NXP Semiconductors MCF52231CAL60

Overview

MCF52231CAL60 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 RISC microcontroller designed for embedded industrial and networking applications. It operates at up to 60 MHz, delivers 56 Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS, integrates 128 KB Flash and 32 KB SRAM, and features FlexCAN 2.0B, Fast Ethernet Controller with on-chip EPHY, three UARTs, and a 12-bit 8-channel ADC - deployed in motor control, industrial gateways, and protocol-converged edge nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MCF52231CAL60 datasheet, MCF52231CAL60 pinout, MCF52231CAL60 application, or MCF52231CAL60 equivalent, key selection considerations include its LQFP-80 package, 60 MHz V2 ColdFire core with EMAC, integrated FEC+EPHY, FlexCAN support, and absence of CAU - distinguishing it from MCF52235 while sharing peripheral compatibility across the MCF5223x family.

Technical Context

The MCF52231CAL60 implements the ColdFire V2 core (ISA_A+), featuring a dual-pipeline architecture (IFP/OEP), static 32-bit RISC execution, and an enhanced multiply-accumulate (EMAC) unit supporting 16×16→32 and 32×32→32 operations. Its clock system includes a PLL with crystal/oscillator input and generates core, bus, and peripheral clocks with programmable dividers.

It integrates a full Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) with descriptor-based DMA, on-chip 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet transceiver (EPHY), and a FlexCAN 2.0B module with 16 configurable message buffers, programmable bit rates up to 1 Mbit/s, and time-stamped messaging - all operating independently under dual interrupt controllers (INTC0/INTC1) with unique priority vectors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-80 package, 14 mm × 14 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (EPAD) on underside per Freescale MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10 Figure 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF52231CAL60, MCF52235CAG60 adds CAU and Flash capacity at identical speed and package, while K60DN512ZVMD10 trades ColdFire simplicity and integrated EPHY for ARM performance and flexibility - requiring redesign for PHY interface, power, and software stack.

Availability

MCF52231CAL60 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, protocol gateway, and networked PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for production ramp.

Supply support for MCF52231CAL60 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 continues to support the ColdFire portfolio for industrial and automotive legacy applications with long-term supply commitments.

The MCF5223x series was designed for cost-sensitive, real-time embedded systems requiring integrated Ethernet, CAN, and deterministic control - targeting industrial automation, energy metering, and building control markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF52231CAL60?

The MCF52231CAL60 operates at a maximum core frequency of 60 MHz, delivering 56 Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS when executing from on-chip Flash memory. This frequency is achieved using the integrated PLL with crystal or external oscillator input, and it is fully supported across all LQFP-80 temperature grades specified in the datasheet.

Does the MCF52231CAL60 include an on-chip Ethernet PHY?

Yes, the MCF52231CAL60 integrates a full 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet transceiver (EPHY) alongside the Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC). This eliminates the need for an external PHY IC, reducing component count and PCB complexity - confirmed in the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10 Section 1.2.5 and Table 1, which explicitly lists EPHY support for MCF52231.

Is the Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) present in the MCF52231CAL60?

No, the MCF52231CAL60 does not include the Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) or FIPS-140 compliant RNG. According to Table 1 in the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10, CAU is only present in the MCF52235 variant - making MCF52231CAL60 suitable for applications requiring CAN/Ethernet connectivity without hardware crypto acceleration.

What package type and dimensions does the MCF52231CAL60 use?

The MCF52231CAL60 uses an LQFP-80 package measuring 14 mm × 14 mm with 0.5 mm lead pitch and an exposed thermal pad (EPAD). This is confirmed in the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10 Section 3.1 and Figure 2, which defines the 80-pin LQFP mechanical outline applicable to all MCF5223x variants including MCF52231.

How many UART interfaces does the MCF52231CAL60 support?

The MCF52231CAL60 supports three universal asynchronous/synchronous receiver/transmitters (UARTs), each with 16-bit baud rate dividers, FIFO buffers, DMA capability, and modem control signals (RTS/CTS on two channels). This is documented in Section 1.2.1 and Table 1 of the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10, which confirms UART count consistency across the MCF5223x family.

Can the MCF52231CAL60 operate in low-power modes?

Yes, the MCF52231CAL60 supports multiple low-power modes including sleep and stop, enabled via the power management module. It features rapid wake-up from sleep mode on interrupt, clock gating per peripheral, and a software watchdog timer with low-power mode support - detailed in Section 1.2.7 and Table 24 of the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10.