NXP Semiconductors MCF5272CVF66J

Overview

MCF5272CVF66J from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire® V2 integrated microprocessor with a 66 MHz core clock, on-chip 16 KB SRAM, SDRAM controller, Ethernet MAC, USB 1.1 device controller, and QSPI interface. It serves as a system-on-chip for embedded networking and communications equipment requiring deterministic real-time control and protocol offload.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5272CVF66J datasheet, MCF5272CVF66J pinout, MCF5272CVF66J application, or MCF5272CVF66J equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated Fast Ethernet MAC (10/100 Mbps), USB device-only capability, hardware MAC unit for DSP-like operations, and support for external SDRAM up to 128 MB - all in a 256-pin PQFP package.

Technical Context

The MCF5272CVF66J implements the ColdFire V2 core with a three-stage pipeline, hardware multiply-accumulate (MAC) unit, and IEEE 1149.1 JTAG debug interface. It integrates a System Integration Module (SIM) with power management, watchdog, and interrupt controllers.

Its peripheral set includes a full-duplex 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC with MII interface, USB 1.1 device controller (no host mode), QSPI supporting master/slave SPI and queued transfers, four UARTs, two 32-bit timers with capture/compare, and a PWM module - all mapped into a unified memory space via chip-select logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

256-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Package), 28 mm × 28 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, JEDEC MS-026AC compliant. Thermal pad exposed on underside for enhanced heat dissipation in continuous operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5272CVF66J, MCF5282CVM66 trades integrated Ethernet for doubled on-chip SRAM and broader peripheral flexibility, while MPC8272CZQ provides enterprise-class networking features at higher power and cost - making MCF5272CVF66J optimal for cost-sensitive, single-port embedded gateways.

Availability

MCF5272CVF66J is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial Ethernet gateways, USB-enabled HMI panels, ISDN terminal adapters, and networked print servers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence planning.

Supply support for MCF5272CVF66J 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 legacy ColdFire product support, documentation, and qualification data for industrial and automotive applications.

The MCF5272CVF66J belongs to the ColdFire V2 microprocessor family, designed for cost-optimized, single-chip embedded networking and communications systems requiring integrated Ethernet, USB, and real-time control capabilities.

FAQ

Does the MCF5272CVF66J support USB host functionality?

No, the MCF5272CVF66J implements only a USB 1.1 device controller. It cannot act as a USB host or support USB On-The-Go. External USB host capability requires companion ICs such as the ISP1362 or similar. The MCF5272CVF66J USB module supports up to 12 Mbps full-speed operation with endpoint 0–7 configuration, but host stack execution is not supported in hardware or firmware.

What is the maximum SDRAM capacity supported by the MCF5272CVF66J?

The MCF5272CVF66J SDRAM controller supports up to 128 MB of external memory using 4M×16 or 8M×16 SDRAM parts. It implements auto-refresh, burst read/write, and programmable CAS latency (1–3 cycles). The controller uses a 16-bit data bus and supports page-mode access with configurable timing registers (SDTR) for optimization across temperature and voltage ranges.

Is the MCF5272CVF66J pin-compatible with other ColdFire processors like the MCF5282?

No, the MCF5272CVF66J is not pin-compatible with the MCF5282 or other ColdFire variants. It uses a 256-pin PQFP package with unique signal mapping for its integrated Ethernet MAC, PLIC, and QSPI modules. Pinouts differ significantly in address/data bus layout, peripheral signal assignment, and power/ground distribution - requiring dedicated PCB design for the MCF5272CVF66J.

Does the MCF5272CVF66J include an internal oscillator or require an external clock source?

The MCF5272CVF66J requires an external clock source on the CLKIN pin - typically a 33 MHz crystal or oscillator. It contains an internal PLL that multiplies this input to generate the 66 MHz core clock. No internal RC oscillator is provided; system startup depends on stable external clock input meeting frequency tolerance (±50 ppm) and slew rate specifications defined in the Electrical Characteristics chapter.

What debug interfaces are available on the MCF5272CVF66J?

The MCF5272CVF66J provides IEEE 1149.1 JTAG Test Access Port (TAP) and Background Debug Mode (BDM) support via dedicated pins (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, BKPT). This enables real-time instruction tracing, hardware breakpoints, register inspection, and flash programming using standard BDM debuggers such as the P&E Multilink or SEGGER J-Link with ColdFire firmware support.