NXP Semiconductors MK10DX256VLH7R

Overview

MK10DX256VLH7R from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, designed for embedded control applications requiring real-time signal processing, low-power operation, and mixed-signal integration. It features 256 KB flash, 64 KB RAM, dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with integrated PGA (up to ×64), 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators, CAN 2.0B interface, and operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C.

For engineers reviewing the MK10DX256VLH7R datasheet, MK10DX256VLH7R pinout, MK10DX256VLH7R application, or MK10DX256VLH7R equivalent, key selection considerations include its 72 MHz max CPU frequency, 64-pin LQFP package, integrated TSI touch interface, multi-mode power management (down to 1.47 µA in VLLS1), and FlexCAN module supporting automotive-grade communication.

Technical Context

The MK10DX256VLH7R implements the ARM Cortex-M4 core with hardware floating-point unit (FPU) disabled (D-series), executing from on-chip flash with configurable cache and prefetch. Its clock system integrates a multipurpose clock generator (MCG) supporting FEE, FEI, BLPE, and bypass modes, with primary oscillators at 3–32 MHz and 32 kHz for RTC.

Peripheral architecture includes an 8-channel motor control/PWM timer, two quadrature decoder timers, programmable delay block, carrier modulator transmitter, and a 16-channel DMA controller servicing up to 63 request sources - enabling deterministic real-time response without CPU intervention for ADC sampling, CAN message handling, and I/O sequencing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin LQFP (10 mm × 10 mm), 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (EPAD) connected to VSS. Pinout conforms to K10 Sub-Family Signal Multiplexing Table (Rev. 3, Section 8.2), with dedicated pins for VDD/VSS pairs, JTAG/SWD debug, FlexCAN TX/RX, ADC inputs, TSI channels, and multiple GPIO groups.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK10DX256VLH7R, MKE15Z256VLH7 trades CAN and analog integration for lower cost and power, while MIMXRT1021DAG5A delivers orders-of-magnitude higher compute at the expense of power efficiency, peripheral integration, and design simplicity - making MK10DX256VLH7R optimal for balanced mixed-signal control.

Availability

MK10DX256VLH7R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive body controllers, smart energy meters, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and automotive-grade qualification.

Supply support for MK10DX256VLH7R 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 MK10DX256VLH7R belongs to the Kinetis K10 family - a line of energy-efficient, mixed-signal microcontrollers engineered for real-time control in harsh environments where precision analog, deterministic timing, and low-power operation are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK10DX256VLH7R?

The MK10DX256VLH7R supports a maximum system and core clock frequency of 72 MHz. This is achieved using the internal PLL with a 3–32 MHz crystal oscillator input. The device maintains full peripheral functionality-including ADC sampling, CAN transmission, and DMA transfers-at this frequency, as verified in the K10P64M72SF1 datasheet Section 5.3.1 under Normal Run Mode specifications.

Does the MK10DX256VLH7R include a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?

No, the MK10DX256VLH7R does not include a hardware FPU. Its part number encoding ('D' in position 4) denotes Cortex-M4 with DSP extension only; the 'F' variant (e.g., MK10FXxxx) adds the FPU. All MK10DX256VLH7R silicon uses the M4 core with integer and SIMD/DSP instructions but relies on software emulation for floating-point math.

What are the supported low-power modes and their typical current draw for MK10DX256VLH7R?

The MK10DX256VLH7R supports seven low-power modes. Key examples include VLLS1 (1.47 µA @ –40–25°C), VLLS3 (1.9 µA), and VLPS (0.996 mA), all measured at 3.0 V. These values are specified in Table 6 of the K10P64M72SF1 datasheet and reflect operation with RTC active, RAM retained, and selected peripherals enabled - enabling extended battery life in always-on sensing applications.

Can the MK10DX256VLH7R operate from a single 3.3 V supply across its full temperature range?

Yes, the MK10DX256VLH7R is fully specified to operate from 1.71 V to 3.6 V across –40 to 105°C ambient. At 3.3 V, it meets all timing, analog accuracy, and peripheral functionality requirements per Section 5.2.1 (Voltage and Current Operating Requirements) and Section 5.3.1 (Device Clock Specifications) of the K10P64M72SF1 datasheet.

How many analog-to-digital converter (ADC) modules does the MK10DX256VLH7R integrate?

The MK10DX256VLH7R integrates two independent 16-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC modules (ADC0 and ADC1), each with up to 16 single-ended input channels and an integrated programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains of ×1, ×2, ×4, ×8, ×16, ×32, and ×64 - as detailed in Section 6.6.1 of the K10P64M72SF1 datasheet.