NXP Semiconductors MCF52256AG80

Overview

MCF52256AG80 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 RISC microcontroller designed for embedded control and connectivity applications. It operates at up to 80 MHz, integrates 256 KB flash and 32 KB SRAM, and features FlexCAN, USB OTG, three UARTs, two I²C modules, QSPI, an 8-channel 12-bit ADC with simultaneous sampling, and four 32-bit DMA-capable timers. It targets industrial automation, motor control, and networked edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the MCF52256AG80 datasheet, MCF52256AG80 pinout, MCF52256AG80 application, or MCF52256AG80 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 80 MHz V2 ColdFire core performance, 100-pin LQFP package, FlexCAN 2.0B support, Mini-FlexBus availability (not present in 100-pin variant), and verified USB OTG dual-mode operation - all confirmed for this specific part number.

Technical Context

The MCF52256AG80 implements the ColdFire ISA_A+ instruction set with hardware-enhanced bit processing, a 32×32→48-bit EMAC unit, and a Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) supporting AES, DES, MD5, and SHA-1. Its clock system includes an on-chip 8 MHz relaxation oscillator, programmable PLL, and independent backup watchdog timer with 16-bit counter.

It integrates dual 12-bit ADCs with synchronized sampling across two channels, enabling precise motor current sensing; supports full-speed USB OTG host/device operation with 16 bidirectional endpoints; and provides four-channel DMA with burst transfers, auto-alignment, and channel linking - all accessible via the internal high-speed bus without external arbitration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MCF52256AG80 is housed in a 100-pin LQFP package (14 mm × 14 mm), with 56 GPIO pins available for peripheral multiplexing. Pin functions are defined by the PADI (Pin Assignment and Drive Strength) module, enabling runtime reconfiguration of signal roles and drive strength per pin.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF52256AG80, MCF52254AG80 offers identical peripheral set except Mini-FlexBus and FEC - making it ideal for compact CAN gateway designs; Kinetis K64F120M trades ColdFire's deterministic real-time interrupt latency and simultaneous ADC for higher clock speed and ARM toolchain familiarity, but adds external component cost for crypto and analog precision.

Availability

MCF52256AG80 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, building automation gateways, secure IIoT edge nodes, and medical diagnostic instrument controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for MCF52256AG80 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 markets, with roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The MCF52256AG80 belongs to the ColdFire V2 microcontroller family, engineered for deterministic real-time control in harsh environments - emphasizing low-latency interrupt response, on-chip security acceleration, and mixed-signal integration for industrial edge applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF52256AG80?

The MCF52256AG80 operates at a maximum core frequency of 80 MHz, delivering 76 MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1) when executing from internal flash memory. This frequency is achieved using the integrated PLL with programmable pre-divider and post-divider settings, and is validated across industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C) per Freescale's MCF52259 Rev. 5 datasheet, which covers the MCF52256AG80 as a family member.

Does the MCF52256AG80 support USB On-The-Go functionality?

Yes, the MCF52256AG80 includes a full-featured USB OTG dual-mode controller compliant with USB 1.1 and 2.0 specifications. It supports full-speed (12 Mbps) and low-speed (1.5 Mbps) operation, 16 bidirectional endpoints, and both host and device roles - confirmed in Section 1.2.10 of the MCF52259 datasheet, which explicitly lists MCF52256 among supported devices.

What ADC capabilities does the MCF52256AG80 provide?

The MCF52256AG80 integrates an 8-channel, 12-bit fast ADC with two independent sample-and-hold circuits enabling true simultaneous sampling on two channels - critical for motor phase current measurement. Minimum conversion time is 1.125 µs, and it supports single-scan, continuous, or triggered operation with configurable interrupts on limit violation or zero crossing - all specified in Table 1 and Section 1.2.15 of the MCF52259 datasheet.

Is the Mini-FlexBus interface available on the MCF52256AG80?

No, the Mini-FlexBus external bus interface is not available on the MCF52256AG80. Per Table 1 (Family Configurations) in the MCF52259 datasheet, Mini-FlexBus is only supported on 144-pin variants (MCF52255, MCF52256 in 144 LQFP/MAPBGA, MCF52258, MCF52259). The MCF52256AG80 uses the 100-pin LQFP package, which excludes Mini-FlexBus - confirmed by pin count limitation and package-specific feature mapping.

What cryptographic functions are accelerated by the CAU in the MCF52256AG80?

The Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) in the MCF52256AG80 accelerates DES, 3DES, AES (128/192/256-bit), MD5, and SHA-1 algorithms in hardware - reducing software execution time by over 10× compared to pure-C implementations. This is documented in Sections 1.2.6 and 1.2.12 of the MCF52259 datasheet, which applies to all family members including MCF52256AG80, and is validated in NXP's AN4507 application note.