NXP Semiconductors MCF5233CVM150

Overview

MCF5233CVM150 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 microcontroller with 150 MHz core frequency, 64 KB on-chip SRAM, 16-channel eTPU, dual FlexCAN 2.0B modules, and 256-ball MAPBGA package - designed for deterministic real-time industrial control systems requiring precise timing and CAN-based distributed I/O.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5233CVM150 datasheet, MCF5233CVM150 pinout, MCF5233CVM150 application, or MCF5233CVM150 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated 256-MAPBGA signal mapping, confirmed industrial control use cases, and two functionally comparable alternatives with documented feature trade-offs.

Technical Context

The MCF5233CVM150 implements the ColdFire V2 RISC architecture with hardware multiply-accumulate (EMAC), 8 KB instruction/data cache, and dual interrupt controllers (INTC0/INTC1). Its eTPU provides 16 independent time-critical channels with dedicated 6 KB RAM for motor control waveform generation and sensor event processing.

It integrates a 2-bank SDRAM controller supporting up to 128 MB, four 32-bit DMA timers, a 4-channel DMA controller, and three UARTs - all synchronized to a bus clock of up to 75 MHz. The device supports both MII and 7-wire serial Ethernet PHY interfaces via its FEC module.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

256-ball Mold Array Process Ball Grid Array (MAPBGA), 15 mm × 15 mm body, 1.0 mm ball pitch, thermal pad exposed on underside. Pin 1 located at top-left corner (A1), marked by laser etch per Freescale specification 1128A-01.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5235CVM150, the MCF5233CVM150 omits FEC and crypto but retains identical eTPU, CAN, and SDRAM capabilities - making it optimal for CAN-distributed industrial control. Against MCF52259CVM120, it delivers 25% higher throughput, dual CAN isolation, and scalable memory architecture for complex real-time OS deployment.

Availability

MCF5233CVM150 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, programmable logic controllers, automotive body control modules, and energy metering gateways requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCF5233CVM150 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 acquired Freescale in 2015 and maintains full support for the ColdFire portfolio, including documentation, reference designs, and long-term manufacturing commitments.

The MCF523x family was engineered specifically for deterministic real-time industrial control - emphasizing low-latency peripherals (eTPU, FlexCAN), memory subsystem flexibility (SRAM + SDRAM), and robust debug infrastructure (JTAG/BDM).

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5233CVM150 core and bus?

The MCF5233CVM150 operates at a maximum core frequency of 150 MHz and a maximum bus frequency of 75 MHz. These frequencies are achieved using the internal PLL driven by an external 4–50 MHz crystal connected to EXTAL/XTAL pins. The PLL lock time and voltage sequencing must follow Freescale's recommended ramp profiles to ensure stable operation.

Does the MCF5233CVM150 include an integrated Ethernet controller?

No, the MCF5233CVM150 does not include a Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC). That feature is present only in the MCF5235CVM150 superset variant. The MCF5233CVM150 retains all other peripherals - including dual FlexCAN 2.0B, eTPU, SDRAM controller, and QSPI - making it ideal for CAN-centric industrial control where Ethernet is handled externally.

How many CAN interfaces does the MCF5233CVM150 support, and are they fully independent?

The MCF5233CVM150 supports two independent FlexCAN 2.0B modules (CAN0 and CAN1), each with its own message RAM, acceptance filters, and error counters. They operate concurrently without resource contention, enabling true dual-network isolation - for example, one for safety-critical actuator commands and another for diagnostics or parameter upload.

What package type and pin count does the MCF5233CVM150 use?

The MCF5233CVM150 uses a 256-ball MAPBGA package (15 mm × 15 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) with thermal pad. Pin assignments are defined in Freescale document MCF523x Integrated Microprocessor Hardware Specification Rev. 4, Section 6.2.1 and Figure 4. Signal muxing is documented in Table 2 of the same specification.

Is external SDRAM required when using the MCF5233CVM150?

No, external SDRAM is optional. The MCF5233CVM150 includes 64 KB of on-chip SRAM sufficient for most real-time control applications. The integrated 2-bank SDRAM controller is provided for memory expansion up to 128 MB when running larger RTOS images, web servers, or data logging buffers - but it is not mandatory for basic operation.