NXP Semiconductors MCF52256VN80

Overview

MCF52256VN80 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 RISC microcontroller designed for industrial control and connectivity applications. It operates at up to 80 MHz, integrates 256 KB flash and 32 KB SRAM, includes FlexCAN 2.0B, USB OTG, three UARTs, two I²C modules, QSPI, and an 8-channel 12-bit ADC with simultaneous sampling - deployed in motor control and networked sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MCF52256VN80 datasheet, MCF52256VN80 pinout, MCF52256VN80 application, or MCF52256VN80 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 100-pin LQFP package, 80 MHz V2 ColdFire core with EMAC/CAU, Mini-FlexBus absence (vs. 144-pin variants), and verified CAN/Ethernet-capable firmware compatibility across the MCF5225x family.

Technical Context

The MCF52256VN80 implements the ColdFire ISA_A+ instruction set with a dual-pipeline V2 core (IFP/OEP), hardware divider, and enhanced MAC unit supporting 16×16→32 and 32×32→48 operations. Its on-chip memory subsystem features tightly coupled 256 KB flash (interleaved, 2-1-1-1 access) and 32 KB dual-ported SRAM accessible by CPU, DMA, and USB.

Peripheral integration includes a FlexCAN 2.0B module with 16 configurable message buffers, USB OTG controller with 16 endpoints and FIFO/DMA interfaces, and a fast 12-bit ADC with dual S/H circuits enabling true simultaneous sampling of two channels - critical for real-time motor phase current measurement.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 100-pin LQFP (14 mm × 14 mm), 0.5 mm pitch, thermally enhanced with exposed pad. Pinout supports full GPIO remapping via PADI module, with dedicated pins for CANRX/CANTX, USB D+/D−, FEC RMII signals (not implemented in this variant), and ADC analog inputs AN[7:0].

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF52258VJ80 and K64F120M, the MCF52256VN80 offers optimal balance of deterministic real-time performance (V2 ColdFire), hardware crypto (CAU), and dual-sampling ADC in a cost-optimized 100-pin LQFP - making it uniquely suitable for safety-aware industrial motion control where external memory expansion is unnecessary.

Availability

MCF52256VN80 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, building automation nodes, medical infusion pumps, and energy meter communication hubs requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCF52256VN80 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 roots in Freescale's embedded processing heritage.

The MCF52256VN80 belongs to the ColdFire V2 microcontroller product line, engineered for deterministic real-time control in harsh industrial environments - emphasizing low-latency peripherals, hardware-accelerated cryptography, and robust analog/motor control integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF52256VN80?

The MCF52256VN80 operates at a maximum core frequency of 80 MHz, achieving 76 MIPS (Dhrystone 2.1) when executing from internal flash memory. Its peripheral bus runs at up to 40 MHz, and the on-chip PLL supports flexible clock synthesis from crystal, relaxation oscillator, or external sources. This frequency is confirmed in Table 1 of the MCF52259 datasheet (Rev. 5), which explicitly lists "up to 80 MHz" for the MCF52256 variant.

Does the MCF52256VN80 include a cryptographic acceleration unit (CAU)?

Yes, the MCF52256VN80 includes the Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU) as part of its ColdFire V2 core implementation. The CAU accelerates DES, 3DES, AES, MD5, and SHA-1 operations in hardware, enabling efficient secure boot, firmware authentication, and encrypted communication without consuming CPU cycles. This capability is documented in Section 1.2.6 and Table 1 of the MCF52259 datasheet, where CAU is marked as present for all MCF5225x variants including MCF52256.

What package type and pin count does the MCF52256VN80 use?

The MCF52256VN80 uses a 100-pin LQFP package (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with an exposed thermal pad. This is confirmed in the "Family Configurations" section (page 3) of the MCF52259 datasheet, which states "Package: 100 LQFP" for the MCF52256 device. It does not support the 144-pin LQFP or MAPBGA packages used by higher-memory variants like the MCF52259.

Does the MCF52256VN80 support Mini-FlexBus?

No, the MCF52256VN80 does not support the Mini-FlexBus external interface. According to Table 1 (page 3) of the MCF52259 datasheet, Mini-FlexBus is marked with "" only for MCF52256, MCF52258, and MCF52259 - but the footnote clarifies that Mini-FlexBus is available only on 144-pin packages. Since MCF52256VN80 is a 100-pin LQFP variant, Mini-FlexBus signals are omitted from its pinout and functionality.

What ADC capabilities does the MCF52256VN80 provide?

The MCF52256VN80 integrates an 8-channel, 12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with simultaneous sampling capability on two channel pairs (AN0/AN1 and AN2/AN3). It achieves ≤1.125 µs conversion time and supports single-scan, triggered, or continuous operation. Unused analog inputs can be repurposed as digital I/O. These specifications are detailed in Section 1.2.15 and Table 2.15 of the MCF52259 datasheet, applicable to all MCF5225x family members.