NXP Semiconductors MK10DX256VLK7

Overview

MK10DX256VLK7 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a Kinetis K10-series ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extension, 256 KB flash, 64 KB RAM, operating at up to 72 MHz, and rated for –40°C to +105°C ambient. It integrates dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with PGA, 12-bit DAC, CAN, four UARTs, two I²C, two SPI, I²S, RTC, and low-power timers - deployed in industrial motor control, sensor fusion gateways, and battery-powered HMI systems.

For engineers reviewing the MK10DX256VLK7 datasheet, MK10DX256VLK7 pinout, MK10DX256VLK7 application, or MK10DX256VLK7 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 80-pin LQFP package, 72 MHz max CPU frequency, dual ADC architecture with integrated PGA, CAN 2.0B compliance, and support for multiple low-power stop modes down to 1.47 µA (VLLS1).

Technical Context

The MK10DX256VLK7 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instructions and no FPU, paired with a multi-source clock system including 3–32 MHz crystal oscillator, 32 kHz RTC oscillator, and MCG (Multipurpose Clock Generator) supporting FEE/FEI/BLPE modes. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB on-chip flash with FlexMemory partitioning capability and 64 KB SRAM.

Peripherals are organized around a crossbar switch and 16-channel DMA controller supporting up to 63 request sources. Analog subsystem comprises two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs (each with programmable gain amplifier up to ×64), one 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators (each with embedded 6-bit DAC and reference selection), and voltage reference module - all sharing dedicated VDDA/VSSA supply domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP (12 mm × 12 mm), RoHS-compliant, lead-free, moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK10DN256VLK7, the MK10DX256VLK7 trades FPU for FlexMemory and higher analog integration; compared with MKE15Z256VLK7, it delivers significantly higher compute throughput, full CAN 2.0B, and advanced analog subsystem - making it the only choice for mixed-signal real-time control where both precision sensing and deterministic processing are required.

Availability

MK10DX256VLK7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor gateways, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MK10DX256VLK7 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets.

The MK10DX256VLK7 belongs to the Kinetis K10 family - designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-integration embedded applications demanding rich analog peripherals, real-time performance, and robust low-power operation in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK10DX256VLK7?

The MK10DX256VLK7 operates at a maximum CPU frequency of 72 MHz, achieved using the MCG in FEE mode with an external 8 MHz crystal and PLL multiplication. This frequency is fully supported across the –40°C to +105°C temperature range and 1.71 V to 3.6 V supply voltage, enabling deterministic execution of motor control and communication stacks without throttling.

Does the MK10DX256VLK7 include a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?

No, the MK10DX256VLK7 features an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions but no hardware FPU. It supports integer and fixed-point arithmetic natively, and the DSP instruction set accelerates FIR/IIR filtering, FFT, and motor control math. For applications requiring IEEE-754 floating-point operations, the MK10DN256VLK7 variant (same package) includes a single-precision FPU.

How many analog-to-digital converters does the MK10DX256VLK7 integrate, and what are their key capabilities?

The MK10DX256VLK7 integrates two independent 16-bit SAR ADC modules, each with 16 input channels, programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering gains of ×1, ×2, ×4, ×8, ×16, ×32, or ×64, and dedicated voltage reference inputs (VREFH/VREFL). Both ADCs support hardware-triggered conversions synchronized to PWM or timer events, enabling precise current/voltage sampling in motor control applications.

What low-power modes are supported by the MK10DX256VLK7, and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The MK10DX256VLK7 supports seven low-power modes: RUN, WAIT, STOP, VLPS, LLS, VLLS0–VLLS3. In VLLS1 mode with RTC active and minimal wake-up sources enabled, it achieves 1.47 µA typical current draw at –40°C to +25°C ambient. This mode retains RAM and selected registers while disabling the CPU, flash, and most clocks - ideal for battery-backed event-driven systems.

Is the MK10DX256VLK7 pin-compatible with other Kinetis K10 family members?

Yes, the MK10DX256VLK7 is pin-compatible with other 80-pin LQFP variants in the K10 family sharing the "LK" package identifier, including MK10DX128VLK7 and MK10DX64VLK7. Pin assignments, peripheral mappings, and power/ground locations are identical; only flash size and certain feature enablings (e.g., FlexMemory) differ - enabling scalable design reuse across product tiers.