid GPIO.

Technical Context

The MCF51QE96CLK implements the ColdFire V1 core with Instruction Set Revision C (ISA_C), delivering 0.94 Dhrystone MIPS/MHz from internal RAM. Its clock system combines an external crystal oscillator (XOSC, 31.25 kHz–16 MHz) and an internal clock source (ICS) with FLL-based frequency synthesis and factory-trimmed reference (±0.2% resolution).

Power management includes two stop modes and a reduced-power wait mode, with configurable peripheral clock gating and a dedicated 1-kHz COP clock. The device supports wake-up from stop3 via external edge, RTC alarm, or comparator output - all while maintaining real-time counter operation using either internal LPO or external clock sources.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (Case 840F, 10 mm²). Pin count and function mapping align with the MCF51QE128 series 64-pin variant; no 80-pin functionality is present.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with Kinetis KL26Z128VLH4 and MCF51JM128CLK, the MCF51QE96CLK offers optimal balance of ColdFire ecosystem continuity, ultra-low-power stop3 operation, and 64-pin LQFP integration - making it ideal for cost- and size-constrained industrial controls where legacy ColdFire software reuse is critical.

Availability

MCF51QE96CLK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, automotive body controllers, smart energy meter interfaces, and portable medical monitors requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and qualified automotive-grade reliability.

Supply support for MCF51QE96CLK 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, IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets.

The MCF51QE96CLK belongs to the ColdFire Qorivva family - engineered for deterministic real-time control in resource-constrained, low-power environments where robustness, long-term availability, and minimal external components are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF51QE96CLK and under what voltage conditions?

The MCF51QE96CLK achieves up to 50.33 MHz when VDD is ≥ 2.4 V, 40 MHz at ≥ 2.1 V, and 20 MHz at ≥ 1.8 V - all across the full –40°C to +85°C temperature range. This voltage-frequency scaling allows designers to optimize performance versus power consumption. The MCF51QE96CLK uses the ColdFire V1 core with ISA_C instruction set and delivers 0.94 Dhrystone MIPS/MHz from internal RAM.

Does the MCF51QE96CLK support real-time clock functionality in low-power modes?

Yes, the MCF51QE96CLK includes a dedicated real-time counter (RTC) that operates in run, wait, and stop modes using either the internal low-power oscillator (1 kHz) or an external clock source. In stop3 mode, the RTC remains fully functional with typical current adder of only 50–150 nA, enabling precise time-of-day tracking and cyclic wake-up without external components - a key feature confirmed in the MCF51QE128 Series Data Sheet Rev. 7.

How many analog-to-digital converter channels does the MCF51QE96CLK provide, and what is its resolution?

The MCF51QE96CLK integrates a 12-bit ADC with 20 input channels - as specified in Table 1 (MCF51QE128 Series Comparison) of the official datasheet. It achieves 2.5 μs conversion time, includes automatic compare functions, a 1.7 mV/°C temperature sensor, and an internal bandgap reference channel. The ADC remains fully operational in stop3 mode, supporting low-power sensing applications.

What debug interface does the MCF51QE96CLK use, and how is it implemented?

The MCF51QE96CLK uses a single-wire background debug (BDC) interface accessible via the PTA4 pin, labeled BKGD/MS in the pinout. This interface supports full non-intrusive debugging, including breakpoints (4 PC + 2 address), processor status tracing (64-entry buffer), and flash programming. The MCF51QE96CLK does not require JTAG; the BDC interface is enabled by default and requires no external pull-ups or configuration to enter debug mode.

Is the MCF51QE96CLK pin-compatible with other members of the MCF51QE128 series?

The MCF51QE96CLK shares the same 64-pin LQFP package (Case 840F) and pin assignments as the MCF51QE64 and MCF51QE32 variants, but differs from the 80-pin MCF51QE128/MCF51QE64 (80-pin) versions. While peripheral functionality overlaps significantly, pin count and specific I/O availability (e.g., ADC channel count, GPIO count) vary - so PCB layout must match the exact 64-pin variant. The MCF51QE96CLK is not pin-compatible with 80-pin derivatives.