NXP Semiconductors MCF5253CVM140

Overview

MCF5253CVM140 from Freescale Semiconductor is a ColdFire V2 core microprocessor delivering 125+ Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS at 140 MHz, featuring integrated 128 KB on-chip SRAM (64 KB ×2 banks), dual FlexCAN 2.0B controllers, USB 2.0 OTG, ATA/IDE, SDRAM controller, and a 1.2 V core supply. It serves as a system controller in industrial networking gateways requiring real-time I/O, media interface, and deterministic bus arbitration.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5253CVM140 datasheet, MCF5253CVM140 pinout, MCF5253CVM140 application, or MCF5253CVM140 equivalent, key selection considerations include its MAPBGA-225 package, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, 140 MHz CPU clock with flexible PLL, integrated eMAC unit for DSP-like operations, and remappable peripheral pins supporting mixed-signal embedded control.

Technical Context

The MCF5253CVM140 implements the ColdFire Version 2 (CF2) core with decoupled instruction fetch and operand execution pipelines, enabling high instruction throughput at 140 MHz. Its System Integration Module (SIM) manages interrupt priorities, GPIO configuration, and external bus arbitration between SDRAM, IDE, and E-bus peripherals.

It integrates a 1.2 V linear regulator (LININ → LINOUT) capable of 100 mA output, eliminating need for external core voltage regulation. The processor supports asynchronous debug via BDM and IEEE 1149.1A JTAG, with dedicated PSTCLK/PST/DDATA signals for real-time trace capture at full CPU speed.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: MAPBGA-225 (15×15 mm, 0.8 mm ball pitch), lead-free, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5253CVM140, the MCF5253VM140 offers identical performance and peripherals but reduced thermal qualification, while the i.MX21ADS provides higher CPU throughput and multimedia features at the cost of added external components for CAN/IDE support.

Availability

MCF5253CVM140 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, automotive diagnostic tools, audio/video terminals, and network-attached storage edge nodes requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MCF5253CVM140 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in embedded processors, analog, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The MCF5253CVM140 belongs to the ColdFire V2 microprocessor family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-performance embedded control applications requiring integrated connectivity (CAN, USB, ATA), real-time processing, and low-power operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the core architecture and maximum performance of the MCF5253CVM140?

The MCF5253CVM140 uses the ColdFire Version 2 (CF2) core with decoupled instruction fetch and operand execution pipelines. It achieves over 125 Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS at its maximum 140 MHz clock frequency. This performance level enables real-time execution of protocol stacks, media decoding, and control algorithms without external acceleration. The MCF5253CVM140's CF2 core is optimized for embedded control rather than general-purpose computing.

Does the MCF5253CVM140 require an external voltage regulator for its core supply?

No, the MCF5253CVM140 does not require an external core regulator. It integrates a linear regulator that accepts a 3.3 V input on LININ and delivers a tightly regulated 1.2 V output on LINOUT, capable of supplying up to 100 mA to the CPU and PLL blocks. This eliminates external core regulation components and simplifies power design, though a 10 µF tantalum capacitor on LINOUT is mandatory per the datasheet.

What types of memory interfaces does the MCF5253CVM140 support natively?

The MCF5253CVM140 supports native SDRAM (via 16-bit glueless SDRAM controller), ATA/IDE (16-bit parallel interface), and MMC/SD/Secure Digital (serial interface). It also includes a queued SPI (QSPI) module and three chip-select outputs (CS0/CS4, CS1, CS2) for connecting NOR/NAND flash, SRAM, or peripherals. The on-chip 128 KB SRAM is split into two 64 KB banks for concurrent access.

Can the MCF5253CVM140 operate in both USB host and device modes?

Yes, the MCF5253CVM140 integrates a USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) controller supporting both host and peripheral modes. It includes a full-speed (12 Mbps) PHY with DP/DM pins and supports USB enumeration as either a device (e.g., mass storage) or host (e.g., reading from USB flash drives). Mode switching is controlled via software and the USBID pin state.

What debugging interfaces are available on the MCF5253CVM140?

The MCF5253CVM140 provides two standardized debugging interfaces: IEEE 1149.1A JTAG for boundary scan and register-level access, and Background Debug Mode (BDM) for real-time program control and memory inspection. Additionally, it features a dedicated debug trace interface using PSTCLK, PST[3:0], and DDATA[3:0] pins for capturing instruction execution flow and breakpoint status at full CPU speed.