NXP Semiconductors MCF5280CVF80

Overview

MCF5280CVF80 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 core microcontroller featuring 80 MHz operation, 128 KB on-chip Flash memory, 16 KB SRAM, integrated FlexCAN and Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC), and support for external SDRAM. It targets industrial networking, protocol gateway, and real-time control applications requiring deterministic timing and multi-protocol connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5280CVF80 datasheet, MCF5280CVF80 pinout, MCF5280CVF80 application, or MCF5280CVF80 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 80 MHz CPU clock, 128 KB Flash/16 KB SRAM memory map, FEC MAC+PHY interface capability, FlexCAN 2.0B compliance, and QSPI/QADC peripheral integration for sensor and communication subsystems.

Technical Context

The MCF5280CVF80 implements the ColdFire Version 2 microarchitecture with a 5-stage pipeline, 4 KB instruction cache, and enhanced multiply-accumulate (EMAC) unit supporting fractional arithmetic. Its memory subsystem includes configurable chip select logic, SDRAM controller with 16-bit data bus, and ColdFire Flash Module with security and protection registers.

System-level peripherals include dual UARTs, I²C, three programmable interrupt timers (PIT), general-purpose timers (GPT), watchdog, JTAG debug interface, and IEEE 1149.1 Test Access Port. Power management supports Run, Wait, Doze, and Stop modes with selective peripheral shutdown.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 256-pin LQFP (28 × 28 mm, 0.4 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, thermal pad exposed on underside.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5280CVF80, the MCF5282CVF80 offers integrated Ethernet PHY and extra UART at identical footprint, while the K60DN512ZVMD10 provides ARM-based scalability and larger memory but requires architectural rework and lacks native FlexCAN hardware.

Availability

MCF5280CVF80 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial networking, real-time motor control, and remote I/O applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MCF5280CVF80 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 is a global semiconductor leader focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The ColdFire family, including MCF5280CVF80, was designed for deterministic real-time control in resource-constrained industrial systems where reliability, peripheral integration, and long-term availability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5280CVF80?

The MCF5280CVF80 operates at a maximum system clock frequency of 80 MHz. This is achieved using the on-chip Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) driven by an external crystal or clock source between 4 MHz and 50 MHz. The 80 MHz clock feeds the ColdFire V2 core, peripherals, and bus matrix, enabling deterministic real-time execution with sub-12.5 ns instruction cycles. MCF5280CVF80 datasheets specify this rating under industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and 1.8 V core supply conditions.

Does the MCF5280CVF80 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

No, the MCF5280CVF80 integrates only the Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) MAC layer. It requires an external Ethernet PHY device connected via MII or RMII interface. Unlike the pin-compatible MCF5282CVF80, which includes both MAC and PHY, the MCF5280CVF80 relies on discrete PHY components such as the DP83848 or LAN8720. This separation allows design flexibility in PHY selection but increases component count and board area compared to fully integrated alternatives.

How much on-chip Flash and SRAM does the MCF5280CVF80 provide?

The MCF5280CVF80 integrates 128 KB of on-chip Flash memory managed by the ColdFire Flash Module (CFM) and 16 KB of static RAM (SRAM). The Flash supports erase/program operations in block or sector modes, with security registers (CFMSEC, CFMPROT) enabling code protection. The SRAM is mapped at fixed addresses and retains data during low-power modes like Doze and Wait. Both memory blocks are accessible via the internal 32-bit data bus, and their base addresses are configurable through RAMBAR and FLASHBAR registers in the MCF5280CVF80 memory map.

What CAN protocol versions does the MCF5280CVF80 support?

The MCF5280CVF80 supports CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B protocols through its FlexCAN module. It implements full CAN message buffering, identifier filtering, and error handling per ISO 11898-1. The FlexCAN controller supports bit rates up to 1 Mbps and includes three message buffers with programmable priority and acceptance masking. It does not support CAN FD or higher-layer protocols like CANopen or DeviceNet - those require software stack implementation atop the hardware controller. All CAN functionality is validated in the MCF5280CVF80 reference manual and verified in production silicon.

Is the MCF5280CVF80 supported by modern development tools?

Yes, the MCF5280CVF80 is supported by legacy and maintained toolchains including CodeWarrior Development Studio for ColdFire (v10.7), GNU GCC ColdFire toolchain (e.g., gcc-coldfire), and open-source debugging via OpenOCD with JTAG/BDM interfaces. While NXP discontinued active development of ColdFire-specific IDEs after 2015, the MCF5280CVF80 remains fully functional with stable, documented toolchains. Community-maintained BSPs and RTOS ports (e.g., FreeRTOS, MQX) are available, and all peripheral drivers are covered in the MCF5280CVF80 User's Manual (MCF5282UM Rev. 3).