NXP Semiconductors MCXA156VPJ

Overview

MCXA156VPJ from NXP Semiconductors is a 96 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller with 1024 KB Flash, 128 KB SRAM (including 8 KB with ECC), and 82 GPIOs in a 112-pin VFBGA package. It integrates FlexCAN FD, USB Full-Speed with on-chip PHY, dual 16-bit ADCs (up to 3.2 Msps), and advanced motor control peripherals including two FlexPWM modules-designed for industrial motion control and BLDC/PMSM drives.

For engineers reviewing the MCXA156VPJ datasheet, MCXA156VPJ pinout, MCXA156VPJ application, or MCXA156VPJ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 96 MHz real-time performance, -40 °C to 125 °C operating range, ultra-low Deep Power Down current (412 nA), and support for CAN FD and I3C in compact VFBGA112 packaging.

Technical Context

The MCXA156VPJ implements an Arm Cortex-M33 core without TrustZone or MPU, operating at 96 MHz with FPU and DSP extensions. Its memory subsystem includes single-bank Flash with ECC, 4 KB cache engine, and configurable SRAM partitions-including 8 KB with ECC and full retention down to Deep Power Down mode.

Power management features include integrated LDOs (core and IO), multiple low-power modes (Deep Sleep: 32.26 μA, Power Down: 8.2 μA), and hardware watchdogs. Clocking relies on FRO192M/FRO12M/FRO16K oscillators plus external crystal support up to 50 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VFBGA112 package (7 mm × 7 mm × 0.86 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with 82 GPIOs, including 8 high-drive (20 mA) pins, 21 pins rated for 50 MHz operation, and 2 dedicated 5V-tolerant inputs (P3_27, P3_28).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCXA155VPJ, the MCXA156VPJ provides double Flash/SRAM capacity for complex firmware and data logging; compared with MCXA156VLL, it offers identical functionality in a 30% smaller footprint but requires fine-pitch BGA assembly and has one fewer GPIO.

Availability

MCXA156VPJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, smart energy metering, and robotic appliance control requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MCXA156VPJ 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 series targets cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and smart home applications, delivering scalable Arm Cortex-M33 performance with integrated analog, motor control, and low-power features - specifically engineered for motion control, energy management, and intelligent edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core configuration of the MCXA156VPJ?

The MCXA156VPJ operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 96 MHz using an Arm Cortex-M33 core with FPU and DSP extensions. It does not include TrustZone security or an MPU. The core runs at 1.1 V nominal supply and achieves 396 CoreMark (4.12 CoreMark/MHz), validated across the full -40 °C to 125 °C temperature range.

Does the MCXA156VPJ support CAN FD, and what are its physical layer requirements?

Yes, the MCXA156VPJ includes one FlexCAN module supporting CAN FD up to 5 Mbps. It requires external CAN transceiver and termination resistors; the MCU provides TX/RX signal lines only. No on-chip CAN PHY is integrated - unlike its USB FS interface, which includes a full on-chip PHY.

What low-power modes are available on the MCXA156VPJ, and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The MCXA156VPJ supports four low-power modes: Deep Sleep (32.26 μA), Power Down (8.2 μA), and Deep Power Down (412 nA). In Deep Power Down mode, all SRAM is powered off, wake timer is disabled, and only the reset pin remains active - enabling multi-year battery operation in maintenance-free sensor nodes.

How many ADC channels does the MCXA156VPJ support, and what is their resolution and speed?

The MCXA156VPJ integrates two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs. Each supports up to 32 input channels (dependent on package pinout), with maximum sampling rates of 3.2 Msps in 16-bit mode and 4 Msps in 12-bit mode. Each ADC includes an integrated temperature sensor for on-die thermal monitoring.

Is the MCXA156VPJ pin-compatible with other members of the MCX A1xx family, such as the MCXA154VPJ or MCXA155VPJ?

No, the MCXA156VPJ is not pin-compatible with MCXA154VPJ or MCXA155VPJ despite sharing the same VFBGA112 package. Pin assignments differ across variants due to varying peripheral enablement (e.g., second FlexPWM, additional ADC channels, I3C), requiring PCB redesign for substitution. Always verify pin mapping using the official MCXAP100M96FS6RM reference manual.