NXP Semiconductors MK10DN32VLF5

Overview

MK10DN32VLF5 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension and optional single-precision FPU, operating at 50 MHz. It integrates 32 KB flash, 8 KB FlexNVM (emulating EEPROM), 8 KB SRAM, 16-bit ADC, 12-bit DAC, and low-power timers. Designed for battery-powered remote sensors and HVAC control systems requiring mixed-signal processing and ultra-low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the MK10DN32VLF5 datasheet, MK10DN32VLF5 pinout, MK10DN32VLF5 application, or MK10DN32VLF5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5x5 mm 32-pin QFN package, 1.71–3.6 V supply range, 10 ultra-low-power modes (<500 nA Stop current), FlexMemory configurability, and integrated touch-sensing interface for HMI applications.

Technical Context

The MK10DN32VLF5 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instruction set and optional single-precision floating-point unit, supporting up to 50 MHz operation. It features a crossbar switch architecture enabling concurrent multi-master bus accesses and includes a 32-channel DMA controller to offload CPU tasks during peripheral transfers.

Its analog subsystem comprises a 16-bit SAR ADC with programmable gain amplifier, a 12-bit DAC, on-chip voltage reference, and low-power comparators. Power management includes 10 configurable low-power modes, a low-leakage wake-up unit, and a low-power RTC - all functional down to 1.71 V supply voltage.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin QFN (VLF5), 5×5 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad. RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK10DN32VLF5, MKE02Z32VLC2 offers lower cost and power but sacrifices DSP performance and embedded EEPROM; MKL27Z32VFM4 provides superior USB functionality yet lacks FlexMemory and high-resolution analog peripherals needed for sensor-intensive applications.

Availability

MK10DN32VLF5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic point-of-sale terminals, flow metering systems, and HVAC control modules requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for MK10DN32VLF5 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, delivering secure, scalable solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, and mobile applications.

The Kinetis K1x family, including MK10DN32VLF5, was designed for cost-sensitive, battery-operated industrial and consumer devices requiring mixed-signal integration, ultra-low-power operation, and flexible nonvolatile memory configuration.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK10DN32VLF5?

The MK10DN32VLF5 operates at a maximum core frequency of 50 MHz. This is achieved using the internal PLL with a 32.768 kHz crystal or external clock source. The frequency is fixed for this variant - unlike higher-end K1x parts, it does not support 72 MHz or 100 MHz operation. System performance remains deterministic within this limit, making MK10DN32VLF5 suitable for predictable real-time control tasks in HVAC and sensor applications.

Does the MK10DN32VLF5 include a hardware cryptographic accelerator?

No, the MK10DN32VLF5 does not include the Cryptographic Acceleration Unit (CAU). CAU is present only in select K1x variants such as MK11DX128AVLF5 and MK12DX256VLF5. For MK10DN32VLF5, cryptographic operations must be implemented in software or offloaded to an external security IC. This omission reduces die size and cost while maintaining suitability for applications where encryption is not required, such as basic sensor data logging or local control loops.

What is the purpose of FlexMemory in the MK10DN32VLF5?

FlexMemory in the MK10DN32VLF5 refers to 8 KB of FlexNVM that can be configured as byte-erasable EEPROM - eliminating the need for external EEPROM in applications like remote sensor calibration storage or EPOS terminal configuration retention. Unlike standard flash, FlexNVM supports true byte-write/erase cycles without block erasure overhead. This capability is factory-configured and cannot be reprogrammed to alternate functions after initial setup.

Can the MK10DN32VLF5 operate from a single 1.8 V supply?

Yes, the MK10DN32VLF5 supports operation from 1.71 V to 3.6 V, making it compatible with 1.8 V logic systems and single-cell Li-ion/LiFePO₄ batteries. At 1.8 V, the maximum allowed core frequency is reduced per the voltage/frequency scaling curve in the datasheet, but all peripherals - including ADC, DAC, and low-power timers - remain fully functional. This enables direct integration into energy-harvesting or ultra-low-power remote sensor designs.

Is the MK10DN32VLF5 pin-compatible with other Kinetis K1x MCUs?

Yes, the MK10DN32VLF5 shares the same 32-pin QFN (VLF5) package footprint and pinout with other K1x variants in the same package option, including MK10DN64VLF5 and MK10DN128VLF5. This allows hardware reuse across flash-size variants during prototyping or product scaling. However, some peripheral mappings differ - for example, higher-flash variants may assign additional UART or SPI signals to shared pins - so firmware must verify peripheral enablement and pin function configuration before migration.