NXP Semiconductors MCF52256CAG66

Overview

MCF52256CAG66 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 RISC microcontroller designed for industrial control and connectivity applications. It operates at up to 66 MHz (63 MIPS), integrates 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, FlexCAN 2.0B, three UARTs, two I²C modules, QSPI, and an 8-channel 12-bit ADC with simultaneous sampling - enabling real-time motor control and fieldbus edge nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MCF52256CAG66 datasheet, MCF52256CAG66 pinout, MCF52256CAG66 application, or MCF52256CAG66 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 144-pin LQFP package, 66 MHz core frequency, Mini-FlexBus support (only on 144-pin variants), USB OTG dual-mode capability, and verified FlexCAN 2.0B compliance for automotive-grade communication subsystems.

Technical Context

The MCF52256CAG66 implements the ColdFire V2 core with ISA_A+ instruction set, enhanced MAC unit, and hardware divider - delivering deterministic 63 MIPS at 66 MHz from internal flash. Its integrated peripherals include a full-featured FlexCAN 2.0B controller (16 message buffers, programmable bit rate up to 1 Mbit/s), USB OTG dual-mode host/device controller (16 endpoints, full-speed/low-speed), and Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) supporting 10/100 BaseT/TX in half/full duplex.

On-chip memory architecture features tightly coupled 256 KB flash (interleaved, 2-1-1-1 access) and 32 KB dual-ported SRAM accessible by CPU, DMA, FEC, and USB - enabling zero-wait-state execution and efficient double-buffering. Power management includes static operation, sleep/stop modes, per-peripheral clock gating, and independent backup watchdog timer (16-bit, low-power mode support).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MCF52256CAG66 is housed in a 144-lead LQFP package (20 mm × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), with all signals electrically and thermally optimized for industrial PCB layouts. Pin assignments follow Freescale's standardized ColdFire V2 pin-muxing scheme (PADI), allowing flexible peripheral routing via software configuration.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF52256CAG66, the MCF52258CAG66 offers scalable memory and Ethernet capability within identical pinout and toolchain, while the Kinetis K64F120M provides higher raw performance and integrated PHY at the cost of increased power and loss of ColdFire's ultra-low-jitter peripheral timing - making MCF52256CAG66 optimal for cost-sensitive, timing-critical industrial nodes.

Availability

MCF52256CAG66 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, building automation gateways, and PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCF52256CAG66 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 microcontroller innovation through its acquisition of Freescale.

The MCF52256CAG66 belongs to the ColdFire V2 microcontroller family, engineered specifically for deterministic real-time control in harsh industrial environments - emphasizing low-latency peripherals, robust CAN/Ethernet connectivity, and energy-efficient operation without sacrificing computational throughput.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF52256CAG66?

The MCF52256CAG66 operates at a maximum core frequency of 66 MHz, delivering 63 MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1) performance. This frequency is fully characterized across the industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C) and supported by the on-chip PLL with external crystal or relaxation oscillator input. The MCF52256CAG66 does not support the 80 MHz option available in higher-tier family members like the MCF52259.

Does the MCF52256CAG66 include an integrated Ethernet controller?

No, the MCF52256CAG66 does not integrate a Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC). While the MCF52259 and MCF52258 variants include FEC, the MCF52256CAG66 omits this peripheral - confirmed in Table 1 "Family Configurations" of the MCF52259 datasheet (Rev. 5). Designs requiring Ethernet must use external PHY with MAC handled via software or select MCF52258CAG66 instead.

What package type and pin count does the MCF52256CAG66 use?

The MCF52256CAG66 is supplied exclusively in a 144-lead LQFP package (20 mm × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), as specified in the Freescale MCF52259 datasheet Section 3 and Table 1. It is not offered in 100-LQFP or MAPBGA variants. This package provides full access to Mini-FlexBus, USB OTG, FlexCAN, and all 56+ GPIO pins required for complex industrial I/O expansion.

Can the MCF52256CAG66 execute cryptographic operations in hardware?

No, the MCF52256CAG66 does not include the Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) or Random Number Generator (RNGA). These features are present only in the MCF52255 and MCF52259 variants, as shown in Table 1 "Family Configurations". For secure boot or TLS offload, software-based AES/SHA-1 implementation is required on the MCF52256CAG66, leveraging its EMAC unit for partial acceleration.

Is USB On-The-Go functionality available on the MCF52256CAG66?

Yes, the MCF52256CAG66 includes a full-featured USB OTG dual-mode controller supporting both host and device roles. It complies with USB 1.1 and 2.0 specifications at full-speed (12 Mbps) and low-speed (1.5 Mbps), provides 16 bidirectional endpoints, and supports DMA/FIFO data transfer modes - all confirmed in Sections 1.2.5 and 2.9 of the MCF52259 datasheet applicable to the MCF52256CAG66 family member.