NXP Semiconductors MCXA145VPJ

Overview

MCXA145VPJ from NXP Semiconductors is a 48 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller with FPU and DSP extensions, 512 KB Flash (ECC-enabled), 96 KB SRAM (8 KB with ECC), 82 GPIOs, and operation across –40 °C to 125 °C. It integrates dual 16-bit ADCs (up to 3.2 Msps), FlexCAN FD, USB Full-Speed Device, and low-power modes down to 412 nA in Deep Power Down - deployed in industrial motor drives and smart home control panels.

For engineers reviewing the MCXA145VPJ datasheet, MCXA145VPJ pinout, MCXA145VPJ application, or MCXA145VPJ equivalent, key selection considerations include its VFBGA112 package with 112-pin footprint, 48 MHz core speed (not 96 MHz), 512 KB Flash capacity, support for 1.2 V IO supply on P3, and compatibility with MCUXpresso SDK for rapid firmware development.

Technical Context

The MCXA145VPJ implements an Arm Cortex-M33 CPU without TrustZone or MPU, operating at 48 MHz with 396 CoreMark (4.12 CoreMark/MHz). Its memory subsystem includes single-bank Flash with ECC (1-bit correction/2-bit detection), 4 KB cache engine, and configurable SRAM retention down to Deep Power Down mode.

Power management features integrated voltage regulation (LDO_CORE, LDOs), multiple low-power modes (Deep Sleep: 32.26 μA, Power Down: 8.2 μA, Deep Power Down: 412 nA), and wake-up sources including 19-pin capability. Clocking uses FRO192M, FRO12M, FRO16K, and external crystal up to 50 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VFBGA112 package: 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 112-ball layout with perimeter I/O, optimized for compact industrial PCBs and thermal performance under continuous operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCXA145VPJ, MCXA145VLL offers easier layout and rework at the cost of board space and missing 1.2 V IO flexibility, while MCXA155VPJ delivers higher compute density in the same footprint but increases power delivery complexity and thermal load.

Availability

MCXA145VPJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, smart home control panels, and energy storage systems requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and extended temperature support.

Supply support for MCXA145VPJ 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, IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets.

The MCX family targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and smart home applications, delivering Arm Cortex-M33 performance with robust low-power operation, functional safety-ready memory, and integrated motor control peripherals - all in scalable VFBGA/LQFP packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MCXA145VPJ?

The MCXA145VPJ operates at a maximum core frequency of 48 MHz, as confirmed by its product family designation (A14x series) and datasheet Table 4. This is fixed hardware behavior - unlike the A15x variants, it does not support 96 MHz operation, even with external clock sources or voltage scaling adjustments.

Does the MCXA145VPJ support TrustZone security features?

No, the MCXA145VPJ explicitly excludes Arm TrustZone technology, as stated in the "Core" section of the datasheet. It provides device lifecycle management, Flash read/write/execute permissions via MBC, and GLIKEY register protection - but lacks hardware-enforced secure/non-secure world isolation required for TrustZone.

What package type and pin count does the MCXA145VPJ use?

The MCXA145VPJ uses a VFBGA112 package: a 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 112-ball very thin fine-pitch BGA. This matches the "VPJ" suffix in the part number and is verified in Table 1 of the datasheet, where it is listed with 82 GPIOs and full pin compatibility across the A14x/A15x VPJ variants.

Can the MCXA145VPJ operate with a 1.2 V IO supply?

Yes - the MCXA145VPJ supports a dedicated 1.2 V IO supply on Port 3 (VDD_P3), as specified in Table 4 and Section 4.2.1. This enables direct interfacing with 1.2 V logic domains without level shifters, while other ports (P0/P1/P2/P4) operate from 1.71–3.6 V.

Is the MCXA145VPJ pin-compatible with the MCXA155VPJ?

Yes, the MCXA145VPJ and MCXA155VPJ share identical VFBGA112 packaging, pinout, and signal mapping - confirmed by identical "VPJ" suffix and matching entries in Table 1. However, the MCXA155VPJ requires 1.1 V core supply and delivers 96 MHz operation, so PCB design must accommodate different power delivery and thermal constraints.