NXP Semiconductors MCF5280CVM80

Overview

MCF5280CVM80 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 core microcontroller designed for industrial control and networked embedded systems. It operates at 80 MHz, integrates 128 KB on-chip Flash, 16 KB SRAM, a Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC), FlexCAN interface, and supports external SDRAM via a synchronous DRAM controller. It targets real-time communication gateways and programmable logic controllers requiring deterministic timing and dual-network connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5280CVM80 datasheet, MCF5280CVM80 pinout, MCF5280CVM80 application, or MCF5280CVM80 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 80 MHz ColdFire V2 core performance, integrated FEC + FlexCAN dual-protocol support, 16 KB SRAM with cache, external memory interface capability, and QFP-256 package compatibility with industrial temperature range operation.

Technical Context

The MCF5280CVM80 implements the ColdFire Version 2 microarchitecture with a 5-stage pipeline, 4 KB instruction/data unified cache, and enhanced multiply-accumulate (EMAC) unit optimized for digital signal processing tasks. Its memory subsystem includes dedicated SRAMBAR and FLASHBAR registers for flexible address mapping.

It features a configurable Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) supporting multiple clock modes - including Normal PLL, 1:1 PLL bypass, and external clock input - enabling precise system timing control across varying power and performance requirements. The chip's interrupt architecture uses dual INTC0/INTC1 controllers with prioritized vectoring for real-time responsiveness.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

256-pin Low-Profile Quad Flat Package (LQFP), 28 mm × 28 mm body, 0.4 mm lead pitch, exposed thermal pad, RoHS-compliant. Designed for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) operation with 3.3 V core and I/O supply.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5282CVM80 and K60DN512ZVMD10, the MCF5280CVM80 delivers optimal balance of ColdFire deterministic timing, integrated RMII Ethernet, and industrial CAN support in a mature, pin-stable LQFP package - ideal for cost-sensitive, long-lifecycle industrial gateways where software compatibility with legacy ColdFire toolchains is essential.

Availability

MCF5280CVM80 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial Ethernet gateways, automotive diagnostic tools, and programmable logic controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for MCF5280CVM80 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, with roots in Freescale's embedded processor heritage.

The ColdFire family - including the MCF5280CVM80 - was engineered for deterministic real-time control in resource-constrained industrial systems, emphasizing low-latency peripheral response, robust ESD immunity, and long-term availability for mission-critical infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5280CVM80?

The MCF5280CVM80 operates at a maximum core frequency of 80 MHz, achieved via its internal Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) configured in Normal mode. This frequency is sustained across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) with proper decoupling and 3.3 V supply regulation. The MCF5280CVM80 datasheet specifies timing margins for all internal buses and peripherals at this speed, ensuring reliable execution of Ethernet and CAN protocols without overclocking.

Does the MCF5280CVM80 include an integrated Ethernet PHY?

No, the MCF5280CVM80 integrates only the Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) MAC layer - not a physical layer transceiver. It requires an external RMII-compliant PHY (e.g., DP83848 or LAN8720) connected via ETXD[0:3], ERXD[0:3], REFCLK, and CRS_DV signals. The MCF5280CVM80 provides full register-level control over FEC descriptor rings, DMA arbitration, and interrupt generation, enabling efficient TCP/IP stack implementation without external bridge logic.

What type of Flash memory is used in the MCF5280CVM80 and how is it managed?

The MCF5280CVM80 contains 128 KB of on-chip ColdFire Flash Module (CFM) memory, organized in 2 KB sectors with hardware-assisted program/erase operations. Flash access is controlled through dedicated CFM registers (CFMCMD, CFMCR, CFMPROT), supporting user-mode read protection, supervisor-only write/erase, and back-door unsecure access. The MCF5280CVM80 supports in-application programming (IAP) with configurable wait states and error detection via CFMUSTAT, enabling field firmware updates without external programmers.

Can the MCF5280CVM80 support both CAN and Ethernet simultaneously in real time?

Yes, the MCF5280CVM80 is architected for concurrent CAN and Ethernet operation: its dual interrupt controllers (INTC0/INTC1) assign independent priority levels to FlexCAN message objects and FEC transmit/receive descriptors, while the 80 MHz ColdFire V2 core and 4 KB cache ensure deterministic response to time-critical events. Benchmarks show the MCF5280CVM80 sustains full 100 Mbps Ethernet throughput and 1 Mbps CAN traffic simultaneously with <5 µs jitter on timer-triggered CAN transmissions - verified in Freescale's MCF5282UM reference designs.

What debug interfaces does the MCF5280CVM80 support?

The MCF5280CVM80 supports IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan testing and Freescale's Background Debug Mode (BDM) via a 10-pin header. BDM enables non-intrusive real-time debugging, flash programming, and memory inspection without halting peripheral operation - critical for validating Ethernet/CAN timing behavior. The MCF5280CVM80 also includes hardware trace support through the Debug Module, allowing instruction and data trace capture using compatible probes like P&E Multilink or Segger J-Link.