NXP Semiconductors MCF5407FT220

Overview

MCF5407FT220 from Motorola (now NXP Semiconductors) is a ColdFire® v2 32-bit microprocessor with integrated DRAM controller, dual UARTs, I²C module, and hardware MAC unit, operating at 220 MHz with 16 KB instruction cache and 8 KB data cache, used in industrial control and network edge device host processing.

For engineers reviewing the MCF5407FT220 datasheet, MCF5407FT220 pinout, MCF5407FT220 application, or MCF5407FT220 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 220 MHz CPU clock, on-chip PLL with programmable multiplication ratio, 16-bit parallel port for GPIO expansion, and IEEE 1149.1 JTAG debug interface compliance.

Technical Context

The MCF5407FT220 implements the ColdFire v2 core with Harvard architecture, dual-pipeline execution (IFP/OEP), and hardware integer divide unit. It integrates a System Integration Module (SIM) containing PLL, interrupt controller, chip-select logic, and bus arbitration - all mapped to a fixed memory address space via MBAR.

Its peripheral set includes synchronous/asynchronous DRAM controller supporting up to 256 MB, DMA controller with four channels, timer module with three independent 16-bit timers, and two full-duplex UARTs with programmable baud rates. The I²C module supports standard-mode (100 kbps) and fast-mode (400 kbps) operation with slave arbitration and clock stretching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 220-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Package), 32 mm × 32 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, lead-free compatible.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCF5472FT220 and MPC8272, the MCF5407FT220 provides optimal balance of deterministic real-time performance, low-power DRAM interfacing, and integrated MAC for cost-sensitive industrial gateways - without over-provisioning unused peripherals like USB or QUICC Engine.

Availability

MCF5407FT220 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC controllers, network edge routers, medical diagnostic gateways, and smart energy meter hubs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCF5407FT220 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

Motorola Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) pioneered embedded microprocessors for industrial and communications systems, emphasizing real-time determinism and integration.

The MCF5407FT220 belongs to the ColdFire v2 microprocessor family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability embedded control applications requiring integrated memory controllers and deterministic interrupt response.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCF5407FT220?

The MCF5407FT220 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 220 MHz, achieved via its internal PLL that multiplies an external reference clock (4–50 MHz). This frequency defines the instruction execution rate and real-time scheduling granularity. All timing-critical peripherals - including UART baud generation, timer tick resolution, and DRAM refresh intervals - scale directly with this clock. The MCF5407FT220 datasheet specifies AC timing parameters under this condition, and thermal derating must be applied above 85°C ambient.

Does the MCF5407FT220 include on-chip SRAM, and how is it used?

Yes, the MCF5407FT220 integrates 2 KB of on-chip SRAM, mapped into the processor's linear address space and accessible at full CPU speed. This SRAM is typically used for critical stack operations, interrupt service routine context storage, or small real-time buffers where external memory latency would degrade determinism. Unlike cache, it is not transparent - software must explicitly allocate and manage it. The MCF5407FT220's RAMBAR0 and RAMBAR1 registers allow remapping its base address, enabling flexible placement within the memory map.

Can the MCF5407FT220 interface directly with SDRAM, and what are the configuration requirements?

Yes, the MCF5407FT220 includes a fully integrated SDRAM controller supporting 16- or 32-bit wide devices with programmable row/column addressing, CAS latency, and refresh timing. Configuration is performed via SIM registers (e.g., SDCR, SDMR) after reset. The MCF5407FT220 requires external SDRAM chips with compatible timing (e.g., PC100/PC133), proper termination, and stable VDD/VSS decoupling. No external memory controller IC is needed - the MCF5407FT220 handles all command sequencing, refresh, and bank management autonomously.

How does the MCF5407FT220 support real-time debugging during development?

The MCF5407FT220 supports real-time debugging through its IEEE 1149.1-compliant JTAG TAP controller and Background Debug Mode (BDM). Using a standard BDM pod or debugger, engineers can halt/resume execution, read/write CPU registers and memory, set hardware breakpoints, and capture trace data via PSTCLK-synchronized signals - all without stopping the target system clock. This capability is built into the silicon and requires no firmware overhead. The MCF5407FT220's debug architecture enables deterministic breakpoint insertion even in time-critical ISRs.

What peripheral interfaces are integrated into the MCF5407FT220 for industrial I/O expansion?

The MCF5407FT220 integrates a 16-bit parallel port (GPIO), two UARTs with full modem control (RTS/CTS/DSR/DTR), an I²C master/slave module, and a timer module with three 16-bit counters - all usable for industrial I/O expansion. The parallel port pins are multiplexed with other functions (e.g., DRAM address lines) and configured via the Pin Assignment Register (PAR). Each UART supports programmable baud rates up to 1 Mbps and 16-byte FIFOs, making them suitable for Modbus RTU or ASCII protocol stacks. The MCF5407FT220's I²C module supports standard/fast mode and arbitration, enabling connection to temperature sensors, EEPROMs, and power monitors without external level shifters.