NXP Semiconductors MCF5235CVM100

Overview

MCF5235CVM100 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 microcontroller with integrated Ethernet MAC, dual FlexCAN 2.0B controllers, 32-channel eTPU, 64 KB SRAM, and 8 KB instruction/data cache. It operates at up to 100 MHz core frequency and 50 MHz bus frequency, supporting industrial control systems requiring deterministic real-time I/O processing and network connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5235CVM100 datasheet, MCF5235CVM100 pinout, MCF5235CVM100 application, or MCF5235CVM100 equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical characteristics, package mapping to 256-pin MAPBGA, eTPU timing resolution, FEC MII/serial PHY interface options, and validated alternative microcontrollers for migration from MC68332 or legacy ColdFire platforms.

Technical Context

The MCF5235CVM100 implements the ColdFire V2 RISC architecture with hardware multiply-accumulate (EMAC), two independent interrupt controllers (INTC0/INTC1), and a programmable PLL for clock generation. Its eTPU provides 32 dedicated channels with 6 KB of local memory for high-resolution timing-critical tasks like motor commutation or PWM synchronization.

The integrated Fast Ethernet Controller supports both MII (18-signal) and 7-wire serial modes, while dual FlexCAN modules enable concurrent CAN 2.0B communication on separate buses. The SDRAM controller includes synchronous mode support with SD_CKE, SD_SRAS, SD_SCAS, and byte-enable mapping via BS[3:0] to DQM lines.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 256-ball Mold Array Process Ball Grid Array (MAPBGA), 15 mm × 15 mm body, 1.0 mm ball pitch, case number 1128A-01. Requires controlled impedance layout, 4-layer board, and strict power sequencing per Freescale AN1259.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5235CVM100, the MCF52259CAG80 reduces system cost and simplifies layout but sacrifices Ethernet and dual-CAN capability; the K66F18M180JMD offers modern peripherals and scalability but demands full firmware re-architecture and lacks eTPU's deterministic I/O acceleration.

Availability

MCF5235CVM100 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive body control units, energy metering gateways, and factory automation motion controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCF5235CVM100 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 designed specifically for deterministic industrial control applications requiring integrated real-time peripherals - eTPU for precision I/O, FEC for industrial Ethernet, and FlexCAN for robust fieldbus communication - targeting upgrades from MC68332 systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5235CVM100?

The MCF5235CVM100 operates at a maximum core frequency of 100 MHz and a maximum bus frequency of 50 MHz. This is confirmed in the Freescale MCF523x Hardware Specification Rev. 4 (Section 1), where the superset device MCF5235 is rated for up to 150 MHz core - but the MCF5235CVM100 variant is explicitly specified at 100 MHz in ordering information and thermal validation data. The MCF5235CVM100 uses the same silicon die as higher-speed variants but is binned and tested to guarantee stable operation at 100 MHz under industrial temperature conditions.

Does the MCF5235CVM100 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

No, the MCF5235CVM100 integrates only the Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) MAC layer - not a physical layer transceiver. It requires an external PHY (e.g., DP83848 or LAN8720) for MII or RMII interface, or direct connection to a 7-wire serial PHY for simplified 10 Mbps operation. This is clearly stated in Section 5.7.2 of the MCF523x Hardware Specification, which details MII signal routing (ETXCLK, ETXD[3:0], etc.) and explicitly notes that "the FEC does not include a PHY."

How many CAN interfaces does the MCF5235CVM100 support?

The MCF5235CVM100 supports two independent FlexCAN 2.0B modules, as confirmed in Table 1 (MCF523x Family Configurations) of the MCF523x Hardware Specification Rev. 4. Each module has dedicated CANTX/CANRX pins (CANTX0/CANRX0 and CANTX1/CANRX1), separate message buffers, and independent configuration registers - enabling true concurrent operation on separate CAN buses without software arbitration.

What package type is used for the MCF5235CVM100?

The MCF5235CVM100 uses a 256-ball MAPBGA package (15 mm × 15 mm, 1.0 mm pitch), documented in Section 6.2.1 and Figure 6 of the MCF523x Hardware Specification Rev. 4. Pin assignments match the MCF5235 superset configuration, including dedicated eTPU, FEC, and dual-CAN signal routing. The 'VM' suffix in the part number explicitly denotes the MAPBGA variant per Freescale's packaging nomenclature.

Is the eTPU in the MCF5235CVM100 user-programmable?

Yes, the 32-channel eTPU in the MCF5235CVM100 is fully user-programmable via downloadable microcode stored in its 6 KB dedicated RAM. As described in the MCF5235 Reference Manual and Section 3 of the Hardware Specification, each channel executes independently with event-triggered state machines - enabling custom implementations of motor commutation, encoder interpolation, or PWM generation without CPU intervention. The MCF5235CVM100 inherits the full eTPU capability of the MCF5235 superset device.