NXP Semiconductors MCF5272VM66R2

Overview

MCF5272VM66R2 from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit ColdFire® V2 integrated microprocessor with a 66 MHz CPU core, on-chip 16 KB SRAM, SDRAM controller, Ethernet MAC, USB 1.1 device controller, QSPI, UARTs, and PWM modules. It serves as a system-on-chip for embedded networking and communications equipment requiring deterministic real-time control and wired connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5272VM66R2 datasheet, MCF5272VM66R2 pinout, MCF5272VM66R2 application, or MCF5272VM66R2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated Fast Ethernet PHY interface support (via PLIC), USB 1.1 device-only capability, 66 MHz clock speed, 256-pin PBGA package, and ColdFire V2 ISA compatibility for legacy firmware reuse.

Technical Context

The MCF5272VM66R2 implements the ColdFire V2 core with hardware MAC unit, 5-stage pipeline, and full 32-bit address/data bus. It integrates a System Integration Module (SIM) managing memory mapping, interrupt routing, power control, and watchdog functions.

Its peripheral set includes an IEEE 802.3-compliant Ethernet MAC with MII interface, USB 1.1 device controller supporting control/bulk/interrupt endpoints, QSPI supporting master/slave SPI modes, four UARTs with programmable baud rates, and a 4-channel timer/PWM subsystem with input capture and output compare capabilities.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

256-pin PBGA (17 mm × 17 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch), RoHS-compliant, thermally enhanced with exposed thermal pad. Pinout defined per Freescale MCF5272UM Rev. 3, Figures 1-1 (block diagram) and mechanical drawings in Appendix B.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5272VM66R2, the MCF5272VM66 offers identical functionality but differs only in packaging format and traceability, while the MCF5271VM66R2 removes Ethernet and ISDN interfaces - making it a lower-cost alternative for non-networked embedded controllers where those features are unused.

Availability

MCF5272VM66R2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial Ethernet gateways, ISDN telephony systems, USB peripheral controllers, and embedded network appliances requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCF5272VM66R2 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 networking markets.

The MCF5272VM66R2 belongs to the ColdFire® V2 microprocessor family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-integration embedded networking applications requiring real-time performance, wired connectivity, and software compatibility with legacy ColdFire codebases.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5272VM66R2?

The MCF5272VM66R2 operates at a maximum CPU clock frequency of 66 MHz, achieved by driving the CLKIN pin with a 66 MHz external crystal or oscillator. Its internal PLL is bypassed in this configuration, ensuring deterministic timing and low jitter for real-time Ethernet and USB frame handling. The MCF5272VM66R2 maintains full specification compliance-including SDRAM timing, UART baud accuracy, and USB bit-stuffing tolerance-at this rated speed.

Does the MCF5272VM66R2 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

No, the MCF5272VM66R2 integrates only the Ethernet MAC layer and provides a standard MII interface (ETXD[3:0], ERXD[3:0], etc.) to connect to an external PHY IC. It does not contain a physical-layer transceiver. Designers must select a compatible 10/100 Mbps MII PHY-such as the DP83848 or LAN8720-to complete the Ethernet physical interface. The MCF5272VM66R2's MII timing meets IEEE 802.3 specifications when paired with compliant PHYs.

Can the MCF5272VM66R2 operate as a USB host?

No, the MCF5272VM66R2 implements only a USB 1.1 device controller and cannot function as a USB host. It supports full-speed (12 Mbps) device enumeration, control transfers, bulk transfers, and interrupt transfers-but lacks the hardware sequencer, root hub logic, and OTG capability required for host-mode operation. For USB host functionality, designers must use an external USB host controller IC or select a different processor such as the i.MX series.

What memory types does the MCF5272VM66R2 support directly?

The MCF5272VM66R2 directly supports 32-bit SDRAM via its dedicated SDRAM controller with programmable timing registers (SDCR, SDTR), and static memory (SRAM, ROM, Flash) through its Chip-Select Module with configurable wait states and burst modes. It does not support DDR, LPDDR, or NAND Flash natively - those require external controllers or bridging logic. The MCF5272VM66R2's 16 KB on-chip SRAM is mapped into the local memory space and accessible at zero wait states.

Is the MCF5272VM66R2 pin-compatible with other ColdFire microprocessors?

The MCF5272VM66R2 is not pin-compatible with other ColdFire families such as MCF51JM or MCF54455 due to differences in peripheral sets, bus architecture, and package layout. Within the MCF5272 family, it is pin-compatible with MCF5272VM66 (same die, different packaging suffix). Pin compatibility is limited to same-package variants sharing identical 256-ball PBGA footprint, signal assignment, and power/ground ball map as documented in Freescale MCF5272UM Rev. 3.