NXP Semiconductors MK10DX256VLK7R

Overview

MK10DX256VLK7R 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 and low-power operation. It integrates 256 KB flash, 64 KB RAM, dual 16-bit SAR ADCs with PGA, 12-bit DAC, CAN, four UARTs, two I²C, two SPI, I²S, and TSI. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 to 105°C and supports up to 72 MHz core frequency - used in industrial motor control, smart sensors, and automotive body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the MK10DX256VLK7R datasheet, MK10DX256VLK7R pinout, MK10DX256VLK7R application, or MK10DX256VLK7R equivalent, key selection considerations include its 80-pin LQFP package, 72 MHz Cortex-M4 core with FPU support, integrated analog subsystem (dual ADC + DAC + comparators), CAN 2.0B interface, and multi-level low-power modes including VLLS1/VLLS3 for battery-backed RTC operation.

Technical Context

The MK10DX256VLK7R implements the Kinetis K10 sub-family architecture with an ARM Cortex-M4 core featuring DSP instructions and optional single-precision floating-point unit (FPU). Its clock system includes a 3–32 MHz main crystal oscillator, 32 kHz RTC oscillator, and multi-purpose clock generator supporting flexible PLL-based frequency synthesis.

System-level features include an 16-channel DMA controller servicing up to 63 request sources, hardware CRC module, 128-bit unique chip ID, low-leakage wakeup unit, and programmable delay block. Analog integration comprises two independent 16-bit SAR ADCs each with integrated PGA (up to ×64 gain), a 12-bit DAC, three analog comparators with internal 6-bit DACs and programmable references, and precision voltage reference.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

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

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MK10DX256VLK7R, MKE15Z256VLH7 offers lower cost and power at the expense of DSP capability, while MIMXRT1021DAG5A delivers significantly higher compute but sacrifices integrated analog peripherals, low-power stop modes, and pin/package compatibility - making MK10DX256VLK7R optimal for balanced mixed-signal control with stringent power and integration requirements.

Availability

MK10DX256VLK7R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, and smart sensor node designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MK10DX256VLK7R 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, and IoT applications, with leadership in ARM-based microcontrollers and edge processing.

The MK10DX256VLK7R belongs to the Kinetis K10 family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded control systems requiring integrated analog functionality, real-time responsiveness, and automotive-grade reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK10DX256VLK7R?

The MK10DX256VLK7R supports a maximum core/system clock frequency of 72 MHz, achieved via its multipurpose clock generator and PLL. This frequency is validated across the full –40 to 105°C temperature range and 1.71–3.6 V supply voltage. The MK10DX256VLK7R maintains this speed while enabling all on-chip peripherals including dual ADCs, CAN, and I²S - confirmed in the K10 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3, Section 5.3.1.

Does the MK10DX256VLK7R include a hardware floating-point unit (FPU)?

The MK10DX256VLK7R implements the ARM Cortex-M4 core with optional single-precision FPU support, enabled by the 'D' suffix in its part number designation (MK10D = Cortex-M4 with DSP). While the base K10P81M72SF1 documentation confirms DSP instruction set support, FPU presence is variant-specific; MK10DX256VLK7R datasheet excerpts confirm FPU availability and register bank compatibility - essential for efficient trigonometric and matrix operations in motor control firmware.

What low-power modes does the MK10DX256VLK7R support, and what is the lowest achievable current?

The MK10DX256VLK7R supports seven low-power modes including VLLS1, VLLS2, VLLS3, LLS, VLPS, STOP, and WAIT. Its lowest active-retention mode is VLLS3, drawing 1.47–5.4 μA at 3.0 V across –40 to 105°C while retaining RTC, RAM, and wake-up capability via GPIO or RTC alarm. This value is measured with 32 kHz oscillator enabled and is documented in Table 6 of the K10 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

Can the MK10DX256VLK7R's ADCs operate simultaneously with hardware synchronization?

Yes, the MK10DX256VLK7R supports hardware-triggered simultaneous sampling across both 16-bit SAR ADCs using the Programmable Delay Block (PDB) or timer outputs. Each ADC has independent configuration but can be triggered on the same edge, enabling phase-current acquisition in motor control without inter-channel skew. This capability is explicitly detailed in Section 6.6.1 of the K10 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3.

Is the MK10DX256VLK7R pin-compatible with other Kinetis K10 devices in the same package?

The MK10DX256VLK7R uses the 80-pin LQFP (LK) package and shares identical pinout with other K10 family members in that package variant, including MK10DX64VLK7 and MK10DX128VLK7. Signal multiplexing and electrical characteristics are consistent across these variants per Section 8.2 of the K10 Sub-Family Data Sheet Rev. 3 - enabling hardware reuse when scaling flash/RAM requirements within the same footprint.