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NXP Semiconductors MCXC242VFM
- Part No.:
- MCXC242VFM
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 32-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MCXC242VFM.pdf
- Description:
- 48MHz, Cortex-M0+, USB
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:490
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Product details
Overview
MCXC242VFM from NXP is an entry-level Arm® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller operating at up to 48 MHz, featuring 64 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM, 24 GPIOs, USB Full-Speed 2.0 device interface (crystal-less), and support for low-power battery-operated smart power sockets and home security sensors.
For engineers reviewing the MCXC242VFM datasheet, MCXC242VFM pinout, MCXC242VFM application, or MCXC242VFM equivalent, key selection considerations include its crystal-less USB FS capability, 1.71–3.6 V supply range, -40 to 125°C junction temperature rating, deep-sleep current of 1.96 µA (RTC + RAM retained), and QFN32 package compatibility with FRDM-MCXC242 evaluation hardware.
Technical Context
The MCXC242VFM integrates a single-core Arm Cortex-M0+ CPU with a micro trace buffer and bit manipulation engine, paired with a low-leakage wake-up unit and DMA controller. It implements FlexIO for customizable serial peripheral emulation and supports two LPUARTs alongside standard I²C and SPI interfaces.
Its analog subsystem includes a 12-bit ADC, ACMP with integrated 6-bit DAC, and internal voltage reference. Power management features include very low-power run mode (54 µA/MHz) and deep-sleep mode with RTC and RAM retention enabled - critical for intermittent sensing in battery-powered endpoints.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| CPU Core | Arm Cortex-M0+, 48 MHz max - enables deterministic real-time control with minimal code footprint |
| Flash / SRAM | 64 KB Flash / 16 KB SRAM - sufficient for USB stack + sensor firmware + secure boot loader |
| USB Interface | Crystal-less USB FS 2.0 device - eliminates external 12 MHz crystal, reducing BOM cost and board area |
| Power Modes | Deep sleep: 1.96 µA (RTC + RAM retained); VLPR: 54 µA/MHz - extends battery life in intermittently active devices |
| GPIO Count | 24 configurable GPIOs - supports direct connection to buttons, LEDs, relays, and sensor interfaces |
| Supply Voltage | 1.71–3.6 V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, Li-po, or 3×AA alkaline battery systems |
| Operating Temp | -40 to 125°C (Tj) - qualified for industrial and automotive cabin-adjacent environments |
Pinout & Package
MCXC242VFM is housed in a 32-pin QFN package (5 × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with wettable flanks, optimized for automated optical inspection and thermal performance in compact designs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VSS | Core power supply and ground | Must be decoupled with 100 nF ceramic capacitors near each pair to stabilize 1.71–3.6 V core rail |
| USB_DP, USB_DM | USB Full-Speed differential data lines | Direct connection to USB connector; no external PHY or crystal required due to internal oscillator |
| PTA0–PTA7, PTB0–PTB7, PTC0–PTC7 | General-purpose I/O banks | 24 total GPIOs with interrupt, slew-rate control, and configurable pull-up/down - usable as UART, I²C, PWM, or digital inputs |
| ADC0_SE0–ADC0_SE7 | Analog input channels | 8-channel 12-bit ADC inputs mapped to dedicated pins - supports thermistor, potentiometer, or current-sense monitoring |
| RESET_b | Active-low reset input | Externally driven reset signal; internal POR and LVD also available - ensures reliable startup under brown-out conditions |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal-less USB FS 2.0 | Eliminates need for external 12 MHz crystal and associated load capacitors - reduces component count and layout complexity |
| FlexIO peripheral | Configurable logic blocks emulate UART, I²C, SPI, or custom protocols - avoids adding discrete level shifters or protocol translators |
| Boot ROM with loader | Enables field firmware updates via USB or UART without requiring debug interface - supports secure over-the-air (OTA) deployment |
| Advanced flash security | Includes flash protection regions, secure boot, and unique 80-bit chip ID - prevents unauthorized firmware extraction or cloning |
| Low-power timer & RTC | Independent 32-bit RTC with alarm and 16-bit LP timer - maintains timekeeping and scheduled wake-ups during 1.96 µA deep-sleep mode |
Applications
| Smart Power Socket | Home Security Sensor |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted AC outlet with energy monitoring, remote on/off control, and overload protection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system controller managing relay drive, current sensing ADC, USB-based configuration, and deep-sleep scheduling between polling intervals. Use Value: Crystal-less USB enables direct PC-based setup without external clock components; 1.96 µA deep-sleep extends battery backup runtime during AC loss. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered door/window contact sensor with tamper detection and wireless reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power event processor sampling reed switch, driving LPUART for BLE gateway communication, and waking only on interrupt. Use Value: 54 µA/MHz VLPR mode sustains sensor logic during active periods; RTC-triggered periodic self-test runs without host intervention. |
| DC Fan Controller | Smart Lighting Node |
Use Scenario: Brushless DC fan module with speed regulation, thermal foldback, and fault reporting via USB. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time PWM generator for motor commutation, ADC-based temperature feedback loop, and USB HID interface for configuration. Use Value: Integrated 6-bit DAC in ACMP supports analog tachometer conditioning; FlexIO emulates custom fan protocol if needed. | Use Scenario: LED driver node supporting dimming profiles, ambient light adaptation, and local scene storage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: HMI coordinator handling button inputs, SLCD segment drive (not used in MCXC242VFM), and PWM-controlled LED current regulation. Use Value: 24 GPIOs directly manage RGBW LED channels and ambient light sensor I²C bus; 64 KB Flash stores multiple lighting presets securely. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCXC244VFM | 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, same 32QFN package and peripheral set | Better suited for applications requiring larger firmware images (e.g., OTA update staging, RTOS + middleware) | Select when future firmware growth or dual-bank secure boot is required; pin-compatible but higher cost |
| MCXC142VFM | 64 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM, no USB interface, same 32QFN package | Targeted at non-USB cost-sensitive nodes like basic sensor hubs or motor drivers | Choose where USB connectivity is unnecessary and BOM cost reduction is primary; identical GPIO/peripheral layout except USB pins |
Compared with MCXC242VFM, MCXC244VFM offers scalable memory headroom for complex firmware while retaining USB and package compatibility, whereas MCXC142VFM removes USB to reduce cost and power - making it suitable for simpler, non-host-connected endpoints.
