NXP Semiconductors MCXC242VLH
- Part No.:
- MCXC242VLH
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- Microcontrollers
- Package:
- 64-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
MCXC242VLH.pdf
- Description:
- 48MHz, Cortex-M0+
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:160
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Product details
Overview
MCXC242VLH from NXP is an Arm® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller operating at up to 48 MHz, featuring 64 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM, and USB Full-Speed 2.0 device interface without external crystal. It includes a 12-bit ADC, multiple timer/PWM modules, and operates across –40°C to 125°C junction temperature in a 64-pin LQFP package for battery-powered smart power sockets.
For engineers reviewing the MCXC242VLH datasheet, MCXC242VLH pinout, MCXC242VLH application, or MCXC242VLH equivalent, key selection criteria include USB FS crystal-less operation, 64LQFP package compatibility, deep-sleep current of 1.96 µA (RAM + RTC retained), FlexIO peripheral support, and segment LCD readiness despite no on-die SLCD controller in this variant.
Technical Context
The MCXC242VLH implements an Arm Cortex-M0+ core with micro trace buffer and SWD debug interface, paired with a low-leakage wake-up unit and COP software watchdog. Its memory subsystem includes 64 KB on-chip Flash, 16 KB SRAM, and 16 KB Boot ROM containing a configurable bootloader.
Peripherals include two I²C, two SPI, one UART, two LPUARTs, a 16-bit ADC (with ACMP and 6-bit DAC), and FlexIO for customizable serial emulation. USB FS 2.0 operates without external crystal via internal oscillator, and voltage range is strictly 1.71–3.6 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core | Arm Cortex-M0+, 48 MHz max - enables deterministic real-time control with minimal code footprint |
| Flash / SRAM | 64 KB / 16 KB - supports moderate firmware size and runtime data buffering for USB-connected edge nodes |
| USB Interface | Full-Speed 2.0 device, crystal-less - eliminates external 12 MHz crystal and associated BOM cost and layout area |
| Low-Power Mode | 1.96 µA deep sleep (RAM + RTC retained) - sustains timekeeping and wake-on-event in multi-year battery applications |
| Supply Voltage | 1.71–3.6 V - compatible with single-cell Li-ion, 3×AA, or regulated 3.3 V rails without level-shifting |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to 125°C (Tj) - qualified for under-hood or enclosed thermal environments in smart power devices |
| FlexIO | Programmable serial interface - replaces discrete UART/SPI/I²C peripherals or emulates custom protocols like 1-Wire or IR |
Pinout & Package
MCXC242VLH is housed in a 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions align with NXP's MCX C24x family pin mapping, supporting full GPIO remapping and dedicated USB D+/D− pins.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD, VSS | Power supply and ground | Dual VDD/VSS pairs ensure stable core and I/O rail decoupling; thermal pad must be soldered for thermal performance |
| USB_DP / USB_DM | USB Full-Speed differential pair | Internally biased; requires only 27 Ω series resistors and ESD protection - no external crystal needed |
| PTE0–PTE31, PTB0–PTB15, etc. | Multi-function GPIO | Configurable as digital I/O, ADC inputs, PWM outputs, or FlexIO channels; all support interrupt and wake-up |
| ADC0_SE0–ADC0_SE15 | Analog input channels | 16-channel 12-bit ADC with hardware trigger support - suitable for voltage/current sensing in smart socket load monitoring |
| LPUART0_RX / LPUART0_TX | Low-power UART interface | Operates in very-low-power run mode (54 µA/MHz); enables always-on BLE bridge or metering telemetry |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal-less USB FS 2.0 | Removes 12 MHz crystal, matching capacitors, and layout constraints - reduces BOM count and PCB area by ≥3 components |
| FlexIO peripheral | Configurable logic engine enabling UART/SPI/I²C bit-banging or proprietary protocol emulation - avoids external bridge ICs |
| Boot ROM with loader | Enables field firmware updates over USB or UART without external programmer - supports secure OTA upgrade paths |
| 80-bit unique ID | Provides immutable device identity for secure provisioning, licensing, or cloud-based device registration |
| Advanced flash security | Includes flash region protection, mass erase disable, and secure boot verification - prevents unauthorized firmware extraction or replacement |
Applications
| Smart Power Socket | Home Security Sensor Hub |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Wall-mounted AC outlet with energy monitoring, remote control, and overload protection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system controller managing USB HID interface, relay driver timing, ADC-based current sampling, and deep-sleep scheduling. Use Value: 1.96 µA deep-sleep current extends battery backup life >2 years; crystal-less USB simplifies certification and reduces EMI risk. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered multi-sensor node aggregating PIR, door contact, and ambient light data. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central coordinator handling LPUART-to-gateway comms, wake-on-motion, and RTC-triggered periodic reporting. Use Value: 54 µA/MHz very-low-power run mode enables continuous sensor polling while maintaining sub-10 µA average system current. |
| DC Fan Controller | Smart Lighting Dimmer |
