NXP Semiconductors MCF52256CVN66

Overview

MCF52256CVN66 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 RISC microcontroller designed for embedded control and connectivity applications. It operates at up to 66 MHz (63 MIPS), integrates 256 KB flash, 32 KB SRAM, a Fast Ethernet controller (FEC), FlexCAN 2.0B, USB OTG, and an 8-channel 12-bit ADC with simultaneous sampling - enabling real-time motor control and industrial networking.

For engineers reviewing the MCF52256CVN66 datasheet, MCF52256CVN66 pinout, MCF52256CVN66 application, or MCF52256CVN66 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 144-pin LQFP package, 66 MHz system clock option, Mini-FlexBus interface availability, dual watchdog timers, and support for deterministic real-time I/O via four DMA-capable 32-bit timers and four GPT channels.

Technical Context

The MCF52256CVN66 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 on-chip memory subsystem includes tightly coupled 256 KB flash (interleaved, 2-1-1-1 access) and 32 KB dual-ported SRAM supporting concurrent CPU, DMA, and USB access.

Peripheral integration centers on real-time I/O and connectivity: FlexCAN 2.0B (16 message buffers, up to 1 Mbit/s), FEC with descriptor-ring DMA, USB OTG (16 endpoints, full/low-speed host/device), and a dual-S/H 12-bit ADC capable of simultaneous two-channel sampling triggered by SYNCA/SYNCB pins - critical for closed-loop motor phase current sensing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 144-pin LQFP (20 mm × 20 mm), RoHS-compliant, surface-mount. Pinout validated per Freescale MCF52259 Rev. 5 datasheet (covers MCF52256 family).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF52256CVN66, the MCF52258CVN80 offers higher performance and memory in identical packaging for drop-in upgrades, while the K64F120M provides broader peripheral flexibility and ARM toolchain support at the cost of ColdFire's deterministic CAN/FEC interrupt latency and simultaneous ADC architecture.

Availability

MCF52256CVN66 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, factory automation gateways, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCF52256CVN66 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 MCF52256CVN66 belongs to the ColdFire V2 microcontroller family, engineered for deterministic real-time control in harsh environments - emphasizing low-latency peripherals, robust clocking, and long-term industrial availability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF52256CVN66?

The MCF52256CVN66 operates at up to 66 MHz, delivering 63 MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1) performance. This frequency is confirmed in Table 1 of the MCF52259 Rev. 5 datasheet, which explicitly lists "up to 66 or 80 MHz" for the MCF52256 variant. The 66 MHz rating reflects its optimized balance of speed, power, and thermal stability in the 144 LQFP package.

Does the MCF52256CVN66 support simultaneous sampling on its ADC channels?

Yes, the MCF52256CVN66 features an 8-channel 12-bit ADC with two independent sample-and-hold circuits, enabling true simultaneous sampling on paired channels (e.g., AN0/AN1 and AN2/AN3). This capability is documented in Section 1.2.15 of the MCF52259 Rev. 5 datasheet and is essential for accurate three-phase motor current reconstruction without phase skew.

Is the Mini-FlexBus interface available on the MCF52256CVN66?

Yes, the Mini-FlexBus external bus interface is supported on the MCF52256CVN66, but only in 144-pin packages (LQFP or MAPBGA). As stated in Table 1 and Section 1.2.9 of the MCF52259 Rev. 5 datasheet, Mini-FlexBus is marked "" for MCF52256 and explicitly described as available on 144-pin variants - enabling glueless connection to external NOR flash or SRAM.

What debug interfaces does the MCF52256CVN66 provide?

The MCF52256CVN66 supports JTAG (IEEE 1149.1), Background Debug Mode (BDM), and real-time trace via PST/DDATA ports - all detailed in Sections 1.2.3 and 1.2.4 of the MCF52259 Rev. 5 datasheet. The full debug/trace interface is available on 144-pin packages, including six hardware breakpoints and non-intrusive instruction tracing at full 66 MHz operation.

How much on-chip flash and SRAM does the MCF52256CVN66 integrate?

The MCF52256CVN66 integrates 256 KB of interleaved flash memory and 32 KB of dual-ported SRAM, as specified in Table 1 of the MCF52259 Rev. 5 datasheet. This configuration supports field-upgradable firmware storage and real-time data buffering for concurrent CPU, DMA, and USB operations without external memory.