NXP Semiconductors MCXA146VPJ

Overview

MCXA146VPJ from NXP Semiconductors is a 48 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller with 1024 KB Flash, 128 KB SRAM (including 8 KB with ECC), and operation across –40 °C to 125 °C. It integrates dual 16-bit ADCs (up to 3.2 Msps), FlexCAN FD, USB Full-Speed with on-chip PHY, and 82 GPIOs in a 112-pin VFBGA package - deployed in industrial motor drives and smart metering systems.

For engineers reviewing the MCXA146VPJ datasheet, MCXA146VPJ pinout, MCXA146VPJ application, or MCXA146VPJ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48 MHz Cortex-M33 core with FPU/DSP extensions, deep power-down current of 412 nA, 1024 KB Flash with ECC, 82 GPIO count, and VFBGA112 packaging for high-density industrial control designs.

Technical Context

The MCXA146VPJ implements a single-bank Flash architecture with ECC support for one-bit correction/two-bit detection and a 4 KB cache engine. Its memory subsystem includes configurable SRAM partitions - up to 8 KB with ECC - all retainable down to Deep Power Down mode.

It features a full low-power subsystem: 64 μA/MHz Active current, 32.26 μA Deep Sleep, 8.2 μA Power Down, and 412 nA Deep Power Down with 1.44 ms wake-up. Clock sources include FRO192M, FRO12M, FRO16K, and external crystal support up to 50 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VFBGA112 (7 × 7 × 0.86 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with 112 terminals, supporting 82 GPIOs, dedicated power/ground pins, and multiple supply domains (VDD, VDD_P3, VDD_ANA, VDD_USB).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCXA145VPJ, MCXA146VPJ provides double Flash/SRAM capacity for larger firmware and data buffers; compared with MCXA156VPJ, it trades 96 MHz peak performance for lower dynamic power and thermal footprint in thermally constrained enclosures.

Availability

MCXA146VPJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, smart metering, and factory automation HMI requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCXA146VPJ 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The MCX family targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial control applications - delivering scalable Cortex-M33 performance with integrated analog, motor control peripherals, and ultra-low-power modes for edge intelligence.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core type of the MCXA146VPJ?

The MCXA146VPJ features an Arm Cortex-M33 core running at 48 MHz. It includes FPU and DSP extensions but excludes TrustZone and MPU. This configuration delivers 396 CoreMark (4.12 CoreMark/MHz) and is optimized for deterministic real-time control in industrial environments - distinct from the 96 MHz MCXA156VPJ variant in the same family.

Does the MCXA146VPJ support ECC on both Flash and SRAM?

Yes, the MCXA146VPJ supports ECC on its 1024 KB Flash (one-bit correction/two-bit detection) and on up to 8 KB of its 128 KB SRAM. This ECC implementation ensures data integrity during firmware execution and critical runtime variables - essential for IEC 61508 SIL-2 or UL 60730 compliance in safety-related industrial functions.

What low-power modes and wake-up capabilities does the MCXA146VPJ offer?

The MCXA146VPJ supports four low-power states: Active (64 μA/MHz), Deep Sleep (32.26 μA), Power Down (8.2 μA), and Deep Power Down (412 nA). Wake-up sources include 19 GPIO pins functional down to Deep Power Down, a wake timer, and reset pin assertion - enabling battery-powered operation exceeding 10 years in metering applications.

Which communication interfaces are integrated into the MCXA146VPJ?

The MCXA146VPJ integrates FlexCAN FD (for high-speed industrial networking), 5x LPUART (for RS-485/Modbus), 4x LPI2C, 2x LPSPI, I3C, USB Full-Speed Device with on-chip PHY, and FlexIO (for custom protocol emulation). These interfaces eliminate external transceivers in most industrial edge node designs - confirmed in Table 4 and Section 1 of the datasheet.

What package and pin count does the MCXA146VPJ use?

The MCXA146VPJ uses a VFBGA112 package (7 × 7 × 0.86 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with 112 terminals and 82 GPIOs. This high-density ball grid array supports fine-pitch PCB routing for space-constrained industrial controllers - matching the mechanical specifications in Package Drawing 98ASA02081D referenced in Table 3.