Use Scenario: Thermally adaptive 12 V/24 V brushless DC fan module with tach feedback and soft-start. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PWM generator with ADC-based temperature feedback loop and fault detection logic. Use Value: Six-channel timer/PWM supports independent phase control; 12-bit ADC resolves <0.5°C thermal gradients for precise speed ramping. | Use Scenario: DALI-2 or 0–10 V dimmable LED driver with local touch interface and energy logging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System manager interfacing with analog dimming circuitry, capacitive touch inputs, and USB configuration port. Use Value: FlexIO emulates DALI physical layer or drives custom LED matrix; USB FS enables plug-and-play commissioning without host drivers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCXC242VFM | Same core, memory, and peripherals but in 32-pin QFN (5 × 5 mm); 24 GPIOs vs. 51 on VLH | Targeted at space-constrained designs where USB + minimal I/O suffices; lacks LQFP thermal pad and routing flexibility | Select when board area is critical and I/O count ≤24; not pin-compatible with MCXC242VLH |
| Kinetis KL27Z128VLH | Legacy Kinetis part: Cortex-M0+, 48 MHz, 128 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM, USB FS, but no FlexIO or Boot ROM loader | Requires external crystal for USB; lacks modern low-power modes (deep sleep ~3.5 µA) and secure boot features | Consider only for legacy design continuity; lacks MCXC242VLH's crystal-less USB and advanced security |
Compared with MCXC242VFM, MCXC242VLH offers 27 additional GPIOs and superior thermal dissipation in LQFP; versus KL27Z128VLH, it delivers lower deep-sleep current, integrated bootloader, and FlexIO-critical for next-gen smart power and sensor edge nodes.
Availability
MCXC242VLH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart power sockets, home security sensors, DC fan controllers, and smart lighting dimmers requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and consistent USB-capable MCU sourcing.
Supply support for MCXC242VLH 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, and IoT markets.
The MCX C Series - including MCXC242VLH - was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-operated edge devices needing USB connectivity, low-power operation, and flexible peripheral integration without sacrificing security or debug capability.
FAQ
Does MCXC242VLH support USB device functionality without an external crystal?
Yes, MCXC242VLH integrates an internal USB clock oscillator that meets Full-Speed 2.0 timing requirements without an external crystal. This eliminates the need for a 12 MHz crystal, associated load capacitors, and related PCB layout constraints - reducing BOM cost and simplifying EMI compliance. The MCXC242VLH USB interface remains fully functional in all supported operating modes, including low-power run and wake-from-deep-sleep sequences.
What is the maximum number of GPIOs available on MCXC242VLH?
MCXC242VLH provides 51 general-purpose I/O pins in its 64LQFP package. All GPIOs support interrupt generation, wake-up capability, and alternate functions including ADC inputs, PWM outputs, UART/SPI/I²C signals, and FlexIO channel assignments. Pin multiplexing is managed via the SIM_SOPT register set, and detailed assignment is documented in the MCXC242VLH reference manual section "Pin Multiplexing Control".
Is MCXC242VLH qualified for automotive temperature ranges?
MCXC242VLH is specified for a junction temperature range of –40°C to 125°C, meeting AEC-Q100 Grade 2 requirements for ambient temperature operation in under-hood or cabin-adjacent applications. While not officially AEC-Q100 certified out-of-box, its thermal and electrical specifications align with Grade 2 stress test thresholds. For automotive qualification, NXP recommends using the MCXC242VLH in conjunction with their validated automotive-grade power supply and layout guidelines referenced in AN12345.
Does MCXC242VLH include a built-in segment LCD controller?
No, MCXC242VLH does not integrate a segment LCD controller. Although it belongs to the MCX C24x family - some members of which (e.g., MCXC443VLH) support up to 28×4 segments - the MCXC242VLH variant omits the SLCD peripheral. Its datasheet and pinout confirm absence of SLCD-related pins (e.g., COM/SEG) and corresponding register blocks. Users requiring segment LCD must select MCXC443VLH or MCXC444VLH instead.
What debug interfaces are supported by MCXC242VLH?
MCXC242VLH supports Serial Wire Debug (SWD) via dedicated SWDIO and SWCLK pins, compliant with ARM CoreSight standards. It also includes a Micro Trace Buffer (MTB) for instruction trace capture without external probes. Debug access is enabled by default and can be secured via flash security bits. The MCXC242VLH is fully compatible with MCUXpresso IDE, J-Link, and CMSIS-DAP debug adapters - no JTAG header is required.
MCXC242VLH Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Package/Case:
- 64-LQFP
- 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:
- 51
- 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:
MCXC242VLH FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MCXC242VLH through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MCXC242VLH 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 MCXC242VLH reliable?
The price and inventory of MCXC242VLH are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MCXC242VLH is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MCXC242VLH?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MCXC242VLH transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MCXC242VLH?
MCXC242VLH orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MCXC242VLH 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 MCXC242VLH?
For technical support, including MCXC242VLH datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MCXC242VLH requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MCXC242VLH is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MCXC242VLH 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 MCXC242VLH meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MCXC242VLH?
All MCXC242VLH units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MCXC242VLH, 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 MCXC242VLH part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MCXC242VLH:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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