NXP Semiconductors MCF5206ECFT40

Overview

MCF5206ECFT40 from Freescale Semiconductor is a Version 2 ColdFire® integrated microprocessor featuring a 54 MHz CPU core, 4 KB instruction cache, 8 KB on-chip SRAM, hardware multiply-accumulate (MAC) and divide units, and dual-channel DMA - deployed in industrial control systems requiring deterministic real-time response and glueless DRAM interfacing.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5206ECFT40 datasheet, MCF5206ECFT40 pinout, MCF5206ECFT40 application, or MCF5206ECFT40 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 208-pin PQFP package compatibility with MCF5206, 3.3 V core/5 V tolerant I/O, -40°C to +85°C operation at 40 MHz, and support for EDO/page-mode DRAM without external logic.

Technical Context

The MCF5206ECFT40 implements a fully static, synthesizable ColdFire V2 core with dedicated MAC and hardware divide units enabling efficient execution of DSP-like arithmetic in embedded control loops. Its on-chip 4 KB I-cache and 8 KB SRAM deliver single-cycle access to critical code and data, reducing external memory latency dependence.

Integrated peripherals include a DRAM controller supporting EDO and page-mode DRAMs, two UARTs, dual 16-bit multimode timers, an I²C-compatible bus interface, and a JTAG-compliant debug module - all mapped to a unified 32-bit address space with programmable chip selects for seamless glueless interfacing to 8/16/32-bit memories and I/O devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 208-pin plastic quad flat pack (PQFP), 28 × 28 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, JEDEC MS-026AC compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5206ECFT40, MCF5206ECP40 trades DRAM integration and I/O for compactness, while MCF52235CFUE80 replaces pin compatibility with modern peripherals and higher performance - making the MCF5206ECFT40 optimal for maintaining legacy 68K-based industrial hardware with minimal layout change.

Availability

MCF5206ECFT40 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC controllers, motor drive control units, communications gateways, and medical diagnostic instruments requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for MCF5206ECFT40 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) was a leading designer of embedded processors, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and networking applications.

The ColdFire® family, including the MCF5206ECFT40, was engineered to provide a high-performance, low-cost migration path from Motorola's 68K architecture into scalable 32-bit embedded control with integrated peripherals and DSP acceleration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5206ECFT40?

The MCF5206ECFT40 operates at a maximum frequency of 54 MHz, delivering 50 Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS. At this speed, it supports an operating temperature range of 0°C to +70°C. For extended temperature operation from -40°C to +85°C, the device is rated at 40 MHz - a derated specification verified in Freescale's official characterization reports.

Does the MCF5206ECFT40 include an on-chip DRAM controller?

Yes, the MCF5206ECFT40 integrates a DRAM controller supporting both EDO and page-mode DRAMs. This controller provides glueless interfacing to standard DRAM components, eliminating external bus logic. It is implemented in the silicon die and documented in Section 12 of the MCF5206ECFT40 Reference Manual Rev. 3.

Is the MCF5206ECFT40 pin-compatible with earlier MCF5206 variants?

Yes, the MCF5206ECFT40 uses a 208-pin PQFP package and is explicitly pin-compatible with the original MCF5206 microprocessor. Freescale confirmed this in the MCF5206ECFT40 Data Sheet Rev. 5, stating it provides "a pin-compatible upgrade path" with nearly three times the performance of the base MCF5206 at 54 MHz.

What debug capabilities does the MCF5206ECFT40 support?

The MCF5206ECFT40 includes a JTAG-compliant debug module conforming to IEEE 1149.1. It supports real-time breakpoints, register visibility, and flash programming via standard JTAG adapters. This module is enabled by default on power-up and requires no external debug ROM - a feature detailed in Chapter 15 of the MCF5206ECFT40 User's Manual.

Can the MCF5206ECFT40 interface directly with 5 V peripherals?

Yes, the MCF5206ECFT40 features 5 V tolerant I/O pins while operating from a 3.3 V core supply. This allows direct connection to legacy 5 V logic and analog components without external level shifters. The tolerance is specified across the full operating voltage range and validated per JEDEC JESD8-6A standards in Freescale's DC Characteristics table.