NXP Semiconductors MCF5272CVM66

Overview

MCF5272CVM66 from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit ColdFire® V2 integrated microprocessor with 66 MHz core clock, on-chip 8 KB SRAM, SDRAM controller, 10/100 Mbps 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 MCF5272CVM66 datasheet, MCF5272CVM66 pinout, MCF5272CVM66 application, or MCF5272CVM66 equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated Ethernet PHY interface support (via PLIC), USB device-only capability, ColdFire V2 instruction set compatibility, and 256-pin PQFP mechanical footprint with 3.3 V I/O and 2.5 V core supply requirements.

Technical Context

The MCF5272CVM66 implements the ColdFire V2 core with hardware MAC unit, 5-stage pipeline, and supervisor/user mode protection. It integrates a System Integration Module (SIM) with watchdog, power management, and interrupt controller, plus dedicated peripherals including DMA, UARTs, timers, PWM, and GPIO.

Its Ethernet module supports IEEE 802.3 MAC layer functions with MII interface and descriptor-based DMA transfers; the PLIC provides GCI/IDL physical layer support for ISDN B- and D-channel framing. USB operates in full-speed device mode only, with endpoint 0 control and seven configurable endpoints.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

256-pin Plastic Quad Flat Package (PQFP), 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 MCF5272CVM66, the MCF5272CVM80 offers higher compute headroom within identical footprint and software compatibility, while the MCF5271CVM66 removes networking peripherals to reduce cost and static power - both require validation of thermal design and clock tree stability under target workload.

Availability

MCF5272CVM66 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateways, ISDN terminal adapters, USB peripheral controllers, and network-attached storage controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MCF5272CVM66 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) was a leading designer of embedded processors, analog, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MCF5272CVM66 belongs to the ColdFire® V2 microprocessor family, engineered for cost-sensitive, real-time communications equipment requiring integrated Ethernet, USB, and ISDN physical layer support without external co-processors.

FAQ

Does the MCF5272CVM66 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

No, the MCF5272CVM66 integrates only the Ethernet MAC layer. It requires an external PHY chip connected via the MII interface (ETXD0–ETXD3, ERXD0–ERXD3, ETX_EN, ERX_DV, etc.). The PLIC module handles ISDN physical layer signaling but not Ethernet analog transceivers.

What is the boot sequence behavior of the MCF5272CVM66?

The MCF5272CVM66 samples the MDM pin at reset to select boot source: high = ROM boot (CS0), low = RAM boot (CS1). It executes from address 0x00000000, which must be mapped to valid code memory. Internal SRAM is not directly bootable without initialization code from external memory.

Can the MCF5272CVM66 operate as a USB host?

No, the MCF5272CVM66 implements only USB 1.1 device-mode functionality. It lacks host controller logic, root hub support, and OTG capabilities. USB communication must be initiated by an external host; the MCF5272CVM66 responds to standard device requests and endpoint transfers.

What voltage supplies are required for the MCF5272CVM66?

The MCF5272CVM66 requires two independent supplies: VDDCORE = 2.5 V ± 0.2 V for the ColdFire core and internal logic, and VDDIO = 3.3 V ± 0.3 V for all I/O banks, peripherals, and interface drivers. Separate decoupling and sequencing (VDDCORE before VDDIO) are mandatory per Freescale's electrical specifications.

Is JTAG debugging supported on the MCF5272CVM66?

Yes, the MCF5272CVM66 includes full IEEE 1149.1 JTAG Test Access Port (TAP) and Background Debug Mode (BDM) support. Pins TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO, and TRST enable non-intrusive flash programming, breakpoint setting, register inspection, and real-time execution control during development and field service.