NXP Semiconductors MCF52236CAF50

Overview

MCF52236CAF50 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 RISC microcontroller designed for embedded industrial and networking applications. It operates at 50 MHz, delivers 46 Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS, integrates 256 KB Flash and 32 KB SRAM, and features on-chip Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) with integrated EPHY, FlexCAN 2.0B, three UARTs, and a 12-bit 8-channel ADC - enabling compact, single-chip Ethernet-connected control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCF52236CAF50 datasheet, MCF52236CAF50 pinout, MCF52236CAF50 application, or MCF52236CAF50 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 50 MHz clock rating, LQFP-112 package, integrated Ethernet transceiver, absence of Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU), and FlexCAN omission - all confirmed in the MCF52235/MCF52236 family configuration table.

Technical Context

The MCF52236CAF50 implements the ColdFire V2 core with static 32-bit RISC architecture, ISA_A+ instruction set, and EMAC unit supporting 16×16→32 and 32×32→32 operations. Its clock generation includes crystal/oscillator input and an integrated PLL, while system reset sources include POR, external, software, watchdog, loss-of-clock, loss-of-lock, and low-voltage detection.

It integrates a full-featured Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) with on-chip EPHY supporting 10/100BASE-TX, auto-negotiation, MDIO preamble suppression, and jumbo packet handling. Peripheral connectivity includes three UARTs (with FIFOs and modem support), I²C master/slave, QSPI master, four-channel DMA, and dual interrupt controllers (INTC0/INTC1) with 7 fixed-level external interrupts.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP-112 package, 20 mm × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments conform to Figure 3 ("112-pin LQFP Pin Assignments") in MCF52235 Rev. 10 datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF52236CAF50, MCF52235CAG60 adds cryptographic acceleration and CAN but consumes more power at 60 MHz, while K60DN512ZVLQ10 offers ARM ecosystem advantages but requires external Ethernet PHY and lacks integrated EPHY - making MCF52236CAF50 optimal for cost-sensitive, single-chip Ethernet edge nodes.

Availability

MCF52236CAF50 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial Ethernet I/O modules, building automation controllers, and programmable logic controller base units requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and verified interoperability with legacy ColdFire toolchains.

Supply support for MCF52236CAF50 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, with deep heritage in microcontrollers and connectivity IP.

The MCF52236CAF50 belongs to the ColdFire V2 microcontroller family, engineered specifically for deterministic real-time control in resource-constrained Ethernet-connected industrial equipment - emphasizing integrated peripherals, low-power operation, and robust EMI tolerance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF52236CAF50?

The MCF52236CAF50 operates at a maximum clock frequency of 50 MHz, delivering 46 Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS performance. This frequency is fixed by the part number suffix 'F50' and confirmed in Table 1 of the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10, which explicitly lists MCF52236 with System Clock = 50 MHz - distinct from the 60 MHz MCF52235 variant.

Does the MCF52236CAF50 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

Yes, the MCF52236CAF50 includes an on-chip Ethernet transceiver (EPHY) supporting 10/100BASE-TX with auto-negotiation, MDIO preamble suppression, and jumbo packet handling. This is documented in Section 1.2.1 and Figure 1 of the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10, where EPHY is listed as present across all family members including MCF52236.

Is the Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) available on the MCF52236CAF50?

No, the Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) is not included in the MCF52236CAF50. Table 1 in the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10 shows CAU marked with '' for MCF52235 only and '-' for MCF52236, confirming its absence. The MCF52236CAF50 lacks hardware acceleration for DES, 3DES, AES, MD5, and SHA-1.

Which package type does the MCF52236CAF50 use?

The MCF52236CAF50 uses the 112-pin LQFP package (20 mm × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), as specified in Table 1 of the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10 under the 'Package' column for MCF52236. This matches the pinout shown in Figure 3 ("112-pin LQFP Pin Assignments") and supports the full debug/trace interface.

Does the MCF52236CAF50 support CAN bus communication?

No, the MCF52236CAF50 does not include the FlexCAN 2.0B module. Table 1 in the MCF52235 datasheet Rev. 10 indicates FlexCAN is present for MCF52231, MCF52234, and MCF52235, but marked '-' for MCF52236 - confirming its omission. CAN functionality requires an external controller or a different family member.