Availability
MCXC242VFM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart power sockets, home security sensors, and DC fan controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and consistent QFN32 packaging across production batches.
Supply support for MCXC242VFM 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 company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and mobile applications.
The MCX C Series - including MCXC242VFM - was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered edge nodes needing USB connectivity, low-power operation, and robust peripheral integration without external timing components.
FAQ
Does MCXC242VFM require an external crystal for USB operation?
No, MCXC242VFM integrates a factory-trimmed internal oscillator that meets USB Full-Speed 2.0 timing requirements without any external crystal or load capacitors. This eliminates two passive components and simplifies layout - confirmed in the MCXCFS Rev 0 Fact Sheet and MCXC242VFM reference manual section 4.3.2.
What is the minimum deep-sleep current for MCXC242VFM with RTC and RAM retention enabled?
The minimum deep-sleep current for MCXC242VFM with RTC and RAM retention is 1.96 µA, measured at 3.0 V and 25°C per the official NXP MCXCFS Rev 0 specification sheet. This value assumes all peripherals are disabled and only the RTC oscillator and RAM power domain remain active.
Is MCXC242VFM pin-compatible with other MCX C24x family members in 32QFN?
Yes, MCXC242VFM shares the same 32-pin QFN footprint and pin assignment with MCXC243VFT and MCXC244VFM, though some pins differ in function (e.g., USB vs. additional GPIO). The MCXC242VFM pinout matches the MCXC24x 32QFN mechanical drawing and electrical pin mapping in the MCXCFS document.
Can MCXC242VFM drive a segment LCD display?
No, MCXC242VFM does not include segment LCD (SLCD) controller hardware. While the broader MCX C24x family includes SLCD-capable variants (e.g., MCXC443VLH), the MCXC242VFM part number explicitly omits this peripheral - confirmed by its absence in the "MCX C242VLH / VFM" row of the MCU Options table and block diagram.
What debug interface does MCXC242VFM support?
MCXC242VFM supports SWD (Serial Wire Debug) with Micro Trace Buffer for real-time instruction tracing. It is fully compatible with MCUXpresso IDE, J-Link, and DAPLink debug probes - verified in the MCXC242VFM reference manual chapter 2.5 and the FRDM-MCXC242 board schematic.
MCXC242VFM Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 32-UFQFN Exposed Pad
- Series:
- MCX C
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- -
- Core Processor:
- ARM® Cortex®-M0+
- Core Size:
- 32-Bit
- Speed:
- 48MHz
- Connectivity:
- I2C, SPI, UART/USART, USB
- Peripherals:
- DMA, PWM, WDT
- Number of I/O:
- 24
- Program Memory Size:
- 64KB (64K x 8)
- Program Memory Type:
- FLASH
- EEPROM Size:
- -
- RAM Size:
- 16K x 8
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 1.71V ~ 3.6V
- Data Converters:
- A/D 16b; D/A 1x12b
- Oscillator Type:
- Internal
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
MCXC242VFM FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCXC242VFM through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCXC242VFM on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MCXC242VFM reliable?
The price and inventory of MCXC242VFM are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCXC242VFM is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCXC242VFM?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCXC242VFM transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCXC242VFM?
MCXC242VFM orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCXC242VFM order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MCXC242VFM?
For technical support, including MCXC242VFM datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCXC242VFM requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCXC242VFM is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCXC242VFM products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MCXC242VFM meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCXC242VFM?
All MCXC242VFM units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCXC242VFM, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MCXC242VFM part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCXC242VFM:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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