NXP Semiconductors MCF5281CVM80

Overview

MCF5281CVM80 from Freescale Semiconductor is a 32-bit ColdFire V2 core microcontroller with 80 MHz maximum CPU frequency, 128 KB on-chip Flash memory, and 16 KB SRAM. It integrates FlexCAN, QSPI, UARTs, I²C, QADC, FEC, and EMAC-designed for industrial control, networked automation, and real-time embedded systems requiring deterministic timing and peripheral integration.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5281CVM80 datasheet, MCF5281CVM80 pinout, MCF5281CVM80 application, or MCF5281CVM80 equivalent, key selection criteria include its ColdFire V2 ISA_A+ instruction set, 80 MHz operation with PLL clock synthesis, integrated Ethernet MAC (FEC), FlexCAN 2.0B compliance, and support for external SDRAM via EIM-critical for protocol stacks, fieldbus gateways, and edge node controllers.

Technical Context

The MCF5281CVM80 implements the ColdFire Version 2 microarchitecture with a 32-bit Harvard-style bus interface, 4-stage pipeline, and enhanced Multiply-Accumulate (EMAC) unit supporting fractional arithmetic. Its memory subsystem includes configurable cache, 128 KB Flash with security/erase/program control, and 16 KB SRAM with parity protection.

System-level integration includes a programmable Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) for clock generation, dual interrupt controllers (INTC0/INTC1), Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) with MII/RMII support, and FlexCAN module compliant with ISO 11898-1:2003. Power management supports Run, Wait, Doze, and Stop modes with peripheral-specific wake-up control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 256-pin LQFP (28 × 28 mm, 0.4 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, lead-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5281CVM80, the MCF5282CVM80 offers identical footprint and ColdFire V2 compatibility while adding MII-capable FEC and extra SRAM-ideal for scaling existing designs. The K60DN512ZVMD10 provides higher compute headroom and integrated PHY but requires full toolchain migration and lacks direct ColdFire ISA equivalence.

Availability

MCF5281CVM80 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, building automation gateways, and networked motor drive controllers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCF5281CVM80 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 processing, connectivity, and analog solutions for automotive, industrial, and networking markets.

The MCF5281CVM80 belongs to the ColdFire V2 microcontroller family, designed specifically for deterministic real-time control in resource-constrained industrial and communications equipment-emphasizing peripheral integration, low-latency interrupt response, and long-term availability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5281CVM80?

The MCF5281CVM80 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 80 MHz, achieved using its internal Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) driven by an external crystal (typically 8–16 MHz). This frequency is confirmed in the MCF5282UM Rev. 3 user manual and applies identically to the MCF5281CVM80 variant within the same ColdFire V2 family. The PLL supports multiple output dividers to generate synchronized clocks for peripherals.

Does the MCF5281CVM80 include an integrated Ethernet MAC?

Yes, the MCF5281CVM80 includes a Fast Ethernet Controller (FEC) module compliant with IEEE 802.3. It supports both MII and RMII physical layer interfaces, with dedicated pins for RMII (e.g., RMII_RXD[1:0], RMII_TXD[1:0]) and full MII signal routing possible via multiplexed pins. The FEC features DMA coherency, descriptor-based packet handling, and hardware checksum offload-key for real-time industrial Ethernet protocols.

How much on-chip Flash and SRAM does the MCF5281CVM80 provide?

The MCF5281CVM80 integrates 128 KB of on-chip Flash memory and 16 KB of on-chip SRAM. Both memories are accessible via the internal peripheral bus (IPB) and support configurable wait states. The Flash includes security registers (CFMSEC), protection bits (CFMPROT), and command-based erase/program functionality-documented in Chapter 6 of the MCF5282UM user manual, which covers all MCF528x variants including MCF5281CVM80.

Is the MCF5281CVM80 pin-compatible with other ColdFire V2 microcontrollers?

The MCF5281CVM80 is pin-compatible with the MCF5282CVM80 in the 256-pin LQFP package, sharing identical pin assignments for power, clocks, I/O, and major peripherals (FlexCAN, QSPI, UART, I²C, QADC). Differences exist only in optional features (e.g., MCF5282 includes additional SRAM and full MII support), but PCB layout remains interchangeable-confirmed by Freescale's mechanical data and signal descriptions in the MCF5282UM Rev. 3 document.

What debug interfaces are supported by the MCF5281CVM80?

The MCF5281CVM80 supports both Background Debug Mode (BDM) and IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interfaces for on-chip debugging, flash programming, and boundary scan testing. Pin configuration (MDM[3:0]) selects the active debug mode at reset. BDM uses a 6-pin interface (BKPT, TCLK, TDO, TDI, TMS, RESET) and is optimized for runtime debugging; JTAG supports full IEEE 1149.1 compliance for production test and emulation.