NXP Semiconductors MCF5253VM140J

Overview

MCF5253VM140J from Freescale Semiconductor is a 140 MHz ColdFire V2 core microprocessor in a 225-pin MAPBGA package, featuring integrated 128 KB on-chip SRAM (64 KB × 2 banks), dual FlexCAN 2.0B controllers, USB 2.0 OTG, SDRAM controller (up to 32 MB), ATA/IDE interface, and a 1.2 V core linear regulator. It serves as a system controller in embedded networking and multimedia applications requiring real-time I/O, audio processing, and peripheral integration.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5253VM140J datasheet, MCF5253VM140J pinout, MCF5253VM140J application, or MCF5253VM140J equivalent, key selection considerations include its 140 MHz Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS performance, 225 MAPBGA footprint, -20°C to +70°C industrial temperature range, 1.2 V core / 3.3 V I/O supply architecture, and support for simultaneous SDRAM, IDE, USB, and CAN interfaces.

Technical Context

The MCF5253VM140J implements the ColdFire Version 2 (CF2) core with decoupled instruction fetch and operand execution pipelines, enabling 140 MHz operation at 125+ Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS. Its System Integration Module (SIM) manages interrupt priorities, GPIO multiplexing, and bus arbitration between the core, DMA, and peripherals.

It integrates a programmable PLL supporting 5–33.86 MHz external crystal input (CRIN/CROUT), a 1.2 V internal linear regulator (LININ→LINOUT), six-channel 12-bit Sigma-Delta ADC, and dual I²C, three UARTs, QSPI, and SPDIF-compliant audio interfaces - all accessible via configurable GPIO pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 225-ball MAPBGA (15 × 15 mm, 0.8 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, lead-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5253VM140J, MCF5253CVM140 extends thermal capability without hardware change, while MCF52259VM140 adds Ethernet and memory at the cost of package redesign - making the original optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally bounded legacy-compatible designs.

Availability

MCF5253VM140J is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI, network-attached media players, automotive gateways, VoIP endpoints, and CAN-based data loggers requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MCF5253VM140J 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 MCF5253VM140J belongs to the ColdFire V2 microprocessor family, designed specifically for cost-optimized, high-integration embedded control applications requiring real-time I/O, multimedia interfaces, and low-power operation without external memory controllers.

FAQ

What is the maximum SDRAM capacity supported by the MCF5253VM140J?

The MCF5253VM140J supports up to 32 MB of SDRAM via its glueless 16-bit interface. This is achieved using page mode, non-page mode, or burst-page mode timing, with full control over SDRAS, SDCAS, SDWE, and byte-enable signals. The SDRAM controller is validated for standard JEDEC-compliant devices and requires no external address latches or bus transceivers when interfacing with compatible memory.

Does the MCF5253VM140J include an integrated voltage regulator?

Yes, the MCF5253VM140J integrates a 1.2 V linear regulator with 100 mA output capability. It accepts a 3.0–3.6 V input on LININ and delivers a tightly regulated 1.2 V ±0.12 V on LINOUT to power the core and PLL sections. A 10 µF tantalum capacitor with ESR ≤5 Ω is required on LINOUT per the datasheet to ensure stability and load regulation within specification.

Can the MCF5253VM140J operate without an external crystal?

No - the MCF5253VM140J requires an external crystal (5–33.86 MHz) connected between CRIN and CROUT pins to drive its on-chip PLL. While the oscillator circuit can accept an external clock signal on CRIN, a crystal is mandatory for stable, low-jitter CPU clock generation. The datasheet specifies crystal load capacitance of 18 pF and ESR ≤40 Ω for reliable startup and operation.

How many CAN interfaces does the MCF5253VM140J provide, and what protocol versions are supported?

The MCF5253VM140J provides two independent FlexCAN modules, each implementing the full Bosch CAN 2.0B protocol specification. Both support standard (11-bit) and extended (29-bit) identifier frames, programmable bit timing, and message buffering. CAN0 and CAN1 operate concurrently with separate TX/RX pins (CAN0_TX/CAN0_RX, CAN1_TX/CAN1_RX), enabling dual-bus architectures without arbitration conflict.

Is the MCF5253VM140J pin-compatible with other ColdFire processors like the MCF52259?

No, the MCF5253VM140J is not pin-compatible with the MCF52259VM140. Although both use MAPBGA packages, the MCF5253VM140J has 225 balls while the MCF52259VM140 uses a 256-ball MAPBGA. Signal mapping, power pin distribution, and ball pitch differ significantly - requiring distinct PCB layouts. Software migration is possible due to ColdFire V2 core compatibility, but hardware redesign is mandatory.