NXP Semiconductors MK10DX256ZVLQ10

Overview

MK10DX256ZVLQ10 from NXP (formerly Freescale) is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller with DSP extensions, operating at up to 100 MHz, featuring 256 KB on-chip flash memory, 128 KB RAM, and dual CAN interfaces. It integrates two 16-bit SAR ADCs with programmable gain amplifiers, two 12-bit DACs, and supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C), making it suitable for motor control and real-time embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the MK10DX256ZVLQ10 datasheet, MK10DX256ZVLQ10 pinout, MK10DX256ZVLQ10 application, or MK10DX256ZVLQ10 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 144-pin LQFP package, FlexBus external interface, low-power stop modes down to 2.1 µA, and hardware CRC module for firmware integrity verification.

Technical Context

The MK10DX256ZVLQ10 implements an ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP instruction set and single-cycle MAC, paired with a multi-purpose clock generator supporting 3–32 MHz crystal and 32 kHz RTC oscillator inputs. Its memory subsystem includes non-FlexMemory flash (256 KB), 128 KB SRAM, and EzPort serial programming interface.

System-level features include a 16-channel DMA controller with 63 request sources, memory protection unit (MPU) with multi-master support, and eight-channel PWM timer with motor control capability. Analog integration comprises two independent 16-bit ADCs each with integrated PGA (up to ×64 gain), three analog comparators with 6-bit DACs, and voltage reference module.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 144-pin LQFP (20 mm × 20 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 MK10DN512ZVLQ10, the MK10DX256ZVLQ10 trades flash capacity for identical peripheral richness at lower unit cost; versus MKE15Z256VLH7, it delivers superior real-time determinism, CAN capability, and analog precision - essential for industrial and automotive use cases.

Availability

MK10DX256ZVLQ10 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MK10DX256ZVLQ10 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, and IoT applications, with roots in Freescale's Kinetis MCU portfolio.

The MK10DX256ZVLQ10 belongs to the Kinetis K10 family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-performance embedded control applications demanding rich analog integration, real-time responsiveness, and functional safety readiness.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MK10DX256ZVLQ10?

The MK10DX256ZVLQ10 operates at up to 100 MHz using its ARM Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions. This frequency is achievable across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +105°C) when supplied within the specified 1.71–3.6 V voltage range and with appropriate clock source configuration (e.g., 32 MHz crystal with PLL multiplication). The MK10DX256ZVLQ10's performance is validated per Freescale Document K10P144M100SF2 Rev. 7.

Does the MK10DX256ZVLQ10 support CAN FD or only classical CAN?

The MK10DX256ZVLQ10 supports two classical Controller Area Network (CAN) 2.0A/B modules only, as confirmed in the K10 Sub-Family Data Sheet (Rev. 7, 02/2013). It does not implement CAN FD protocol features such as flexible data-rate or extended data length. For CAN FD requirements, designers must consider newer NXP families like S32K1 or K32L2. The MK10DX256ZVLQ10's CAN modules are fully compliant with ISO 11898-1 and support bit rates up to 1 Mbps.

What is the minimum supply voltage required for the MK10DX256ZVLQ10 to retain RAM contents?

The MK10DX256ZVLQ10 requires a minimum VDD of 1.2 V to retain RAM contents, as specified in Table 1 of the K10 Sub-Family Data Sheet (Rev. 7). This retention voltage applies during low-power stop modes (e.g., VLLS1–VLLS3) and ensures data persistence without active refresh. Below 1.2 V, RAM contents are not guaranteed. The MK10DX256ZVLQ10's VRAM specification is independent of VDDA and VBAT domains.

How many analog-to-digital converter channels does the MK10DX256ZVLQ10 provide?

The MK10DX256ZVLQ10 integrates two independent 16-bit SAR analog-to-digital converters (ADC0 and ADC1), each supporting up to 16 single-ended or 8 differential input channels. Each ADC includes a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with selectable gains of ×1, ×2, ×4, ×8, ×16, ×32, or ×64. This configuration allows the MK10DX256ZVLQ10 to acquire high-resolution sensor data across diverse signal ranges without external amplification.

Is the MK10DX256ZVLQ10 pin-compatible with other K10 family members in the same package?

Yes, the MK10DX256ZVLQ10 is pin-compatible with other K10 devices in the 144-pin LQFP (LQ) package variant, including MK10DX128ZVLQ10, MK10DN512ZVLQ10, and MK10DX256ZVMD10 (though ZVMD10 uses MAPBGA). Pin assignments for power, clocks, reset, JTAG/SWD debug, and peripheral functions (CAN, UART, SPI, ADC, etc.) are consistent across this package group per the K10 Signal Multiplexing and Pin Assignments document. Firmware and layout reuse is feasible within this footprint family.