NXP Semiconductors MCF5235CVF150

Overview

MCF5235CVF150 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 microcontroller with a 150 MHz core frequency, 64 KB on-chip SRAM, dual FlexCAN 2.0B modules, and integrated Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC). It features a 32-channel eTPU, 4-channel DMA, SDRAM controller, and three UARTs - designed for real-time industrial control systems requiring deterministic timing and multi-protocol connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5235CVF150 datasheet, MCF5235CVF150 pinout, MCF5235CVF150 application, or MCF5235CVF150 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated 256-pin MAPBGA package mapping, functional role in CAN/Ethernet gateways, and two confirmed alternative microcontrollers with documented feature and interface differences.

Technical Context

The MCF5235CVF150 implements the ColdFire V2 RISC architecture with an enhanced multiply-accumulate (EMAC) unit and 8 KB instruction/data cache. Its clock generation includes a PLL supporting up to 150 MHz core and 75 MHz bus operation, with dedicated CLKOUT for synchronous SDRAM interfacing.

It integrates dual independent FlexCAN 2.0B controllers with full message buffering and error handling, plus a Fast Ethernet Controller supporting both MII (18-signal) and 7-wire serial PHY interfaces - enabling concurrent CAN and Ethernet communication without external bridging logic.

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. Pinout conforms to MCF5235CVMxxx mechanical drawing (Case No. 1128A-01).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5235CVF150, the MCF52259CAG80 sacrifices Ethernet, eTPU depth, and clock speed for lower cost and simpler layout, while the K66F180M180 trades deterministic eTPU offload for broader ARM tooling and integrated PHY - neither offers pin compatibility or identical peripheral mapping.

Availability

MCF5235CVF150 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CAN/Ethernet gateways, PLC CPU modules, motor drive controllers, and building automation routers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCF5235CVF150 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 continues to support the ColdFire portfolio for industrial legacy and long-lifecycle applications.

The MCF523x family was designed specifically for deterministic real-time industrial control - emphasizing eTPU offload, dual CAN, and Ethernet coexistence in a single die to replace multi-chip solutions in factory automation and energy infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5235CVF150 core?

The MCF5235CVF150 operates at a maximum core frequency of 150 MHz, with a corresponding bus frequency of up to 75 MHz. This is achieved via an on-chip PLL configured from an external crystal (4–50 MHz) connected to EXTAL/XTAL pins. The MCF5235CVF150 datasheet specifies timing margins and voltage requirements (VDD = 1.5 V ±0.1 V) to sustain this frequency reliably under industrial temperature conditions.

Does the MCF5235CVF150 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

No, the MCF5235CVF150 includes only a Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) MAC layer - it requires an external PHY device (e.g., DP83848 or LAN8720) for physical layer signaling. The MCF5235CVF150 provides MII or 7-wire serial interface signals (ETXCLK, ERXD[3:0], etc.) and supports both modes via R_CNTRL[MII_MODE] configuration.

How many CAN interfaces does the MCF5235CVF150 support, and are they fully independent?

The MCF5235CVF150 supports two fully independent FlexCAN 2.0B modules (CAN0 and CAN1), each with its own message buffers, acceptance filters, and error counters. They operate concurrently without resource contention - enabling use cases such as one port for device control and another for diagnostics or network bridging, as confirmed in the MCF5235EC datasheet Section 1 and Table 1.

What package type and pin count does the MCF5235CVF150 use?

The MCF5235CVF150 uses a 256-ball MAPBGA package (15 mm × 15 mm, 1.0 mm pitch), designated as CVM in Freescale's part numbering. Pin assignments match the MCF5235CVMxxx mechanical drawing (Case No. 1128A-01), with documented ball locations for all signals including dual CAN, FEC, QSPI, and eTPU I/O in the Signal Descriptions section of the MCF5235EC datasheet.

Is external SDRAM required for MCF5235CVF150 operation, or can it run from internal SRAM only?

The MCF5235CVF150 can execute code and run applications entirely from its 64 KB on-chip SRAM - no external SDRAM is required. The integrated SDRAM controller is optional and used only when larger memory capacity (e.g., frame buffers, protocol stacks) is needed; its use depends on system-level memory architecture decisions, not boot functionality.